Midwife vs OB ... thoughts ??

[Isaacs_mom]

So I am trying to decide if I want to use a midwife this time around. Last time I had Kaiser and was supposed to get a midwife for delivery but my DS came 6 1/2 weeks early. I have made an appt with a HIGHLY recommended midwife and really want to try her out .. but I am nervous. I have had a m/c before ds and they said she does not do an u/s or hcg .. which makes sense as midwives are less invasive .. ( i guess she will if needed ) So any way my point is it will help me ease my mind if I can have that early u/s and hcg .. so should i just ask her for one ?? for those of you who have used a midwife and an ob which is better and why ? TIA

[doulanichole]

Hi, Jenn! I can certainly understand your desire to know that all is well, but neither hcg levels or an early u/s can provide that with any certainty. I say this as someone who has experienced multiple losses. However if you really think it will help, then ask her for it.

As for a midwife or an OB, it depends on what you are looking for. Do you want someone to medically manage your care, trying to fix your pregnancy or would you prefer to have someone who believes birth is a normal process?

That is a broad generalization, but pretty accurate most of the time. There is the rare OB out there who does practice more like a midwife.

HTH

[Isaacs_mom]

I totally would rather have a midwife .. and I know that seeing the baby is not a guarantee .. but it helps me feel better .. although i am feeling lots of pregger symptoms so I know I am pregnant and feel this one will stick but I know that anything can happen

[alisaparrent]

MIDWIFE!!

I'm a doula.....and by far they are more caring and in-tune with a pregnant women's needs then most OB's. I see it all the time~

You should check with their office. My midwife had a small U/S machine and turned it on for me to see the heart beat. She's not able to do a thorough scan but I know what you mean about just wanting that reassurance.

Best of luck~

[grumpyshoegirl]

I'm going with a midwife. Just beware that some midwives out there are really MEDwives and you might as well be with an OB for all the difference in care it makes. I had a wonderful interview with the midwife I've chosen for this baby and she's very non-invasive. I think the best practitioner is one who's a good match for you-- supports you in decisions about testing and provides you with the information you need to make good decisions. Last time around I saw a group practice with both and the best person turned out to be the on-call guy at the hospital who wasn't even with the practice.

[rabrog]

Another option (what I'm doing) is a family practice doc. He was with me in the OR for the cx and will be again this time. He's been DD's doc from the get go (the only ped in town that is even okay for delayed vax has a wait list and no one is okay for no vax).

Jenn