Being Pregnant
Top 5 Reasons to Ditch your OB/GYN
When I became pregnant in 2009, I went to my first prenatal appointment with the assumption that my OB would be professional, caring, and attentive.
As my pregnancy progressed, I found myself leaving each appointment feeling increasingly frustrated and depressed.
I felt like my OB didn’t care about me or my pregnancy—but as a first time mom, the idea of changing doctors while pregnant was terrifying.
Fourteen weeks into my second pregnancy, I made one of the best decisions of my life by switching Obstetricians.
If you are experiencing one of these scenarios, it might be time to give your OB the boot!
1. Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen: If you are a pregnant patient in a large practice, you may be forced to see a different OB at each of your prenatal appointments. The idea is to ensure you have at least met once with the OB who will show up to deliver your baby. The major downfall, of course, is that you are not given enough time to form a trusting relationship with any one physician.
2. Your OB Doesn’t Support Your Birth Plan: Are you hoping for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean?) How about a drug-free birth? If you’ve discussed your wishes with your OB, and get the feeling that he or she is not fully supportive of your decisions, it may be time to look elsewhere. The last thing you want when it comes down to the wire, is a doctor who is not on board with you!
3. Your OB Doesn’t Have Time for You: If you find yourself sitting in the waiting room for an hour, only to be rushed in and out of the exam room within 5 minutes, this may be a good indicator that your OB is too busy to offer you the attention you deserve.
4. Your OB Has a High Cesarean Rate: If you aren’t sure what your OB’s cesarean section rate is, it’s a question worth asking. The difference between 15% and 50% is pretty significant, and upon inquiring, you may even find that your OB or hospital do not offer VBAC as an option—period. This is one of the main reasons I switched OB’s during my second pregnancy.
5. Your OB Makes you Uncomfortable: Do you get a bad feeling about your OB? Is he or she unprofessional, insensitive, or even plain rude? Let’s face it—sometimes doctors are jerks—and dealing with a jerk through one of the most profound experiences of your life can be avoided.
I only wish that I would have had the courage to switch OB’s during my first pregnancy. The stories you’ve heard about wonderful, warm, amazing OB’s are true—they are out there.
Finding the right Obstetrician or Midwife can truly make all the difference in your pregnancy and birth experience.
Have you ever considered switching OB’s?
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64 Comments
Karen commented on Oct 03 11 at 9:52 amGreat post. Not all doctors are in business to do what they are supposed to — help people — and sometimes that can be really apparent. I’m glad you felt the warning signs about your OB before you had your second baby and found a new doctor who cares about your feelings and desires for your child birth experience.
Nichol commented on Oct 03 11 at 9:52 amGreat article. I made the switch and have never been happier. I love my new gynecologist and made the switch because I always felt rushed, because it was busy. It seemed like no matter what I said they didn’t agree.
Julie commented on Oct 03 11 at 10:13 amI’m very happy I have a great relationship with my GYN. You make a lot of great points…if your doctor doesn’t listen to you and doesn’t give you the time of day, it’s time to fire them. I think this goes for any doctor, not just your OB.
Grace M. commented on Oct 03 11 at 10:27 amMy OB was primarily for high-risk, but I didn’t figure that out until really late! I ditched her at 36 weeks when I realized she hadn’t seen a natural birth in years and basically laughed at me when I said I didn’t want an epidural. My nurse-midwife was wonderful, and I am so glad it forced me to switch hospitals too!
hoLLy commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:17 amits so hard to find a good obgyn! after 4 kids, i FINALLY found the one that was right for me! took 3 kids to get there…i’ve been to 4 different docs! never hesitate to switch if you aren’t happy. its the life of not just your baby, but you. great article crissy! :)
Jayne @ Green Country Girl commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:22 amMy first birth story is a disaster movie in the making which ended up in an emergency C-section cut all the way into my belly button and our records disappearing from the hospital. Due to being on public aid, I had very limited options.
My second son gave me more options because I had good insurance. I switched in my 7th month feeling like I would rather go to County hospital (Cook County out of which the TV show ER was based) and take my chances with whatever doctor was on rotation than stay with my current OB. Why? He lied to me. He wanted me to take a Glucose Tolerance Test and I had reasons to not take it. He told me it was a state law, so I called my insurance company to verify. He also would not listen to me regarding anesthetic for a circumcision should I have a boy. He said he didn’t remember his so it didn’t matter. Seeing as how I listened to my first son scream his lungs out with his, I didn’t care if he remembered or not. What I cared about was lessening my child’s pain with a simple spray.
