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OBs that circ.

post #1 of 38
Thread Starter 
So I was quite horrified/surprised with my little boy to find out that OBs do circs. On 3 of the 3 days I was in the hospital my OB came in and said 'are we circing today? Not medically necesarry, purely cosmetic, you don't have to, just let me know.' I of course said NO NO NO but was a little horrified she did them. Spending all that time getting the baby here safe only to mutilate them. Eeeek. But I was glad she at least was honest.

OK so flash forward. Tragically she passed away in November, awful since she was only 38. I was thinking of changing anyway since she didn't do VBACs but I was left with no choice with her tragic passing.

So I have found a new OB with recommendation of a friend who will do VBACs and seems nice. But I found out today that she RECOMMENDS circs. I don't know if she does them but that makes me ill, I suspect she does $$$. At least old OB said the weren't neccesary.

OK so I won't be trying to get pregnant for 6 months or so but I am sort of torn. I have an OB who will take me as a high risk patient with a previous csection and do a VBAC, but at the same time she thinks circ is a GOOD idea. Eeek! So would you guys find someone else?

Gosh I wish I could find a midwife linked with an OB who could do a hospital birth with me but it just doesn't seem to work like that here.
post #2 of 38
Maybe if you did some more digging, you'll find a provider that will do a vbac AND is against circ? Have you asked about vbac doctors in the geographical area boards? If you do find someone who meets your ethical standards, I'd send a letter to your current OB stating why you changed providers (might give her pause to think considering that "money talks").

Good luck!!!!!!
post #3 of 38
There are many CNMs that work in offices with OBs. Usually OBs that work with midwives are a little more on the natural side of the fence.

Personally I would never give birth with an OB that recommends circ. I just can't respect a professional that doesn't take the time to do his/her research. Plus, I would be sincerely worried about her actual commitment to the VBAC. Some OBs say "sure, yeah, whatever..." Then you find yourself slapped on a table, having another c/s.

What about homebirth? VBAC is far more successful at home with a midwife. What state and general area are you in? I could do a little searching for you. I can also look for some CNMs if you are set on a hospital birth.
post #4 of 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by latinalonestar View Post
There are many CNMs that work in offices with OBs. Usually OBs that work with midwives are a little more on the natural side of the fence.
I think that the hospital CNMs can't take VBACs here.

I think your best bet is a homebirth midwife. I know a number who are anti-circ.

-Angela
post #5 of 38
I'm sorry about your old OB. Yes, most circumcisions are done by OBs, and I am glad she was honest about it. How do you know that your new one recommends circs? Did you specifically speak to her about it? Maybe you would consider leaving some anti-circ. literature in her office.
post #6 of 38
Yet another thing I have never understood about the medical world. The doctor who looks at my female parts and takes care of me while pregnant cuts on my son's penis?! No thanks!

I'm working on a VBAC (7 weeks to go!), and I'm with my same OB. If I can have a VBAC successfully, I plan on switching to a birthing center with a CNM. If you can find one that will take a VBAC, go for it! I would definitely not go with an OB that is going to be pushy.

I HATE PUSHY DOCTORS!!! (not the first time those words have been uttered tonight)
post #7 of 38
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tennisdude23 View Post
I'm sorry about your old OB. Yes, most circumcisions are done by OBs, and I am glad she was honest about it. How do you know that your new one recommends circs? Did you specifically speak to her about it? Maybe you would consider leaving some anti-circ. literature in her office.

I didn't specifically speak to her about it, but a friend of mine who is having her baby delivered by her this month told me she said that. I am glad she told me that. I still have plenty of time to OB shop. I have another recomendation I will try her to have my IUD removed in June and I will get her philiosphy.

I don't have a choice but have a hospital birth with an OB nearby. I have chronic hypertension. Although I didn't get pre-eclampsia last time I know they were worried about me having a stroke as my BP was scary hig. No home birth midwife in her right mind would touch that nor would I consider it a safe option. I am not just being a sissy when I say pain relief would have valid medical reason in my case. I would love to be a candidate for home birth believe me!

Living where I do (Houston) I realise to have all the things I want and need plus a provider not gung-ho to circ is a lot to ask, but surely in a city this big there has to be one!?
post #8 of 38
I think since you don't need circ, but you want vbac support, get what you need. Perhaps talk about it w/the OB.
post #9 of 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by becca_howell View Post
Yet another thing I have never understood about the medical world. The doctor who looks at my female parts and takes care of me while pregnant cuts on my son's penis?! No thanks!

