help, considering switching to midwife practice

Hi Ladies,

I have been seeing my Dr. and I do like him, but I am consideing switching to a midwife practice. Can anyone give me any advice? I just don't know what to do.

As I said, I like my doctor pretty much. I don't know him very well - I've only met hm about 3-4 times I think. I want to go naturally and hope to avoid a c-section, episiotomy, etc. If I stay with the doctor, I'd deliver at St. Catherines. He is the only OB in the practice. If he is not availablel when I'm in labor, the doctor who delivers the baby will be a total stranger.

If I go with the midwifes, I'd deliver at Stony Brook. Their c-section and episiotomy rates are very low. There are 8 midwifes, so when I go into labor, I'm sure one of them will be available.

What to do?

Re: help, considering switching to midwife practice

Hi there! The practice that I go to is a collaboration of midwives and doctors. There are about 5 doctors and 8-10 midwives. And I have to say, I LOVE the midwives. Theyare more "maternal" and seem to understand me more and how I hope my labor and delivery goes. I feel 100% comfortable with any one of them delivering my baby - after all, it will still be in a hospital.

Is your concern that you would deliver at Stony Brook?

Re: help, considering switching to midwife practice

Maria, I sent you FM.

Re: help, considering switching to midwife practice

I had a doctor for my first baby and Midwife for my second.. And although that was some time ago I felt that the midwife was better for me. The Doc then met me when I was about 8 CM. The labor nurses (wonderful women) helped me the entire labor. When I had the midwives they stayed with me right from the begining. This time (thrid Baby) I close the midwife route again. Stonybrook midwives said if they meet me at the hospital and I am in Labor, even if I am only 2 cm they will stay. I have met alot of people and they all loved them. People in random places -like shoe stores and maternity stores. Go meet them at the meet the midwives the first thur of the month. I did in Oct. I am going again in Jan so my daughter can tour hospital and I can meet more of them and get to know them.

Message edited 12/12/2007 11:03:26 PM.

Re: help, considering switching to midwife practice

We decided to go the route of a midwife. I feel the attention, compassion, and understanding they provide is on such a different level than an OB.

But, at the end of the day you have to do what feels right for you and your baby.

Good luck!

Re: help, considering switching to midwife practice

I was considering switching to Stony Brook midwives. With my latest incident I decided not to swicth at the moment... but I heard great things about the Stony Brook midwives!