Why OB versus Midwife?

cczp8211 · September 2013

Read above, I explain it better

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

Uh, there is something wrong with a c section. It comes with risks. And when there's not a medical reason for it it's an unnecessary risk, both for you and your baby.

Laroo0220 · September 2013

@cczp8211 I don't think anyone said anything like that. If someone wants a drug free natural birth that's their choice. That doesn't mean they are trying to prove something. I myself tried to go the drug free route with my son but my labor stalled at 7 cm and I ended up getting an intrathecal to take the edge off. I did not want an epidural not bc I was trying to prove I was a better mom but bc I've talked to many women who have had one and really struggled pushing and then didn't remember much about the actual birth. I just wanted to be 100 percent with it. I don't judge ppl who get one though. Everyone is different and has a dif plan

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

cczp8211 said:

Read above, I explain it better

Not really so much.

cczp8211 · September 2013

Like I said, I see nothin wrong with natural birth. I applaud ppl who can tolerate it. I just know that I won't be one of them. Like I said, no judgment for personal and/or medical decisions.

cczp8211 · September 2013

There are risks with ever kind of child birth. C-section is not this horrible procedure. Your risk for infection is exactly the same. Your risk for bleeding the same. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with an elective c-section. It isn't this dangerous unnecessary procedure. It is a life saving procedure. And it's not cool that you keep saying different.

cczp8211 · September 2013

Not bitter at all. Just not enjoying one person continually posting that c-section should be avoided. It's not appropriate. Yes, mortality is very low in this country but it still does happen.

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

A c section comes with more risk than a vaginal birth, all else being equal meaning no special circumstances. Period. Full stop. Not debatable. An elective c section comes with UNNECESSARY risk.

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

The mortality rate in this country is actually not that low. It's much lower in ther countries where c section rates are a fraction of ours and midwifery care is more prevalent. I'm not the one saying you should avoid c sections, the WHO is.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

Midwives are the absolute norm for delivery here. Only in high risk do they bring in an OB, and even then, you are still being cared for by the midwife. I'm not worried in the slightest. They seem to be pretty good at birthing babies here. I think OB's are more common in the states and had I still lived there, I probably wouldn't have even considered a midwife. And I totally agree. This is absolutely what our bodies are made to do. Just because something is painful, doesn't mean it isn't natural. As for handling the pain, we have options! I love that. :-)

cczp8211 · September 2013

Just because you don't agree doesn't mean that I didn't explain myself. Again, you shouldn't be trying to make someone feel guilty or bad because they are making a different choice than you are making. I keep reading Rrrrrachel comments about avoiding c-section and I find it inappropriate. These comments are in response to her comments, not anyone else's. Again I don't judge anyone else's choices so why are mine being judged? Ppl should be diminishing someone's experience because they were able to do it naturally. And I didn't say someone pooped. My friend had to have 4 surgeries to take her rectum back up inside her body. She still has problems 5 years later because her midwife didn't want to send her in for a C-section. Just because C-section isn't "natural" doesn't mean it should be looked at as this horrible decision. It does save lives. It saved my mothers life when she had my brother. It is not a shameful decision.

CandaceMarie321 · September 2013

The choice between OB or Midwife I think should really rely more on the individual PERSON assisting you with your delivery. Being a midwife doesn't mean she won't completely take over and ignore your wishes during labor. Being an OB doesn't mean he is going pump you full of drugs and cut you open. You need to find a skilled person who views pregnancy the same as you, and makes you feel comfortable and informed. If you don't feel like you can ask your caregiver anything then you need a new caregiver.
I am fortunate enough to have an amazing OB, who is very supportive of laboring however works best for his individual patients. He runs a small practice so I see him at every appointment. He has personally delivered my three sons.
My biggest concern with a midwife would be what happens in an emergency. Stress on my body from my first two pregnancies meant I needed to be induced. My 2nd pregnancy I was low risk until 39 weeks when a urine test showed I was starting to have pre-eclampsia despite great bp reading my whole pregnancy. With my first I had an unexplained heart condition. I am certain that my OB's emcouragement to get an epidural with my first prevented an emergany c-section. If you choose a midwife talk to her about what happens in special cases.
Good luck finding the right caregiver for your family!

katieharpiceland · September 2013

Its shocking how high mortality rates are in the U.S.!! Especially considering the extreme cost of giving birth in the US compared to other countries. @cczp8211 Definitely should reevaluate your information. I never would have known had I not read about it. I also thought many OB's were stopping the performance of elective c-sections. Maybe that was just a bit of wishful thinking on my part :-( The situations you described were instances when c-sections were warranted. I'm sorry your friend went through what she did, but, (not being snarky) have you ever looked up how common this rectum falling out thing is during birth? Just for your own knowledge.

