Changing Care Providers at 30 weeks?

TillyAdams

I wanted to know if anyone else had changed their care provider late in the game and, if so, what advice you might offer. 

Backstory: I'm currently seeing an OB at a large hospital that is not known to be natural-birth friendly. I've been a bit hesitant all along, but my OB originally seemed good with me doing a natural birth. As time has gone on, however, it's becoming more and more apparent that she's more tolerant of natural birth than actually supportive of it... and her level of tolerance is becoming questionable to me. I think a lot of it is the hospital she's affiliated with, but some of it is definitely coming from her. That combined with a few mistakes the office has made this past week (giving me incorrect numbers on a test result and later correcting themselves on it, and her confusing the fact more than once that this is my first, not second child) has basically clenched the deal that I need to switch. I'm in contact with another hospital that has a midwife group known to be natural friendly (I didn't originally go with them because they are much further away/more difficult to get to, and I ignored my deep gut feeling and convinced myself my current Gyne, now OB, would be fine). My Bradley instructor recommended the place I'm now looking at.

Anyway, any advice for making the switch quick (I've already checked that they're in network for my insurance)? Should I be overly concerned with changing this late in the game? 

Any advice from those who have been in this or a similar position is appreciated! 

kat9er

I was in almost the exact same position at 24 weeks. I switched to the midwife & natural friendly hospital & had a great experience! I'm so glad I switched. My advice is to meet with the midwife group and bring a list of your questions and concerns. My first appointment was SO long! But, after that I barely had any questions because I had already asked them all! Good luck!

JCWhitey

I switched at 32 weeks.  I loved my MWs, but I moved from CA to MN so I needed to switch, obviously.  I found a great family doctor and a hospital that I trusted and loved.  I only had a few appointments with my new doctor, but she was awesome and very NB supportive.  My L&D experience was amazing and I plan to return to this hospital again for future births, even though it was an hour and a half away from where I live.  The drive was worth it. 

Honestly,  wouldn't care if I was 39 weeks.  If I didn't feel confident with my doctor and the situation I was in I would switch in a heart beat.  It's so important to feel confident if you are wanting to go natural.  If you have concerns or fears at all they can eek into the delivery room.

TheBorg7of9

I'm switching from the OB group to the midwife group in the same practice. I just called the mw group and asked all my questions. My 1st appointment with them will be at 28 weeks. I'm pretty sure it's the right decision for me.

abell77

just make sure you have everything squared away with insurance and then go for it and don't look back.  It sounds like you are making a good decision.

ncbelle

I switched at like 35 weeks in my first pregnancy.  It was no biggie!  Very important to be with a provider and in a setting that you feel will be supportive!

TillyAdams

Thanks, everyone! I really dislike this feeling of not being settled when I'm so far along, and you've definitely made me feel better! 

AmyRI

I switched to a midwifery group at 34 weeks after an awful time trying to get test results and follow ups with my OB.

Get a copy of your medical record to bring to your first appointment. Try to get in ASAP so you see them enough times to feel comfortable with them before you deliver. Be REALLY nice when you call and ask if they'll take you this late, and be ready to explain why you want to switch and prove you aren't high risk.

Megs0034

I changed from a hospital practice to a birth center at 30 weeks and it's the best decision I ever made!! Didn't have a single issue with the transition and my midwives at the birth center told me that it's never too late to switch- made me feel so much better It is 100% important to deliver with someone who agrees with and supports your decision, otherwise you aren't setting yourself up for success. Make the change!!

hecklet

JCWhitey said:

I switched at 32 weeks.  I loved my MWs, but I moved from CA to MN so I needed to switch, obviously.  I found a great family doctor and a hospital that I trusted and loved.  I only had a few appointments with my new doctor, but she was awesome and very NB supportive.  My L&D experience was amazing and I plan to return to this hospital again for future births, even though it was an hour and a half away from where I live.  The drive was worth it. 

Honestly,  wouldn't care if I was 39 weeks.  If I didn't feel confident with my doctor and the situation I was in I would switch in a heart beat.  It's so important to feel confident if you are wanting to go natural.  If you have concerns or fears at all they can eek into the delivery room.

Fellow Minnesotan here wondering where you switched to that you were happy with?

JCWhitey

hecklet said:

JCWhitey said:

I switched at 32 weeks.  I loved my MWs, but I moved from CA to MN so I needed to switch, obviously.  I found a great family doctor and a hospital that I trusted and loved.  I only had a few appointments with my new doctor, but she was awesome and very NB supportive.  My L&D experience was amazing and I plan to return to this hospital again for future births, even though it was an hour and a half away from where I live.  The drive was worth it. 

Honestly,  wouldn't care if I was 39 weeks.  If I didn't feel confident with my doctor and the situation I was in I would switch in a heart beat.  It's so important to feel confident if you are wanting to go natural.  If you have concerns or fears at all they can eek into the delivery room.

Fellow Minnesotan here wondering where you switched to that you were happy with?

Community Memorial Hospital/Raiter Clinic in Cloquet.  They just built a new birthing center in the hospital and it's AMAZING!  The nurses were all wonderful, too.  Not only did they follow my birth plan, it was referenced several times to show that each one of the nurses I saw had read it.  If you are anywhere in the area and aren't sure about this place- rest assured it's amazing!  My friend who delivered at St. Mary's in Duluth came to visit me and was super jealous of my room size (it was huge) and the nice new jacuzzi tubs. 

hecklet

JCWhitey said:

hecklet said:

JCWhitey said:

I switched at 32 weeks.  I loved my MWs, but I moved from CA to MN so I needed to switch, obviously.  I found a great family doctor and a hospital that I trusted and loved.  I only had a few appointments with my new doctor, but she was awesome and very NB supportive.  My L&D experience was amazing and I plan to return to this hospital again for future births, even though it was an hour and a half away from where I live.  The drive was worth it. 

Honestly,  wouldn't care if I was 39 weeks.  If I didn't feel confident with my doctor and the situation I was in I would switch in a heart beat.  It's so important to feel confident if you are wanting to go natural.  If you have concerns or fears at all they can eek into the delivery room.

Fellow Minnesotan here wondering where you switched to that you were happy with?

Community Memorial Hospital/Raiter Clinic in Cloquet.  They just built a new birthing center in the hospital and it's AMAZING!  The nurses were all wonderful, too.  Not only did they follow my birth plan, it was referenced several times to show that each one of the nurses I saw had read it.  If you are anywhere in the area and aren't sure about this place- rest assured it's amazing!  My friend who delivered at St. Mary's in Duluth came to visit me and was super jealous of my room size (it was huge) and the nice new jacuzzi tubs. 

It sounds/looks amazing! I'm in the St Cloud area with NO good options. I'm super bummed. DH doesnt feel comfortable driving too far to deliver when we have a hospital 3 miles from us. I'm more interested in midwives/doulas/homebirth... Unfortunately there are no midwives that deliver at our hospital and no birthing centers close by. So my only option would be a homebirth with a midwife which DH is not on board with at all... Jealous that you could have an experience like this! I for sure will get a Doula and go from there. Thanks for your response

huntjul

I switched twice, once at 17 weeks and again at 36 weeks. I had an easy time switching both times and would recommend it if you're growing hesitant to continue with your current provider.

rooftop

I switched around 30 weeks and it was the best decision I could have made. Go with your gut and good luck!