Switching Dr's

lmudra

Has anyone switched dr's mid way through their pregnancy.  If so did you explain to your current dr that you were switching and why?  Did you just request your file to be transferred to your new dr?
We just had our anatomy scan and everything was normal so I'm thinking about switching to a mid wife clinic that had permissions at the hospital I want to deliver at.  I'm just not connect with my current dr.

acrose0226

I am in the middle of doing this right now. I'm currently at a midwife practice that I'm continuing to have issues with -- horrible bedside manner, making me feel like an idiot for asking questions, etc. I just made my 20-wk appt with another practice that I interviewed, and I plan on just having my new practice request the file transfer. If I'd had a better experience with my current provider and was switching for a different reason, I'd feel more inclined/obligated to explain to them why I was switching so that there were no misunderstandings or hard feelings. But given how I've been treated by them, I don't feel as though I owe them any explanation. When my husband and I left our last appt with them, he even said "We're never coming back here." 

So I think it depends on your situation - if you feel as though you and your current Dr have a good relationship, he/she will likely understand why you're switching over to a midwife clinic and may appreciate your transparency. Just depends on how loyal you're feeling and/of if you ever want to go back to your current Dr. post-pregnancy for your annual exams, etc. 

Stankonia2014

I've only ever switched because I changed duty stations. That said, I think it's super important that you trust your doctor and have a great rapport. In my experience, if that trust or rapport is lacking it trickles down and leaves you not feeling confident in your doctor or yourself.

I don't think you owe anyone an explanation, unless of course, there's some type of misconduct that should be noted. I'd just search for another doctor, when you find one you like, the new office can request your file for you. 

This is an important time, just like with any other doctor, you should absolutely connect and trust that doctor.

Best of luck!

michaela0704

I say switch and don't look back, as much as people hate this about our current medical industry in the US (assuming that is where you are) it is very much a business and you, as a consumer, have tons of more options to seek/get the prenatal care you need.

I left my midwifery clinic when I was treated with tremendous disrespect and lack of compassion after finding a breast lump a few months after I stopped breastfeeding.  I was panicked, so nervous, and the new partnering OB was horrific... not only did she come in multiple times after I had been called back to my room for over a hour but she repeatedly told me she just had to see another patient due to pregnancy (i.e., I was the last priority regardless of my appt that I scheduled).  I finally got dressed and went to check out where my favorite midwife was talking to one of the office staff, she saw me on the verge of the tears before I could even tell them I was leaving as it was already 1.5 hours past my appt time and she immediately took me back to an exam room, was so compassionate, apologized profusely, and checked the lump/ordered a scan at the women's hospital... but too late, I was so out of there!

ellie111227

I switched after my first appointment, but the doctor I saw actually recommended my new practice as a better fit for me. I was asking her about they're practiced fur minimizing interventions and enabling unmedicated labor, and she basically told me I would have a better experience at the practice across the street. I was definitely planning on switching even before she said that though. 

I don't think you need to feel obligated to tell them, but I also don't think they would be weird about it if you did. Especially since you aren't mad about anything, just looking for something different given your low-risk status. If you might want to go back for regular care or birth control later, it might be better to explain to them why you are switching. 

halfthetree

I'd switch no hesitations at all. Chances are a lot better your midwife will be the one there, and the birth prep/quality of care will be much better with midwives anyways. 
I have zero emotional ties to my OB, and will switch to a new one past 38 weeks if she won't accept me refusing induction. 

vrj0522

@halfthetree - lurker here but just wanted to make sure that you are aware that most practices will not take a new patient that far into pregnancy so you'd either just have to go straight to l&d or switch earlier in pregnancy. 

halfthetree

@vrj0522 I'm a doula in my area and have a list of OBs who will;) But thanks for looking out for me! I'm also in Canada... that probably changes things.

Im also not birthing in a hospital, so it's just for NSTs and monitoring until I give birth.