Thank you note for an OB (from a homebirther)

[mrsfrenchy]

When I was 40 weeks, we heard a significant arrhythmia and my MW wanted me to go into L&D for monitoring. She sent me to an OB that she had sent people to before and she knew that he was pretty laid back. DD continued to have an arrhythmia and even after they discharged us from L&D, we went back to his office the next day and he (the OB, not the tech) did a 30 minute ultrasound, looking extensively at the heart to make sure it wasn't a structural issue (which would almost definitely mean a hospital birth).

Anyway, after a lot of time from him, he basically said that any time something goes a little off in a pregnancy, OBs will tell you that they would rather you be in a hospital. But that from all the ultrasounds and monitoring we did, it seemed like we'd probably be just fine at home. Its just a matter of what the three of us (me, DH, mw) felt comfortable with and how much monitoring we wanted (obviously, they'd have more at the hospital). He also said that if we did decide to do the hospital birth, he would take me as a patient.

I feel like we were really lucky to see an OB that was open-minded and also freely admitted his bias as an OB. He was also extremely personable and never bashed homebirthing or doubted our choices.

We want to write him a thank you note with a gift certificate to the restaurant that my husband manages, but I'm not sure what to write.

What would you say?

[thefreckledmama]

Originally Posted by mrsfrenchy

I feel like we were really lucky to see an OB that was open-minded and also freely admitted his bias as an OB. He was also extremely personable and never bashed homebirthing or doubted our choices.

I would write what you wrote in your post, but worded to him directly, adding in your sincere thanks.

[Kidzaplenty]

[MsBlack]

Yeah, what you already said! Keep it short and sweet, and maybe add that it meant a whole lot to you not to have him try to frighten you needlessly into a more managed birth (well, that's how I would feel, anyway ).

Great that you got to see him and not someone else with more standard 'OB proclivities'

[mrsfrenchy]

Originally Posted by MsBlack

Yeah, what you already said! Keep it short and sweet, and maybe add that it meant a whole lot to you not to have him try to frighten you needlessly into a more managed birth (well, that's how I would feel, anyway ).

Great that you got to see him and not someone else with more standard 'OB proclivities'

I'm just afraid of insulting his profession if I write what I wrote in my post, you know?
Maybe I'm looking for a more neutral way to word it??

[Peace+Hope]

if you make sure you aren't coming across like, wow, you weren't the nightmare we expected from an OB, he'll be fine, and understand. he even told you how OBs "usually" are, as you said in your opening post...

what if you said something like, we were so blessed to be able to rely on your expertise to help us monitor our baby's condition, and that you continued to support our choice for a home birth while offering to be my doctor if we decided the hospital would be the safest environment for her birth. you gave us the piece of mind and also the respect we needed to continue with the plan that worked best for us.

too wordy i'm sure, but not focusing on the "usual" OB behavior.

[HappyHappyMommy]

Congratulations on your birth!

I agree with the previous posters that what you said sounded great.

Originally Posted by mrsfrenchy

I'm just afraid of insulting his profession if I write what I wrote in my post, you know?
Maybe I'm looking for a more neutral way to word it??

How about something like "You very helpfully gave us an OB specialist's perspective while not criticizing the perspectives of our midwives or our perspectives as parents."?

I'm glad to hear that you had such a good experience! Different circumstances than yours, but I too have had good experiences with an OB (who has a practice with a midwife) and it's good to remember that there are good ones out there! :-) I hope more OBs will start following these positive doctors.

[mediumcrunch]

Something to the effect that you appreciate his respect and support for your choices and that you appreciate knowing that you have an OB like him in your corner should the need for one arise.