Should I tell my OB I am going to home birth?

[paulamc]

I decided at 37 weeks to switch to a home birth. I'm 39 weeks now and so far have continued to see my OB. The doctor my midwife normally calls on in case of transfers does not have privileges at the hospital 2 minutes down the road from me - I'd have to drive a half hour to get to his hospital.

I want to be able to go to the hospital down the road if I end up having to transfer for any reason (particularly in case of emergency), but I'd like to be able to call on my OB group rather than being at the mercy of whoever is on call at the hospital. Note my CPM would not be able to come with me except in the role of doula as CPMs cannot legally attend births in my state, and no midwives at all have privileges at this hospital in any case.

So, I've been planning to just not tell my OB, and if a transfer becomes necessary, to call her and simply tell her I'm in labor and heading to the hospital. She's said I can labor at home until I feel pushy anyhow, so she might never have to know I was attempting a home birth.

I don't like being dishonest with her, but there are other considerations. It's possible she'd want to be supportive if I told her my plans, but I fear that even if she wanted to be supportive and wanted to agree to see me in case of a transfer, that she'd not be ABLE to do that because of liability / insurance issues on her end. Given this, it's possible she'd prefer me to keep quiet.

Thoughts anyone?

[dogmom327]

I don't consider leaving information out to be dishonest. It's a matter of privacy and protecting everyone involved (MW, doctor if it's a conflict for them, etc.). The doctor works for you and ultimately you are responsible for your own care so if you choose not to share something with them, that's your right.

[phatchristy]

If it were me, in your situation, I would keep my plans private. They will be there if you need them then.

[DomerJen]

Do NOT tell your OB you are planning a HB. It sounds like your state's rules are similar to mine, and I know for a fact that my hospital m/w USED to do shadow care, but cannot anymore due to liability. If they find out you are planning a HB, they CAN "fire" you as a patient.

[Mrsboyko]

They can't fire you so close to your due date, it would be patient abandonment nad they can get in HUGE trouble for that.

That said, if you feel your doc would be open to the idea but don't want to get her in a sticky situation, there is always telling her a story about a "friend" who wants to do homebirth but keep her doc as a back up in case and see what she says. Keep it hypothetical. Maybe just drop a hint here or there and gague her response before devulging more info.

[leavemealone]

The OB that I see knows, but he is supportive of my informed choice to have a homebirth. He also provides unofficial backup (can't be official due to liability reasons) and will be available if I need to transfer. However, if I didn't have that arrangement, I would not tell the OB ahead of time. I would labor at home and if I needed to transfer, then I'd deal with it then b/c it'd be an emergency.

[ChristSavesAll]

Originally Posted by Mrsboyko

They can't fire you so close to your due date, it would be patient abandonment nad they can get in HUGE trouble for that.

That said, if you feel your doc would be open to the idea but don't want to get her in a sticky situation, there is always telling her a story about a "friend" who wants to do homebirth but keep her doc as a back up in case and see what she says. Keep it hypothetical. Maybe just drop a hint here or there and gague her response before devulging more info.

Actually they can, call of the medical board in your state and they will tell you, that happened to me. I was told they have their rights just like I have mine.

Keep it hush hush girl, like you said, even if she is supportive, policies might force her to not see you again.