Is anyone considering birth attended by a midwife?

buttrflybeach427 · November 2014

I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

ChristyM87 · November 2014

Look around and see what you can find I have been using a nurse -midwife for years for my well woman care and will be using one for my prenatal care and delivery. Unless my delivery becomes high risk I will be delivering at an out of hospital birth center

wineandcake · November 2014

I don't really understand American health care, but I have a midwife and all costs are covered under OHIP. I'm planning a hospital birth like I had with my son. I was induced and had some complications during delivery so an OB was called in, but other than ordering the induction and doing his thing post delivery (retained placenta) I was cared for entirely by the midwife. It was a great experience, I'm excited to be seeing the same group this time and hopefully will have the same one deliver this baby (1/3 chance).

catladymeow · November 2014

I'm in Ontario (same as @wineandcake) where they are covered by our provincial health care plan. I tried to get in with a midwife but they are all full. They are pretty popular here and there aren't enough to fill the demand. I'm on a waiting list, but I'm not holding my breath.

OwlieOoo · November 2014

I had a midwife attend the birth of my first. It was an induction due to gestational diabetes (so on the low end of high risk). Loved her and will hopefully have her or another MW in the practice attend the birth of this baby.

Jennym2b · November 2014

I am in Florida and have a nurse midwife who is affiliated with both a doctor's office and hospital. She is doing my prenatal care and my delivery. I called my insurance and found the practice. Couldn't be happier. Maybe try calling your insurance and doing the same? Good luck.

sutavim2 · November 2014

I'm in San Diego and I found a hospital about 40 minutes away that has a midwife center. She will be doing all the prenatal care.. My first appt is Tuesday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well.

buttrflybeach427 · November 2014

Thank you everyone, such a huge help. Any other advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. My insurance is awful, in network doctors only and very difficult to find one who is covered with good reviews. I really want a less clinical, less rigid approach to labor and delivery but there doesn't seem to be any birthing centers near me and I'm worried about going to far and regretting the decision especially bc I'd like to have a midwife do my prenatal care as well.

ifwisheswerefishes · November 2014

DH and I have recently switched hospitals from the one literally walking distance from our house (I can see it from my window right now) to one an HOUR away to work with a midwife + have a VBAC + get away from idiot doctors who don't know their asses from their elbows.

Our midwife is affiliated with a hospital. All our appointments will be at the hospital-connected office. It's covered by our insurance (which is a damn miracle), and I'm honestly incredibly excited about this birth. We can learn about this together.

caymarks · November 2014

I have used a CNM for all three pregnancies. My first two were water births and I plan to do the same thing this time as well. Mine is all billed through a practice and I'm each midwife is "assigned" a doctor so maybe that's how it's billed?!

usermovedon · November 2014

I'm seeing a certified nurse midwife. She's part of a practice with two OBs and attends births at the local hospital - the only option in my small city.

muffyvonmuff · November 2014

I sed a midwife last time and Ill use her again. There are 5 midwives in the practice I go to with an OBGYN office across the hall. I gave birth in a normal hospital and liked how calm the room was with them so much Im excited to use the midwives again. This time with an epidural asap.

wineandcake · November 2014

Don't be afraid of travelling a bit. I have to deliver at a hospital 4.5hrs away, it's not ideal but we live in a remote area and the hospitals along the way to town aren't equipped for a complicated delivery. The only hospitals that will let me deliver are regional hospitals and both are equal distance from us (one has a small hospital every hour along the way, we're going with that one because I like knowing we can stop of necessary). Home birth absolutely is not an option for me, midwives are 4.5hrs away and I would never even consider the idea of an unassisted birth.

FSUNole31 · November 2014

I go to a hospital about 40 minutes away instead of about 2 to use a practice that has both doctors and midwives. I had a midwife for my second child and plan to go that route again. I hope you find some luck getting one.

geoffandjen728 · November 2014

I will be using one this time around. She is affiliated with the hospital I where I delivered DD. Technically, she is part of a team that works under some OBGYN's so the cost is covered the same as if I was using a traditional OBGYN. In my area there are no independent birth centers or midwife practices (that I know of, and I have tried to look) that aren't associated with a hospital.

MrsAB1316 · November 2014

I will be delivering at a hospital using a midwife. They bill under a physician's practice that is covered under my insurance. I had 2 OBs with my first and on D Day, some random on call dr delivered my son. He was amazing and did a great job but I was disappointed that all those months of building a rapport with my doctors was all for naught. With my MW practice I am guaranteed at least one of them will be on call when I go in.

kellmoria · November 2014

I delivered with a CNM last time. It was a wonderful experience, and I plan to do the same this time. It is under an OB/GYN practice, so an OB attends whenever a consult is needed.

cschissell · November 2014

Last time around I used a hospital based midwifery practice. I'm looking in to home birth this time around, but if we don't go with a home birth we'll go with the same hospital based midwifery practice as last time.

nikkisauro · November 2014

buttrflybeach427 said:
I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

I live in NJ and I found a women's center (in morristown) with CMWs who provide all the prenatal care and they are affiliated with a hospital for the delivery. There are physicians they work with if any complications arise, but for the most part they provide all the services. They accept most major insurance companies. Queens is likely a far trek from there but I'm sure nyc has similar services. Try some searches to find places and they generally list what insurance they take on their website.