When I switched, I chose a woman doctor. She actually was on vacation and I saw one of the other doctor’s in her practice first. He wanted me to try a VBAC and I did NOT want one because of the horrendous experience I had before. He told me his wife had one and it went fine. At which point I told him in no uncertain terms that I was not his wife.
When I saw the female doctor, I told her what I wanted, she pulled out her calendar, and asked me what day I would like to have him. We picked Halloween and he’ll be 20 years old this year.
Congrats on your new gig here!
ria commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:39 amI switched at about 4-5 months into my 1st and was ever so glad. I went from seeing a different doctor-each the bearer of depressing news- at every visit to an attentive, experienced and caring OB. It made the world of difference. Now if only the lactation consultant was as caring I would not have given up on nursing so soon with my first. With my 2nd, the LC was fantastic and I nursed all the way to 17 months.
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:40 amI switched for the birth of child #3.
I had been going to this doctor most of my adult life (at least 10-12 years) and I really loved her as my gynecologist. She really was a great doctor until I became pregnant and then she became this robot doctor who then put me in a rotation with all of the other doctors in the practice (6 others at the time). They couldn’t “guarantee” that she would be delivering the baby. WHAT?!?!?
I was incredibly upset but they didn’t waver and she did end up delivering my first two children so I was ok. However, when I went in for the first appointment for my third child, she forgot my name. SHE FORGOT MY NAME! I was hormonal and this just made me so angry (she had my chart in front of her). She said that she just had too many patients.
I walked out of the appointment and never looked back. My doctor now is amazing. I am thrilled with her and I know that I 100% made the right decision. If you are not completely comfortable with your doctor then you should switch or at least interview other doctors.
MBAMama commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:52 amI have had both ends of the scale as far as prenatal care. Our first midwife (for our first two children) had delivered 1300+ babies when I met her. She was just the right combination of supportive and guiding and we were extremely pleased. Our second midwife, while competent, had horrendous bedside manner. She actually made snide comments about my weight gain and was borderline paranoid about everything, sending us for multiple tests for nothing and not believing a thing we said (including my very short labour time 1 hour 20 mins for the last baby). We have also since discovered that the second midwife did not mark down half of what we told her in my chart. Our present midwife, while not having nearly the years of experience of the first, is very good – calm and middle of the road – exactly where we like to be.
Crystal commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:55 amWe just ditched our large practice OB and switched to a small practice with 1 OB and 2 midwives. After one appointment, we are convinced that we made the right decision. I received more information in one appointment with my new midwife than I had over 5 appointments with my previous OB.
cheryl c. commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:00 pmExcellent advice!!!
Kristin @ Keenly Kristin commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:25 pmI wish I thought I could do this back in the day (my youngest is 13). The OB for my first two was a practice with two men. LOVED them. They were great. Then, my insurance changed and I chose an extremely popular practice with three or four women. The one experience that sticks out is when one of the OBs couldn’t hear the baby’s heartbeat (I was about 8-10 weeks at the time) and acted as though it was extremely grave and led me to believe that something horrific was going on (I was terrified that the baby had died) and scheduled me for a transvaginal ultrasound but she couldn’t get me in for over a WEEK!!!!!!! That was a great time. Turns out, they were just wrong on how far along I was and the baby was fine. I still am amazed that the stress and heartache didn’t cause a miscarriage. Why I stuck with that practice is beyond me.
Cindy Orley commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:32 pmGreat advice! People need to realize that they are in charge of their bodies and babies. If you are not comfortable or happy in the office, how will you be once you are in the delivery room? You should have complete confidence in your OB/GYN. Thanks for the great article!
bridgetstraub.com commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:34 pmI had the same OB for all three of my kids but in retrospect I should have switched after my second because she induced with all three pregnancies and didn’t believe me when I told het the contractions were non=stop with no breaks. But then lets face it, she only came in at the begining and the very end so why would she? She was a nice woman but annoying.
Congratulations on being over here now!
Kara commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:35 pmI needed this!! After being with my OB/Gyn for like 23 years, I’m in search of a new one. In my first pregnancy, I got the doctor rotation. However, because of needing a scheduled induction I did have my normal doctor for my C. That day in the hospital was not one I wish to recall.
