Midwife or OB

ashdawn24 · July 2015

Hey all,

I am wondering if you chose to go with Midwife or OB?

I know this can be a hackle-raising kind of discussion, but let's try to keep minds open

I am going with a midwife, just like I did for my first 3 pregnancies (2 angel babies, DD Feb 2014). I have nothing against OBs in any way, but I like the personal touch of a midwife, and the fact that you are guaranteed to have one of them deliver your baby. In my area, the are 5 OBs who could deliver your baby.

I'm not sure how it is where you live, but here in Canada midwives are not backward, hippie voodoo doctors, but have real credentials and are just as qualified (if not even more, since they have more hands-on experience) with delivering babies. I have cherished my experience with my midwives every time. You have the option to have home or hospital birth, and they will do your birth however you want it. The only things they are not qualified for are C-sections and once an epidural has been given you need to be supervised by a dr. That being said, they still stay with you during the entire process and will still deliver your baby.

Anyway, just wondering how you guys feel!

imrachellea · July 2015

My practice has both ob/gyns and certified midwives that I will see throughout my pregnancy. The doctor that delivered my DD is an OB, I LOVE her, and I really hope she's on call when I am ready to deliver this LO. I'm not sure what she'll think of me wanting to go with the Bradley Method, or what any of the doctors will think of that. I'll find out at my first appt.

PeggyOlsonFTW · July 2015

I went with an OB, but my practice has both as well and both were present during the delivery of my son. The midwives were great when I was pushing and when I ended up with a C-section, they were there assisting as well. I'm going with an OB again because I like my OB and like going with someone who knows me and my history firsthand. Nothing against midwives at all though!

finnybooboo · July 2015

I'll be going with an OB. I'm also likely to have a repeat c-section.

CCLow87 · July 2015

I have an appointment with the OB who delivered my daughter (VBAC) but I'm likely going to meet with a midwife as well. I'd prefer a midwife!

morganmanages · July 2015

With my first it was just OB's, and I didn't mind, but I really wished it was more intimate and more willing to talk about natural remedies and birthing rather than science and the technical side of having a baby. I found a new OB (we moved since having our first) and they offer both OB and midwives, so I'm VERY excited to say the least. I feel it's a good balance of "safe" science and the "crunchy" experience I kind of crave.

ShamrockGirl518 · July 2015

I think we are going with the same OB who delivered my two nieces and my best friends three children. I wouldn't mind meeting with a midwife but I do like the peace of mind knowing someone who delivered 5 babies I know.

St0v3s · July 2015

I'm going with OB. She was my best friend's OB as well. Also my best friend is a L&D nurse so I feel like I have my bases covered

ekneipp · July 2015

I loved our midwife last time, we did a water birth, but our insurance has changed so they aren't an option anymore

jldegrasse · July 2015

We are planning on a midwife. This is our first so not sure what to expect. excited to hear of natural methods for birth and have at my place of work a Bradley Method instructor so excited for that as well!! We're shooting for a water birth so if anyone has any advice Id love it!

ekneipp · July 2015

@jldegrasse I loved my waterbirth!!

HealthyHappyNicole · July 2015

I live in Canada as well. We have an appointment with a midwife first week of September. I mainly chose to go with a midwife because of the care during pregnancy and home care after the birth. We will be at the hospital though

. This is our first so I don't quite know what to expect yet but my relatives all had great experiences with their midwives.

ashdawn24 · August 2015

That sounds exactly like what we love about our midwife. It will be a great experience!

jldegrasse · August 2015

Thanks ladies!!!!

Aquarius923 · August 2015

My practice has 4 obs and 4 midwives. Any of them can be the person to deliver your baby as it is whoever is on call.

My ob for my whole first pregnancy, and who actually delivered my baby, is a DO. She has the bedside manner of a midwife, but can do csections. I love her so much and schedule my first appointment with her.

I think there are some really good midwives and obs out there, just like some really bad ones.

mrstrax · August 2015

@morganmanages I'm going with an OB because I'm put more at ease by the stats/technical talk. Isn't is great that there are different options for different comforts! Love it

alyshamarie007 · August 2015

I love my OB. Our hospital has a state of he art children's hospital attached and they are very mom friendly when it comes to how a mom wants to birth. They have a birthing center with jacuzzi tubs and birthing balls and they are big on skin to skin and helping with breastfeeding. I feel like it has the best of all I wanted, so it's the best option for me.

jen f · August 2015

I'm going with a midwife this time. My daughter was born with an ob.

