[HappyPuppy]

Hi, all! I'm very new, but have been lurking and learning for about 6 months.

My DH and I decided to start TTC in earnest in 2-3 months, (currently not trying to not conceive...) and I have my annual pap and preconception visit with my OB on Wednesday.

I'm hoping you all might be able to add to the vast list of questions I already have (like "Do you have privileges at the birthing center we like?" "Vaccinations: will I get tossed out of your practice for abstaining from shooting my kid full of toxins?" "Red Sox or Yankees? Explain." You know, important stuff.) I like my current OB a lot, but will probably be using a CNM or doula.

Oh! Also, when you are using a CNM or doula, do you also have an OB? (I'm sure there are people all along the spectrum here, from MD 100% only to those who get little-to-no "conventional" prenatal care.)

Are some OBs reluctant for you to work with a doula/midwife, or vice versa? (Our wonderful landlady is a doula, and our best friend's mom is a CNM, but since this is a pretty new decision, we've yet to start talking with people in a more formal way.)

Thanks so much!

 

[Bellejar]

I think I am probably more toward the conventional side of the spectrum than most here. That being said, I have had two Certified Nurse Midwife attended, hospital births. The hospital I delivered at was baby friendly (I actually think it is one of the most progressive hospitals in the country). my midwife group has privileges and takes lower risk moms. I had gestational diabetes with my second and they still kept me as a patient. The midwife group had an extremely low c-section rate and it is a more patient center care than most OBs. I did not have an internal exam with either of my pregnancies until I was in labor, because they are really unnecessary and I didn't want them. I didn't have an OB at all, but the CNM practices within the hospitals women's clinic which also has an OB group. It was understood that if I did need a c-section with one of my births an OB would be available to perform it. Fortunately, i had two very unevenful births. We also have direct entry midwifes in my state. I looked into this option but I personally was not comfortable with it. That being said I know a lot of people who have had great homebirths or birthcenter births with DEMs. THe big difference for me was that CPMs are RNs who have completed midwifery training and also are able to write prescriptions.

As far as vaccinations go that is more a question you ask your pediatrician for the long haul. I found an awesome pediatrician who fully supports breastfeeding, she breastfed all three of hers until 2 which I think is stellar for a ped. I think there are only a few things they do at birth. A PKU test and then goop in the eyes and maybe a hepatitis shot, I forget it's been awhile!