In the next eight years, I received a reminder with my yearly that I’m not a size 6. Every year told to get my thyroid checked. Every year thyroid’s fine. Began to really dread the annual checkup.
Three years ago, it was time for my Mirena to come out and the two months before i spent pondering if I was going to go another five (knowing that prob meant no more children) or give things another whirl. By the time my appointment occurred, we told the OB/Gyn that we wanted to give a baby a whirl (marriage two). He was more than happy to write me up for some prenatal vitamins and send me on my way.
Needless to say, the pregnancy was extremely complicated. It ended up with an emergency C with my 29 1/2 weeker under 3 LB baby. During the last few weeks (including two hospital stays–one just for overnight observation), I saw one of my doctor’s partners MANY times. My doctor showed up ONCE in my SECOND hospitalization after I was already on oxygen, a mag drip, two IV Bp meds, a heart monitor and an arterial line because the Bp cuffs couldn’t read me. His partner was beyond empathetic and took the time to really talk to us. The maternal/fetal spent time with us (didn’t know us from Adam until my second hospital visit). The guy who delivered my baby I hadn’t met til that day.
After I was finally released, at my two week post-C check, my OB/Gyn ripped into me about how my weight was the reason my pregnancy was a disaster and I should not have any more children. Considering my baby was in NICU (and was there for 43 days) and I was hormonal from post-preg, I was devastated. This was the same doctor who was happy to hand out vitamins. It’s not like I gained 80 pounds. I really tried to watch and gained about 15 (still a bit much but gained 60 with my daughter). But it was all my fault.
Lara N. commented on Oct 03 11 at 12:50 pmI was pregnant with twins via invitro at age 39, and I switched OB’s at 7months along. I had no complications, blood pressure fine, no signs of gestational diabetes, everything was peachy – except our previous OB!
She was 1 of 4 in a busy practice and only after I’d been going to see her a few months, told me I’d only have a 25% chance of her handling the birth, and it was much more likely that I’d end up with one of the other doctors in the practice – none of whom I’d met yet, and no plans were made to have me do so.
I had also wanted a natural birth if possible, and also, late in the pregnancy,. she told me it was probably not going to happen and that she fully expected it to be a c-sec. She barely spent any time with me on the visits, and I had no chance to ask questions. In – and – out.
So I switched to a Canadian doc who was licensed to practice in the USA, he had a good relationship with the local Bradley Method people (And he also knew Jack Newman, the breastfeeding book guy), and he said that if the baby closest to the ‘exit’ was head down, then he’d be willing for us to try a natural birth, even if the other baby was breech, as long as everyone’s vitals were ok.
He was very generous with his time and I spent the first visit grilling him for about an hour with my LONG list of questions.
As the pregnancy went over 36 weeks, he mentioned inducing, but I told him I preferred to wait a little longer, so I ended up having appointments twice a week for the next couple of weeks to make sure everything was ok with waiting.
Well, it turned out that both babies were breech, my water popped on its own at 39 weeks, and I gave birth to two girls whom I blog about on twiceblessedlife.com.
I am SO glad that I switched! He even signed off on my having a doula (like an informal, assistant midwife/birthcoach) in the birthing room, as well as my husband, and she kept my mind off the c-section being performed (I had a phobia about operations) while my husband was all mushy over the twins.
Twingle Mommy commented on Oct 03 11 at 1:01 pmWhen I was pregnant with my first child I was refered to an OB by my fertility doctor. The office had me in tears after trying to get an appointment with them. I figured if the staff was that bad, I didn’t want to meet the doctor.
So I got another referal and my doctor was awesome! I love him and stuck with him with my twin pregnancy even though I had to see a high risk doctor as well. I could have seen just the high risk doc, but I loved my OB too much to switch. You have to feel comfortable with your doctor!
Erika commented on Oct 03 11 at 2:01 pmSo true! I switched when I was pregnant with my first. It was the best decision. And when we moved and I had to find a new one, I interviewed her and made sure she was okay with my plan. She was great and I stuck with her for my next 3 babies. Definitely stick up for yourself and remember that doctors do work for us.
Mandi commented on Oct 03 11 at 2:36 pmI really liked my first OB who was recommended by my SIL. We just recently moved out of state and I’m nervous about finding a new OB. Thanks for the tips!