vvbaby2015 · August 2015

I used a midwife group and doula with my first six years ago. I have an OB now that my doula reccomended who is great. She has been with me for two losses and i really trust her. I will have my same doula again but she is now a Certified Midwife so I feel like I will be in great hands overall. I believe all women should have the care that is the best fit for their needs. If someone wants a midwife but cant find one in their area, look into having a doula who will stay by your side throughout the process! ❤

ashleymarie1027 · August 2015

Ob. First time around I needed stitches and baby needed help asap from the in-room team (not quite nicu, but he needed help with his lungs). I labored for 27 hours after my water had broken and babies heart took several dips (once when I rolled over to get more comfortable, and he sat on his cord). I love the idea of the personal touches from a midwife, but I'm glad we had the extra medical care, and we'll be using the same ob/hospital this time

xilovemybabiesx · August 2015

Midwife all the way for us! I used a MW for my first and it was the best experience! I am really excited to be using the same group as last time, they were all so nice and personable.

mumidi · August 2015

I use an OB. My practice is fairly small (3 drs. and one nurse practitioner). I love all of them and wouldn't mind any of them delivering me, however, I will likely have a repeat CS (haven't decided yet). Last time I scheduled the majority of my appointments with the NP because I liked her and her schedule was usually better (and I rarely had to wait for her).

TKtravels · August 2015

My first was born at home, with my MW, her assistant, and her student. It was amazing.

I'm hoping and planning to have a repeat performance with the same MW and whoever makes up her entourage these days.

Lilpenguin3 · August 2015

I chose a midwife at a birth center that is partnered with a hospital in the parking lot basically if anything goes wrong.

jenm84 · August 2015

I have to deliver at a different hospital this time, one that my OB had told me last time she felt had a higher rate of interventions (because of insurance its way cheaper). They have midwifes and so I got kind of excited that I could see a midwife and maybe counteract the other stuff, but DH is against midwife all the way, he doesn't think it is as safe (even though my first pregnancy and labor were super smooth routine), I am still working on getting him to let me hire a doula though. I at least do really like my OB so at least there is that, and even with insurance changes I was able to stay with her.

jkffx7 · August 2015

I was going to ask the same question-- I think I found a happy medium here in STL- one of the premier hospitals just opened a midwife/birthing clinic within the hospital-- while I'd like to be at home I think, the backlash from my family would be intense (not to mention the birthing center is covered by insurance- YIPPEE!). We go on our tour tonight!!! This is our first and I haven't told any family yet so I'm looking for advice on what I need to be asking?

For those midwife using mamas (or any who tried pain free)-- did you use a doula?

emiliothetall · August 2015

the L&D nurses are amAZING at what they do. I could never see the reason to have a Doula when the nurses are there.

also, lets try to to refer to vaginal birth without pain meds as "natural". Describing one type of birth as natural is inferring that any other is not. There is nothing un-natural about how any baby comes into this world.

klingonboxer · August 2015

We're going with an OB even though we're pretty hippy-dippy natural organic sort of people, because I get nervous about health things and tend to prefer a more professional, less feelings-and-closeness medical experience. Our OB is at a practice that's very natural birth friendly, though, and that's what I'm hoping to have!

CCLow87 · August 2015

jkffx7 said:
I was going to ask the same question-- I think I found a happy medium here in STL- one of the premier hospitals just opened a midwife/birthing clinic within the hospital-- while I'd like to be at home I think, the backlash from my family would be intense (not to mention the birthing center is covered by insurance- YIPPEE!). We go on our tour tonight!!! This is our first and I haven't told any family yet so I'm looking for advice on what I need to be asking?

For those midwife using mamas (or any who tried all natural)-- did you use a doula?

I had a doula (but won't this time, I just didn't need the help) and I had a pain med free birth. (Not natural as I was induced due to high BP) I'd be happy to answer any questions!! I have quite a few good tips (they were for me at least) so feel free to ask me anything!

ashdawn24 · August 2015

jkffx7 said:

I was going to ask the same question-- I think I found a happy medium here in STL- one of the premier hospitals just opened a midwife/birthing clinic within the hospital-- while I'd like to be at home I think, the backlash from my family would be intense (not to mention the birthing center is covered by insurance- YIPPEE!). We go on our tour tonight!!! This is our first and I haven't told any family yet so I'm looking for advice on what I need to be asking?

For those midwife using mamas (or any who tried all natural)-- did you use a doula?

I didn't use a doula. I really didn't want any people in the room other than my husband and the midwife. My midwife did just as well encouraging me as a doula could have, and honestly, I was so "in the zone" that I didn't listen anyway! :P I tell people that my husband was very encouraging (and he was) but I don't remember as single thing he said or did, except for when I screamed at him to turn the fan off and on! Ha!

