Backup Doctors who would Support a Homebirth in Ellicott City, MD

[sufimama]

I'm doing a home birth for my very first baby, due in late November. I'm on a desperate search for an OB/GYN who would serve as a back-up doctor in case I have complications and end up needing to go to the Hospital for my birth. I'm having a very hard time finding any doctors in my area (Howard County) and was wondering if anyone knows of any home-birth friendly OB/GYNs in this area? Thank you!

[iowaorganic]

Well obviously I don't know- but in a pinch if you are a patient of any GYN they will have to see you if you show up at their hospital (at least it is that way here)  I have a family dr who delivers as my official backup- but if I had to transfer it would be to my old OB who has to see me since I have been a patient of his before.  

[sufimama]

Originally Posted by iowaorganic 

Well obviously I don't know- but in a pinch if you are a patient of any GYN they will have to see you if you show up at their hospital (at least it is that way here)  I have a family dr who delivers as my official backup- but if I had to transfer it would be to my old OB who has to see me since I have been a patient of his before.  

Right. I was trying to see if there was a way to show up for a few appointments and have them act as a back-up knowing that I am doing a home birth. But i think for the most part, most hospitals in my area are denying acting as a back-up in case of an emergency especially for home births.. the legal stance of home births in MD is isn't so great right now. Areas such as VA and PA have a bit of an easier time from what I'm hearing. 

[lisarenee25]

Well, Maryland is the worst.  I'm gonna be honest.  If you have to transfer - it's because you definitely have to be there.  You will be treated like crap - like you are dumb - especially if you go in without any records.  However, you will get anybody you have on staff.

Now if you really want to see an OB, like for you - it's imperative.  Then I would join a practice and just not let them know.  You stop making appointments at 38 weeks or so.  Most likely, in this environment, you will not find someone for a back up.

I have had two homebirths in Maryland and never had to transfer.  I think it's important to have records - blood tests and such.  It just makes it easier.  When I was looking at CPM's they suggested I join an OB practice for the records only.  I tried an OB once, and couldn't stand it.  LOL, so I went with another midwife.  Plus seeing a midwife and an OB is too much work.  OB's put you through so much crapola - seriously.

For me, the transfer has never been an issue.  I am confortable with the idea that I would get anybody because the likelyhood of a transfer is pretty low.  I never fretted, but you need to do what makes you comfy.
 

[knittyrobin]

I can't speak to your area in particular.  I'm blessed to be in Colorado where there is at least legal support for homebirth.  In fact, one of the hospitals here in Denver is actually now supportive of homebirths and pleasant about transfers!  Until this recent change though, the general recommendation was to go to the crazy inner city hospital because they didn't micromanage or really do much of anything but run from one room to another taking care of the urgent issues and catching babies and so you had the best chance at having as close to your intended birth as possible considering you transferred.  That said, most OBs are definitely NOT homebirth friendly.  I have never ever heard of anyone finding an OB who would be "back up".  

[Jenga]

All I can say is "Good Luck!" and I truly mean it.

I was dropped by my homebirth midwife at 37.5 weeks and I had *the worst* treatment EVER from some crazy whackjob at AAMC in Annapolis. Lady was off the wall angry at the world and didn't care to keep it to herself, I think. She was telling some nurse over the phone (as she walked into the triage room) that she was going to give a particular patient a c-section and she was NOT going to go over the reasons why AGAIN so the paitient needed to accept the situation and get over it and be ready for surgery when the doctor got back.

Should have been a warning to me, but I didn't run like I wanted to. My lovely midwife left me with practically no records to speak of and the only time the doctor spoke kindly to me was when I handed over my Mutterpass from when I had a German OB at the beginning of my pregnancy. "You're going to die at home" "No midwives do homebirth in Maryland" "Homebirth is illegal in Maryland" "Don't play games with me, you know what you're doing" "You are lying to me about your situation (paraphrasing" and so on and so forth.

Truly horrible and NOT what I needed at the moment, obviously. I did end up having my baby there with Bay Area Midwifery, and only because I had two hospital reps kissing my behind before I left that night.

I don't think you will be able to find a doctor who wants to be a back-up but I would see an OB "on the side" if I had to. I considered using Bethesda and hiring my own midwife at one point but decided to hire a homebirth midwife instead.