MrsAB1316 · November 2014

nikkisauro said:

buttrflybeach427 said:
I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

I live in NJ and I found a women's center (in morristown) with CMWs who provide all the prenatal care and they are affiliated with a hospital for the delivery. There are physicians they work with if any complications arise, but for the most part they provide all the services. They accept most major insurance companies. Queens is likely a far trek from there but I'm sure nyc has similar services. Try some searches to find places and they generally list what insurance they take on their website.

We may be using the same one. I am in NJ as well and the practice I'm using is out of Morristown and is affiliated with MMC.

gingerchix1980 · November 2014

@wineandcake‌ Oh so jealous. Had midwives with DD in Ontario but have since moved to NS where there are about 10 for the whole province. I adored my midwives and the personal service they provide. OP if you can get a midwife I would really recommend it.

MisSmartyPants · November 2014

My mother is a midwife, so I am blessed to receive free services from her!!! I will have a regular hospital birth, but she will be by my side no matter what keeping an eye on everything!

butterfly061583 · November 2014

Yes. I am. That's what Kaiser does automatically.

fallwithautumn · November 2014

Have you considered a doula? (Its what I do lol) you can get lots of support during pregnancy and birth and its much cheaper than you might think (: I do my work in nj and ny so if you need some suggestions let me know (:

buttrflybeach427 · November 2014

Thanks again everyone, this is great and best of luck to all of you and congratulations of course :-). I definitely am feeling more confident about traveling if need be after reading everyone's replies. I'm not too clear on the difference between a midwife and doula? Would a doula do prenatal care as well?

daniellelea1985 · November 2014

A midwife is a medically trained professional. There are different types of certifications for midwives too, some have full fledged nursing degrees and others just have a certification from MEAC (Midwifery Education Accreditation Council) and some even have both! Midwives can write prescriptions and do gyno exams etc.

A doula doesn't have to be certified(in some states) or they can be certified with DONA (Doulas of North America) Doulas are more like a personal birth attendant. They help you through the birth (and what to expect leading up to). You build a very personal relationship with them.

Here's an article that is great at breaking it down:

https://www.allnursingschools.com/nursing-careers/article/doula/

For my last pregnancy, I went to a Birth Center that had about 10 different midwives and nurse midwives. It was about an hour away (don't be afraid to travel). The prenatal care was excellent but my birth experience was not a good one. This time, I am going with an OB and hospital birth. My advice is to choose a practice that has a sound plan should issues arise. The birth center I went to had a GREAT backup plan and we transferred to a hospital just down the street no problem. They have a top rated NICU at the hospital which was important to me. The midwives were great, just not the birth experience I want this time around!

Also, make sure to check out midwife and doula certifications and make sure they are up to date. Make sure they have malpractice insurance. My sister had a great midwife but when it came to baby #3 she found out that the lady's license was expired, she had a big malpractice suit against her and was arrested. Do your homework!

JMTorok · November 2014

I'm going to hire a doula. I have found their rates in my area are pretty reasonable!

lindseypraino · November 2014

I'm on my second child. Many of my friends have two plus kids. Overall best experiences were with obgyns especially if you have a complicated delivery. I was in labor 32 hours and pushed for 4 hours. I thank god for the epidural and pitocin med. I was able to deliver naturally. Everyone's experience is different. You have to go with your gut but if you get a delivery like mine you want a doctor. I delivered at highland hospital in upstate ny. It considered one of the the best women's hospitals in nys if anyone lives in rochester area.

Ps my husband's cousin used a doula the first time and she was as much help as a wet noodle. Just one experience so do your research on that one.

coylelaura · November 2014

I used midwifery services and had a 100% natural hospital delivery with my first, but will be having a home birth with midwifery services this time so I don't have to deal with the pressures and discomfort I dealt with during my hospital delivery. My midwife was great but the hospital staff were pushy and not respectful of my birth plan. They tried to bully me into interventions I didn't want, I felt vulnerable and exhausted, and I should have been able to focus on my labor and delivery instead of having to advocate for my rights.

