OB Interview?

mrsstarski86 · May 2016

Has anyone considered interviewing OBs to see if they're a "good fit?"
...think Katherine Heigl in Knocked Up style...

Short story I'm 9 weeks with twins, this is my second pregnancy. First pregnancy baby was born, no issues, no problems, but I wouldn't say the experience was the greatest. I was pretty young at the time and kind of just went with the first doctor I was referred to, same with the hospital.
I want to feel a little more in control with my choices this time around, especially since there's two in there.
I'm thinking maybe talking to a few different OBs is the right approach.
Do people do that sort of thing? Any advice or experiences are appreciated

prb09003 · May 2016

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mimi603107 · May 2016

They tell you to interview pediatricians when you first choose one for your child to make sure you're both on the same page so I don't think it would be any different if you did that with your ob/gyn either. I had a really bad experience with my first miscarriage...I was really young and not taken seriously and my doctor had horrible bedside manner and was pretty inconsiderate and rude. When I was trying to get pregnant later, I went to a few different doctors in a different practice and found one that I really liked that I've been seeing for about 10 years now. I didn't interview them but had a few appointments with different doctors and found out just by experience which one fit best with me, but then again I wasn't pregnant at the time just ttc so I don't know if you'd want to do exactly what I did.

PrettyPalomino · May 2016

I did the same as @prb09003, looked up reviews, googled the names, picked the highest rated who could take me.

I'm Canadian though, there's no way our healthcare system can handle appointments solely for interviews and GTKY questions. I called at 4 weeks to get in to see her and the soonest she could take me was at 13 weeks (but this is because she's so awesome and in demand - I'm assuming it's a good sign)

brittnic86 · May 2016

I guess I lucked out. I've been seeing the same OB/GYN for 10 years. So when I got pregnant, I just wanted to stick with her.

Morgan400 · May 2016

Makes complete sense to me. I did it for my first pregnancy before I switched practices. I didn't want to switch if I didn't like the new one better. They did a free consult appointment, but I don't know if that is very common.

Then for my second we are now in a new town. I "dated" a few OBs during my early appointments and annual exams until I found one I liked (3rd try).

If they don't do "interviews" I would think you could just schedule a regular appointment and ask a bunch of questions.

Another good resource I have found is asking some local doulas. I did by email and they tend to know which OBs are great with listening and involving their patients vs the ones who just do what they want. They get to see so many deliveries in action and I think have a great perspective from seeing so many different OBs do deliveries.

mom2fallbabies · May 2016

I loved my OB when I got pregnant with my first, so stuck with them. For my second, we had just moved to a new state and I went to a local OB based on colleague recommendations. I ended up HATING them so after my first few appointment I switched to another one, which I ended up loving. This time, we've moved again so the old OB wasn't an option. I tried a new one a friend recommended but I just didn't feel comfortable (IMO a very valid reason to switch). After that first appointment, I moved to where I am now, which so far I do love.

To actually answer your question

, as far as interview appointments, I agree with others that it might be hard to do - the practices I was looking at were hard to get in for regular appointments, let alone an interview. In my opinion, just dealing with the office staff and nurses gives a pretty good picture of the practice. I would say to just pick the best one you can find and then, if you don't feel comfortable with whomever you meet at your first appointment, try another one. You deserve to feel comfortable but I don't know if OB's have a "limit" to how far along you can be before they won't take you so I would say to try out a few now, while it's early.

