XP: Switching from OB to Midwife

Lexs4

Is anyone else considering this or has already done so? 

I had been debating it for quite some time & have finally made the appt with the midwife.  She's a nurse practitioner and comes highly recommended.  She actually delivered my niece as well.  Aside from the benefits such as not worrying about being forced to induce or unnecessary c-section, I like the idea of having that person by my side the whole time, not just a staff of nurses and then a doc who comes in at the last min. Plus, I would deliver at a brand new hospital 10 mins from my house whereas with my OB, I would have a 35 min drive to the hospital where he may not even be on call... 

I feel bad because we really like my OB, but after much research and discussion with others that have gone both routes, I think this is the route we want to take.  I am keeping my 20wk appt & anatomy scan next Mon with my current OB since the midwife cannot see me until 8/20, & we will wait to make our final decision until after we have met with her. 

I am also enrolled in Bradley method classes and am planning on having a natural birth.  

clynn58

I am currently seeing an Ob but will be switching to a midwife shortly I just have not made a finally choose on which birthing center to go with.

Lexs4

clynn58:

I am currently seeing an Ob but will be switching to a midwife shortly I just have not made a finally choose on which birthing center to go with.

Any specific reason for making the switch?  Just wondering what is driving people's decisions.  

MrsTiara

I switched in my third tri last time and it was the best decision I ever made!  Good luck!

(my decision was made after every.single.appt. with the ob she "discovered" something that might be wrong, but nothing ever was)

ScottiesLilHottie

I had an OB with my first birth and hated every second of the experience. I'm not one who likes to be left out of the decision making process and that's what I felt like was happening with everything from prenatal care to the birth itself with the OB. Instead of explaining what kinds of tests he was ordering for me, he just said "Go to the lab". I have a midwife now and I was actually given a booklet that explained every single test she was offering me. And then I was even given a checklist where I was able to accept or decline whatever I wanted to. I feel this time around like I'm an active participant in my own pregnancy. And she's made it very clear that her job in my labor is to be a guardian of a natural process, nothing more, and she will not be intervening unless it becomes absolutely necessary. We're having a homebirth this time around.

cocadoll

I switched when I was about 35 weeks. ?I wanted a VBAC and opt to have a homebirth so that I had a better chance.

*speedracer*

i debated this too, and i really liked my OB so i stayed with him for my 2nd baby.  when i declined a shot of pitocin after i gave birth to #2 (completely intervention free), he made a comment comparing me to an ex wife of his.  midwife here i come!

pepomntpat

I just switched today. I made my appointment for 8/20 which is at 28 weeks and will keep me right on schedule. If you switch I'd recommend trying to keep on your regular visit schedule. The owner of the birth center said this was a good idea, plus it gives them enough lead time to review my records and be prepared for my visit.

I do like my OB, but I just don't feel that I will get the birth experience I want with that practice or that hospital, so we are going with a MW at a birth center.

I had some anxiety over switching (mostly since I feel guilty since I have no real complaints about my OB), but now it is done. I feel secure knowing that I'll have my natural birth and if for some reason it doesn't work out it will truly be due to circumstances beyond my control and not because of pushy doctors or nurses.