cczp8211 · September 2013

Couldn't agree more

Rrrrrachel · September 2013

I'm not belittling anyone or pooping on anyone's individual experience by saying that c sections, statistically, come with risks and pointing out that major health organizations say beyond a certain level they do more harm than good, on a population level. I have four sisters and three of the had their babies by c section. They're wonderful mothers and I don't think less of them one bit for it, that would be stupid. I'm sorry if facts hurt your fee fees.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

cczp8211 said:

Just because you don't agree doesn't mean that I didn't explain myself. Again, you shouldn't be trying to make someone feel guilty or bad because they are making a different choice than you are making. I keep reading Rrrrrachel comments about avoiding c-section and I find it inappropriate. These comments are in response to her comments, not anyone else's. Again I don't judge anyone else's choices so why are mine being judged? Ppl should be diminishing someone's experience because they were able to do it naturally. And I didn't say someone pooped. My friend had to have 4 surgeries to take her rectum back up inside her body. She still has problems 5 years later because her midwife didn't want to send her in for a C-section. Just because C-section isn't "natural" doesn't mean it should be looked at as this horrible decision. It does save lives. It saved my mothers life when she had my brother. It is not a shameful decision.

Psst. No one cares if you get a c-section. What everyone is trying to tell you is that you're spouting a lot of untrue things. No one is disputing what you're saying what happened to your friends; but everyone is calling bullshit on your "facts" about birthing natural vs birthing via c-section, because they aren't true. Period.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

Anyway, OP. Do your research. As you can see, there's a lot of bad info that you can come across on the internet. I had a midwife because I wanted a low intervention birth (not for a medal, just in case anyone is curious). I loved the experience. But I went in knowing what sort of care of expect, so I didn't have any surprises.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

I, obviously, am going to a midwife for the medal. Medals are pretty cool. My baby can wear it on the way home from the hospital. :-D

Serenla · September 2013

I will just file a disclaimer saying I worship the ground that Ina May Gaskin walks on.

I am all for a midwife, I would prefer one over an OB for a couple of reasons.

1) An OB is a trained surgeon, they are trained to fix problems and therefore sometimes treat childbirth as a problem. Obviously this is not every OB, but it does cover quite a few, look at the individual rates for the OB you are considering.

2) I want the least interventions possible and, depending on the MW, they are not always constrained to the same rules that OBs, who have to answer to insurance companies, are. Again, this does not cover all MWs or OBs, most likely if your MW is in a hospital then they will be subject to the same rules. I.e. cannot have had their water broken for more than 24 hours.

3) Most hospitals are big business, their first job is to cover their ass. I don't trust big business. One more time, this is not all hospitals just many of them. Yes I did get this fact from TBOBB and other places.

If I might stress one thing, it would be to do your research. I do not judge Moms who want to use OBs or have a home birth as it is up to them. Just make sure you look into your options, I would also encourage you to look into the hospitals themselves. Check out their c-section rate, maternal death rate, what they would do for a breech, ect... make sure you are comfortable with this. Same thing goes for a MW practice, always look into it.

Serenla · September 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

I, obviously, am going to a midwife for the medal. Medals are pretty cool. My baby can wear it on the way home from the hospital. :-D

What color will it be?

abbeylanecb · September 2013

I knew this would be good when I saw 3 pages on this thread!!

I had an OB the first baby and a midwife the second time. I am going back to the midwife. In my opinion the care was better and more personal.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

I'm banking on a silver medal.I might use the laughing gas they offer, and well, that would ruin my chances for a gold. I love me some good laughing gas when in pain. Plus, it'll match the earrings I already picked out as a part of my birthing attire. My gown is designed by Gucci.

cczp8211 · September 2013

Kbukleyharp- It is actually pretty common to push your rectum out. I have been researching all of this since my husband and I starting trying a year ago. I know what I am facing and enjoying the blessing of pregnancy. I know way too many ppl that have had really bad experiences and it scares me. All I care about is safely delivering my baby.
Rrrrrachel- I used to take care of a girl with cerebral palsy who also should have been a c-section birth and wasn't. All I care about is getting my baby out fast and safely. That doesn't mean I am making an unnatural decision and that I should be judged for it. Vag birth isn't always the best decision. It's a wonderful one but not right for me. I get that you don't feel that you are judging but you really are pushing it in your messages. Childbirth is a risk in and of itself regardless of how the baby comes out. There is tearing and bleeding and fetal birth injuries just as often as with c-section. Infection rates are the same. I realize you think that anyone who would elect to have a c-section just hasn't done their research. That is an ignorant statement to make. Trust me I am an EMT I constantly research medical things. I have personally delivered babies. I don't need to log in the my birth club to get medical advice. I know what I am talking about and there is nothing wrong with electing to have a c-section. It is a safe decision.

Mandyw75 · September 2013

I started with an OB last time but switched to a midwife. I just felt they were on the same page as me. No pressure on anything. I'm using the same midwife team this time as well. I also like that its a team of women. Women are great to have around while in labour and delivering.
I never felt they were any less able to handle the situation than a OB.

