1st Trimester
OB/GYN vs. Midwife?
How did you decide which route to go? I have an appointment with an OB/GYN, but I have also had friends say great things about delivering with a midwife. Thoughts??
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Re: OB/GYN vs. Midwife?
I talked to my mom about it. She's been a Labor and Delivery nurse for 25 years so I really trust her opinion. She suggested a midwife since I'm young and in good shape with no health problems or concerns. As soon as I met my midwife I knew it was the right fit for me. I ended up canceling my appointment with my OB/GYN.
With my DD, I went to an OB until around 30 weeks. I LOVED my doctor. She was amazing. But I had to switch my insurance, because I lost my job and my new insurance didn't cover my doctor. I decided to switch to a MW. I had considered it before, but liked my Dr, so I didn't see a reason to switch.
When I switched to my midwife, I noticed a big difference in the amount of time I spent at each appointment. She did all the same things my doctor did, but on top of that, she spent some time asking me about how I was feeling, what I was nervous about, if I had any questions... I just never felt like she was rushing me through my appointments. The MW who delivered me (not the one I usually saw for appts) was a phenomenal support during my birth. She does a lot of unmedicated births, so she was great talking me through contractions. My OB told me she did unmedicated births, but most of them ended up with an epidural.
This time I decided to go with a midwife again, because I had such a great experience. My main MW moved and I wasn't thrilled with any of the other midwives in her practice, so I'm going to a smaller MW clinic with just three MWs this time.
If you're planning a natural birth, I'd really reccomend a midwife. If not, I'd say it's a good idea to see both a MW and an OB and decide who you like better. The practice I went to had both OBs and MWs, maybe you can find something like that?
BFP #2 - 11/4/09
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Yep! Most of them will encourage a natural birth, but they can order the medications if you want them. It's even on the FAQ portion of my MW's website. My MW will even stay with you if you end up with a c-section as emotional support.
With my first pregnancy, I started out with a midwifery group. I really had awesome care from them. Unfortunately, I developed PIH, and they insisted that I switch to an OB (which was necessary). If you do have a good midwife, she will know when to refer you if you have complications. Because my PIH progressed to severe pre-e/HELLP, I'll be seeing a MFM (high risk OB). If you are low risk, I think that midwives provide excellent care. In fact, I still go back to them for regular gyn stuff.
With my first pregnancy i saw an ob, but i mc and so it was a short lived relationship. She was lovely and i was sure i would use her again, however i moved overseas before i became pregnant again. I could not get an appointment with any OB's, so i opted to use a midwife in a practice that offered the services of both. It was probably just that particular practice, but i found the level of personal care was seriously lacking. Out of desperation to find a care provider, i decided to visit a home birth midwifery practice and i am SO grateful i did!! It was a totally different experience - far less stressful and i immediately felt way more comfortable with them.
I ended up having a home birth (and i'm not a hippie or earth loving naturalist by any means!) and i can honestly say it was an awesome experience that i can't wait to have with this pregnancy. In the end, a home birth midwife was right for me, but like some of the other ladies have said, you have to interview them for yourself and decide who you feel most comfortable with - that will make your entire experience of giving birth wonderful instead of terrifying
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The Business of Being Born really did make me think about what kind of delivery I want. I'm also in the DC area. Are you going to Physicians & Midwives? I found them after my Ob retired last year. I've been for my annual exam in June and my confirmation of PG last week. I've seen the same OB both times but my next visit is with a midwife. I'm very please so far. Plus they have and online forum for questions...love it.