Jewels for Hope commented on Oct 03 11 at 3:37 pmOh, That’s horrible you didn’t like your OB. I haven’t had any kids yet, but I love my OB right now. I hope to stay with her once the time comes :)
Tiffany Cruz commented on Oct 03 11 at 3:42 pmGreat post Crissy. Your very right. I wish I would have switched doctors with my first pregnancy. I didn’t use the same doctor the second time around. I found a doctor that was great. You can’t go wrong with a doctor named Dr. Sunshine Willett, she was great!!
snakecharmer commented on Oct 03 11 at 3:52 pmPeople should definitly know that they aren’t ‘stuck’ if they really don’t like their OB! I get along really well with my OB but then again, I live in a rural area and there are only 2 OBs to choose from (originally there were three but one retired and they haven’t been able to recruit a new one yet). So if I didn’t like the one I’m with, I’d only have one other choice and they have side by side offices in the hospital!
One thing to consider too is if your OB is late occasionally, then that’s one thing (mine was usually running behind but that would be because he’d be rushing off to the L&D ward to help deliver a baby) but it’s good to know why before judging.
Alicia commented on Oct 03 11 at 4:11 pmGreat advice Crissy! Luckily, I had great OB/GYN’s for both of my pregnancies and I was probably a very demanding patient. I can’t imagine going through a pregnancy uncertain of who my actual delivery OB would be or if he/she has five other patients waiting while I’m ready to be checked out. I think the circumstances that would have made me want to change my OB/GYN would have been (1) too many patients to keep up with (2) not agreeing with my birth plan and (3) not committing to being my delivery dr.
Bree @ TheMomwithMoxie.com commented on Oct 03 11 at 4:12 pmGreat article. And, I agree wholehartedly, with all 5 reasons. I was fortunate, that I had/have an awesome OB/GYN.
Jeannette commented on Oct 03 11 at 5:09 pmGood advice! I got pregnant in high school and when I finally told my parents they wanted me to see someone else for my prenatal care. The free Dr I’d been seeing was so incredibly rude when we went in to get my records. I felt shamed and inconsiderate. Sadly, although also a blessing, I miscarried that baby.
When I got pregnant with my son at 24 I still felt so young. I hadn’t told my hubby yet; I wanted to confirm with a Dr before I gave him the news. When the nurse did my intake questionnaire she asked me my birthday, if I was married, what insurance I had, and what my husband did for a living. From this information she could tell I was 24, married, and that my husband had a steady paying, reliable job in the Army with insurance that pays 100% of my normal medical costs. THEN she asked me with a look of contempt, “Was this pregnancy on purpose?” I was so incredibly offended! We had just been given the news 6 months earlier after an oncologist removed my ovary and a tumor that had grown on it that I may not be able to get pregnant. Thankfully we moved a few months later and I never had to see her again but I already felt young and scared… she didn’t help that feeling at all!
Shari Lynne @ Faithfilledfoodformoms.com commented on Oct 03 11 at 6:19 pmRight On Crissy!
Carissa commented on Oct 03 11 at 6:57 pmI made the switch! After my first appointment I felt that my OB was following some outdated practices so I switched. I figured if I already had doubts there was no reason to stick around so early in the game. I meet my new OB Wednesday.
irene commented on Oct 03 11 at 8:09 pmgreat first post! i loved having a midwife for both my pregnancies.
Little Miss Kate commented on Oct 03 11 at 9:30 pmAgreed – if it doesn’t feel right find someone you trust, can support your choices and make it a positive experience. I went with a midwife for the birth of my son in order to get the care I was looking for
Zombiemommy commented on Oct 03 11 at 10:10 pmIf you have an OB with a big practice and they say they are VBAC friendly. Ask for statistics.
You wouldn’t believe the number of women that get talked into Repeat Csections near the end of the pregnancy because some or most of the OB’s don’t do them. Join a local ICAN group. http://www.ican-online.org/
Seriously even if you are seeing the midwives in a big practice, ask for their VBAC statistics, “how many did they do last year” for starters is a good one!
If they can’t or won’t give you numbers. RUN! Contact your local ICAN group for TRULY VBAC providers.
Signed,
A mom who stayed with her current practice and ended up with 2 sections from that practice.PS I had 2 VBAC after those 2 c-sections because I found a real VBAC provider.
