Curious About Midwive Vs. OBGYN

Hi Laura,
I am also pregnant- 24 weeks. I went to an OB when I had my son. It wasn't that I disliked him, I did like him very much but I decided to go with a midwife this time around. Obviously I haven't had my delivery with her yet, but I can tell you I am very pleased so far. My dr. always answered my questions but the midwife I feel educates me more than the dr. did, and cares about my baby and I as a whole. I did have an epidural with my son because I had horrible back labor. I am going to try not to have one this time...though I am not sure that you CAN'T have one with a midwife. I think they would discourage it, but an anesthesiologist administers an epi, so I don't see why you couldn't have one. I would double check that. Congrats and good luck!

You have an important question to ask. Many midwifes deliver in hospitals. If that is the case you can probably have an epidural. If not your midwife is probably trained in relaxation techniques that will provide you the pain relief you need while maintaining control of your labor. I had my first child with a midwife. It was the best experience ever. She was supportive, stayed right there next to me the entire time, and was able to help me relax without any pain meds. My son was born in a hospital due to potential complications. I did not enjoy the experience. I wasn't in any pain, but I could also not feel to push properly and tore from one end to the other. With my midwife I was able to eat, drink, move around and labor how I felt comfortable. In the hospital, I was hooked up to the IV and stayed in bed most of the labor (I did not feel comfortable walking around in the hallway). With having 3 children, your labor will probably progress pretty quickly and you may not have time for pain meds anyways. I would make sure that I was comfortable with the health care provider that will be there when I was delivering. That way I would be happy. Remember, this is your labor, it is most important that you do what you feel comfortable with, regardless of what anyone else thinks or says. If you have any questions feel free to email me and good luck.

I had a Obgyn when I had my DD almost 3 years ago. She was so busy I never met her till I was 7months along.
As for the delivery, she came in the room about 4 hours into labor (I was in labor for a very short 8 hours!--sorry ladies) the next time I seen her was for delivery, then the day I checked out of the hospital.
I now choose to go to a mid wife, I do not plan on getting prego agian, but just in case. I loved her when she did my physical this year, she took the time I needed. If you are in the Grand Haven MI area and want a name just let me know.

I am not sure about the midwife at your practice. But mine had no problem with giving me an epidural or a med free labor, it was entirely my choice. Mine actually held me while the epidual was inserted. The biggest difference I found between the midwife and the doctor is that they stayed with me during most of my labor and tried all kinds of coping methods in conjunction with the drug therapy. The combination of therapies is generally better than one or the other. Also, a doctor will check you here and there and then show up when it is time to push. If your delivering in a hospital, there will always be doctors there should something happen and you need surgical intervention, which is what happened with me. Personally, I feel I received much better care due to having a midwife. She also stayed with me through my entire emergency C-section and then stayed around to help me afterward. Since you have time to get to know the midwife at your practice, take a list of questions to ask and see if you are comfortable with her and how she helps the process along. I learned so much more from the midwives than the hurried doctors I saw while pregnant. I recently had a hysterectomy, and again, the midwives helped me so much more with my aftercare and follow up then the doctor did. I am sure you will figure out what is best for you. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope everything goes well.

I took a natural birthing class at the Holistic Midwifery Institute in AnnArbor ( ###-###-####). They have midwives, and dulas (support person for labor)and all sorts of classes, and a mamas group as well. I learned how the meds you are given during birth effect the baby. That laying on your back isn't the best position, it fights gravity. And they way the 2 bodies move during birth is like a dance. As in the contractions moves you, and the baby then moves along. I thought it was a happy way of thinking. Also the pain is productive, not like the bodies signal to get your hand off the hot stove.
We did birth all natural at a hospital My husband was to nervous to think of having a home birth. I found a great dula, and she was wonderful at supporting both my husband and I. She talked about how to communicate during birth, helped my husband get involved when her was just standing there in shock. She helped me develop a birth plan, you can bring it to the hospital. And she was there to advocate my rights. Theres so much thats not volunteered to you.
A. H

I met a midwife recently and she indicated she can do the epidural and I agree with you that the doctor you just saw was insensitive. Either address the situation with your doctor's office, or try out the midwife. You have time before this gets to be a huge problem.
One other thought for you. I went to a dr. office with multiple OB/GYNs for both my kids. I hated the appointments because they were perpetually late and I don't go there any more because of it. My favorite doctors (there were 6) that I liked during the pre-pregnancy were not my favorite for delivery. Keep in mind you may want something different than handholding when you get to the actual moment. I thought I knew what I wanted but what I needed was different. I don't agree with a dr. being abrupt, but think through what is the best personality during a pregnancy and what traits you might need when the time comes.