I'm working on a VBAC (7 weeks to go!), and I'm with my same OB. If I can have a VBAC successfully, I plan on switching to a birthing center with a CNM. If you can find one that will take a VBAC, go for it! I would definitely not go with an OB that is going to be pushy.

I HATE PUSHY DOCTORS!!! (not the first time those words have been uttered tonight)
In most areas birth centers can not take VBACs. I know that is the case here.

-Angela
post #10 of 38
I was very thankful to find out that the OBs at the practice I go to do NOT do the circs...that's up to the pediatricians. My OB never once mentioned circumcision to me...and the literature they give you at the beginning of pregnancy takes an almost anti-circ position. VERY encouraging for a VERY mainstream OB practice right in the center of the midwest.

Although, I have to admit, if I were you, I'd go with the OB and take it as a challenge to educate. I mean, I know the chance of changing a doctors mind on something is just about nil...I'd still love to have a conversation with them. I also had very high BP with my first and still have a little bit of lingering hypertension...I feel much more comfortable with the hospital birth and some strong advocating for my preferences/decisions.
post #11 of 38
My care-providers consisted of 2 CNMs and and OB. The OB oversaw the entire office. Maybe you can find an OB that works with CNMs. Mine was in Dayton, Ohio so surely there has to be one in Houston. I'm off to web to do a little digging. Be back soon...
post #12 of 38
Why don't you contact your local ICAN chapter. Here is the info:

ICAN of Houston/Galveston

Contact: Angela Baehr
eMail Address: icanofhougal@gmail.com
Telephone: (281) 337-0820

This woman should be able to tell you which OBs she prefers that do VBAC. Then you can get a feel for which OBs favor your philosophy. Also check out their page on VBAC if you have not already.

http://www.ican-online.org/vbac/home
post #13 of 38
This is an foreskin friendly pedi in Houston. You might be able to contact him for a recommendation on an OB. I got this name from our list of foreskin-friendly doctors. He is from foreign born.

Dr. Alexander Injac
4101 Greenbriar St
Texas Children's Pediatric Medical Group
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77098

https://www.mothering.com/discussion...php?p=12596244
post #14 of 38
my OBs did them. i was asked twice (once by each OB) the first one is 100% against them and told me all the reasons that you shouldn't do it and says the people in the US only do it because insurance covers it so they think its necessary. the next day the other one asked me why he hadn't been circ'd and i told him because we don't arbitrarily remove pieces of other people. they can't do it without your consent. if the OB you have recommends it in a pushy way even after you educate her i would tell her she has awfully strong convictions about removing a body part she has never had. not to mention a body part that she doesn't see a whole lot of in her line of work. and those convictions go against current recommendations by the AAP.
post #15 of 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by alegna View Post
In most areas birth centers can not take VBACs. I know that is the case here.

-Angela
I know most don't take the first VBAC, but some will take a mom if they have had successful VBAC already.
post #16 of 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by becca_howell View Post
I know most don't take the first VBAC, but some will take a mom if they have had successful VBAC already.
Due to current regulations, most birth centers can not take ANY VBACs. I know for a fact that none here will take any VBACs.

-Angela
post #17 of 38
I also have to have OB care and mine do circs too. I looked long & hard for one that doesn't do them, but in my area they all do it. I do try to educate when I have the chance, the drs themselves never bring it up, its the front office staff. They are obsessed with asking everyone who is 30 wks +, "Do you know if you're having a boy? Would you like him circumcised?" Every time they ask me I used to give them a different earful. Finally, I told them its unethical to solicit surgery & they just leave it alone with me anyway.

When my last baby was born, I found that all the drs were happy I chose to not do it, which is so weird--just don't offer it!
post #18 of 38
I am sorry that the birthing choices you wish to have are not available to you.

I wish yuo the best in finding a person you feel comfortable working with and I am glad you are looking into this early on.

Good luck!
post #19 of 38
Make sure you post your situation in your Finding Your Tribe section and see if anyone in your area can offer suggestions for doctors.

Also, call the L&D of the hosptial where you think you'll deliver. Ask them for names of MD's who will VBAC. Then call that hospitals newborn nursery. Ask them if there are any doctors who practice there who refuse to do circs. The nursery nurses should know any OB's or pedi's who won't circ. Maybe that will help you to find a practitioner you like.
post #20 of 38
Night Nurse, are nurses at hospitals really willing to give out info like that about the practicing habits of the various doctors they work with? How do you go about asking? Do you just call the hospital and ask to speak to L&D then get a nurse on the phone?
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