I would meet with both and see which one you feel more comfortable with.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

Well, see, I don't know that I deserved a medal last time, DD's birth wasn't all that bad, and it was quick. Only about an hour of it was hellishly painful, and right after that, I gave a few pushes, and out she came.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

Maybe my next one will be a nightmare like the poster who think all natural births are the debil described. Then I can get a gold, maybe?

AcaAwkward · September 2013

cczp8211 said:
There are risks with ever kind of child birth. C-section is not this horrible procedure. Your risk for infection is exactly the same. Your risk for bleeding the same. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with an elective c-section. It isn't this dangerous unnecessary procedure. It is a life saving procedure. And it's not cool that you keep saying different.

Wrong (risk of infection). Wrong (risk for bleeding). And a "necessary, life-saving, elective c-section" is the biggest oxymoron I've ever heard.

You're welcome to plan whatever type of birth you and your care provider agree upon. But do some actual research.

Also, where did your defensive original response come from? That was waaaaaay out of left field. Pretty much all the responders were sharing their personal experiences and reasons for choosing the provider they did. No one was hating on moms who choose OBs, interventions, etc... Or tooting their own horns in regards to their natural experiences.

Chill. Out.

Mandyw75 · September 2013

I can push my rectum out??? Whaaaatt? :-?

Where did this come from?

I think I already have with all this constipation.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

Oh, well, maybe the medal committee was out for lunch during your birth last time. Its a shame @MyNameWasTaken

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

ColleenSwerb said:

Well, see, I don't know that I deserved a medal last time, DD's birth wasn't all that bad, and it was quick. Only about an hour of it was hellishly painful, and right after that, I gave a few pushes, and out she came.
Only an hour? Totally not medal worthy. Although I'd take 1 hour of misery any day! Lol!

I don't know. All this talk about medals kind of makes me want one.

Kind of.

Well, maybe not.

No. Definitely not. lol

katieharpiceland · September 2013

@ColleenSwerb I just looked and everything I read said rectal prolapse is quite rare at birth. I only did a quick look, maybe @cczp8211 could direct us to the research that says rectal prolapse happens all the time. I'd like to see it myself.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

Oh, well, maybe the medal committee was out for lunch during your birth last time. Its a shame @MyNameWasTaken

I know. I'm feeling left out. Dammit. I didn't even get my kid's name and birth stats blasted all over my midwife's Facebook page like she does with everyone else's.

Serenla · September 2013

kbuckleyharp said:

I'm banking on a silver medal.I might use the laughing gas they offer, and well, that would ruin my chances for a gold. I love me some good laughing gas when in pain. Plus, it'll match the earrings I already picked out as a part of my birthing attire. My gown is designed by Gucci.

Oh and what about a matching pushing present for YH? How about a silver ring? Oh no wait! A silver chain for his beard. @kbuckleyharp

katieharpiceland · September 2013

@Serenla you're a genius! I'm going to look for silver beard chains ASAP!

cczp8211 · September 2013

I never said rectal prolapse "happens all the time". I said it was very common. I delivered a baby on a kitchen floor and watched it happen. When being taught EMT birthing skills there's an entire section just on dealing with Prolapse. I'm guess you've never been trained in childbirth or delivered someone else's baby. I am referring to training beyond Lamaze btw. Sorry I don't know the percentage off the top of my head, but you can google prolapse for yourself.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

@Cczp8211 I did google rectal prolapse during childbirth. It came up with loads of sites saying its not common unless you have prior risk factors. And, I was genuinely asking you to point me to an article about this. I didn't need a patronizing lecture about how you know everything about childbirth.

katieharpiceland · September 2013

Unicorn poop medal. The highest honor of them all!

AcaAwkward · September 2013

kbuckleyharp said:
I'm banking on a silver medal.I might use the laughing gas they offer, and well, that would ruin my chances for a gold. I love me some good laughing gas when in pain. Plus, it'll match the earrings I already picked out as a part of my birthing attire. My gown is designed by Gucci.

Amateur.

Everyone knows Oscar is the only way to go with haute couture birthing gowns.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

cczp8211 said:

I never said rectal prolapse "happens all the time". I said it was very common. I delivered a baby on a kitchen floor and watched it happen. When being taught EMT birthing skills there's an entire section just on dealing with Prolapse. I'm guess you've never been trained in childbirth or delivered someone else's baby. I am referring to training beyond Lamaze btw. Sorry I don't know the percentage off the top of my head, but you can google prolapse for yourself.

Dude. I let my EMT licenses drop two years ago. I know exactly what kind of birth training you have. You are not a birthing know-it-all. Stop acting like you are.

MyNameWasTaken · September 2013

ColleenSwerb said:

@mynamewastaken - So you're saying EMT births AREN'T standard? Weird.

I know, right? I mean, yes, we do get a basic training of the birthing process, but it is nothing compared to what an ob or a midwife, or hell, even any nurse in L&D learns. It's just not.

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