I finally jumped from an OB to a CNM!

danuli8 · January 2013

Mobile: I finally jumped from an OB to a CNM!

I picked my OB based on the recommendation of my gynecologist's office. Since I love my gyno, I figured I'd love the OB. I was half right. She is very nice, personable, listens to you and answers questions, etc. However, the more research I did, the more I decided I wanted a low-drama, low-intervention birth. (Of course, you don't always get what you want, but my pregnancy has been a total yawner with no issues whatsoever thus far.) However, most OBs subscribe to a very medical model of childbirth as something inherently dangerous that must be managed and controlled lest somebody end up dead. (I don't think I'm exaggerating much.)

At my 24-week appointment, I took my birth preferences list in to show to the OB and make sure we were on the same page, and I believe I posted about her (totally nonsensical) refusal to delay cord clamping. And suddenly I just thought, "Why am I doing this? Do I really need an MD to be in charge of what will most likely be a pretty straightforward event?" I may be old, but I'm still pretty darn healthy when you get right down to it.

My doula saved me. I wrote her several anguished e-mails about the situation and finally concluded that I was an idiot for going to an OB and expecting her to act like a midwife, and that the obvious solution was to jump to a CNM. The doula recommended a few people, I made some calls, and today I got to meet my new provider. It is a completely different vibe. She has me call her by her first name and treats me like a partner. Her office even has a group thing where all the ladies due in the same month come in every other week for a two-hour combination medical care/discussion session. We all get our medical stuff done (fundal measurement, listening to HB, etc.) and then there is a group discussion and they bring in speakers on various topics. Sort of like a real-life birth month board! I am already happy I made the jump.

gscoville · January 2013

That sounds wonderful, I'm so glad you've made a decision you're so comfortable with! I live in a small town where midwife options just aren't there, but luckily my family doctor does maternity (some doctors in our town don't) and he's a very relaxed and approachable guy who will be a good fit for us. My DD from a previous marriage was a very textbook birth, so I'm hoping that even though she was born 18 years ago, my body will follow the same pattern and we'll have the relaxed and not unnecessarily 'clinical' birth experience we're looking for.

2MamazInSeattle · January 2013

Good for you!!!!!!! It sounds like you found exactly what you wanted and needed. Yay for your Doula helping you navigate the change. We found a program with CNMs just like the one you describe and that is our definite plan. My partner only requires I birth in a hospital, so we're both winning going this route. I didn't want the 'perscribed birth' approach of most OBs either. Anyhow, great job taking care of yourself and baby!!

mama2many · January 2013

That's great. I absolutely adore my MW - I hate to see her only every 2 yrs now for well woman exams. But, I don't think I can keep getting pregnant forever just to keep her around more.

pumabrew · January 2013

That's fantastic! I really want to use a CNM but we only have one hospital near me that has them and it's not covered on my insurance plan. My husband may end up with a job with the city soon and their plan will cover it. So I'm just killing time to see what happens and in the meantime trying to find an OB that is natural and laid back.

RedLucia · January 2013

I am so glad you posted about this. I have yet to present my birth plan to my OB, and if the OB does not agree with what I want, I will really try to switch to a CNM as well. Well played!

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