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November 2015 Moms
VexyMommy
member
Midwife/Birthing Center vs. OB/Hospital
VexyMommy
member
I went with an OB and a hospital birth for my first child. I really had no problems with it. I was also very glad of my epidural which I feel relaxed my mind and body enough to allow my body to get on with the birthing process. I had almost no labor and no dilation for over 12 hours after my water broke. I am curious about the midwife/birthing center experience as it seems much more personal and devotes more attention to a holistic view of childbirth and family.
What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion? I would especially love to hear from the mothers who've experienced both.
What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion? I would especially love to hear from the mothers who've experienced both.
June Siggy Challenge 
Re: Midwife/Birthing Center vs. OB/Hospital
Well, I haven't done the birthing centre (the only one in my city just opened last year) but I have experienced both a midwife and an OB/GYN. All of my kids have been born in hospital.
I saw an OB during both of my daughters' pregnancies. I was very young when I got pregnant with DD1, and didn't really know much about the process or options. I don't even remember how I found my OB, but he was the first doctor I saw, and I didn't even bother looking further. I personally think I got really lucky with him though. He was pretty easy-going and not pushy about things I was unsure of. (For example, the day DD1 was due, I had an appointment, and he mentioned inducing. I wasn't comfortable with that idea, so he said we could talk about it again at my next appointment a week later.) However, because I didn't want to be induced, he ended up not delivering either of my girls.
During labour with DD1, I had an epidural, and was also very glad for it, as I was able to get some rest before I needed to push. The hospital staff broke my water, and gave me an episiotomy, which I felt were adequately explained at the time, but in hindsight, I wonder if they were really necessary. This may not have been an issue had I done more research beforehand, but I can't be sure.
With DD2, my water broke on it's own, but contractions were slow to start. They ended up inducing me to get the contractions started. I again got an epidural, but waited so long to decide I wanted one that DD2 was crowning by the time the anesthesiologist got there. No episiotomy this time (smaller baby, so less need perhaps?) and overall a pretty good experience. Again, at the time, this seemed fine, but in hindsight, I wonder how it might have been if I had waited more than a few hours for the contractions to start.
By the time DS came along, we had moved, so I needed a new provider anyways. Having heard so many good things about midwives from friends and siblings, I decided to give them a try. The appointments were pretty similar to the ones with my OB, but done in a more welcoming and homey environment. I think the reason I found it to be similar was partly due to the fact that as a 3rd time mom, I had very few questions or concerns, so it was mostly the standard checks that every care provider does.
When it came time for the birth, the biggest differences were that they came to my house to do a preliminary check before we headed to the hospital, and then once there, they stayed with me the whole time. DS's labour was totally spontaneous...contractions started on their own, and my water broke on its own as well...however, he ended up with the cord wrapped around a shoulder, so I wasn't able to push him out successfully on my own. We needed to use a vacuum extraction. So that was unexpected, but I was impressed with how they handled that. They were very concise with their decisions, and once they realized what was going on, they didn't waste time transferring my care to the on-call OB for the vac-extrac.
Once he was born, our care was transferred back to my midwives. They did all the check-ups after the birth and came back to the hospital the next day to check on us again. But it was when we got home that I experienced the biggest, and best difference between my midwives and my OB. They actually did the first 2 check-ups after my discharge from the hospital at my house. It was soooo nice not having to pack up a baby less than a week old and take him to the pediatrician for a check-up. I could stay at home and rest.
So, that's what my experiences were like. Sorry for the book! I am seeing the same midwives for this LO as I did for DS, so I think that gives away my opinion.
If you liked the hospital setting, maybe you could see if there are midwives in your area that deliver at a hospital. I felt like I got the best of both that way...the personal attention of midwifery care, and the right equipment on hand in case any complications arise. 
I knew there was a reason I liked you
But on a serious note, I did have a wonderful experience with the midwives, and I'm happy to share that with those who are trying to make the decision for themselves.
This time I'm seeing an OB who also has a NP and they rotate appointments although the OB delivers the baby. I really like that set-up because it is not rushed but I know who will be handling my delivery/surgery (if needed). I'm high-risk due to twins so a MW wouldn't see me anyway.
It can be a good experience either way but how you want to deliver and whether or not the team is on the same page as you is the main thing to be concerned with. This isn't meant to scare you at all because I really think midwife/NP care is wonderful and very nurturing but maybe a mixed practice would be a great idea. I'm sure you will choose the best option for you.
The midwives also do not have hospital access here and they don't do epidural at the birthing center. The epidural is sort of my safety blanket and I'd rather not go without it if possible.
first with birthing center and midwives: good experience, didn't know the on call, but she was good and supportive. My son was technically preemie (36 was 6 days), but labor was slow, but I was able to walk, eat, sit, stand, take a bath, whatever
Second, in hospital with OB: love my doctor!...but he was not on call. Had a fab nurse who did everything and was just as supporting as the midwife. I wasn't impressed by the doc who delivered, but he respected my birth plan. We didn't have the option of a birthing center bc we had moved.
Honestly, good doc and good hospital staff was just a good as midwife and doula.
My recover and babies recovery in the BC was far better than in the hospital. I think it had to do a lot because my body was doing what it knew it had to to get baby out where as in a hospital with drugs you are told what to do and when to push. No drugs in a BC is just more natural. We are definitely do the BC this time around.
When it comes to insurance a lot of times they will only cover a certified NURSE midwife. It is best to call around and just like when choosing an OB go and check them out. I am lucky in my area we have a ton of choices on where to deliver.
I have never had any problem with vaccinations with my midwives they even did some there. Unfortunately you are going to get that crowd everywhere you go, even OB offices