Midwife vs. OBGYN

missysean042509

We recently moved to the west end of Toronto (almost Mississauga) and left my family doctor back in Scarborough. I couldn't imagine travelling to see him for all the prenatal check ups.

I've called some OBGYNs out here and have found that most aren't accepting patients until April, May and even JUNE!

 I'm contemplating a midwife for my first (I'm almost 6 weeks along) but I'm wondering if anyone has worked with a midwife.  And if you haven't, why not? 

 Thoughts?

evhamm

My experience is very PRO-midwife, but that's all I've got to work from. My first pregnancy was with a midwife but ended with an emergency c/s... I have very high regard for the midwives working with me, and very high regard for the OB that did my c/s and post-op care as well. I got some winners (this is in Cambridge).

That being said, a midwife will give you much more time to ask and answer questions throughout your pregnancy. An OB will likely only be able to offer you short appointments. My midwife appts were always at least 45 mins long.  I think a first pregnancy is actually better served by a midwife than an OB. Save the OB for high-risk pregnancies. Plus they'll be more patient with you during labour than a time-crunched OB.

Often midwives have waiting lists - if you are considering this, get on their list ASAP. You won't be sorry!

pamalerjean

I am going with midwives too.  They have so much time for their patients...as PP mentioned, they have 45+ minutes for you at each appointment.  There is no such thing as too many questions.  Also, I am a doula and have attended many births attended by midwives...all amazing!  The care is fabulous.

Phil&Corinna

I really wanted a midwife, for the more personal care.  They take the time to get to know you, your birth wishes and they treat you like you're pregnant, not like you're sick. 

I have had an OB/GYN for several years and when I first found out I was pg, I called and spoke to him about switching to a midwife for primary care, but he felt I was too high risk to switch.  I have found the appointments to be short (think 5-10minutes, tops) and consist of me peeing on a strip of paper which tests my proteins/sugars in my urine (and showing that to the receptionist) and when I actually get into the room, the nurse will check my blood pressure and weight, ask if the baby has been moving and then the doctor comes in and measures my fundal height, tells me when to come back and leaves. 

I LOVE my doctor normally, but I am highly disappointed in the level of care I've received.  It's not that he's good, but if I have any questions, and I have a few, I have to bring it up to him.  From what I understand, midwives take the time to ask you questions regarding what you want for your birth experience and are more likely to help you have the birth you desire.  As pp's have mentioned, they spend 45+ minutes at each appointment.  You are more likely to have your midwife or one in her practice deliver if you go that route; my OB is one of 10 that are in rotation at our hospital and therefore I have a 10% chance of having my OB deliver!!  I don't like those odds. 

If you are able to, I'd absolutely have a midwife!!  If you still prefer an ob, I would have your primary care physician call and make a referral for you to a local OB... you will probably get in faster (since you're currently expecting) than if you call yourself.

Good luck and congrats on the BFP!!

maddiemoon43

Phil&Corinna:

I really wanted a midwife, for the more personal care.  They take the time to get to know you, your birth wishes and they treat you like you're pregnant, not like you're sick. 

I have had an OB/GYN for several years and when I first found out I was pg, I called and spoke to him about switching to a midwife for primary care, but he felt I was too high risk to switch.  I have found the appointments to be short (think 5-10minutes, tops) and consist of me peeing on a strip of paper which tests my proteins/sugars in my urine (and showing that to the receptionist) and when I actually get into the room, the nurse will check my blood pressure and weight, ask if the baby has been moving and then the doctor comes in and measures my fundal height, tells me when to come back and leaves. 

I LOVE my doctor normally, but I am highly disappointed in the level of care I've received.  It's not that he's good, but if I have any questions, and I have a few, I have to bring it up to him.  From what I understand, midwives take the time to ask you questions regarding what you want for your birth experience and are more likely to help you have the birth you desire.  As pp's have mentioned, they spend 45+ minutes at each appointment.  You are more likely to have your midwife or one in her practice deliver if you go that route; my OB is one of 10 that are in rotation at our hospital and therefore I have a 10% chance of having my OB deliver!!  I don't like those odds. 