Jules from A Little Bite of Life commented on Oct 03 11 at 11:53 pmI wish I had this advice when I was pregnant! I was shuffled from OB to OB in a practice, and I was a high risk pregnancy. I even had an OB deliver my son who I had never met before! I wish I had fired them before he was born, but everything turned out okay.
ldancer commented on Oct 04 11 at 12:24 amMBAMama, this wasn’t by any chance a freestanding birth center in Brooklyn, was it? We had the one midwife in the practice we didn’t like – horrible bedside manner, totally dismissive of me throughout my pregnancy and doubly so when I was in labor. She did a great technical job, but, like I said…bedside manner. Terrible. She also left me hanging for hours, in hard labor, because she had to do an orientation at the center. Why that was more important than assisting a patient in labor I will never know. It was all I could do to remain unmolested by a truly nasty group of medical personnel until her very late arrival.
Lisa commented on Oct 04 11 at 12:30 amI agree with all but the first one. I’ve always been with a practice that had about 4 doctors except once because I began to think, “I want to know my doctor. Not have a chance of getting one of four.” Then I realized, doctors take vacations and I would rather have a chance of getting one of four doctors I know from the office than some doctor from another practice my single doctor is sharing on call with since she obviously couldn’t be on call 24/7 by herself. My doctor delivered my first 2 boys thankfully and then we moved to another state. I was so scared of delivering with someone new whom I didn’t have a relationship with even though I was a repeat c/s. I went with someone friends had recommended and while I liked him okay, I did NOT like the other doctors, the nurse practitioner who belittled every question I called with, or any of the other staff really. I was scared to change mid pregnancy and began to work out going back home so my previous doctor could do the surgery. (Here’s how awesome this guy is. He called me the first time our two states had snow storms to compare notes. MD crumbles under snow while I was here in NY driving in 18 inches with more snow falling. He made me feel better when I called him telling him my concerns about the office I was with and talked to their Board to make sure everyone was okay with him offering for their office to deliver me.) In the end, I was afraid if I went into labor early, my husband would miss the birth so I interviewed another office that come to find out a neighbor worked for. I LOVED them. I LOVED the hospital they were associated with which was different than the first practice thank God. At 6 1/2 months, I switched and couldn’t have been happier. My doctor delivered my son and it was the most perfect experience. With my last child, he came 4 weeks early so another doctor in the practice delivered him but she was wonderful too and definitely would have been my next pick after my own doctor. I had complications afterwrds and my doctor and her have both taken turns taking care of me this past year. I would gladly see either of them for any reason.
ellen commented on Oct 04 11 at 12:59 amGreat advice and good points! There is nothing worse than having something that is supposed to be joyous turn into a nightmare!
Lolo commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:03 amCompletely agree. The same thing happened to my sister and she would leave the ob and call me crying. She is now a happier pregnant mama with an new and wonderful ob. It really does make a huge difference if you are happy with any doctor.
Lisa Gutierrez commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:11 amWonderful post! I thought a lot about changing my OB when I was pregnant with my first son. I didn’t and my labor/delivery experience….well, let’s just say my birth plan was never read and I didn’t feel supported at all. When I was pregnant with my second son, I sought out a midwife from the beginning and WOW! It was like night and day. The attention, support, EDUCATION, etc., was amazing. I really wish I had sought my midwife out during my first pregnancy. I just never felt like it was my place, even though it was MY pregnancy. I think women should totally “look around” for the person who will guide them through their pregnancy and support them when it matters most.
Kathy commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:15 amGreat post! These are things every woman should think about when choosing an obgyrn.
Emily commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:45 amReally interesting post! I know so many people who complain about their various doctors but don’t switch. I think it’s always worth switching if you are uncomfortable with your current doc, even if its just your family doctor. It’s definitely worth it when its your OBGYN.
Rhonda Packad commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:48 amGreat advice!! Gotta remember you are paying them, so it’s a must to love everything about your doctor and to be totally comfortable!
Sandra Cortez commented on Oct 04 11 at 2:17 amGreat post Crissy Page…Congrats on your second birth. So your having a Christmas baby? That’s a great present. Have a Blessed Day!!!
Michelle P. commented on Oct 04 11 at 4:38 amI read this when I woke up this morning and think that it’s great advice for new mom’s. Luckily I was blessed with the most amazing doctor!!! Unfortunately the nurses changed every time I came in because he was SO particular if they didn’t cut it – they were CUT! So that was a bit frustrating at times, but I count my blessings because HE is the one I needed to be consistent and ‘there for me’.
