Midwife vs. Doctor

Hannie417

Hey Ladies,

So being that this is my first pregnancy, can anyone who has had a baby before or friends/family that have had a baby before, tell me if a midwife is the better choice over a doctor?  Right now I do have an ob/gyn, but I am just curious as to what it is about a midwife that make women choose to go with them over a doctor.  Any information would be awesome.  I am totally open to either, I am just trying to get some info. on a midwife and if they are the better option. Positive or negative thoughts wanted. :-)

ckolak:-)

I saw Midwives with my son, and am seeing them with this pg (even though they aren't in my insurance network now). My reasons for midwives were primarily that I wanted a more personal experience where the actual provider would spend more than 10 or 15 minutes with me per appointment, and nobody would say "No, don't push yet, the doctor isn't here!" when I was in labor. My midwives have OBs that they work with, but unless you need a c/s or forceps/vacuum the OB won't even be in the delivery room. The women I see are Certified Nurse Midwives and have hospital privileges. It totally depends on what you want though, and I can't say one is "better" than the other, just what I did. 

LauraOTR

I am using a midwives practice, mostly because of word-of-mouth recommendations. Many of my friends and coworkers has used this practice and has fabulous things to say about them. According to them, this specific practice are more personalized there, spend more time with you, are not pushy with medical interventions unless absolutely necessary.

mbh10220

It all depends on the kind of birth experience you want I think.  Midwives are normally a lot more down to earth, and willing to try alternative methods and labor positions compared to a lot of ob/gyns.  If you want to go natural then I would suggest having a midwife.  If you plan on getting an epidural you'd probably be fine with your ob/gyn.

(this is my first, too...but I am ALL about the midwives)

cyprissa

I chose a midwife because I wanted more individualized care and I really want a natural birth. I'm going to a freestanding birth center with 6 CNMs and they do births at home and at their birth center. I really like them so far and feel that the care has been great.

AllyInMaine

I chose an OB for many of the reasons above. Not every doctor dismisses you, treats you like a number and is impersonal. Mine was the exact opposite.She knew exactly what I was going through with my severe rib pain when all of her nurses dismissed it as 'natural pregnancy pain'.
But I'll tell you when I knew I made the right decision for me, it was when I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa at 20 weeks, and my OB that I'd seen all along took my hand and told  me not to worry, that it usually corrected by 28 weeks and I'd be fine. When that didn't happen, she talked to me about a scheduled CS, and my concerns. And then again when my fluids were dangerously low and I went in for an amnio, I had to see a different doctor @ my hospital. This doctor didn't even say hi. Did the work and left. The next day was my scheduled CS. My OB gave me a hug before surgery, talked for 20 mins and then gave me the best birth experience I could have asked for. Had I chosen a midwife, I might have ended up with one of the 'not so nice' docs that are on duty @the hospital. (happened to my sis who needed an emergency CS after a 25 hr failed induction)
Choose someone who you like. Meet with both OBs and midwives... Just because they aren't technically a doctor does not mean they are more caring. Good luck!

MrsDL

This is my first but I've been going to a midwife for regular gyn for years. She practices in a physcian practice so their are MDs there if I would need one. I had been to several MDs for gyn and didn't have all that great experiences. My MW was recommended to me for gyn from a friend. They are as knowledgable imo, but spend way more time with you on a perosnal level. Physcians just don't have tons of time to discuss every little concern.

My MW chatted with me for an hour at my first appointment about everything under the sun, she took the time to call me back personally with my blood work, set up my first US for 6 weeks, etc. At least for me, I think they really strive to treat you like you are there one and only patient when they are with you.

Also, they are a step-up in training and education from an NP or PA (and some PAs assist with surgery). They are the only mid-level provider allowed by law to practice under their own privider ID without  a designated physican supervisor and have independent admitting privledges if they choose too. IMO for a nomral pg - they are as good as a MD/DO but pay more attention to you.

marriedtoeric

Also our first.  Congrats to you!

We're using midwives because I prefer to give birth at a birth center, not in a hospital.  I also prefer avoiding invasive/non-natural medical interventions whenever possible, so this will be a good fit for us.  

I was seeing one of the midwives for well-woman appointments prior to getting pregnant, and my experience has always been that she (and other staff) take their time explaining things and really talking with you/getting to know you.  I feel my choices and opinions are supported anytime I go for an appointment, and that's important to me.