My Dr. is leaving town??

theatrelily

So, just got back from my Dr.'s appointment, and I am in full freak out mode. 

My doctor's wife has been sick and in the hospital for a week now, and they have made an appointment to see a specialist two hours away. There is a high likelihood that she will be hospitalized there as well. Understandably, my doctor will be going with his wife and staying by her side. 

Because we have history together, and I am the only patient of his due right now, he's given me two options: I can either choose to get induced ( I am 39 weeks today and due the 7th) before he leaves so that he'll be the one to deliver, or he can ask one of the other two doctors to cover. One is in his 60s, and partially retired, and the other one moved to town two months ago and no one knows him or his practices. 

Part of the reason I chose my doctor is because he was one of the ones who saved my life during my ectopic rupture last year. We have spoken extensively about my desires for the delivery, and he is very easy-going. We "gel well" together. 

Now, I have no idea what to do. 

More than anything, I wanted to avoid inducing and a c-section. I really want to breastfeed, and am also worried that bringing my baby girl into this world before she is obviously ready (I am not at all dilated, not effaced), will either increase the likelihood of needing a c-section or negatively affect my ability to breastfeed. 

Now, there's nothing saying if I let her go to my due date that she won't be late, need to be induced and still result in the above, all at a later time. 

Having said that, I don't know these other doctors at all, and am really not thrilled about having one of them deliver my baby. 

Then again, there's no guarantee that his wife will be hospitalized; if she is, there's no guarantee that he won't be home before my "non-induced" time comes. 

I have no freaking clue what to do about this, and DH says that since it's my body, it's my choice and he's behind me 120% either way. 

Any thoughts?

mommabmb

I think if it were me, I would let one of the other docs deliver. HOWEVER, I would be very clear with the doctor that the expectations need to be the same and would make a point to be sure to meet with him ASAP beforehand so that you're on the same page. Maybe a quick appointment would put your mind at ease? 

Getting established somewhere new would FREAK me out, and as I understand it the doctor doesn't really do much at delivery if everything is going smoothly. 

And who knows? Maybe he will be able to make it after all! Then you haven't stressed yourself out over nothing!

kcox123

You are not favorable for induction so despite the suckiness of the situation - I would not.

girlmama83

I totally get loving your doctor and not liking the idea of one you don't know delivering your baby. I do.

BUT.. I just can't get behind doctor preference as a reason for inducing.

Laughing thru life

I would think about what's more important to you- the doctor or the birth plan.  If you're really not going to be comfortable with anyone else, you should lean towards inducing.  If it's more important to not be induced, you should start meeting the other doctors that are your options.  As you said, there's no guarantee you'll wind up using one of them anyway. 

MommyKristin88

I would definitely just try to get to the know the other doctors, explain my wishes to them, and hope for the best. I would not induce just to have a certain doctor present.

WildRumpus

Would it be possible to meet with the other two doctors WITH your doctor to go over your preferences? That way they hear from him and you, and get a feel for what page you're both on in regards to your care. It's a sucky situation, but it's not guaranteed that he WON'T be there, and I wouldn't be comfortable inducing just to ensure that he was.

theatrelily

Laughing thru life said:

I would think about what's more important to you- the doctor or the birth plan.  

Wording it that way actually helps tremendously. 

I guess it's the last minute, blindsiding of this little change that 's got me so freaked out.I would rather take a chance that waiting will result in the birth plan that I want rather than sacrifice everything for the sake of this doctor, regardless of how much trust I have for him. 

It just SUCKS to be in this position. 

Camysmom

I found out a few weeks ago that my wonderful doctor had to have emergency surgery and is not expected back until after my due date. I had my first real melt down when I found out so I feel for you. I have been lucky in that I have had a chance to meet her partners and although no one is as fabulous as my original doctor, both alternates are very competent and receptive to my labor and delivery wishes. I would say, meet the other docs and see if you are comfortable with one of them.

BlondieBia21

Ah!! I'd have a freak out mode, too. But, I agree with PPs- I can't say I would agree with being induced because of a doctor preference. But, that is just me. Ultimately, it is your decision. I would think that you should be able to talk to the possible other doctors with your doctor, and I think that would ease your worries. There is always a chance that they could get to the specialist and he fortunately knows what is going on and it can be a quick fix so your doctor could be back. I wouldn't induce. I am having to be induced, and it is still difficult for me to imagine doing but I know I have to do so. 

BlueJewelM

As a STM who had a really great delivery...I'd go with the other doctors and go into labor on my own.

During my labor and delivery the dr was only present for the end of pushing to catch the baby and it wasn't my dr, but I was really fine with it. I had never met the dr who delivered my son prior to that 15 minute stretch of time, but I got my healthy baby...so I call that a job well done.

If I had some other serious issues I may do the induction. But if my dr hadn't notified me of any special circumstances regarding the birth for example, breech, or a previa or something...I would want MY dr. But if everything looked normal, I'd be fine with a pinch hitter.

Snowbird7

Hmmm, it's definitely a hard position to be in. It would be wonderful if you met either of the other two doctors and discovered that you do like them as well, and therefore wouldn't mind them covering the delivery. It just seems like there are a lot of risks associated with inducing before your body is ready. It could lead to a C-section, which will affect your future deliveries too, or affect your breastfeeding plans. If you induced and something went wrong or was more difficult than necessary, you might end up feeling badly or guilty. And no one wants those feelings mixed up with the joy of meeting their newborn. If it were me, I'd probably opt to have one of the other two docs deliver, just to be on the safe side.

RoosterMemphis

When it's all said and done, I think you'll be ok. Meet with the other doctors if you can, but I'm sure everything will be just fine.

magdalina.h

I had a c-section and had zero problems nursing. My kids are cut out at 38w to avoid a uterine rupture

amarissa85

I probably would not get induced for doctor preference. FWIW age does not mean a doctor is not competent to deliver a baby.

amarissa85

I also want to say that it would have been possible that even if your OB was not out of town that someone else would deliver your baby.

theatrelily

Thanks for the replies and advice, ladies! 

Now that the panic has subsided and the emotional "dust" has settled a bit, it's obvious that I should wait and take my chances with the other dr.'s.

That was the most emotional I have felt throughout this entire pregnancy, however, and I could have definitely done without the last minute curve ball- but I am humbly grateful to you guys for your help. 

Much love and respect for all you lovelies.