Hi Laura! Congrats on being 14 weeks, VERY exciting!!! I live in the GH area... and saw you live in SL. I am going to make some assumptions on the office you went to :) I saw Deb for my first 2 pregnancies and LOVED her!!!! I send everyone I know to her. It does worry people when they hear the word midwife... but these midwives are hospital based, meaning you can deliver at the hospital, but they are backed up by doctors, so you have the availability to whatever you may need. If you choose to do no pain meds, they will respect that... if you choose to do an epidural, you can have that. There are no real limits with them. If you are high risk or have complications, then they would have you see the Dr, but otherwise, you can see them through your whole pregnancy. I would highly recommend her, especially from what you said your experience was with the dr, and with what I think your expectations are. I think you would love her and feel very comfortable with her. Good luck! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about anything else!!! J.

My first 2 children I went to OB's...frankly they were rather paternalistic cold and dismissive.

My third child I used a midwife. She was AWESOME. Hour long pre-natals, really cared about how I was feeling, and had lots of great informationa bout birth and such.

I highly reccomend midwives...well the right kind of midwife. You really have to interview them to get their birth philosophies and make sure you click...you should do that with OB's as well.

FYI Epidurals can hurt baby. Epi's can lower your blood pressure, cause you to have a fever, cause the baby to go into distress, and find you in the OR having a c-section. Nothing is without risk...and those drugs are not mild they are heavy duty.

Hi Laura,
I went with a midwife for my first daughter and now I'm pregnant again and going back to the same practice with this baby. I had the same experience as you where I did not feel comfortable with the OB at my original OB/GYN's office and a friend of mine referred me to my midwife. The office I go to (in Kalamazoo) now has three midwives. I haven't met the new one but the other two are absolutely wonderful. I also notice that you are a Christian, as am I, and the midwives that I worked with were as well. Not that it necessarily matters, but there is something to say about delievering your baby with someone who's not offended when you and your husband yell out, "Praise God" after your baby is born. :) Anyway, good luck in your search and if you live in Kalamazoo, I would be happy to give you the practice I go to. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!

I went to a practice of 5 ob/gyns when I was pregnant w/my son. The drs. were the worst experience of my pregnancy. I'm a natural girl and didn't want drugs or any other interventions in having my son. I was trapped with my ob/gyns becasuse of my HMO. I saw a different dr. each appt, and would have to repeat the items I discussed with the dr. the previous appt. It's as if I talked, but they didn't write anything in my chart - or didn't review prior to coming into the exam room. If I were to get pregnant again, I would definitely go with a midwife. Do your research and stick to your gut.

K so i didn't read all that you wrote so forgive me if i leave somthing out, but In my experience When i was pregnate with my son I started out seeing a objyn, but one app. my doctor wasn't avalible so the hospital asked if i minded seeing a midwife, of course i didn't. Well the midwife ended up being so much more knowledgeable and understanding. It was much more personal than the typical in any questions ok see you in a month. I ended up staying with the midwifes the rest of my pregnancy and really noticed the differece.

Hi Laura! Congratulations on your pregnancy. What a blessing! I just wanted to let you know about the midwives who delivered my son. They work out of a practice in Troy called Oakland-Macomb OB/GYN. Check out their website: http://www.oaklandmacombobgyn.com/midwives.html
I wasn't sure about having a midwife either. I was pretty anxious early in my pregnancy due to my history of infertility and the lengths we went to to get pregnant, but I was really happy with my decision to go with them. The office that you decide to go to should also be able to give you information about how they practice, if they have midwives on staff. There are several different types of midwives. I'm assuming you want to deliver in the hospital vs. home since you mentioned your desire to have an epidural. Midwives who deliver in the hospital are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and are all Masters-prepared RNs. They work under the supervision of doctors, but are independent practitioners and typically do all of the labor and delivery care unless there are complications. They do not do c-sections, but can make the decision if one is needed. Mine always had one of the doctors in the office on-call, if needed. I actually rotated through all of the physicians in the office during my pregnancy also so that I would be comfortable in case one of them had to take over my care during the delivery.
The "pros" of having a midwife for me were the amount of time spent in prenatal visits as well as during labor and delivery. My midwife met me at the hospital and labored with me as well as assisting me in the delivery. Typically the labor nurse assists during labor and the doctor mostly does just the delivery. I was able to labor naturally (and in water!) and she checked in constantly to listen to the baby's heartbeat and assess us both. I didn't have to be "hooked up" to anything for most of my labor. However, I did have an epidural and was not discouraged from having one. CNMs CAN order pain medication and epidurals. We discussed my birth plan prior to the delivery and I wanted this option. I was never made to feel bad about this decision. I always felt they had my best interest at heart and were open to whatever options would give me my best birth experience. In the end, I couldn't have asked for anything better- a healthy baby and a very positive birth experience! Sorry so long! Hope it helps. Good luck.

