September 2015 Moms

midwife vs doctor

With my first pregnancy i had a doctor that was amazing and over the top. I got lucky though because i was assigned to him but hes been gone for about a year now and i have to see someone else. Well i finally met the doctor that is supposed to follow my pregnancy and deliver the baby but she was awful. There was no connection our thoughts on delivery were different which got me super nervous. Anywho..i found out my insurance covers a certified midwife and there is a womens center here in town and i was wondering what you ladies thought? Any moms of multiple births that have tried both midwife and doctor. What were your experiances like?
Hopefully going to tour that facility next week but thought id get feedback here first. Thanks ladies

Re: midwife vs doctor

  • I chose a midwife with my daughter and I loved her! She was sweet and everything I wanted and needed she did. She wasn't scheduled to be at the hospital on the day I was scheduled to be induced. But I went into labor earlier and she was there and she made sure all the doctors and nurses took extra good care of me. It was like having a friend deliver your baby. This time around I have a doctor but I'm debating on getting a midwife. So for this doctor has been good. I think it just depends on the person, and who we connect best with.
  • In my mind I don't think of a midwife as any different than a Dr aside from they cant perform surgery, which in the case I need a true emergency c-section they always have OBs they work with who can do the surgery (and chances are if it came to that I wouldn't care who was getting my baby out as long as it was healthy, kwim?)

    I guess my question is what are your reservations in using a midwife? If you already met a Dr you didn't like, I suppose I don't understand what the concern would be to switching to a midwife since the two are pretty interchangeable in my head.
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  • WDDCHWDDCH member
    edited March 2015
    I have had several OBs and several midwives. Some OBs are great and some midwives are great. I wouldn't say it's all or nothing with either. Anyone you hire should be interviewed and should absolutely be someone you're comfortable with regardless of their title.

    Now there is a stark difference between medically managed birth (usually OBs and some hospital midwives) and midwifery model of care. Perhaps research what "midwifery model of care" means and if that applies to what you're looking for when it comes to you and baby.

    My opinion: I love my midwife. The midwifery model of care is what I wholeheartedly believe in. But I don't dismiss the importance of OBs for women who prefer their model of care or in a high risk situation. My hope is that one day there's more harmony between the two professions. There are in some places but I mean that I hope to see that as the norm and not the exception.
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  • Yes there is definitely a difference in model of care (midwifery vs medical) and some midwives can be very medical while some OBs can be very "midwife-y" haha

    What I meant is I think there is a lot of misunderstanding in what a midwife is trained to be able to handle. I just wanted to make it clear when it comes to capabilities there are very few things a midwife can't do that an OB can aside from surgery. I think a lot of people, not saying any of this is what the OP thinks more just general population, think of midwives as not as well trained or capable when in reality they are VERY well trained and often more trained in some areas. OBs have to focus on the surgical aspect as well whereas midwives can spend all their time focusing on honing techniques for typical deliveries. They are also trained in emergent situations so don't let that dissuade you. I hope I was more clear about what I meant.
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  • edited March 2015
    I was very unhappy with my OB last time, but I was clueless about my options. I just stuck with her and rode it out. We had a terrible time. It was nothing like what I wanted.
    We've chosen a midwife this time and we are feeling very comfortable. She is such a pro. Her appointments are 2 hrs for the first one and 45 minutes after that. She saw me yesterday to reassure me after a car accident and we are very pleased with her.
    These are purely my very specific personal opinions and experiences. Best of luck finding the person that makes you feel safe and confident!!
  • With my first pregnancy I chose to meet the midwives of my practice because there were too many doctors to meet. They were fantastic and put me such at ease. I ended up having a doctor in the end because of a c-section but my midwife still came to check on me throughout my stay. With this pregnancy I am meeting with a team of doctors because they reduced the amount I would see and because most of the midwives who have moved to other practices. If the doctor didn't work for you I would at least go to a consult with the midwife.
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  • I actually just watched The Business of Being Born documentary funnily enough. I am meeting my doctor in 3 weeks (only had nurses at my OB practice so far), and will be discussing my plans for a natural birth with her. I've had a friend do 2 natural births with this practice, having both a doctor and a midwife attend the birth and everything has gone great. They seem to be very supportive, but I will judge from our meeting whether or not I want to get a midwife as well. I would love to do a birthing center midwife only birth, but my insurance won't cover it, so hospital it is. Love how they make it easier to do an intervention full, fully staffed birth than a simple unmedicated birth (if all goes well). Do some more research and meet with a midwife or two to see how you feel, and who you think will work with you for the kind of birth that you want. Just remember that in the end you and mother nature have the most power over how your labor goes, just be as educated as you can and you will make the right choices! 
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