The Journal of family practice
-
Numerous factors have been hypothesized to explain the steady decline of family physicians providing maternity care. Rather than exploring reasons for departure, we sought to learn why many family physicians choose to deliver babies. ⋯ Family physicians who deliver babies appear to be primarily motivated by personal enjoyment, followed by a desire to care for younger patients and adequate training in residency. Those who do not perform deliveries primarily cite the unacceptability of a maternity caregiver's lifestyle. The expectation of the practice and a lack of community need are also important influences on the decision of family physicians to deliver babies.