I'm wondering if anyone here started their pregnancy with an OB, but then switched to a midwife at some point. If you did this, when did you switch? This is my first pregnancy, and I want to have as natural a birth as possible. I currently have my first pregnancy appt with my OB scheduled just before the 10 week mark. The appt includes an ultrasound, and if everything appears to be going okay, I was thinking about switching to a midwife after that. Does this sound like a good idea?
Re: Switching from OB to Midwife
I have a m/w and a backup m/w (in case of hospitalization), who works in an OB's office. I think the primary m/w is much more personable than the OB office. I go to both so I can get the 20wk u/s, the glucose test, the blood tests, etc, but otherwise stick to my CPM. (The state of KY doesn't "allow" CPM's to practice, so anything medical must be handled through an OB's office.)
If you feel you need that reassurance, go to your first appt with your OB and when you get home, start interviewing potential m/w's, talk to your DH, your ins carrier, etc, and decide what's best for you.
I switched when I was 28 weeks, but I actually really liked my OB. She only had rights at a teaching hospital with a high intervention rate so I switched to a birthing center inside of another hospital with a MW.
I did have a scare when I switched- between the time I made my appointment and when I actually met my MW my insurance company (BCBS) decided they wouldn't cover MW deliveries. During the rest of my pregnancy they changed their policy from no MW coverage at all, then the MW could do most of the delivery as long as an OB caught the baby, to finally (two weeks before DD was born!) it being ok for the MW to be in charge. I think they still ended up billing it under an OB's name just to ensure I'd be covered.
I'm happy with my decision (even switching pretty late) since my MW did a great job helping me have a natural birth & I owe her for barely tearing, but it was stressful not knowing if my MW could be there with me to the end.
2012 Book Challenge: 20 of 50
Sophia Leigh has arrived! 02.09.11
Gretchen Evie, born 7/8/2012 at 35w5d
I had a really hard time finding a Midwife practice that was still accepting new patients, so I started out with my family doctor. I contacted MWs starting at 4.5 weeks (right after I had my BFP!) but I didn't hear back from anyone till 15 weeks. I was with my family doctor (there was an OB in her group practice who would have taken the delivery), and then switched to my Midwife at 15 weeks.