Midwife Vs Doctor

deana716

Just curious if any of you perfer one over the other?  I had orginally started with a OB and I like him but I had a friend who just had a baby and she recommend I talk to the midwife she used.  She felt in more control of her pregnancy as far as what type of delivery etc.  What do you guys think?  I am considering switching just wanted to hear some other opinions. TIA

evhamm

so far I'm happy with the midwife team we have... but that's because I appreciate the extra care I get from them, as opposed to rushed appts with a dr.

mavilabride

Personally speaking I want someone else in control of the pregnancy from a medical standpoint.  I tend to worry a lot and having my OB makes me feel more comfortable.  I even left an OB that had a regular office for one that had an office directly in the hospital because it made it feel more "official." 

I think that if you are someone that wants more of a private and natural experience in an enviornment that you can control yourself, then a midwife is def. a good way to go.  I've always heard very good things about their services from friends and family that have gone that route.

hula_lula

I just met with the midwife on Monday to see how we meshed and I love her. so I am switching to her for my birth. However, I love my OB, and they're in the same practice, so if he happens to be the one to deliver me, or if for health reasons I have to go back to him, I'll still be happy

DoubleDiamond

This is a decision that only you can make.  I go to a MW and I love her.  We are on the same page when it comes to my prenatal care and the more we discuss my labor and delivery, the more sure I am that I made the right decision.  Midwives (at least mine) will run all the same tests that an OB will.  The difference is in philosophy.  For example, just today my MW told me that at my birth, they will not offer me any drugs.  They told me today and will tell me a million more times leading up to the birth that they are available and that they will help me get them, but they will not ask me while I'm breathing through a tough contraction if I'd like an epi.  I want/need this kind of support and appreciate the absence of dependency/trust on the medical world.

THAT BEING SAID....everything is available to me and I am NOT saying I won't take advantage of every modern medical comfort/aid when the time comes. 

IselaCid

I was with an OB with my DS. I liked her, but the overall care left me wanting a more personal, not do medical experience. 

Now I have a midwife "team" so to speak.  My appointments are longer, more talking and more about how I am feeling instead of what her telling me what I'm supposed to be feeling or doing and much less poking & prodding.  It's not looked at so much as a medical condition, but as normal.  I'm very happy with my decision!

sarahryandrewlo

So far, I love my CNM.  I'm not sure if I'm going to go natural yet but overall I think they are way more attentive and listen to to me, and consider what I want.  I don't want someone who rushes me out, or shows up just as I need to push, catches the baby and says- see ya! 

leannerae

I see a Midwife who works at the OBGYN's office, so I meet with her for my appointments and she consults with the physicians.  The best of both worlds!!!

MrsJY

I wanted a midwife, but unfortunately they are really hard to get where I live. I called all of the clinics here when I was just over 5 weeks and still couldn't get one!! I'm pretty sure you need to call in the middle of sex in order to be considered!!

Brittany Goldman

I think this depends on where you are planning on having your baby and what standard of care you are looking for. Are you asking about a Certified Nurse Midwife, who would attend to you at a hospital or a midwife to attend a home birth? I am currently seeing both right now. I am planning a home birth and have met with that midwife from the beginning. Since my insurance will not cover a home birth (they will shell out $30K to have a c-section, but not $3000 to pay the midwife) I found a CNM at an OB's office to give me concurrent prenatal care and make the insurance company pick up the tab for my labs and ultrasounds, ect. I can tell you that if I were interested in having a hospital birth, the CNM would definitely be the way I would go. She is very non-interventive, lets her mothers labor in the position most comfortable for them (not strapped on their backs with a fetal monitor) and is with you the whole birth, not just showing up at the end. Midwifery in general has a more holistic approach to birth and focuses on the needs of the mother, not just rushing to the next intervention the way an OB would.

Ricca'sBaby

I am currently doing the midwife program at our hospital and love it.  I've heard a lot of great things about it from others, too, like how much more personal it is, more control over your pregnancy and L/D, etc.  I guess I can't compare with an OB doc, but I know that the midwives that I've met with have all been so attentive, thorough, and I never feel like I'm being rushed out the door.  I'm so glad I chose them!

ksayles

I do not know the OB's @ my office, but I love my MW. She has delivered a number of friends kids and they all raved about her. The first time I met her she made me feel sooo comfortable and I think that is extremely important. She is direct, no BS or trying to spare feelings, but she jokes around w/us which I love.

Last appt she got all excited b/c I cut my hair. She started playing w/it and askign how I style it. DH was just laughing the entire time. 

cathy_and_matt

I'm very happy with my midwives! I never have to wait long to see them at appointments, and the appts themselves are always very leisurely...I don't feel rushed like I have with other doctors.They can devote a lot more time to you, and since they're not trained surgeons like OBs, they have a different perspective. I'm also planning to try a natural labor, so I figured a CNM would be a good choice for my situation.

DaisyAdair

I don't think a title matters....it's who you click with as a person.

I love my OB (and I think all of the other OBs in the practice are fantastic).  I met the midwife once and thought she was a b*tch.  I'm glad I'm high-risk and she's not involved in my care.  She was cold and abrupt and didn't even sit down during the appointment (it was to go over test results).  

If she was an OB, I wouldn't want her involved in my care either!  It's just who she is, as a person, MW or OB.  I wouldn't let a title dictate your decision - if you like a care providers and it's a MW, great.  If it's an OB, great.  Just don't settle for any person you don't like, regardless of title.

teiaj

i actually have the experience working with both.....i see my midwife, and my OB every other appointment. It is very true that thier roles are very different! My doctor is so busy that i have to make appointments way in advance. On the other hand when i gave birth to my son i chosse to use a midwife and that was the best experience i ever had. She let my body do what it was naturally meant to do and supported whatever decision i wanted to make within reason. Also i have heard ppl say i want someone who is medically sound but CNM are and if at any point through your labor you need an OB they are right there to step in(wheni had my son i needed stitches and an OB came in and did my stitches) and also my Ob came in the next day to check on me........so i was very well taking care of!

deana716

Thanks everyone for all the input.  I have a consultation with the CNM this afternoon and hopefully I can make my decision.  Again, it is very helpful to hear different experiences and I really appreciate the input.

 

Chrysallys

I see two midwives and we love them both. I like their relaxed, natural approach. If I have a concern they know how to reassure me and don't freak out over the slightest things. They see pregnancy and birth as a natural thing, not as an illness that needs to be cured and I appreciate that.