Christinaruth74 · May 2016

Also- if you have a local Facebook moms group or children's swap page you can put out some feelers. I like seeing recommendations from real, local people that I can put a face to. I've done this before when looking for a pedi for my daughter and a pcp for me and it was really helpful.

juliehollz13 · May 2016

Keep in mind the OB you're seeing may not be the one delivering your baby, so do some homework about the OB's in the entire practice, because you could just switch to a different Dr. in that practice instead of going to a whole new office. In my OB's office there are several Doctors with glowing recommendations. I don't particularly LOVE my OB, but he's got 20 years experience + experience with high risk, multiples, VBAC and all kinds of procedures and situations. So while he's a little "dry" and not awfully chatty and warm, he's very knowledgeable and laid back about most things. His office though is absolutely amazing. I mentioned to the phlebotomist that I didn't have the greatest experience getting blood work at the hospital's LabCorp office, and she walked down there, grabbed the NIPT kit and drew my blood herself at the OB's office so I wouldn't have to wait or deal with the heavy handed phlebotomist at LabCorp (I was seriously almost in tears when she drew my blood she was so rough with the needle).

ashleaf2018 · May 2016

If you have friends who have also had babies, ask them who they would recommend as a provider. See if it's possible to have a phone interview with any doctors you've narrowed down.

Sorry I can't be more help, I had this provider with my MMC and she was such a blessing. By far the best doctor I've ever had.

penelope4612 · May 2016

I agree that it could be difficult to set up interviews with doctors. Most will probably only see you if you schedule an appointment. You might run the risk of insurance not covering multiple appointments for the same thing if the doctors bill for the same thing. I'd narrow it down as much as possible and then try to see one that you think you will like, with a backup in mind if you end up not liking them. Also if you have a specific question/concern, you can probably ask the office staff beforehand and then rule out practices if they don't meet your needs.

DiFazette · May 2016

And with twins you'll want to ask about who they refer to as an MFM. I know I'll see one frequently so you want to know where they are and what their reputation is since they'll be doing your NT, Anatomy Scan and other big appointments.

Do do you have your NT scheduled already with an MFM?

Like others have said here, I based my decision on people I trust's experiences, reviews, and how the staff handle phone calls, questions, etc. Luckily I have an old colleague who's an L&D nurse and she gave me her suggestions for who she thought would be a good fit for me.

jenlynne0624 · May 2016

My ob office has about ten different doctors you'll se throughout your pregnancy so it's really hard to pick which delivers your baby. You have no idea who is on duty or on call when you go into labor. Luckily I really like al of the ones, minus this one new guy who is like five years older than me, so it worked out.

I recommend Yelp and finding local mama groups (like mops) and asking them who they delivered with and what their experience was like.

Kacie209 · May 2016

My current GP used to be an OB, but now just focuses on family medicine. I did make an appointment with her after getting the BFP just to ask questions and get some referrals. We have 2 hospitals in town, and she used to be associated with hospital A, and gave me a few names that she knows well and have heard great things from patients. I did some research, and also reached out to friends who had given birth at either. Most said that they preferred hospital B over A when delivering. Plus, with hospital A... you have to go to a clinic for your appointments and then deliver at the actual hospital (for now, they're building a brand new one with a HUGE maternity floor just a block from my house). With hospital B, everything is there and you'd have a better chance seeing your OB deliver than at the other one.

So, I went with B. I had a friend who just delivered there and she's one to speak her mind if she's not happy with something, so I figured it was a good choice. Plus, it's closer to us for now. I didn't get in with the OB I had really wanted, but got another one that was high on my list (and who my friend had just seen). So, I think it'll be a good fit. I also know that they sometimes switch you around so you see more than just the one, just so you get to know them all. My SIL had a great OB for her 2 births at hospital B, but she no longer works in town.

mrsstarski86 · May 2016

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies, I appreciate it! DH is confused when I start comparing all the different hospitals and choices we have to make. He thinks it's a one stop shop lol. Plus I definitely want a hospital with a level 3 NICU, just in case.
I've been trying the Yelp and Google thing, I think it's hard because a lot of the time people will post negative experiences but sometimes forget to post the positive ones

@Christinaruth74 I didn't think of the Facebook groups, that's definitely a good idea as well.

I think I'll try to narrow it down to 1 or 2 practices and make 1st time appointments at both.

@DiFazette I don't have an appointment with the MFM doctor...did your regular OB refer you to one? That's another thing to consider, I didn't even think of...thank you!

@Kacie209 The hospital choice is so important, I'm glad you found one that seems to meet all your needs and preferences!

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