Found out today and ? about dr/midwife decision

[tracylhl]

I just found out about 5 hrs. ago that I'm pregnant. This baby is a surprise. He/She will (God-willing) be my 4th on earth. I want another child, but dh wasn't sure and now is not the "perfect time". All that said, I am finally letting it sink in and getting used to the idea and I truly am excited, although scared.

Now, here's my question.... I've had a string of troubles with dr.s'. My first ds was delivered in a hospital by a midwife. Long hard labor, but loved my midwife. After losing my next pregnancy (twins in the 2nd tri) they told me I was too high risk for them. I had a dr. for my 2nd ds, but she never even made it to the hospital room, changed to a different dr. for my dd and had a bad experience w/ him. Now here I am and I'm high risk and I need care but don't know where to turn. There are no longer any midwife practices in town and I'm scared to have a homebirth b/c of my risk factors and high chance of uterine rupture. Where do I turn? Do I just try yet another dr.? Do I see a dr. that has a midwife, knowing that there are no midwives that deliver, just practice in the office... I just don't really know what the best thing to do here is. Suggestions?

[eleven]

I'm sorry you're in this difficult situation. Hopefully others will have advice for you.

[eleven]

Oh, and congratulations!!

[dynamicdoula]

I encourage my clients (even my 'epidural/induction' clients) to at least speak with a midwife before they give birth. This way they are exploring every option at their disposal and can make a truly informed decision, rather than basing their decision off of what they 'think' is true. I would offer the same suggestion to you!

[mobywrapmama]

Another thought is to hire a doula. A few of my good friends hired doulas for their hospital births with their 'on call' drs from large group practices. They all had very empowered, excellent births. A doula would be extremely supportive to you and your husband throughout the pregnancy and would advocate for you at the birth. Regardless of whether you choose a mw or a dr, I think that a doula would be a great asset!

I hope it goes well for you!