That being said, some people welcome any extra encouragement they can get! I say go with what feels best to you

JDK625 · August 2015

Ok, going to ask a really stupid question here, but what is the difference between a midwife and an OB. I recently moved and was planning on getting established with a new OB/GYN practice when I got pregnant. I had already scheduled an annual pap before finding out that I was pregnant and the first available appointment happened to be with a midwife. I do not know if I should switch to an OB at the practice or if it matters? Any info or advice? I'm a first time mom, 31, and 5 weeks along so I have plenty of time. :-)

jkffx7 · August 2015

Sorry emiliothetall- you're right-- I didn't mean to offend anyone and all births no matter how they happen are amazing!

jkffx7 · August 2015

CCLow87 said:

I had a doula (but won't this time, I just didn't need the help) and I had a pain med free birth. (Not natural as I was induced due to high BP) I'd be happy to answer any questions!! I have quite a few good tips (they were for me at least) so feel free to ask me anything!

Wow! Induced without pain meds- I find that very inspirational! I hear pitocin really amps up the pain level of contractions-- did you use any programs like Bradley or Hypnobabies?

KrisAshLindsey · August 2015

The local clinic/hospital I go to has 2 OB's and 1 midwife. You rotate through them all with appointments so you know them then whichever is on call delivers. With each of my previous the midwife delivered and I'm hoping she does my third just as a personal preference. I like them all but she's my favorite.

jkffx7 · August 2015

JDK625 said:

Ok, going to ask a really stupid question here, but what is the difference between a midwife and an OB. I recently moved and was planning on getting established with a new OB/GYN practice when I got pregnant. I had already scheduled an annual pap before finding out that I was pregnant and the first available appointment happened to be with a midwife. I do not know if I should switch to an OB at the practice or if it matters? Any info or advice? I'm a first time mom, 31, and 5 weeks along so I have plenty of time. :-)

Hi! I'm also 5 weeks with my first- I've done quite a bit of research between OBs and midwifes-- to generalize ALOT: midwifes attempt to be low intervention and fairy hands off unless mom requests help or they detect problems, typically cannot provide pain meds and if intervention is needed they'll facilitate a transfer to a local hospital (if at a birthing center or at home). Some hospitals allow midwifes- some do not. OB's are medically trained like any doctor. Intervention rates can be higher (but of course this varies a lot by doctor). They can perform all the medical tests and interventions but sometimes are not "as available". It's a very personal choice!

CCLow87 · August 2015

jkffx7 said:

CCLow87 said:

I had a doula (but won't this time, I just didn't need the help) and I had a pain med free birth. (Not natural as I was induced due to high BP) I'd be happy to answer any questions!! I have quite a few good tips (they were for me at least) so feel free to ask me anything!

Wow! Induced without pain meds- I find that very inspirational! I hear
pitocin really amps up the pain level of contractions-- did you use
any programs like Bradley or Hypnobabies?

I have heard that too, but I have nothing to compare to. My first was a scheduled c section with no prior labor. My pain was 100% tolerable though. Until they broke my water, it was actually a pleasant experience. I didn't use anything, just pressure on my lower back.

Carazona5 · August 2015

I didn't read this whole thread so I'm sorry if this was already discussed but if you choose to have a midwife, does that automatically mean a home birth or birthing center? Or can you still have her at the hospital? If so, is that just an added cost and is that covered under insurance ever?

Also what's the difference in cost between hospitals and birthing centers?

CCLow87 · August 2015

There are midwives you deliver at hospitals.

Hospitals are typically more expensive than birth centers from what I've seen. Likely because you have way more stuff "done" in a hospital and are there for longer.

AEG84 · August 2015

I'm leaning toward an OB with a doula. I'd love to do a pain med free birth and I don't think DH will be very good at coaching me through pain (not his fault, but I would do better listening to a "professional"). I love the idea of a birthing center, but my dad is a surgeon and I know how much crap I would hear from him for the next 9 months. Also, none of the ones in our area are covered by insurance

Those of you who are planning on the Bradley method, have you already read about it? Are you planning on taking classes? I've read a little but not a lot, and I want to learn more!

LynnJess29 · August 2015

I had a midwife with my DD who was amazing. She works in an office with 3 other MWs who deliver the babies at our local hospital. They also have an OB that works with them in case a doctor is needed during delivery. It was a wonderful experience to have a midwife. I was much more relaxed during delivery and felt a lot more comfortable with her than I would have with any of our local OB. I also like the fact that they have an extremely low rate of any types of interventions needed during delivery. We will be using the midwives again for #2!

pinottoparenthood · August 2015

Sticking with my OB... absolutely LOVE my doctor, she is amazing and always takes time to really listen to my concerns and address them. All of the docs at my practice are great. Also, I am more in the shove that epidural in as quickly as possible please camp, so I don't necessarily need all of the added support that someone going natural might need. (knock on wood, I'm going to jinx myself!)

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