Risks/benefits of telling OB about homebirth - Page 2

[SigKapAbs]

I saw an OB (who I was open and honest with) up until my 20 week appointment. He knew we were thinking about a HB. When I informed his office of my plans and asked for my records to be transfered to the midwifery clinic, it was done with no hassel. I told his nurse that I was happy with the care I received and would return for annual GYN care.

6 months passed.

I called to schedule an appointment and left a message for the nurse about an issue I was having and to see if I could get an emergency appointment. The office staff returned my call and informed me that I was no longer welcome at the practice and all other appointments I had scheduled would be cancelled, because the doctor does not want to treat people who seek other's opinions?! I was also informed I should see the person who delivered my baby (a MW who does not even live within hours of my area and does not do the kind of care that I needed). I was shocked, hurt, and felt very abandoned in a time when I really needed care.

I think I would have been okay with it if I would have gotten a letter or something immediately after I switched to my midwife. In the end, I'm happy I followed my gut, because I wouldn't have wanted that doctor to be a part of such a beautiful moment in my life.

[Kanna]

Originally Posted by lunarlady 

I told my OB my plan to HB, and it was fine. He did write in my chart something about "strongly counceled against plan to HB", but I honestly think it was more a CYA move so he wouldn't be liable. I did have to sit through about ten minutes of "why hospital is the safest place" and another ten minutes of "I really hope you will transfer if" but I was fine with that. He said he hoped I would feel comfortable enough with him to seek help at any point if I felt I needed it. He mentioned post partum issues, stiching tears, etc., and said his main concern about HB is patients not getting medical help when needed.

Honestly, i would do shadow care again in a heartbeat. I had an emergency transfer after the birth due to retained placenta and severe PPH. I came in by ambulance and the hospital was able to pull my blood type, prenatal records, etc. up instantly in their system. Since I was bleeding severly, it was wonderful to not be answering questions like weight, age, EDD, and so on in a true emergency situation. They had the information they needed to treat me immediately.

Obviously, I didn't have a c/s, but I also liked shadow care because if for some reason I needed to go under the knife my OB would come in to do the surgery. Not all OBs do that, but mine does. That meant a lot to me as I really fear c/s and being able to trust the surgeon cutting me is huge for me personally.

  Sounds like a good OB.

NOT pushy, but covering all the bases and giving you all the info you need to make an informed choice.

(Yes I know, he's going to come from a medical perspective. But then, the attending midwife is going to give you information about the same subjects from a midwife point of view, so it all balances in the end)

[Kanna]

If you do talk to you OB about it, come prepared.

His biggest care is going to be what will happen if there's an emergency.

Show him that you have a qualified, competent midwife who is equipped and trained to recognize emergencies (Fetal distress, PPH, etc.) and who will transfer you in a timely fashion to a hospital if it's something she can't handle.

He's still going to give you the talk about the dangers of HB and how hospital birth is safer (legal requirements and such to cover his own behind if something happens) but if he's a good OB, he'll be a lot more receptive to the idea.