Hospital tour and switching care
robyn2201
member
My current OB isn't exactly natural birth friendly. It's a long story as to why we stayed with her through out my entire pregnancy with DD, but we did and I ended up having a wonderful birth experience with DD. I worry though, what happens if this next birth doesn't go as smoothly? Posterior baby or water breaks and contractions don't start right away? Dh and I decided that this time around we had to switch providers and maybe even hospitals.
So last night Dh and I finally went and toured another nearby hospital. We toured 2 different hospitals when pregnant with DD and this one is much nicer than both of the others. It's a bit further but not much. Instead of 5 min it's like 15-20 depending on traffic. C-section rate is much lower! And just from the tour, we got the feeling that they are much more open towards a natural birth. The lady giving the tour suggested using the shower while in labor and they have their own birth balls. I am super stoked about the possibility of using the shower while in labor. The other hospitals did not have showers in the L&D rooms. My recovery room with DD did not even have a shower!
I have a recommendation for a Family Practice D.O. that both my doula and another highly experienced doula really like, so I am going to call today and see about having my care switched. 
Re: Hospital tour and switching care
I delivered with a family doctor and had a great experience. For one, because she doesn't ONLY see pregnant women, she can attend most of her patient's births and still have a life. It was also nice that we can continue care with the same doctor - she sees me and DS.
Good luck! I hope you have a smooth switch.
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So glad you found a hospital you like more! Sounds similar to the hospital where I delivered DS (and plan to deliver this LO) with the showers and birthing balls. Nursing staff was supportive, too.
Hope you like the DO when you meet him/her!
Good luck. Sounds like the other hospital is better and a DO would probably give great natural birth care.
...baby #3 is here...
The hospital where I had DD, their c-section rate was 36%. This other hospital, I believe is 22%.
The WHO reccomends a c-section of no higher than 15%. I think you would have a hard time finding a US hospital with a rate that low though.