If you live in a state where you have to have MD backup...

[JoyNChrist]

...does the backup have to be an OB, or can it be any MD?

(I'm asking specifically for Louisiana, if it matters.)

[nashvillemidwife]

MD licensed in the state of Tennessee. That satisfies the letter of the law.

However, if I were to be investigated and found that my backup doctor was a podiatrist or lived 300 miles away from me that could be considered negligence as that arrangement really does not do anything to ensure the safety of my clients. Best to go with an OB, GP, or even pediatrician.

[JoyNChrist]

See, that's why I was asking...there's a pediatrician in my town who I'm almost positive would be willing to serve as a backup. He grew up in Africa (where midwife-attended births are the norm) and we have frequently lamented together over the lack of midwives here in Louisiana. He attended many births while there (as some sort of apprentice...not really sure what that was about since he went to med school in New York) and did a couple OB rotations in med school before committing to pediatrics.

He has often expressed a desire to help with the push for midwives in our state.

Just reviewing my options should I decide to pursue midwifery...thanks for the input.

[Charmie981]

It must be a doctor able to deliver babies at the hospital closest to the client. That's either an OB or a family doc, though I'm not sure there are ANY family docs still delivering babies in this state.

The Louisiana laws and rules can be read at www.lsbme.org.

Also, since the backup is mandated in the Midwifery Act, it would take an act of congress (literally) to change this part of our midwifery laws. The board members have been very clear on that.

[JoyNChrist]

Well, that killed my idea.

Sigh...I wanna move to Texas.