So glad you got it good the 2nd go around :)
rika agustini commented on Oct 04 11 at 5:00 amOugh , I want to be pregnant again
Katy~TheCountryBlossom commented on Oct 04 11 at 5:38 amI was blessed with kind OB/GYNs. There were three that I saw and thankfully, they were each kind and considerate. If I could do it over, though, I think I would want to have a mid-wife and give birth at home!
Gina commented on Oct 04 11 at 5:50 amI had such a wonderful OB with my first son that I was terrified when she left the practice! I got lucky that her replacement was just as fabulous. I know I’m lucky!!
Jule D commented on Oct 04 11 at 7:09 amI agree! I would add only one small thing. Ladies, if you switch to a different practice, make sure the former practice sends your medical records on. Medical practices are notorious for not passing on information. I am a mother of three and a former x-ray tech(okay, rad. tech). I have had doctors and worked with doctors.
Cindy H commented on Oct 04 11 at 9:04 amThank you for this post. So many think that because their doctor has the title of “Doctor” that they need to trust and listen to everything they say…I always did. But now I am realizing that they don’t Always know what is best for me, I have learned to listen to my body and my “inner voice” that tells me when something just isn’t right, to ask questions, and to say something if you are not comfortable with what the doctor is telling you. No One knows us like we do, we need to be our own advocates :) Thank you for the post.
jeannine m commented on Oct 04 11 at 10:49 amno, I haven’t ever thought of switching during pregnancy, I did switch before getting pregnant because the doctor I had was very judgmental and pushy. I love the doctor i have now! He delivered my last two babies and he was great. Always gave me time, listened to what I wanted.
Katie commented on Oct 04 11 at 1:07 pmI had somewhat of the opposite problem. I LOVED MY DOCTOR more than ANYTHING. She was so sweet and considerate and had actually gone through what I was going through (lost a twin in the pregnancy) and was always spending a lot of time with me and taking everything I said, stupid or not, seriously. Only problem was, her OFFICE STAFF WAS AWFUL.
Definitely listen to your gut!!!!
Jane commented on Oct 04 11 at 6:14 pmAs I read these posts regarding women’s expectations that THEIR doctor will be the one to deliver them. Stop for a second. You have children, or are going to have children soon. I am an ob/gyn. I have children too. Does it occur to you that I might not be on call when you deliver because I have a family to care for as well? The expectation that your physician will be there when you deliver is called a concierge practice. Not realistic for most physician moms. If you like the idea of having women in healthcare, then realize that we need to schedule our work around our own familes too.
Kelly L. commented on Oct 04 11 at 9:03 pmGreat article! I plan on switching practices if ever I’m blessed with a third pregnancy due to my experience with the doctor that delivered my second child. Let’s just say he needs to retire… SOON!
Teressa Morris commented on Oct 05 11 at 1:02 amI had gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy. When I was pregnant the second time the doctor agreed I should be tested early because it was likely I would have it again. Six months in, I got a call from the doctor’s nurse telling me I had gestational diabetes and that the results had been lost on the doctor’s desk. I wrote an angry letter to the head of the department and the doctor at fault called me back to tell me he would not hold my letter against me. What???
Mary commented on Oct 05 11 at 3:16 pmGreat advice to switch if you’re not comfortable. Although unfortunately many areas of this country lack quality prenatal care practitioners and as is evident by a number of these posts many women are not very informed about their birth. If we stop viewing birth as a medical phenomenon (except of course for those <10% of cases when in actually is) I think women would be more empowered to be in the drivers' seat when it comes to their birth rather than feeling pressured to relinquish all decision making power to the doctor.
Bizemom commented on Oct 05 11 at 3:29 pmSoooo true! If you don’t have a comfort level early on, it’s up to you as the new mom, to get in the driver’s seat. Doctors are NOT God. They should help guide you into decisions that work for your body and belief system. Do not feel like you shouldn’t have the right to ask questions and influence how your birth goes.
Ashley | Domestic Fashionista commented on Oct 05 11 at 6:26 pmTrue in all medical situations! For how much we have to pay for medical bills, we better get something out of it!
Mounique commented on Oct 06 11 at 6:09 pmI take a bit of offense with Jayne@GreenCountryGirl’s comment. Just because you are on public aid doesn’t mean you have limited options. I live in Florida and I am currently receiving Medicaid. I see a private OB/GYN who is wonderful. Having “regular insurance” does not guarantee a better experience. All that counts is that you do your homework.
Amy Smith commented on Oct 07 11 at 11:23 amHmmm…most of the above sound like my ob…maybe it is time to switch!
