How to Switch Providers During Pregnancy: Tips from a Doula

How to switch OB or Midwife during pregnancy

The number one thing you can do to set yourself up for the birth of your dreams, have the right provider supporting your pregnancy and birth. Choosing a provider in-line with your birth preferences has a huge effect on your overall birth and postpartum outcomes.

Lexi Zuo a doula with 5 years of experience, over 130 births under her belt, and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator once described providers to me like this: If you are looking for authentic tacos, you wouldn’t go looking for them at McDonalds!If your provider has high cesarean rates, you are more likely to have a cesarean. If you are hoping for a natural vaginal birth, you may struggle to have it with a provider that loves cesarean surgery. Evidence Based Birth digs more into the details here.

If you find your provider is unsupportive of the kind of birth you are hoping for, its not too late to switch! At The Elgin Doula we have had moms that switched providers as late as 39 weeks!

Here is how to get started:

1. Check Your Insurance Network

Before scheduling with a new provider, start by confirming who is in-network with your insurance.

This helps avoid unexpected costs and narrows down your options quickly. Many insurance websites allow you to search for OBs or midwives by location, or you can call directly for a list of covered providers in the Chicago suburbs.

2. Call and Ask About Transfer Cutoffs

Not all practices accept transfers at every stage of pregnancy, so it’s important to ask early.

When you call a new office, ask:

- “Do you accept transfer patients?”

- “Is there a cutoff week for switching care?”

Some providers accept transfers up to full term, while others may have earlier limits depending on availability or policy.

3. Schedule Your First Appointment

Once you find a provider who is in-network and accepting transfers,schedule your first visit.

This appointment gives you a chance to:

- meet the provider

- ask questions about their birth philosophy

- make sure they align with your preferences

You don’t have to officially “leave” your current provider before this, you can secure your new care first.

4. Request Your Medical Records

At your first appointment with the new provider, you’ll typically sign a release of records form.

From there, the new office will request your prenatal records directly from your previous provider and manage the record transfer for you.

Having the medical records from earlier in your pregnancy helps your new OB or Midwife care for you better.

Is it Worth the Hassle?

Absolutely. Switching providers during pregnancy is more common (and easier) than many people think. Prioritizing feeling supported and aligned in your care, is more important than your providers feelings, and could substantially improve your birth outcomes!

If something feels off, explore your options. The right provider can help your nervous system feel more at ease, and help your birth experience feel more collaborative, informed, and in line with your goals.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions about how to make a care transfer happen!-