my sister had her first child with a mid wife and she abosloutly loved the one on one with her. I personally went to a mid wife with my 3rd child but my child was 9lbs 8oz. I ended up towards the end of my pregnacy opting for a C section due to the fact that the baby was estimated to be so big. My mid wife was still active in the appointments and was even at the hospital the day I had my surgery to check on how things were going. In my sisters case the mid wife did everything. Only when there were issues with baby was a doctor called. But dont hesitate to check and be sure. I went to Borgess with my 2nd child and felt as you did. like I was a burden on the facilty to even be there. The birth of a child is a wonderful experiance and if you are unsure about your OBGYN you should definatly explore other options
S.

Both of my two girls were born with a midwife. She was just wonderful !!!! I was 20 with my first daughter and I was scared to death. I hated doctors. Every thing about them I hated ever since i was a little girl. I am also the type person that don't like people standing over top of me. My first daughter it was to late for drugs. No turning back lol She worked with me sooooo much. With my second daughter I was over due.... I went into my doctors apt and alls she did was touch my belly a little bit to see how the baby was lyning and she was ..... u are having contractions. I was like NO WAY lol It was weird she could tell how the baby was with head down and how fast my contractions were coming w/o me feeling them. I didn't feel my contractions until 1/2 hour before I had my daughter which was at 230am. She checked me and i was to 6. She was like okiee meet me at the hospital at 630 tonite and I will break ur water. I think midwifes are more willing to break waters then some docs. Anyways.... while I was uncomfortable for that half hour she climbed up in the bed and rubbed my back. OH did it feel sooooooooo good. My ex even got to basically deliver both the girls. It was a awesome thing for him to... to be able to be included. Now with my third baby my son I had to go with a OB/GYN and i tell u what. I didn't like it one bit. I was woke p early one morning cause i was very uncomfortable. I thought I was having fake contractions so i drank a glass of water and went back to bed on my left side. Of course I didn't fall back asleep because of being uncomfortable so when 7am came along I went to work. I worked all day ... thank god sitting down at the phone lol After work I went in to be checked. And the doc sent me home even though I was at a 4. He wouldn't even break my water. Of course I was 18 days early tooo. He sent me home with a sleeping pill and I was in there the next day. I went in when I was 10 and they rushed me. I had to wait for the doctor... cause he was golfing. And it felt like I was on a backboard. They tried puttin a IV in me, what for I don't know cause I couldn't have drugs. The nurse gave up. Then u have the monitor which yeah its great to know when things are coming but at the same time hmmm I could feel it lol and the belt thing just got in the way of pushing. It was just a very uncomfortable feeling. My husband was in no form of helping deliver the my son. If I could take the IV, people over top of me, the rushing feeling, and all the other equipment they hook u up tooo away. I would do it again with a midwife. You don't have all that stuff. Only to check things and then they take it off. Their bedside manner is just tottally different and they take the time for ur concerns. GOOD LUCK and let us know what u decide.

I was in a similar office 3 OBGYN and 3 midwives. I was dead set on a doc because of my own health issues, until I had to do an appointment with a midwife for scheduling reasons. I ended up meeting with the midwives and deciding to have them deliver my baby. They did spend more time in the appointments getting to know you, although my docs were great too. They are trained to do everything a doc does, with the exception of a c-section. All of the midwives in my practice allow epidurals. It's more about creating a family experience and allowing you to work through labor. Below are a couple of websites. I ended up having to have a C-section, so I didn't get to experience labor.

www.midwife.org
www.narm.org

S.

I delivered both my boys with a midwife. They were out the Henry Ford System http://www.michigancnm.org/Midwife_flyer2.pdf. Actually Thersa delivered by 10 year old! I found them to be just wonderful and they were there for the whole delivery. My mom was in the delivery room with my first son and she also worked labor and delivery for many years. She was very impressed with them. Congratulations and good luck!

