When do I start discussing NB with my OB?

panda10

I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant and will go to the doctor in 2 weeks (at 16 weeks).

Should I start discussing my plans to have a natural birth now or should I wait till closer to my due date? I'd like to know what their attitude is on natural birth, and the basic questions. Should I also let her know that I'm planning on having a doula present as well?

I don't have one doctor, my hospital rotates me through all 3 OB's and will deliver with the one on call. I really didn't feel comfortable with the last OB I met with so I didn't want to bring it up, I'm hoping the other two are a little better.

Thanks for the help!

Nechie122

In your case I would bring it up ASAP. You don't need to spell out your birth plan but you want to make sure you'd at least be on the same page. This way, you still have time to find a new care provider, if necessary.

mstroud23

I told my OB at a preconception appt that I want a NB, I wanted to make sure I have time to shop around if she wasn't supportive. I don't know about your area, but where I live the second that you tell an OB that works out of the hospitals that you want a doula or midwife they drop you, but will take you via the ER if there are complications. I was unaware of this until recently, but both my OB and midwife confirmed what I had been told by a friend. 

Since you aren't receiving care from a consistent dr I would walk in with my plan at every appt starting  now and start familiarizing your OBs with it now. I would also ask the hospitals policy for doulas during delivery, but I would ask each of your potential drs to make sure you get the same story.  

Texas77again

i recommend bringing it up from the beginning.  that way if you find out that they are not supportive of your plan you have plenty of time to research and find another provider.  do you know anyone who has used that particular group of dr's and the hospital that you will deliver at?  asking other moms who went natural is a great way to find someone friendly to your wishes. 

panda10

Texas77again:

i recommend bringing it up from the beginning.  that way if you find out that they are not supportive of your plan you have plenty of time to research and find another provider.  do you know anyone who has used that particular group of dr's and the hospital that you will deliver at?  asking other moms who went natural is a great way to find someone friendly to your wishes. 

 

Texas, The two friends that I've had deliver there went in hoping for natural, both were given drugs and had emergency c-sections due to fetal distress.

Thank you for all the advice. I'll bring it up in two weeks and if I don't feel comfortable or if they are not receptive I'll start looking around for different hospitals.

 

allisonmarie22

I picked my OB specifically because he is supportive of my decision to have a med-free delivery. He also has an incredibly low c-section rate. I would say you need to discuss your wishes with your doctor immediately. Some doctors are very disparaging towards women who want to have med-free birth, and I'd think you'd want to know your doctor's feelings about it asap.

Good luck!

leannehjohnston

I'm in Texas too and switched from our OB practice (where I was seeing a different OB each visit) to a mid-wife practice in a hospital. I brought up the natural birth options at my 24 week visit (I was a little late in the game!) and was not at all satisfied with the responses that I got. Thankfully my hubby was incredibly supportive and we found a mid-wife group that was covered by our insurance and switched over there. Switching late in the game can seem overwhelming, but it was very smooth for us...or I can say that now that we're months past the switch! :-) You can read about our journey to finding care here: https://www.cookinwiththejohnstons.com/2011/11/our-journey-to-prenatal-care.html. Feel free to email me if you have questions.

Genevieve14

Nechie122:

In your case I would bring it up ASAP. You don't need to spell out your birth plan but you want to make sure you'd at least be on the same page. This way, you still have time to find a new care provider, if necessary.

This.  I think the sooner you bring it up the better.  It is easier to change providers (if necessary) earlier in your pregnancy rather than later.

LindseyJW

like others have said, the sooner the better.

check out the FAQ link in my siggie. there is a great post on questions to ask to ascertain your OB's position on natural, normal birth.

JLG95

I wouldn't "discuss" your plans or details.  I would be firm at your next appointment and tell the doctor you intend to have a natural--med and intervention free birth. 

You don't have to ask permission from your provider.  If the doctor reacts negatively, you know you need to switch.

cecilyandgautam

I'd say asap. There was an outdated pamflet that I somehow picked up at my OB practice that mentioned working with midwives so I just assumed that there were several NB options. At the 16 week appt, I brought up my interest in the midwife & using a birth center and found out that 1) they haven't had a midwife on staff in 6 years (so how I came across that pamflet, I don't know) and 2) they only deliver at 1 hospital but the OB tried to reassure me that they "put up with" Bradley students so they were very NB friendly. I ended up switching to a BC mid-way through pregnancy and it would have been nice to just be with 1 practice for most of it instead.

CurbsideProphet

I would also do it sooner rather than later in case you want to change.