Anyone have and OB for first baby and CNM for second?

[Poodge]

For our first baby I had an OB. My doctor was actually really good for the most part. (A little dismissive of my BFing troubles and not a big fan of the TENS unit.) However the practice he is in the doctor on call delivers you which could be one of 11 different doctors. This went ok for me, however at my childbirth reunion class there were many stories of pushed C-sections and other not so great things depending on who the doctor was at delivery. It was luck of the draw if you will.

For this reason I am thinking about switching to a practice of all CNM. I would still have a hospital delivery. What if anything should I expect to be different, ie are they there with you for all of labor and delivery? If you switched from doctor to CNM were you happy you made the switch?

[jennifercp8]

I did.

My first was in a hospital, with whatever OB happened to be on call. It stinks how they set you up with a relationship with the person I saw once after my son was born to discharge me from the hospital.

My second was born in a free standing birth center with a CNM and her assistant. It was awesome. I spent my 40 weeks under the care of 2 different midwives and their assistants, so I was comfortable with them all. Two completely different deliveries, and I would choose the second any time, hands down.

ETA: The biggest difference (besides the setting) was the general approach to birth and pregnancy. My MW's treated the entire thing as a joyous and happy time - because it is! My visits were upbeat, laughing, smiling, and building a true relationship. I never formed one with my OB because I always felt rushed in and out of my appointments, and sitting on a paper table wasn't exactly comfortable.