Hi Laura,

My children are 14, 11, and 7. The 14 yo was delivered by an OB, but the 11 and 7 yo's were delivered by certified nurse midwives. I was absolutely delighted with my experience.

The thing I liked most about CNM's were that they worked in conjunction with OB's. I delivered in the hospital, so if any emergency situation came up, it could be handled.

CNM's generally work only with patient who have a history of uncomplicated pregnancy. If you've had previous c-sections, etc. it may not be possible for you to work with a CNM.

My advice to you is to check it out. Meet with the midwives, see if you like them, their style, etc. I loved the whole experience, and I hope that you will too.

If you have any other questions that you'd like to discuss in personal emails, please feel free to send a message.

I am 32 weeks, and my office has 3 midwives. I LOVE THEM!!! I used them for my son's birth, and going to with my daughter. My sister also attend the same office for her 3, and used the midwives too. They just seemed less clinical, and more nurturing. It was very comfortable with them, they all had great personalities, and were very good in the delivery room. They also help work with your body, to help keep from tearing. And they seem to try things more than Dr's do. I highly recommend a midwife. I also go to Oakland Macomb OB and they are the best!!!!

Hi, Laura B. I am a mother of 5 children (4 girls and last a boy at age 40). I have had lots of doctors infact I work for one right now sitting for her little girl as a grandmother figure. I know what you mean about seeing a lot of doctors in a practice, however it was explained to me the complications that could arise during childbirth didn't compare to the risk I would be taking to not be in a hospital with all the modern conveniences at hand (like oxygen, operating room, blood etc.
Some times a doctor's personality doesn't always mesh with ours, or they might be having a bad day (after all they are human and intitled to a bad day once in awhile). I know during this time in your life with already 3 children at home you are not the center of attention. It hurts not to even have your doctor take the time with you that you feel you are paying for. However people treat you the way you allow them to. If I were you, I would have said something to the nurse or had a note made on your chart that you didn't appreciate the lack of doctoring time during your last visit. You felt like you were an imposition not a patient. You don't have to be rude or a B - - - - ! But a person that would like just a few more moments of the doctors precious time. Usually if doctors are made aware of how they treated a patient, they try harder to correct that in their practice. I say give her another chance rather than running the risk of something happening during delivery that is unexpected. Trust me all deliveries are different even with the same practice of doctors and with each baby. I could go on and on how all my pregnancies and deliveries were so different. I did prefer tho the epidural rather than the pudental block, saddleblock, or natural. Yes I had one natural. Thank heavens it was a quick one. It was my 4th delivery. 55 minutes labor and boom! Then wouldn't you know my 5th one was 13 hours labor and turned wrong. Go figure....thank heavens for the epidural during that labor. However, I ended up having him natural as the epidural slowed down the labor so they had to let it wear off and they turned him right at the very end. Wow that was a funny feeling as I could feel everything. Well enough of my spewing on and on. Hope this helps. Give your doctor a second chance and tell her how you felt. Perhaps you were feeling a little down that day and had looked so forward to that visit and your excitement that it was anticlimatic. Who knows we all have such raging hormones during pregnancy. Good luck and good delivery. Caring, C. S. p.s. I just read your 31 other responses and it surprises me 29 of them responded in favor of midwives and only 2 on the doctors behalf. I find that quite strange. Perhaps the midwives have more time and less patients than doctors and aren't dictated by hospital policy. However they do not have as much training as a doctor. I could be a midwife with my limited knowledge, but I could not be a doctor. Value that

I had a midwife for the birth of my son almost two years ago and it was the best experience. I could have chosen the doctor with whom the midwife worked, but the midwife definetly gave you more time and energy and seemed more concerned about BOTH mom and baby, as just opposed to the health of the baby.

Let me tell you, when you I told people I was having/had a midwife - they asked me all sorts of crazy questions - like did you deliver at home, how OLD was she, etc. There are so many old fashioned, negative views about midwives and I think it is one of the most admirable, amazing professions.

I am planning on having another child soon and you can bet I am having a midwife!

