Opinion needed - Change OB?

MindyAndRyan

Hi everybody,

I just found out last week that I am pregnant with my first child. I am 4 weeks 6 days today. I'm looking for some feedback on something that has been bothering me since we were TTC.

I have been going to the same gynecologist practice for 14 years, since I first started going to one when I was 18. I have liked the practice. I love the doctor that I have been seeing for the last 5 years. But, I do not like the hospital that they are affiliated with, and I really do not like the thought of giving birth there.

Do you think it is better to stick with the practice I know but deliver somewhere I'd rather not, or switch to a new practice and deliver at the hospital I'd prefer?

Thank you!

MMason12

I guess in the end you have to ask yourself which is more important.... Trusting and liking the doctor who is giving you prenatal care and delivering your baby, or liking the location you are delivering?

There is no guarantee that leaving your practice you are going to find a doctor you like that delivers elsewhere. I can see both sides of agreement really.

I guess in the end why do you not want to deliver at the one hospital?

Kflanders24

You can always shop around and decide. I know most doctors have a few hospitals they serve too. Have you asked for sure if that's the only one they'll deliver at?

afk2013

I would take both into consideration.  I LOVE my practice and drive a lot further away for appointments to go to a hospital that is much further away.  I could deliver at a hospital that is close to my house, but I love my doctors and had a great experience at the second hospital.  For me, I wouldn't consider changing either.  

So I guess it depends on why you like your doctor and why you don't like the hospital.  

SLWoody

I was in what sounds like a very similar situation with DD. I ended up staying with my doctor. I delivered at the hospital that I didn't like and ended up having a fantastic experience. The reasons I "didn't like" the hospital originally was mostly from other people's stories and I was wrong. I don't know if that's the same with you or if you have had personal experience with it.

I will mention also that I ended up having a different doctor who delivered than my normal OB so there are no guarantees (usually) that you will get your doctor.

Dani0329

Did you check to make sure the doc doesn't have affiliation with that hospital? My doctor is affiliated with 2/3 hospitals.

MindyAndRyan

Thanks, everyone. This helped me make my decision to switch. The practice I was going to was bought by a for-profit hospital, so they will only deliver at that hospital. I used to work in healthcare, and I know to stay away from that hospital. Despite being for-profit, their care and compassion is not as good. It is also significantly farther from my house.

The comment about the doctor on call attending the delivery is what was the real clincher, though. I like my doctor, but I have stuck with her for 5 years because I don't like any of the others in the practice.

Again, thanks for giving me things to consider to help me make this decision!

MallardDucky

Anywhere you go you will have to accept your doctor might not deliver you. Out of 3 babies the last one was the only time the doc I was seeing delivered, and that is only because I was a scheduled induction.

SanRemo

I would choose hospital over dr. My last delivery was done by an ob I have never met but she was in my practice, but the hospital was wonderful. I could not have asked for a better experience.