JMTorok · November 2014

@lindseypraino‌ I'm in the a Rochester area as well! My Dr. Is affiliated with Unity. I was going back and forth between Highland and Unity. I've heard great things about both. I'm hiring a doula for extra support during the whole pregnancy since this is my first.

applebee1980 · November 2014

I have a midwife and I love the whole team. I used them for my 2nd birth and will for this one and any one after. I go for all my obgyn needs.Over time you will build a relationship with them. My insurance covers all their services at no additional charge. You should look into you never know. I just found out that they have volunteer doauls well. Good luck.

nikkisauro · November 2014

MrsAB1316 said:

nikkisauro said:

buttrflybeach427 said:
I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

I live in NJ and I found a women's center (in morristown) with CMWs who provide all the prenatal care and they are affiliated with a hospital for the delivery. There are physicians they work with if any complications arise, but for the most part they provide all the services. They accept most major insurance companies. Queens is likely a far trek from there but I'm sure nyc has similar services. Try some searches to find places and they generally list what insurance they take on their website.
We may be using the same one. I am in NJ as well and the practice I'm using is out of Morristown and is affiliated with MMC.

Probably!

it's my first time using them. Have you used them before by chance?

MrsAB1316 · November 2014

nikkisauro said:

MrsAB1316 said:

nikkisauro said:

buttrflybeach427 said:
I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

I live in NJ and I found a women's center (in morristown) with CMWs who provide all the prenatal care and they are affiliated with a hospital for the delivery. There are physicians they work with if any complications arise, but for the most part they provide all the services. They accept most major insurance companies. Queens is likely a far trek from there but I'm sure nyc has similar services. Try some searches to find places and they generally list what insurance they take on their website.
We may be using the same one. I am in NJ as well and the practice I'm using is out of Morristown and is affiliated with MMC.
Probably! it's my first time using them. Have you used them before by chance?

No. I used an OB with #1. This is my first experience with a MW practice.

yelah250 · November 2014

I will be delivering at a free standing birth center attended by a midwife. I've had 2 hospital births attended by OB so I'm excited.

nikkisauro · December 2014

MrsAB1316 said:

nikkisauro said:

MrsAB1316 said:

nikkisauro said:

buttrflybeach427 said:
I'm fairly certain I'd like the support of a midwife during labor and birth but I can't afford the added cost so I would like to find one affiliated with a hospital. So far the only hospital near me that has cnm has terrible reviews. Also, would a midwife do my prenatal care as well? I've only ever seen the PA (whom I love) at my obgyn but recently read really terrible reviews about the dr at that office who would be in charge of my care and do not want anything to do with her. I live in ny in Queens.

I live in NJ and I found a women's center (in morristown) with CMWs who provide all the prenatal care and they are affiliated with a hospital for the delivery. There are physicians they work with if any complications arise, but for the most part they provide all the services. They accept most major insurance companies. Queens is likely a far trek from there but I'm sure nyc has similar services. Try some searches to find places and they generally list what insurance they take on their website.
We may be using the same one. I am in NJ as well and the practice I'm using is out of Morristown and is affiliated with MMC.
Probably! it's my first time using them. Have you used them before by chance?
No. I used an OB with #1. This is my first experience with a MW practice.

Good luck. Hope all goes well.

sschwege · December 2014

Yes, I love my MWs! I see my MWs even when not pregnant for well woman care. They will do your prenatal appointments as well as postpartum care. I can't say enough, it is truly wonderful to not be treated like a sick patient and to be a partner in the decision making process. Here's just one of many examples, but when I was having my first, I asked my MW to check me and she said I was fully dilated and could start pushing if I wanted to. It wasn't like, "OK, time to push!" just only if I was ready. I actually chose to wait and labor down for 1.5+ hours because I was so comfy in the bath and didn't want to get out.

sschwege · December 2014

lindseypraino said:

I'm on my second child. Many of my friends have two plus kids. Overall best experiences were with obgyns especially if you have a complicated delivery. I was in labor 32 hours and pushed for 4 hours. I thank god for the epidural and pitocin med. I was able to deliver naturally. Everyone's experience is different. You have to go with your gut but if you get a delivery like mine you want a doctor. I delivered at highland hospital in upstate ny. It considered one of the the best women's hospitals in nys if anyone lives in rochester area. Ps my husband's cousin used a doula the first time and she was as much help as a wet noodle. Just one experience so do your research on that one.

@lindseypraino most MWs (95% although that number is probably lower since there are MWs working without licenses) deliver in hospitals. They write prescriptions, order epidurals and do inductions/augmentations, stitches, etc. Really the only major thing they can't do is a c/s. A good MW is there to support the mother in the birth she wants, which is to say the mother should be supported in requesting pain medication. I know my MWs have an epi rate of 30% or so.

mandmlala · December 2014

DH and I just attended an info meeting with our hospital's midwifery practice, and have decided to go that route. Their whole attitude is in complete contrast with the experience I had in making an appointment with the OB my primary care doc referred me to.

When I tried to ask the OBs office about stats for c sections and stances on induced labor and low intervention I was told there were no informational meetings to be had, and an appointment would be necessary to get any questions answered. Totally rubbed me the wrong way. Canceling the OB appointment tomorrow and making one with the midwives!

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