Midwife vs. Doctor?

KiwiChampagne · October 2009

I have the option of working with a doctor or a midwife at my ob practice and I'm not really sure which direction I am leaning in.

Did you (will you) work with a midwife or a doctor? Why did you make that choice?

jayrabbitt · October 2009

I have a midwife (and she is AMAZING!! ) mainly bc my ob does not deliver babies anymore and i was referred to another doctor/ practice for the duration of my pregnancy. but just to let you know.. just because you have a midwife doesnt mean that you wont see the dr.. most places make it manditory to see the resident dr at least once. (after an hour and a half in the waiting room.. i met him for 45 seconds and that was it.. not happy to have to wait foreverrrr)

my midwife, sheila, said that if there are any complications then that is when the dr coudl become involved. but the major difference is that the midwife has less of a client load and is able to be much more personable and personal with you-- rather than rushing about.

hope that helps....

eamathews · November 2009

Thanks for posting this, Kiwi.

I am in a similar position and would like to hear more about your circumstances that is making you feel like you need to choose.

I love my Dr., but haven't been seeing her forever---my ob/gyn was always my nurse practitioner, Deb, whom I still see every other visit. My Dr., Nada, is very supportive of me going with a midwife. I've always worked well with nurse practitioners so I was thinking of making the switch, but if there is the inevitability of me working with a Dr. as well (if I go with a midwife), then why not just stay with my Dr?!

Looking forward to your reply.

willsmumma · November 2009

My doctor just hired a midwife to work in her practice along side of her. I love them both. They each see me every other visit thru the pregnancy. I had my doctor when I delivered with my DS, but would be very comfortable with my midwife as well. I am actually hoping that my midwife will be oresent for the birth of this one!!

BoosMum · November 2009

I personally think it depends on the persons personality more than whether or not they're MW or OB. I have seen some MWs who are not warm and fuzzy and some OBs who were more the hand holding type.

good luck!

Shelley-Bean · November 2009

I'm a little biased (I am a midwife), but I wouldn't go to an MD - I would stick with the midwife. Each practice is different, but for the most part, the midwives spend more time with you, and try to give you the pregnancy and birth experience you want. There is always a doctor and a midwife on call, so if there's any problem, or a c-section is needed, the MD is right there. If you have any specific midwifery questions, you can PM me (or find me on the infertility board), but I think you'll be happy with midwifery care.

ackaim · December 2009

Hi there,

I'm a newbie due in August. Did you get any good referrals for a midwife? I've heard so many positive things about them that I am seriously leaning that way. Mt Auburn in Cambridge has a great network of MW but I was looking to hear if anyone could recommend one over another....

juniper627 · January 2010

I chose a midwife w/ my 1st but didn't realize that midwife's do not do episidomies (pardon my spelling)... I ended up with a 3rd degree tear & had a very painful & long recovery... I'll be using a doctor w/ #2.

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Midwife vs. Doctor?

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