I also have three girls all delivered with a midwife, but really my husband was there and could have caught all three. He did most of the work. We did the Bradley Method with all three and there a couple of books out about it that are great. It is also called Husband Coached Child Birth. The first time you have your baby with out pain med. you may find that your recovery is much more quickly. I loved every delivery. Sure I can say that now! call me anytime! You have my number already:)

Hi Laura
,
I use a midwife with my second child and LOVED her. She becomes more of a friend then a doctor. She spent at least 30 minutes with me at every appt. The night I went into labor I called her, told her I was heading to the hospital. I told her to just wait at home and let the hospital call her if I was actually going to deliver. She was there before I was. She spent most of the night in the room with me. I could get up and move around, sit in the tub, take a shower or what ever I wanted to do. With a doctor they strap you to the monitor and you're stuck in bed. When the baby was moving down I was laying over a yoga ball and she was right there in the bed(queen size, perk of the midwife) with me pressing on my back because I was having bad back labor. I did not have drugs and don't feel I needed them. She really helped me deal with the pain with out them. I am a huge baby when it comes to pain so the fact that I had a 9lb. 12oz. baby with no drugs in amazing!
You should definately talk to a midwife. They do let you have drugs if you want them (most anyway). Thier goal is to help you not want them by using other techniques. It was a great experience, that is what thier priority is...Mom's enjoying the birth.
Good Luck in your decision!
Rachelle

Oh my goodness, I just have to tell you. I had my first baby a year ago and we decided to have a home birth and we used Yolanda Visser. Yolanda is SOOO amazing, she was so smart and wonderful, patient and just so perfect, I can't say enough good about her. Her practice is called "Birth Song" you visit her website, it's www.birthsonggr.com. You can go in for an initial consultation and just talk to her and ask her all your questions. (I had a legal pad filled with different questions which she answered for me)
A home birth was amazing, you should definitely look into it before you rule it out and talk to those who have done it and to Yolanda. I know they are not for everyone but anyone I have talked to that has had one, wouldn't ever go back to a hospital.

Hope that helped a little
B.

Hi Laura!

As a midwife for the last 25 years I incourage you to view the documentary entitled "The Business of Being Born".
Your commentary about your experience with the practice you are choosing to birth your baby bith is a common one. It describes adequately about birth in the US.

i live in kalamazoo and went to a practice that had 3 midwives. i had a great experience during pregnancy and birth and am very happy i used a midwife. i opted to have a natural drug-free birth, but i know the midwives at the practice i went to assisted women who had epidurals as well. you should check with the practice you are using, but i'm sure you can have a midwife and epidural.

I've also been to several OBGYN practices and I am so lucky to have found Oakland-Macomb OBGYN. They are a practice with six doctors and four midwives.
I knew I wanted to do everything naturally so I only saw the midwives. (I did end up meeting four of the six doctors and I was very impressed by all of them!)
Just because you see a midwife doesn't mean you HAVE to have a natural childbirth. They will be there to support you in which ever choice you make. They have amazing bedside manner and they sit and talk with you at each appt. for as long as you need.
This practice delivers at Troy Beaumont (which I also loved) and a doctor from staff is always present in the hospital when you're delivering with a midwife.
Check them out at: oaklandmacombobgyn.com
I've recently referred 3 pregnant friends there and they are all pleased (2 are seeing midwives and the other is seeing the docs)

I went to a mid-wife for both of my children (now 11 and 12). I wouldn't have had it any other way! Her office was in a Dr's (I wouldn't have gone to one if it was the traditional in home, that would have made me nervous). For both Births, My Husband and I were in control, what tests we took, what drugs to take at delivery. If you want to be able to make informed decisions during your birth, instead of just being told by a DR its going to be this way.... then I suggest you interview a few mid-wives, and select one whom allows you to use drugs if you want, because remember it is your choice! its your baby and your body

Midwives are fantastic - mine had no problem at all with me getting an epidural. Just talk to them first, midwives dont have an agenda, their known for being more natural but they shouldnt push you in a direction you dont want to go. I would highly recommend it!

I just had my second child and saw doctors (didn't have a choice b/c I need a c-section). But-- my opinion is you should go with the person with the most education, which the doctor. I had a friend who was seeing a midwife and ended up getting a lot of bad "medical" advice and then ended up using a dr. for delivery b/c the midwife had to be out due to a family death and she had never meet the drs.

If you are uncomfortable with a dr. in the practice I would consider finding a practice where you are comfortable with all the doctors-- or talking to the dr. about needing more time during your apt. Remember that you are the customer and the dr. should not make you feel like they are going you a favor.

