Many of our family physicians in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Birch Bay and Everson, provide family centered obstetrical care. When OB care is provided by a family physician, it is unique in many ways!

When a woman chooses her family doctor for OB care, she is able to take advantage of the trusted relationship that already exists between her and her personal physician. Since her family doctor usually already knows the other members of her family, it is easy to include them as appropriate in birth and childcare planning. During pregnancy, as issues of pediatric care are considered, it is routine to anticipate, discuss and plan for care of the baby as well. Questions about breast feeding, safety, car seats, immunizations and sibling rivalry can all be discussed before the baby is born, without waiting to meet a new doctor after delivery.

Immediately after delivery, the delivering family doctor examines the newborn in the presence of the parents, and discusses all of the findings without any delay. Since the mother already knows her baby’s doctor, questions are easy to ask and answer right away.

Family physicians are residency trained, board certified specialist physicians who take a special interest in providing sensitive, collaborative family centered OB care, for which they have been trained in both the hospital and outpatient setting. As always, when the care of another type of specialist may be needed, the family physician will be an advocate to be sure that proper consultation is obtained in a timely manner.