Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

Does anyone else have this fear?

I've been seeing & building a relationship with my OB, and after all the weeks of having checkups with her, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable if one of the other doctors, in her practice, would need to deliver our baby because she was unavailable. Does anyone else mind? How can I convince myself to not feel uncomfortable, so I won't be disappointed when/if the time comes?

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I also have this fear. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have another c-section, but I'm afraid that I'll go into labor before my scheduled date and I won't get my favorite doctor. It happened with my son but I didn't have a favorite doctor at the time. It worked out better with my son. I was scheduled for a c-section for a Monday morning with a doctor I do not like, but I went into labor the morning before and had my c-section done by my favorite doctor. It worked out well. I'm hoping I don't go into labor early because my doctors office is now sharing on call services with a practice that I HATE the doctors. So hopefully it works out well for both of us. Good luck!

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

The doc was delayed with my 3rd delivery and I can tell you that when it really comes down to it the nurses do all the work and many of them have been there longer than some of the docs, they are more than capable, of worse comes to worse there is always a doc "on" for the ob/gyn units, so even if it is not your own doc there will always be an ob avaialble!

p.s- I didn't care of the janitor delivered my son at that point I just wanted to PUSH!!!

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I think it's perfectly fine to feel uneasy with not having your own doctor there but at the end, they practically just come at the end to deliver the baby.

the nurses are the ones that are really there for you.

it will be okay.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

You know what... I didn't think about the nurses. You guys are right! Doctors aren't there throughout the whole process anyway (which could be many many hours), but it's the wonderful caring nurses that are!

Thanks ladies!

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I have the same fear except at my ob they encourage you to see all of the 4 doctors throughout your pregnancy. I made a decision after seeing 3 of the 4 that I am going to stick with my ob. I have been going to her for the last 10 years and would rather be comfortable at each visit. I don't think 2 or 3 visits to another one of the doctors is going to mean that he/she will remember me when its time to give birth. Plus like everyone else said, its the nurses who matter.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

My practice, has a few doctors, and you have to see them all throughout your pregnancy, so you know them, and in case your doctor is unavailable.
Im terrified, because I LOVE my DR, and only want him.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I just found out the other day that my doctor is pretty much going to be unavailable to me for the next 4 weeks. Umm...thanks LOL But I really dont care because I honestly like some of the other drs in the group better.

Message edited 4/8/2006 11:24:25 PM.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I didn't care at all. I saw all of the doctors in my practice during both my pregnancies. In the end, the doctor on call delivered Maddie. It didn't matter to me in the slightest, but I was only in her care for about 10 minutes tops. I did get slightly annoyed when they called another nurse to come in to come look.

eta. To convince yourself it's ok, just keep repeating "healthy baby, healthy baby"

Message edited 4/8/2006 10:01:00 PM.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I've had that fear too, especially since I see a sole practicioner (he does have a back-up doc though). He'll 99.9% deliver my child, but there is always that possibility he can't for some reason. Its only natural. Just know that your baby will be fine no matter who delivers them.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

I went to a practice that had numerous DR's and they had advised me to try to see all of them during the course of my pregnancy so I would comfortable. I really did try to meet all but of course the most popular ones were always booked. Low and behold the day i go into labor the DR on call was the one i didn't get to see . I was very nervous about that and disappointed that it wasn't one of the DR's i saw frequently. Anyhoo, it worked out just fine.................I was glad he was the one who delivered Sofia even if we never met till that day. He kept me calm during the whole process and it wasn't a big deal at all. Trust me once you are in labor you won't care who delivers ur baby- .

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

My doctor's office has 5 or 6 doctors on call there. I only wanted one of the doctors to deliver my baby....thankfully, I got my wish.

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

My old OB had his own practice. When I needed the emergency c-section, he wasn't around. He did have Dr's covering for him so a total stranger performed my c-section. I just switched to that Dr's practice. He is so nice!

Re: Fear: Doctor unavailable when you're in labor

This was my fear and it almost came true!