OB vs. Midwife

[lauree1183]

We're going to start TTC in January and I really love my current ob/gyn, however I'm starting to wonder if a midwife would be a better fit for me (really want an all natural labor and delivery) and using a midwife would move me to a hospital with a 24% c-section delivery rate vs. 34% rate at the current hospital my OB delivers at.

Just curious about others thoughts on OB vs. midwife?

[jenn1298]

Since you aren't even going to TTC until January, I wouldn't worry about this yet. Once you get KU I would do your first couple of appointments with your OB and then decide if you want to switch to a mid-wife.

I have known two people who used midwifes and after hearing about their experiences, I want nothing to do with it.

[niki]

A midwife does cater best, I think, to someone looking to avoid interventions during the pregnancy and labor, which is why I switched to a midwife from an OB.

[sillygoosegirl]

It sounds to me like a midwife would be a better fit. But since you like your current OB, I'd start by telling him/her what you want and see what the reaction is. If it's not supportive, then there's your answer...

[derpapillar]

I had no problem having a natural birth with my OB with my last pregnancy. You may need to stick to your guns and educate yourself, but you can have the birth you want with either.

[pooh8402]

what sillygoose and derpapiller said. especially if this is your first. you have no idea how your body will handle pregnancy and labor, and if things go south during labor, they usually go south fast. many OBs are willing to work with the moms and keep the births as intervention-free as possible, especially when they have an established relationship with a patient.

the best birth I've seen, like 99% perfect, was all natural except for the mom had an IV inserted, but no fluids or medications running. no augmentation, no pain medication. calm, quiet, minimal tearing. and she was delivered by an OB. however, mom and baby were monitored in case of complications... and this was mom's second child.

one of my best friends from high school used a midwife and it was a horrible experience for her. she was 2 weeks late (went into labor at 42 weeks, 0 days) and the baby was way too large. labor ended up going on for 36 hours, about 21 hours after her membranes ruptured, and she had to be transferred to a hospital for failure to progress. the baby ended up having shoulder dystocia because it was too big. that was her first kid and she didn't know the OB who eventually ended up delivering her.

I know I know everyone has good stories and bad stories from both sides. that's part of the reason you asked right? to get information and education.