Stay with long-time OB or switch to midwife/birthing center?

KTdidit

Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster

I'm 8 weeks along with my 2nd LO. DS was born at the hospital with tons of medical intervention, I'm still not happy with how the experience went. I want this time to be as natural as possible, I'd like to labor in a tub, although DH is not ok with actually giving birth in it. I don't want to be tied to a bed, I want the first couple hours with LO without anyone taking her/him away, I don't want an epidural or any unneccesary intervention.  The problem is that the OBGYN that I've seen since I was 18 is connected to a hospital that doesn't have any kind of holistic options in the birthing center. The best they can offer is a private shower. I went through the intake appointment last week with all the paperwork and them drawing blood for my OB screen. I'm sure it's not too late to switch is it? I feel a sense of loyalty to the practice but I know how I want my baby to be born and they can't offer the experience that I want.

I guess it's the fear of the unknown, switching to somone that I don't know. How do I go about this? Do I find a birthing center first and then find a midwife through them? Will I get the same monthly appointments like I will with the OB? Any suggestions on where to start or what to do would be appreciated. Thanks!

Haley.Beth

I've seen women who have switched as late as 40 weeks to obtain the birth they want. All it takes is faxing over medical records. Don't let a sense of loyalty ruin your birth experience. It's all about YOU now, not anyone else. Personally, I switched at 20 weeks with no problems. And this isn't to say you can't still see this OBGYN for well woman exams just because it's not the practice who handles your pregnancy. 

As for finding a midwife or birthing center, that depends on what's available in your area. Some birth centers have a group of midwives that work together like a doctor's office would, others are just available facilities for independent midwives to use. Do some research and ask around, then set up some interviews. 

No matter what, you will receive the same prenatal care as you would from an OB. Monthly appointments, prenatal testing, etc. Some midwives have access to ultrasounds, others will refer you out for one if you want it. If anything, I MUCH prefer prenatal care from a midwife. I spend 30-60 minutes at each appointment, because she takes the time to ask how *I* am doing, not just the routine of pee in a cup, blood pressure, doppler, see you next month that the OB did. We really discuss everything, from how I'm feeling, to exactly what each test entails and whether or not I want it. It's much more personal and in-depth. 

tokenhoser

It sounds like you know that staying with your OB and hospital is not setting up the birth you want. Keep your OB for your other needs, find a midwife that fits into your hopes for this birth. It's a business relationship - they're not going to have hurt feelings that you want something else for a few months.

You'll probably be pleasantly surprised at the level of care from a midwife. Appointments tend to be a bit longer and more personalized. The standard tests are available, same as a doctor. 

abell77

I agree with the previous comments.  It's not too late to switch, and it shouldn't be that hard to do.  Find a new provider you like, confirm your insurance will cover it, and then make the switch.  I switched around 25 weeks with my first pregnancy, I had a friend who switched at 35 weeks.  It's not too late.

vcabbyw

Agreed with we've gone else.

And yes you will be surprised at how personalized care can be with a midwife. My appointments are 60 minutes long, and it includes my back up midwife and the apprentice that will be there during. I also know both of the doulas and post partum doulas who will be attending to me for the two days after. I basically know everyone who will be present the day I give birth. I also have cell phone numbers to all of them that are reachable 24 hours a day. She saw me on a holiday weekend just for a UTI Infection! And a HUGE bonus is that I don't ever have to wait, they offer me the restroom immediately and then we start our appt.

All my tests are the same as in an OB office. They referred me out for ultrasounds. They send my labs out just like my doctors do.

Your needs come first, and I wouldn't hesitate to switch even late in the game if I felt like I wasn't getting the experience I wanted. It is super important to find a care provider that can support your idea of natural childbirth in order to be successful.

MrsB51609

I don't think it's ever too late to switch!  DS was born via induction and I was determined to not have my next child that way (barring medical necessity or emergency of course!)  We went the HB route with DD (no birthing centers in our area), and couldn't have been happier with her birth. 

Set yourself up to have the kind of birth you want!  If you know your OB won't be supportive, you know it will all go downhill from there.  Good luck & congrats!  

JCWhitey

I switched at 32 weeks because of a move.  It is definitely not too late.

I think you should at least explore your options and go look at the other places in your area that you can birth in.  I opted to go an extra 30 minutes passed the closest hospital to my house to birth at the hospital that I felt most comfortable in.  And when the closest hospital is already an hour away from your house that's added quite a bit of travel time onto an already long trip!  But for me it was worth it. 

Both my husband and I love my doctor and we are comfortable with her.  I wanted a midwife but there are none in this area so instead I did research into the most natural-birth friendly doctor option.  We're very happy with our decision.

lioness13

You can also try to labor at home in your tub for as long as possible. You'll see in my birth story posted that I did that and it was very helpful. I only was in the hospital for 3 hours which wasn't long enough for much intervention.

KTdidit

Wow thanks everyone! I definitely feel that I need to explore my options. Unfortunately there are no independent birth centers around but a couple hopsitals in my area seems to have "birthing centers" that have more options that I'd like. So we will set up tours for both of them. Thanks for the support!