considering leaving OB practice for family doctor

LiluBee

I love her and the personal care she has provided for my son and I.  I sent her an email asking if she is supportive of VBAC and she is so I just sent a long a bunch of questions I have for her.  My only concern is that her practice (and herself!) are a bit young which shouldn't count against her at all but I feel like with the large OB practice I've been with they've seen so much, ya know?  I just want to feel reassured that god forbid something does go wrong, I'll be in good hands.  But then again, I'll be in a hospital so there won't be lack of help on hand.  I dunno.  Any thoughts?

Oh, and the reason I'm considering the switch is because my OB told me I could try for a VBAC but didn't think I'd be successful.  I just didn't think it was healthy to go into a VBAC with that attitude. 

papagena

I did the same around 20 weeks - actually found a FP doctor that was recommended.  I loved that I was more likely to get her when I actually went into labor, she was more open than my OB seemed to be for a VBAC, unlike my OB didn't suggest a growth u/s near the end and just generally is a bit more open to me having more of a voice in my care.

I'll warn you - check out current hospital policy (your FP doctor should know or can find out) regarding VBACs and oversight with a FP doctor.  At the hospital I had originally hoped to deliver at, they changed their regulations and FP doctors are now not allowed to oversee L&D of VBAC patients.  Originally they just required a 3rd tri consult with an OB and then the FP doctor had to alert the OB that there was a VBAC on the floor.  I am now in the process of switching hospitals...

I wouldn't be too concerned.  Both of our hospitals have residents on the floor who monitor the better part of your labor (assuming you come in early enough) and often they even have an OB on the floor in case something does happen. Like you said - there will be plenty of medical staff on hand - ask your doctor about what the hospital policies are on that!

cosmobella

I would prefer to have a specialist in charge of the decision making process particularly if something should go wrong. The residents and other people on the floor aren't the ones calling the shots- its the doc who admitted you. Even if you feel comfortable with your FP this is not her specialty and she has most likely not been exposed to certain complications that may arise. Why not try to find an OB who has the training and background you need and the attitude you want? You still have time.

I know lots of women have different views on the VBAC process. My plan is to VBAC under the safest conditions possible- I could never live with myself if something went wrong because I was so hell-bent on following a certain plan. Good luck with your decision.

ShansBride

cosmobella:

I would prefer to have a specialist in charge of the decision making process particularly if something should go wrong. The residents and other people on the floor aren't the ones calling the shots- its the doc who admitted you. Even if you feel comfortable with your FP this is not her specialty and she has most likely not been exposed to certain complications that may arise. Why not try to find an OB who has the training and background you need and the attitude you want? You still have time.

I know lots of women have different views on the VBAC process. My plan is to VBAC under the safest conditions possible- I could never live with myself if something went wrong because I was so hell-bent on following a certain plan. Good luck with your decision.

In some ways I think it is good that the FP doc is newer and hasn't been exposed to as much.  Her mind isn't as fogged with the bad things.

I also think that every mama planning a birth is doing it in what she feels are the safest conditions possible.  For some mamas that is a hospital (with an OB, FP, or midwife), for some a birth center, and for some a homebirth.  None of us are making choices thinking that we are putting our babies at unnecessary risk.