I had midwives for all of my deliveries. Two were overseas tho. I had my third at U/M and although I went through the midwife, I ended up having to have a C-section. I think the staff at U/M is just so unbelievable. When I had a miscarriage there, they cover all angles, are so compassionate. I experienced nothing like it through Providence.
It's your pregnancy, your body, your baby. You go where you feel comfortable. But if you like the other OBGYNs, you need to talk to one of them and let them know how you feel so arrangements can be made in time.
Even midwives can be a bit rough. Mine almost sent me home because I wasn't dilated. I only lost my water all over my couch. It was only a glitch that made her keep me at hospital and not sent home. Not all pregnancies are the same and routine and sometimes they overlook that.
Good luck to you!

Hi Laura,

We have 2 kids and I used the midwives with my second pregnancy. I loved using the midwives. In my experience, the midwives were much more personable and were very engaged in trying to help you have the labor & delivery that you wanted to have. I always felt like the OB/GYNs just wanted the baby out as quickly as possible and that they didn't care as much about your birth plan. Our midwife practice was very supportive to give epidurals/drugs if that is what you wanted. The midwives can do anything the OB/GYN can do except a c-section. You'll just want to verify that your insurance will cover the labor & delivery if you go with a midwife.

Good Luck!

J. :-)

I had a midwife with our daughter and could have, if I had so chosen, had an epidural. My husband and I went through a 12 week natural childbirth class just to get a more in depth idea of the whole process (more than the few hours offered at the local hospital) from pregnancy to childbirth to typical hospital practices etc. He and I were so well informed that going into labor was empowering, not frightening. We chose to skip all pain medications based on what we learned in class. Talk to the midwives first to determine if you're belief that you would be unable to request pain medication is correct. I believe you will be surprised to hear your options. Sorry about your experience with your new doctor. My experience with my midwife, the hospital staff and my birth class is all positive. Best of luck to you!!!

I loved having my babies at home. The first 2 I had in the hospital. The last 6 I had at home with a midwife. I never wanted to go back to the hospital after the first home birth. I liked the fact that I could do what I wanted in labor and delivery. I usually cleaned until it was time to push. And I got to deliver in the position I liked best (standing up). Gravity works great. The midwives came to my house and spent time with me and made sure I understood home deliveries and how to eat right, etc. They are teachers. They seemed to care. Every midwife I had(I think) brought me a gift for the baby. For one of my babies, I had a midwife but no prenatal care from her. I can't remember why (Maybe something legal back then) but I went to a free clinic to get prenatal and she delivered my baby at home. The doctors were surprise at how high my iron went up. Thanks to my midwife teaching me how to eat. They know secrets that doctors don't. Looks like you have time to decide what you want. It wouldn't hurt to at least talk to the midwifes. Let them know what you would like at your home birth and find out what they could do for you. It was so much more relaxing having my babies at home not being interrupted every contraction with fingers checking my dilation. The midwife would of done that for me if I wanted but I like to be left alone when I am having babies.

I had a midwife the first pregnancy I had and it was wonderful! Each prenatal visit was special, and as long as I wanted it to be. With my second baby, I had an OB, who is still wonderful and I love her but a very different experience. Much shorter prenatal visits, had to ask questions as she was running out the door to get her to come back and explain things. Here are some good resources to connect with other families, find a midwife, or even a doula to help with your birth at the hospital and home: http://www.birthnetwork.org/michigan.htm

This is my midwife's myspace page and she is also the leader of the Macomb Birth Network, so there's lots of good info. http://www.myspace.com/michiganmidwife

Good luck!

C.

all i know is that i had an OBGYN and my sister had a midwife and the ONLY difference is that hers couldn't perform a c-section. she gave her drugs, she offered a episiotomy (something she doens't normally like to do) and was a really great doc. i had to have a c-section with both my kids so i was glad i went with an OB, so she could do my surgery and everything else along the way. but if you aren't comfortable with the doc you have, by allmeans SWITCH!!! you do to want to be as at ease as possible and if you have a doc you don't trust/like you will not be relaxed! do whats right for you

I had a midwife and it was the best decision I ever made. Like you, i was rushed in drs office. I was young and a little scared and not sure what was happening exactly and the Drs. really didnt take the time. The midwife takes the time. In fact, she let me choose if i wanted drugs or not, if i wanted an epesiotomy (not sure if i spelled that right), if i wanted all kinds of stuff. She also explained the pros and cons and explained that what we were making was a plan and if i changed my mind at any time it wasnt a problem. Well, i was going to go all natural of course, how bad could it be. ------anyway, i ended up having a C section and getting knocked out...--morphine followed. If i ever have more kids i will need a C section--its just my body. But you know what, even so i would still use a midwife. She took good care of me and stuck by me through everything.

