OB vs Midwife

brij2006 · October 2013

When I set up the appointment for the u/s, they asked which one I wanted. Ummmmm, I don't know.

So which did you ladies choose, and why?

JLyn821 · October 2013

I chose an OB for no real reason other than I love the practice that I go to. I have a couple friends who see midwives and they both had wonderful pregnancies and deliveries with them.

lb1117 · October 2013

I chose a midwife. They can still deliver in the hospital, order tests, write scripts etc. I didn't have an OB beforehand. My family dr does my paps etc, so I had to choice just for pregnancy.

I didn't have to wait for a referral which was great. I also love the approach; it's been great for my anxiety. They also come to the house during the first few weeks after the birth and you see them often at the office; not just a the 6 week pp mark. With my anxiety being bad already, I am grateful that they'll keep a close eye for PPD.

pistolpackinmomma · October 2013

I've seen my ONGYN since I was18. I love this man and never even thought of switching to anybody else. The only other practice in town has 5 or 6 drs and one midwife. If you go with the midwife then she will be there to deliver you but like I said I love my dr. He is in his own practice and so I know he'll be there too. He told the nurse at my last u/s to go ahead and do another one at 8 weeks so I can see the baby and not to worry about billing it! See? Awesome.

sparklingdiamond · October 2013

I chose an OB. I actually am seeing a new OB and not the one I previously had (she is no longer in practice).

AshleyMatt1215 · October 2013

I have an OB, midwives are pretty nonexistent in our area.

amccul20 · October 2013

When I moved and joined my obgyn practice they only person in the practice that had openings was the midwife. I am not really partial one way or the other, but I love her she is fantastic.

That said, when I give birth it may be one if the other doctors in the practice delivering me because they rotate.

BackseatDriver · October 2013

I think the more important thing is finding a provider that you trust and feel comfortable with. Do they answer your questions thoroughly, take your concerns seriously, and are they supportive of your birth plan whatever that might be?

skreedrake · October 2013

At my practice, they automatically put you with a midwife (my doctor's practice has both MWs and OBs). If you are considered high risk, they will switch you to the OB. I am now with an OB, not because I am high risk, but because my MW left the practice when I was about 15-16 weeks. I was switched to another MW, but she left on medical leave before I even met with her. My current OB stepped in to help with the second MWs patients, and I just stayed with him. Honestly, I don't think there is much difference, at least not where I go. I LOVED my first MW, but my OB is pretty good, too.

brij2006 · October 2013

They told me that the main difference is that the midwife spends a lot more time with you than the OB. Which is something that I would prefer. But as far as doing meditation, med free, waterbirth, etc. It's NMS, and I know they specialize in those types of things. So that is where I'm not sure.

sozay23 · October 2013

I chose OB but I live in Texas so there's less options here.. Midwives can't deliver in hospitals in the state of TX and I don't feel comfortable delivering elsewhere (just my opinion- to each her own!!!).

LittleLady77 · October 2013

I choose an OB only because I'm having twins and there is such a big risk of needing medical assistance. If I was having a singleton I would go with a midwife.

Whippet8 · October 2013

My practice has 7 or 8 OBs and a midwife. I love most of them, including the midwife. My practice has you see everyone because the doctor that delivers you is whoever is on duty that day/night. I had one doctor for most of my labor, but then they switched shifts so another did my c-section.

amccul20 · October 2013

I don't think choosing a mw means you can't get an epidural if you want one.

sultryzulu · October 2013

Both. I lucked out with a practice that offered whichever your preference for delivery. For the reason brij said. They (practice) gave me the impression that OB will check to see how you're doing in active labor but doesn't really stay for the whole show until or unless you're crowning. OB treated all the way up until the day of then midwife delivered. Could also be a style thing but she was super patient and compassionate and didn't act like she had 49 other women to see. Also agree with a PP that it comes down to your feelings of trust and safety.

eta: apologies, I'm not a GP-er, just a garden variety mom. don't know if it makes a difference, just wanted to clarify.

tdmd09 · October 2013

My practice only had OBs but I had seen them for 3 years through both my miscarriages and I love them more than I can possibly express. The OB who delivered me only had one other patient that day so I saw him every few hours during my induction. I received excellent, excellent care from them and their office staff. I actually wrote them a thank you letter after my second miscarriage to commend them on their quality of care even when circumstances aren't great.

I think choosing a provider that you trust is more important than their title.

Kaiene · October 2013

With DS I had an OB. He was very laid back, which I really liked.

DH got a new job and got new insurance, so we have had to switch all of our doctors. My OB recommended a practice that has 5-6 OBs and a midwife. I saw the midwife at my most recent appointment, and she was great. I will be rotating through the doctors in the practice so I am familiar with them at delivery. With DS, an on call doctor delivered him, and I ended up really liking her.

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