Switching OBs in Late Pregnancy?

[KaliShanti]

So I interviewed with (and was hired by) a doula client today and she is 34 weeks. Her & her partner hired a doula after the latest prenatal with their OB who told them that if the baby is over 8.5 lbs that he wants to do a C sec and also that he saw "no reason she shouldn't have an episiotomy".

I asked her if she was open to switching doctors late in the game because even with a doula support and birth plan they may be fighting for their wants the whole time. She said maybe but it would be a hassle.

Anyone have experience switching OBs so late in pregnancy? How to go about it? How to find a vag-friendly OB? We live in Tyler, TX and there isn't a great online community like there is in DFW, plus I'm just getting to know the hospitals/drs here. I have attended a great birth at this hospital so I know it can be done but it was with a CNM, not an OB. Her hubby is not OK with switching to a CNM, unfortunately.

Any tips?

[Jules09]

I'm in the process of switching OBs because I'm moving, and won't see my new one until I'm 32 weeks. They didn't seem phased at all about the fact that I'm so far along, they just said to bring my records with me. So far it hasn't been much of a hassle.

[~Adorkable~]

You may want to ask in the birth forum to talk to more ladies that have recently been there, since so many of us are not yet near the end of our 9months (though some certainly are)
Or in the birth professionals forum?

[HeatherB]

You should also post in the Texas tribal area in case there are recommendations for OBs in Tyler.

However, it definitely sounds worthwhile to switch. I wish I had changed my provider even late in my 1st pgcy - it can change so much! All she has to do is find another doc that has reasonable policies (like, not inducing OR sectioning for a big baby - even ACOG says not to do that!) and request an appointment. They new doc requests records from the old doc. Done.

I know it can feel overwhelming, but it sounds like this is a *particularly* dangerous doc. Good for you to encourage her to switch!

[dejagerw]

I switched in late pregnancy last time. For several reasons. I switched doctors and hospitals. The new hospital had a doula program and I contacted the person who runs it and asked if she could recommend and OB from the hospital. I then sent a letter to my old OB telling them I was transferring and to please send my medical records to my new OB. She received all the paperwork and didn't have to do any additional testing. HTH

[VillageMom6]

Wow, what year does that doctor think this is? 1955? Are there other considerations that you haven't shared that would make the doctor say if her baby is over 8.5 pounds it's an automatic c-section? Like, does she have Rickets??

I think this couple is very wise to realize that something is amiss and to have hired a doula. They are on the right track! But if it was me, I would definitely switch to a new doctor. It's not that big of a hassle but even if it was, it would be worth it!

Please let us know how this turns out. Best wishes to your new clients!

[cloe]

They may be restricted with insurance. I tried but failed to change ob's with my last pregnancy but was told by the insurance that I was only able to do that in the first tri. This was after my ob told me that he was going on holiday and that a stranger was most likely going to deliver my baby.

[nova22]

I switched at 38 weeks once and it was the best decision I could have made.

Most women who switch are happy with their choice because at that point, they know what NOT to look for. When I switched, I wrote out a concise list of questions and scheduled consultation only appointments with a few different OBs. Word of warning: they may charge you; one of mine did. I thought that was pretty low, but what can you do. This was a long time ago so I don't remember exactly what I asked, but it was stuff like:

What are your thoughts on low- or no-intervention labors and births?
Are you comfortable with working alongside a doula?
What is your procedure for c-sections? Who can be with me if that happens?
Do you allow rooming in?
I want a vaginal birth with no episiotome, no epidural, no Pitocin, and no constant fetal monitoring. Are you okay with all that?

(If they look at you and laugh during the last question, time to move on. ) One OB actually did look at me and laugh while saying, "Honey, you NEED an epidural!" I was a first timer so naturally I had no idea that childbirth might, in fact, hurt. I smiled back and said, "Huh. I'm not getting one." I ended up going with that practice, but with another doctor who would just as soon stand across the room and quietly watch your progress than get right next to you and count during pushes. I ended up delivering with her intern, instead, but it was still great and my doula was a huge help too.

[nia82]

Switch! I switched 3 times throughout DS's pregnancy (we moved, insurance switch, ...). If I were that mama, I would not want to stay with that guy. He seems a sure ticket to a section or huge episiotomy.
It is admittedly a hassle to switch, but well worth it.

[phathui5]

I've personally switched midwives (never tried an OB) at 28 weeks and 38 weeks.

I know an OB in our area whe has taken on new clients at 39 weeks. It's so important to have a caregiver who is going to go along with what you want for your birth that I would tell your client to start calling around if that's what she wants to do.