where to go for care?

[Jessviola]

my ideal birth would be at home, but it's very unlikely that that will happen with this baby. we can't afford to pay out of pocket, and dh really isn't into it.

i've been seeing the same ob/gyn for a couple years now and really like her and she's supportive of my parenting choices but i'm not sure i want to give birth in the hospital she delivers at. i found another with a birth center that sounds pretty nice that's farther away and i think i might like giving birth there better.

i'm trying to decide whether to continue care with my ob/gyn for now and switch later or if that would make problems when i try to switch later.

any suggestions?

[cosmos]

I can only give you my experience. I gave birth twice in the same hospital the first time not knowing that they had policies that were family/baby freindly but that not everyone was on board with them.

Same thing with the MW I used the first time. She claimed to support my labor choices but ended up highly managing me.

The second baby I used a fam prac doc who really was all about letting things happen naturally, and when I got down to being (we thought) very post-date he let me take the reigns with inducing how much/what method/when to stop, etc.

I also was VERY adamant about my preferences while at the hospital and they respected that. Not sure how happy they were about it but I didn't care how they felt about it.

So basically, I had the birth I wanted in a hospital. You need to feel comfortable, that is the bottom line. For me the primary caregiver was the determining factor in a better birth, so chose wisely.

I think you could go ahead and get prenatal care from your OB then switch, I have never heard of problems in any case except high risk.

[Bunches]

Jess - usually birth centers give free consultations and they usually spend a lot of time talking with you. See if you can go in and talk with them. As a nurse, I see so many people just accepting a doctor because they were recommended but you can shop around for a doctor or midwife. You certainly have to be your own advocate. Are you anywhere near Yale?? I used to live in Deep River and know of a midwife in that area. Are there any midwives that do births in your local hospital?????

[Jessviola]

i'm about 45-60 mins from yale, i haven't really considered there yet. i was thinking about the birth place at st. mary's. i saw some photos and info online and it looks really nice, plus i read they allow you actually give birth in the birthing tub there which is an option i'd like to have.

i think i'll call and see if i can go check it out. thanks!

and

[coleslaw]

Jessica, St. Mary's is supposed to be great. I have a friend who went there. Her main words about had to do with a midwife there, who she met ahead of time and really didnt' like her. She didnt' have much of a personality. But this woman ended up being the m/w on call when my friend went into labor. She ended up being the best m/w my friend could ever imagine. So if you go there, please keep that in mind.

I am starting off at Danbury Birthing Center myself. It's a 40 min ride which I am not comfortable with, but dd can be there and that is a big part of my decision.

[Jessviola]

Originally posted by coleslaw
I am starting off at Danbury Birthing Center myself. It's a 40 min ride which I am not comfortable with, but dd can be there and that is a big part of my decision.

that was the other i was considering, but it's a bit farther, it's about an hour or so from here...

[Graceoc]

My birth with DD was at a birthcenter that was 35 mintues away - and it honestly was no big deal....I switched to the birthcenter at 30 weeks, I had been ready to deliver at a hospital with a mw that I really loved - but didn't want to 'risk' the hosptial setting even though it was much closer. I am SO glad I made that decision - it made ALL the difference!

[KoalaMommy]

Right now I'm planning to drive an hour and a half for my delivery. I've thought a lot about it, and I've talked to lots of people. DH, MIL and my mom are all a bit worried about the distance, but I'm not. This is my first baby, and I've honestly never known anyone who delivered a first baby in an hour and a half of starting labor!! The car ride might be a little uncomfortable, and I'll probably leave before contractions are 2 mins apart, but beyond that the distance isn't such a big issue, what is important to me is that I get the care I want in a setting that meets my needs, and right now it looks like the best place for me is an hour and a half away. Incidentally, a close family friend who is a labor and delivery nurse thinks my plan is excellent and doesn't see any cause for concern.

[Maple Leaf]

I go to a hospital that is about 45 minutes away. Hillary122, I know how it feels!

I chose this place with DD because it is known to be a great birthing hospital and I love my doctors. I have about 6 of them and like them all a lot.

I'm planning on a VBAC with this one and they'll support me.

Because I had a c-birth with DD, I don't think DH will let me go the midwife, birthing center way. Frankly, I don't want to either, in case this baby decides to be unique as well.

I had a doula with DD and will again with this one. So it makes the hospital setting a little less "hospital".

[taradt]

living out in the middle of nowhere the closest hospital is 45 minutes, so i really don't think that is all that far. i would go with the place/person you are most comfortable with.
we are lucky to have the best midwife, there's a long story there but i won't get into it. i am really really hoping for a HVBAC. our midwife has indicated that if i have no recurring pre eclampsia problems it shouldn't be an issue. if not we will be at the hospital with the midwife (here midwives are covered and are able to do home or hospital births where the client choses)

tara

[MountainLovinMama]

We are also in the middle of nowhere. Our closest hospital is an hour and 20 minutes away - that is where I delivered dd. Because she was delivered by c-section (after 36 hours of drug-free labor!) we are considering a VBAC this time. The nearest hospital that will do VBAC is 2 hours away! Most of my friends used this hospital (despite the long drive) because there is a really great midwives group there. I chose not to because of the distance - and I really loved my ob. So now I am trying to decide what to do this time. But to me, a 45 minute drive - or anything an hour or less - sounds great!!

[Ravenmoon]

I just found out the midwives here will not take insurance so i will have to pay out of pocket for a midwife.I homebirthed all three kids so i am not about to do a hospital birth!