i had diff doc with all four of my girls and if i ever get to do it again i will go with a midwife i am one of the natural girls just because i hate neddles so check out a midwife and the you can switch if you need to for in hospital birth

If you can go with a midwife, by all means.... DO IT!
I had a midwife with my first baby, she was the sweetest person you'd ever meet! I just loved her to death, she was very chatty, and loved to hear any questions I had, and really cared about her patients. She'd come in the room and give me a hug immediately! During her days off, she told me she checked the Hospital register to see if I had gone in or not, she was super excited to deliever my first baby!

My second baby, I had a doctor.....she sounds like the doc you had, she wasn't very personable at all! She always seemed really nervous and jittery, she was in and out, and that was that. I really missed my midwife (she moved to another city! :'( )

Definitely read about midwives, they have the authority to order epidurals, I had an epidural with both sons too. They have all the training and specialize in your care, but will work with you, and generally let you make decisions about your care, and how you want to handle your pregnancy.

With the doc I just seemed to be a number.. (or maybe a paycheck! ). With my midwife, I really felt like she cared about me as a person, and made me feel I was the only person in the world who was pregnant! hehe

Good luck!

Laura,
Actually, I see a midwife for my regular care...I am not pregnant. I love my midwife! She is so caring and spends as much time with me as I need. As far as I know, if you are having your baby in a hospital, any of the pain medication you need/want is available. Just because you are being attended by a midwife does not exclude you from pain management..."midwife" does not have to equal "all-natural". However, if your midwife is attending your birth at home, she would not be able to administer pain meds. Hope this helps!

I have to agree with all the positive things that have been said about midwives. I had my daughter at home with a midwife and even if I'd had a hospital birth I still would have gone with a midwife. I highly recommend the film "The Business of Being Born," to anyone making decisions about their labor and pregnancy health care provider. Anyway, Midwives are highly skilled, but like any profession, there will be good ones and bad ones. You just need to find the right one for you.

well, i actually used to work in an ob-gyn office that had docs and midwives up until i had my baby. midwives can basically do what a doctor does except surgery. their opinion is that your body knows what to do w/little interference. they can deliver you even if you do want an epidural. if you switch to a midwife and you become high risk for whatever reason then you would have to switch back to the docs. they do spend more time with their patients, and some people like that. in the practice i worked at everyone worked as a team, meaning that if the midwives would have a ? then all they would have to do is ask the doctor. while in labor if something happens the docs are just down the hall, depending on where you would be delivering... i hope that helps. if you have anymore ?'s just let me know.

P.

Hi Laura,
I had the pleasure of having a midwife with my first delivery, and I loved it! Let me say first that I did receive an epidural. I was able to enjoy the luxury of not being hook to the monitor the entire stay. I was allowed to shower, walk, and try frequent positional changes in the early labor phase to aide in the labor process. I did not have pitocin started immediately. I had minimal invasive interventions. When the pain was unbearable I received an epidural without hesitation from my midwife. I guess the key is to find a midwife that has physician back up, and one that is open-minded about pain relief options. My last two deliveries were wity an OBGYN, because in the area that I live in now I could not find a group of midwives. My experience was vastly different. Although I love my physician, I would much rather have had a midwife. Congratulations and Good Luck!

Hi i used a doctor for my three kids which I loved my doctor and have no complaints. But my sister on the other hand had a midwife for all three of her deliveries loved her midwife. she was there for her and talked to her and my sister had a spinal with all three kids. The midwife goes by what you want so drugs are a option. You might want to visit that midwife and see how you feel about her this is your experience so you need to be happy with what is going on. I did have a spinal with 2 of my 3 and the spinal was great. But then with my third child labor was progressing so smoothly I decided to for go without and that experience was so memoriable without the drugs you don't feel the baby moving through the birth canal and when I felt that it is wow what a experience and I never felt like that with my first two. Good Luck

I had a midwife for the birth of my daughter; at the urging of her father. I DO NOT regret it in the slightest. I NEVER felt like a number or like I was rushed out of the office. I ended up with an emergency C-section, and again no problems! I would go with a midwife again in a heartbeat!