Midwife?

kenna_4 · May 2012

Hi, I haven't posted here before as last time around I totally wanted an epi during birth.

I'd like to go natural with this LO. I'm looking into having a midwife this time instead of an OB as I think that will give me the support I need to go med free. My DH says "just go to an OB and tell them you don't want drugs" I tired to explain that interventions and drugs seem to sometimes go hand in hand with an OB.

Has anybody had success with an OB? I'm sure it would depend on the doctor. Any tips?

silkyhorse · May 2012

I've noticed from friends' birth stories that if you have quick labors, it usually isn't a problem using an OB. If you have long labors, though, they're going to start pushing things on you. Not sure that helps.

kenna_4 · May 2012

That's what happened last time, I was in labour for 2 days, so they were like you need this, you need that, and I just went along with it. Looking back, I really didn't "need" anything.

chris&kendra1 · May 2012

I think it can definitely done with an OB, especially one that is natural birth friendly, but it would probably be helpful to get a doula.

Celyn · May 2012

I had a natural labor with an OB. I think it's helpful to find one who actually supports (and is confident in a mom's ability to have) natural labor. Knowing their c-section rate for low risk clients can be telling. A doctor with a 10% rate is going to be less interventionist, typically, than one with a 40% rate. An OB who greets "I'd like to labor without an epidural" with a doubtful "good luck with that" isn't going to be very supportive of natural labor. Another question to ask is how long they will let you be "stalled", if all else looks fine, before starting pitocin. We have a local hospital where pitocin is recommended anytime a mom doesn't progress to the next cm within 2 hours (at any point after 3cm). That's not a place that knows what natural labor even looks like...

choppinbroccoli22 · May 2012

Yes, the fact that we have obstetric surgeons to help in difficult & threatening deliveries is a great thing. Go modern medicine. But for the normal, low-risk pregnancy, I don't see why I should have a surgeon deliver my baby. They are highly skilled and trained to DO SURGERY, and that is probably their comfort zone. If you watch the Business of Being Born together, he might get this. Midwives are highly skilled and trained to deliver naturally, with meds, and can even assist with c-sections. They usually come with a lot more experience in the kind of birth you are looking for. Make sense? You want someone whose broad-based comfort zone is natural birth. An OB can be comfortable with it... you just have to really interview and be sure you are on the same page. Ask them what their rate of c-section is...their rate of using pitocin and what circumstances prompt them to use it (get exact time frames)...under what circumstances would they induce you... you want to compare these answers and find what approach suits you. You will find that they are very different, and if you labor long, those things can be a game changer.

sgoree · May 2012

From my own family's experience (8 sisters) you need someone who will support you 100% in your birth plan otherwise you might just cave. Also, the location of your birth helps--my sister had hers in a birthing center that didn't even carry meds to make sure she wouldn't have access to them. I think I will do this too and just make sure my husband knows what our plan is.

RockyMtnMama · May 2012

Does your OB office also have CNM (certified nurse midwives)? Most larger OBs have CNMs that can do all prenatal visits and delivery, but call in your regular OB for consult on sticky issues.

kenna_4 · May 2012

We're going with a midwife, thanks ladies for your input, called one today.

Want a personalized experience?

Midwife?

Re: Midwife?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards