As Cleveland’s best maternity and newborn photographer, our experience is designed to make the entire portrait journey effortless and stress-free. We’re moms too, so we know that pregnancy can be an exciting time but can also be a time of uncertainty especially for first time mamas. Today we’re sharing questions and answers with Dr. Catherine Caponero, an OB/GYN with the Cleveland Clinic with a few common questions and things to think about when choosing an OB/GYN in Cleveland to care for you during pregnancy and help deliver your new baby. We hope that this article helps guide you in choosing the best provider for YOU, so that not only will your portrait session be stress-free, but your pregnancy too!

About Dr. Caponero, OB/GYN in Cleveland

My name is Catherine Caponero and I having been practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) since graduation from medical school in 2015. I fell in love with the field of OB/GYN at the age of 16 when I saw my first twin delivery. I practice full spectrum obstetrics and gynecology and am honored to help women throughout the course of their lives – I have patients as young as 15 and my oldest patient is over 100. I love taking care of pregnant women and delivering babies. I also enjoy minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. One of my most interesting patients was a gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo – the collaboration with the Zoo has been absolutely amazing. Importantly, I am a mother to two boys and appreciate the lessons that motherhood has taught me. I am grateful for the opportunity to support women and guide them on their journey to full and healthy lives.

Q + A

Q. What is the number one question a new mom should ask when choosing their care provider?

A: How do you feel about shared decision making? I think the answer your provider gives you can help you determine their approach to the practice of medicine.

Q. How important is choosing the closest provider or hospital system vs the one that feels like the best fit even if it means driving a little further? 

A: In general fit is more important than proximity. The biggest exception to this would be if you have a personal history of fast labor.

Q. What is the best way to find a provider? (Web search, word of mouth, etc)

A: Word of mouth. Talk to your family and friends and see who they see for their own obstetric and gynecologic care. The internet and social media platforms (such as local Facebook groups) can be great resources as well.

Q. What is something that most moms don’t think to ask regarding compatibility with their new OB/midwife? 

A: What is your practice model at the time of delivery? Setting up expectations for delivery early in the pregnancy is important.

Q. When would you recommend that moms planning to become pregnant begin their search for an OB?

A: I think it is very important to start searching for an OB well before you become pregnant. Pre conception visits are a great way to make sure that you are up to date regarding preventative health measures and to make sure that you are optimally healthy for pregnancy.

Q. What are the pros and cons between a larger practice with many providers, or a small practice with only 1-3 providers? 

A: As a patient in a larger practice you can benefit from having a lot of different perspectives regarding your care. You may not know the person who is delivering your baby, but you will as a patient have a dedicated physician or a team of physicians readily available for you and your specific needs. In a smaller practice, there is a larger chance that you will know your team at delivery. However, with a smaller practice those providers are likely juggling a lot of different responsibilities at the same time. I do think no matter what route you decide it is important that your birthing center completes peer review processes where physician’s medical decisions are being monitored by other physicians. Importantly, I also love working in an academic center as the Cleveland Clinic encourages evidence based decision making.

Q. What is the biggest thing you wish expecting parents knew about choosing an OB? 

A: Providers can have different opinions and each different opinion can be “right”. Every situation and every patient is unique. It is important to know that there are many different ways to go about something, especially in obstetrics.

Q. What advice do you wish all moms knew about having or creating a birth plan?

A: I love to talk about birth plans prior to delivery in the office setting. I think it is important to have the conversations about what is the most important to you before you show up at the hospital. This allows us time for discussion in a non-urgent setting.

Thank you, Dr. Caponero, for taking the time to share your experience and expertise to help ! Wishing every mama reading a happy, healthy delivery and that this Q+A helps you with choosing an OB/GYN in Cleveland 🤍

Erin Davison Photography offers Cleveland newborn photography for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, baby, and family photography, our studio is located in the heart of Cuyahoga Falls, between Cleveland and Akron. We serve families in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Chagrin Falls, Avon, Twinsburg, Pepper Pike, Bainbridge, Solon, Hudson, Gates Mills, Jackson Township, and all throughout the Greater Cleveland area. 

Erin offers a high-end, full service experience including a pre-session consultation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Studio Wardrobe and cozy bright and airy studio space, an online viewing gallery to share with loved ones and download your included high-resolution digital files, in-person viewing and ordering sessions, and an array of family heirlooms such as beautiful albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, newborn or family portrait photographer near Cleveland and are wanting to create heirlooms for your family, we can’t wait to serve you.