back-up Dr.?

[eli's mama]

Ok, I'm not sure why this is such an issue right now. I'm 10 wks along with my second, we're planning another HB/WB with the same midwife with whom we had a remarkably easy delivery with #1. But because it was my first, she encouraged me to do the whole back-up doc appointments so that in case of an emergency transport I wouldn't be treated like a leper which is common where I live. Anyway, this time she left it up to me and my initial reaction was ok, I don't need one. When I mentioned this to a fellow HB'er she was stunned. She sort of made me feel like I was making a bad decision and while I'm pretty confident about the whole thing her reaction has made me start thinking maybe I'm making a mistake. Though I do not want to go through all the hassel of regular OB appointments with all the lying and canceling of appointments that go along with it because I have absolute faith and trust in my midwife and myself. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts? I would really appreciate it, even if you agree with my friend, that's ok!!
Thanks!

[eirual]

I'm with you on this one. I had my first @ home 4 months ago, and the M.W. sent me in to meet with the obstatrition (sp?) just so that they would have me on file and know who i was if we did have to go the hospital or be induced(mind you this was at 40+wks- and i started M.W. care @32). I guess it was worth going for their sake, but I would have just as soon not. It's not like you'll be denied care if you do have to go- you'd likely just end up with whoever was oncall anyways!

[Guest*]

If you don't want one, don't get one.

I don't really understand the need for a backup doc if you have a trained, certified midwife.

If something comes up during the pregnancy, THEN go see an OB, but until then the midwife should be perfectly capable of providing excellent care.

If you need to transfer for an emergency, well, it's whoever is on call at the ER anyway, so it doesn't matter if you have a relationship.

Having a backup sounds like a waste of time and money to me (at least in my situation).

[provocativa]

Geography plays part in the decision. Homebirth is not certified in my state, so it avoids suspicion if you have been to get a chart written by someone. We'd face a possible investigation by CPS if we showed up at the hospital having had no known prenatal care, since we look a little freaky (husaband covered in tatoos). My midwife has an arrangement with a CNM who practices with OBs and has hospital privileges. I'm only seeing her once. Pre-filling the paperwork out at the actual hospital where you would go for emergency transfer is another idea (but have them make a copy for you). Then you don't have to be answering questions about your ss# while waiting for the doc to show up.

[violetbutterfly]

I don't know that I would be really excited at the prospect of dual care. Espcially since one of the reasons I see a midwife is to avoid the OB care I guess it just depends on your state. I actually think I'm a little spoiled because in CA midwives are legally certified and don't have to worry about all the beauracracy that goes on with hospitals and CPS.

[mama_at_home]

I did not have a backup OB with my twins. For me birthing in a hospital was NOT an option and there was no way I was setting foot in an OB's office. My midwife said she had a "connection" with an OB that we would call if a hospital transfer were necessary. My midwife is so awesome, she never even suggested I needed an OB, just asked me if I had one.