If you are able to, I'd absolutely have a midwife!!  If you still prefer an ob, I would have your primary care physician call and make a referral for you to a local OB... you will probably get in faster (since you're currently expecting) than if you call yourself.

Good luck and congrats on the BFP!!

This is very similar to my reasoning.  I love our MW, and DH actually really does too.  I am in London.

ashes1010

As most people have already said....

I'm pro-midwife as well. I called 3 practices on the day I found out that I was pregnant. Luckily, we got into all three so we got to pick which one we wanted. By the time I had my first appointment, I had found out that we were having twins. Midwives will often not keep new patients who are having twins because they are legally not allowed to deliver them in the hospital. Our midwife is amazing and said that she would keep us. We also have to do shared care with an OB, so I'm able to see both sides of it right now.

The care with the midwife is so personalized. We meet with her for 45 minutes each time. I've met with the OB ONCE! The chance of even having her as my OB at delivery is very slim. The other large reason I'm happy to have a midwife is because of the post-partum care. She will provide all care for me and the babies for 6 weeks after delivery. 

missjilly1025

I'm with a midwife as well and I'm loving every moment of it. She's been really great with me. 

MustanGTbaby13

I am working with Seventh Generation Midwives of Toronto as they have privliges at  Sunnybrook where I will be delivering. MW have been awesome. Love em!

MissusNez

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I am also PRO-midwife.  I went with a midwife for many reasons:

• your birthing experience is more private and intimate, and you don't have tons of nurses, your OB, an OB intern, etc coming and look at your girl parts every hour or so
• they can do just about everything an OB can do, including episiotomies, sutures in case of tearing, anti-nauseants (liquid Gravol), certain pain medications - but not epidurals
• they get to know you and your partner
• they care about you as a person and your baby throughout the entire pregnancy
• you have choices of where you want to deliver
• they know you by name and face, rather than a name on a chart
• you're not a number
• they can prescribe morning sickness medication
• once the baby is born, the midwife will do house calls to help you with anything you might need pertaining to you and your baby
• They have many techniques for helping with pain and discomfort including birthing stools, birthing balls, birthing tubs, etc.
• they have oxygen tanks with them in case you need it
• you get to know the entire midwifery staff in case your midwife is at another birth or is off call
• your midwife knows your birth plan and sticks to it, unless there is a strong concern for you or the baby

I'm sure I have many other reasons, but just can't think of them at the moment.  My midwife is awesome, and is always super pumped and always asks me if I have any questions.  She has a great student that is working with her, so I get to know both of them throughout my pregnancy.  The only reason(s) they may refer you to an OB is if they think you might be high risk.  But, regardless if you are or not they stick with you to the end and won't discharge you until the baby has reached the 6 week mark. 

I hope that a midwife will be your pick, you won't regret it. Do your homework, and decide what will be best for you and your husband/partner.  Just because this is your first, don't let your fears deter you.  Plus, the province covers midwifery services and they have full privileges to the birthing wards of all hospitals.

RevivingOphelia

Not sure if you ended up going with a midwife or not. But I'm gonna reply just in case someone looks on here for advice.

I really wanted a midwife for the reasons the PP listed. However, since I have a seizure disorder they considered me high risk, even though my neurologist said the chances of a seizure during labour is low.

Since my family doctor didn't deliver, he said the best way to get personalized care after a midwife is to go through a shared care family doctor. My appointments were with her, not a nurse practitioner. I never had any experience with an OB, so I can't answer to how they are. I loved the shared care family doctor I found. We found out at my 8 week check up (I went to her for it), that my family doctor was retiring. She offered to take on my son, my DH and myself even though she wasn't taking on patients (just shared care OB patients).