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Strange reactions about using a MW?

MadameFancyPantsMadameFancyPants member
in 2nd Trimester

Up until today's appointment, I'd gone to a military hospital where my doctors/midwife were assigned to me.  I don't know if I would have chosen a doctor or a MW if I were given the choice.  Now that DH is off Active Duty, we are able to choose our healthcare providers.

Since I'd enjoyed seeing a MW, we decided that I'd continue my care with a civilian one.  Today, DH was telling his boss and a few of his co-worker that he would be out of the office a bit longer during lunch today so that we could both meet with our new MW.  He'd be back before after the appointment (it was down the street) if they needed him for anything. 

He said everyone was being a little judgmental of him.  Like we weren't going the correct route for prenatal care or we are extreme hippies or something.  

Has anyone else had people make them feel awkward for choosing to use a MW over an OB?

 

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Re: Strange reactions about using a MW?

  • BakerMommyBakerMommy member
    People look at me funny until I tell them I'll still have the baby at a hospital--I think a lot of people think midwife means home birth, which weirds some people out.
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  • greycoralgreycoral

    yes, definitely. Even more so because we're doing a home birth.  Our families are now totally on board though, once we educated them about what they actually do, and what their training consists of.

    I am also currently seeing a midwife (CNM) through my own insurance.  I just didn't want to deliver in a hospital, that's why we went the home birth route.  They don't even give you a choice, all prenatal care is done by the midwife, as is delivery. The OB's are just there for surgery. Love that. 

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  • poison489poison489
    Anytime you step outside of the accepted norm, you are going to meet some critics.  I was hanging out with a few of my friends and mentioned that I was going to go without pain meds for labor and they told me I was "Granola" and started to ask if I will be immunizing my child as well as other questions they considered to be "Granola" related.  You are doing what you feel comfortable with and what you feel is best for you and your baby, so don't let other people's judgements get to you.
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  • tlquisttlquist
    I've had a few "weird looks", but this is my second pregnancy using a MW, so I'm used to it. DH's aunt stated, "Aren't they for hippies?!" I laughed at her and she knew to shut up! I continue my care with my MW, even when I'm not pregnant. She does my yearly exam and has been truly a blessing. If you are comfortable with your decision, then that is all that matters!
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  • MadameFancyPantsMadameFancyPants member
    Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my decision and I'm not going to change it based on other's opinions.  I was just slightly taken aback that to some people it seems waaaaaaaaay out there to see a MW!  I guess I just didn't realize that it's not the norm.  I always thought it was about 50/50.
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  • flaky24flaky24 member

    Anytime I mention my MW I get weird looks from people followed by "oh so you're doing a home birth?" and I have to explain that I will give birth in a hospital and explain the difference between a MW and OB but still looking confused.

    I don't let it bother me what people say or think, I'm so comfortable with my MW

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  • sarcaztic1016sarcaztic1016 member

    I usually get the "but what if there is an emergency?" questions. My answer is then I will go to a hospital... Then I get the "but what if they dont know? I mean are they even going to check the baby to make sure its ok?" Usually I try to answer all of there questions calmly, because most people just dont understand that ALL births don't have to happen in a hospital under medication.

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  • dawneodawneo member
    I have had a few people ask why I chose a midwife but nothing negative when I explain that I am still planning on delivering in a hospital.  I think people assume midwife = birth at home.  Other pg people are often jealous since midwives here are hard to get into - long waiting lists and only so many clients per month.  I have a friend due next month who never got off the wait list and one due in Oct. who only had her first appt. last week (was on a wait list until then.  I have been seeing my mw since 8 weeks - no waitlist - I think it is because I am due at the beginning of Dec and called right away so I was one of the first to call for Dec.
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  • bandwifebandwife

    imageBakerMommy:
    People look at me funny until I tell them I'll still have the baby at a hospital--I think a lot of people think midwife means home birth, which weirds some people out.

    This.

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