Is anyone using a midwife AND an OB?

Mimaloo

I just found out yesterday that my insurance will cover a midwife as well as my OB, but I'm not really sure what the purpose of a midwife is.  I started to Google it but I really hate the Googs.  I also called the local midwifery practice and there was no answer.  I didn't bother to leave a message since I recognized the giant practice to which they belong, and I don't want any part of that.  

I'm thinking it may be a good idea since I'm not crazy about my OB - haven't had any issues and I should probably be grateful that my appointments are so uneventful, but all she does is pop in, find the heartbeat on the doppler, and say she'll see me in a month.  I feel very disconnected.    

So ladies, what are your thoughts or experiences on using a midwife?  Thanks!  

alphalyrae

Yes and no. I'm seeing the midwife side of my OB practice. But, I've seen one of the OB's three times because my child likes to play hide and seek from the doppler (not any more, now she's too big to hide), and also because she refused to show much of anything at our first AS.

All of my appointments with the midwives have lasted over an hour, they ask me about any questions I have, inform me about what to expect in the next few weeks between appointments, go over results, etc. We just fit and I am thankful for that. The OB I've seen for the minor issues is an amazing man who if I didn't feel comfortable with the midwives, I would totally request to only see him for appointments/will do that if at any point they deem me unfit for a vaginal delivery/or theres a complication that falls out of the midwives scope of practice. Truthfully, the midwives attend c-sections, even if you end up with a scheduled one.

The OB portion of the practice does have a significantly higher section rate/inductions rate and a moderately higher rate of episiotomy which is in line with the hospital rates, while the midwives portion is much lower much lower.

dogsombrero

alphalyrae I mainly see a midwife but I will give birth in a hospital with access to a MFM. My midwife referred me to an MFM for a dating scan and n/t scan due to my loss history. I have seen the OBGYN at the practice too but I love my midwife. My midwife is no nonsense and very comforting. I feel like my bases are 100% covered and if my birth goes the way I want then it will be natural with the midwife if not I have a MFM that I feel very at ease with to help me with any interventions I might need.

sthomas1222

I had a MFM last time using a MW this time. Mine does home visits which is awesome! She & her 2 assistant/students come & my appt always lasts 1.5 hours. We talk, catch up, she asks what's going on in my life, genuinely cares how I'm feeling emotionally, physically, etc... Lots of hugs & laughs all around. If I end up with GD that needs insulin again I will return in a heartbeat to my MFM & enjoy my time with her as well. My appts weren't long but she too genuinely cared & we had an understanding of each other lol.

mmks

I'm in a practice that has 3 CNMs (certified nurse midwife) and 2 OBs.  The CNMs handle the prenatal appointments and normal vaginal deliveries.  The OBs do the sonograms and deal with the more complicated pregnancies and deliveries. 
I have loved everyone that I've seen.  In comparison to my old OBs - the CNMs just don't seem as rushed.  I have good interactions and conversations with them.  They take their time to answer any questions that I have. 

NorthernGal248

Midwives are usually try to deliver the baby with as little assistance as possible and as natural as possible. Midwives usually take on only low risk pregnancies.

I personally started seeing a midwife that delivers in a hospital, and at 20 weeks switched to a midwife who delivers in a birthing center. If I have any sort of complications I will be going back to my original midwife.

I like the birthing center option because they believe in a very natural manner, and they allow the women to do whatever they feel comfortable doing.

jaclynnn

I am, as well. I'm having a RCS, but I wanted to stick with a midwife until later on cause I found that mine are a lot more personal. The obgyns I've seen are very short and straight to the point. The midwives take the time to ask how you are and talk to you about concerns and such.

ChartheStar

I'm giving birth with a midwife but have also hired a doula.  I say go with whatever works for you!