Why does it have to be this hard!

cchill01

Had my 30wk check-up this morning and found out that my midwife is having trouble with hospital privileges.  Turns out 3 of the 6 OBs that deliver at the hospital are now refusing to work with midwives (not just VBACs).  So, this makes my birth planning super complicated:

- If I go into labor on a day when one of the favorable 3 OBs are working, I can go to the hospital as planned.

- If I go into labor on a day when one of the unfavorable 3 OBs are working, then the OB and I will meet at a hospital that could be an hour+ away in traffic - in a bad part of the city.  If I wasn't a VBAC, she would just take me to a birthing center.  But, that doesn't work.

- If my midwife can find another OB to cover her and he can get privileges quickly, then there might be a backup plan.

- OOOORRRR....I can transfer to another midwifery practice an hour west of my home.  They have a great OB/Hospital/VBAC relationship.  Problem is - all my appointments would then be an hour away. And I'd be an hour away from DD - not exactly easy for my DH to swing home and care for her.

Seriously...why does it have to be this hard.  I'm so frustrated right now.  Thanks for the vent...I know you ladies will understand.  

cottonlily84

My only piece of advice is it boils down to where you deliver.  I love my OB, he's great.  But I saw him all of 5 minutes at the hospital.  Plus there was always the chance he'd have an emergency or be on vacation and I'd be given to someone on-call anyway.  Then there's the support and attitude from the other staff members.  The nurses are going to be the ones caring for you and relaying your status to the dr or mw.  You don't want a c/s happy nurse giving your provider biased reports about your progress.  I would choose to deliver at the most VBAC friendly facility - the one that has good privileges with the midwife, VBAC supportive doctors, nurses and policies.  I honestly don't put that much stock in what OB I choose to deliver me anymore because of all the aforementioned reasons, but am very happy in general with the hospital I chose to deliver at. 

llib18

I agree with PP, it all depends on where you're comfortable delivering.  I drive 45-60 mins right now to get to the only hospital in the state that is VBAC friendly.  It's eaten away at my vacation time at work, causes me to drive 1 1/2 hours after appointments to get DD from daycare and then home.  But, I'm extremely comfortable with the place and all the staff I have met so far, and a chance at VBAC has been very important to me. If you really feel most comfortable w/ your midwife and want her for sure, do what you need to do.  Either way it works out, remember  you get your beautiful baby in the end.  Best of luck to you!!

iris427

I have no advice, just ugh WTF.  Sorry you are dealing with this.  I can't believe OBs would just flat out refuse to work with a qualified CNM in a hospital setting.  Insane.