Kassie commented on Oct 10 11 at 10:10 amGreat post! I ended up having to switch but not by my choice. However, it ended up being a good thing! I like my new ob much better!
Barbie Spruill commented on Oct 10 11 at 2:24 pmI have been considering doing just that! I recently miscarried, for the second time, and I feel like my doc dismissed my concerns. I don’t think it was too much to ask to get some usual hormone and mineral levels. I have PCOS, a B12 deficiency, etc. so these are not new tests for me! Also, there are a TON of docs and patients in the practice. I love my OB, she is sweet, caring, and we share similar views on things (most of the time) but then I just didn’t like being told my miscarriage was ‘chemical’ and it’s nothing to worry about! I am worried! Isn’t that enough? Plus, she only has privileges in two hospitals, one of which I really hate…
Tarevah Sheahart commented on Oct 11 11 at 12:22 amI had considered switching OBs but after talking to my diabetes doctor, one who I have been seeing for years, He assured me that my ob is doing everything correctly and just because she seemed to be at ease with everything while I found myself freaking out about everything it was perfectly normal. I have stuck with her and even was open and honest with her about how I felt and now I feel like I have made the right choice by not switching.
Jen commented on Oct 14 11 at 4:07 pmHaven’t been to mine in a while, but then again, I am done having kids. Thanks for the reminders.
Kayt commented on Oct 18 11 at 2:05 pmI switched with my first pregnancy. I had severe HG. I was throwing up 10+ times a day, and I lost 20 lbs in the first trimester. My OB kept telling me to ‘tough it out’ and that ‘it would be over soon’. When my then-boss intimated that I might want to look into medical leave, I called my OB in a panic, asking to talk to them. They said that it was a Friday afternoon and that they don’t sign off on these things until book another appointment. They wouldn’t let me book an appointment sooner than my next regularly scheduled one. I ended up losing that job (long story) the following Monday. When I called back on Monday to tell them about it, the receptionist chipperly said, “well good! Now you can be a stay at home mom!”
I switched practices immediately, where my new midwife took one look at my ketone levels and admitted me to the hospital. I love my midwife. I actually have an appointment with her Friday to confirm pregnancy number two!
A commented on Oct 18 11 at 2:27 pmI had different doctors each time I had a baby (insurance change), but was very happy with both. As a happy patient, I’d cut OBs some slack on #3–seems to be the nature of the practice that emergencies will pop up and your routine appointment will get bumped at least once! Those doctors who kept me waiting a few times were the doctors who slowed down to talk to ME when I had issues or concerns while (I assume) other women waited. That being said, I’d find a new doctor if I was frequently kept waiting or if the doctor did not have time to visit with me.
Katy commented on Nov 08 11 at 1:30 pmEveryone should remember that you are NOT married to your doctor and your right and not a luxury to feel comfortable with someone is getting up close and personal with your lady parts. Also, unless you are high risk you may be interested in looking into midwifery. I am not a hardcore all-natural, organic, homeopathic type person, but opted for this”non-traditional” type of care. It was extremely high-quality and I was very well cared for in every aspect, physically, emotionally, spiritually etc. I could call or text her day or night and was seen in a house that had been converted to an office, which was wonderful. It takes the clinical aspect of the birth business out. I had a natural childbirth at home and it was the single most rewarding and amazing experience of my life. I’m no hero and you can do it too!
Chloe commented on Nov 10 11 at 11:12 pmFor my 2nd baby I’ve chosen a different hospital & provider. My OB did a good job last time but I wasn’t happy about some issues that arose during my hospital stay (on-call OB telling me my water hadn’t broken when I knew it had, sloppy tech screwing up my epidural, etc.) This time I wanted a different experience. I really wanted a water birth at home with a midwife, but my insurance doesn’t cover home births and we can’t afford $3000 out-of-pocket. Then a friend raved about this awesome midwife she found at a hospital 2 towns away. Her practice takes my insurance, so I booked an appt and I feel really good about her. She knows I want as little intervention as possible and is supportive of my wishes. We’ve talked perineal massage, laboring in different positions, all kinds of stuff my OB and his staff would have scoffed at. And while the practice is pretty full, I’m rarely kept waiting longer than 10-15 minutes. I’m feeling very optimistic about labor & delivery with this baby. And even if it doesn’t work out exactly as I hope it will, I’m 100% comfortable with my choice of provider.
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