I know this is a stupid question but I've never really thought about it before. I am getting my list of questions ready for my OB/GYN and it looks like there is a lot of crossover. Does the OB deliver the baby? Do they decide where? Sorry, I'm confused.
Re: Who delivers the baby?
you OB is going to be responcible for your prenatal care. However when it comes to actual delivery you need to be prepared for two things. One if your doc is in a multi partner practice you'll see each doc in the practice atleast once because who will deliver your baby may depend on who is on call at that time, espeially on weekends and holidays.?
if your doctor is not in a partner practice you may still be delivered by a doc you've never met. The hospital will have a doc on call. Remember OBs have lives too and they might be outta town or even sick that particular day.?
either way the nurses on the maternity floor do most the work anyway, the doctor is really just the yes man and the baby catcher. So you might want to choose your hospital then your OB if you're OB shopping, make sure the place has a vibe you like, policies you like, even talk to some of the staff.
Not a stupid question at all. I've heard at some practices some OBs don't deliver. I'd ask.
My OB delivered at 2 different hospitals, and I got to choose which one.
If it's important to you to have a face-to-face with all of them, I would be sure to ask about that.