https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 21 May 2026 01:07:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick/page/2#post-2681169 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 07:38:06 +0000 Modern Daisy 2681169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>funny enough I had a friend who was determined to deliver her first in a midwife birthing center and ended up in the hospital with a failed induction and c-section. She went to an OB for her second and had a vbac. Not saying it was the midwives fault, but just have an open mind! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick/page/2#post-2681167 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 07:35:36 +0000 Modern Daisy 2681167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally lean towards am MDin these situations although I get that you want the personalized attention of a midwife. I delivered each boy with a different OB practice (because we moved in between) and had amazing experiences each time. I guess there are not so great OBs out there but I would at least give them a chance at that 10 week appointment and as long as you get a good feeling go with them. Sounds like you've had some complications that need to at least be monitored regularly and the trust isn't there with your midwife. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick/page/2#post-2681110 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 23:01:31 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2681110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: girl, me, too! I always say that the one thing my body is super good at is carrying its babies; it's just really terrible about evicting them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2681093 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 21:36:59 +0000 IRunForFun 2681093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This might help: <a href="https://improvingbirth.org/2016/09/10-steps-to-finding-a-vbac-supportive-provider/" rel="nofollow">https://improvingbirth.org/2016/09/10-steps-to-finding-a-vbac-supportive-provider/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2681092 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 21:30:48 +0000 wheres_c 2681092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a vbac 3 weeks ago after a similar first experience to you. (Also 18 hour labor ending in a C).<br /> I strongly urge you to join your local ICAN group on FB and ask/search for a vbac provider.<br /> I chose a provider in the area that is well know for being pro-vbac. Best choice I've made!<br /> There is a difference between pro-vbac and vbac supportive.<br /> Oh and he was willing to let me go overdue and do a gentle induction. (Small amount of pitocin, no ripener) Thankfully I ended up not needing the induction. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2681076 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:24:26 +0000 Mae 2681076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KayKay: you make a really excellent point about if I DO have a c section again and being so close to the office... last time I was at the midwife's office for wound care every day for almost a week then once a week for the next 8 weeks. It would be really nice to be literally 1 mile from their office. This might be a tipping point for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2681003 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:50:06 +0000 Iced Tea 2681003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As far as the timing of the first appointment, you could go to the midwives for that early first appointment whether you plan to stay there or not. Switching practices during pregnancy is very common. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680980 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:18:52 +0000 Smurfette 2680980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Congrats! </p> <p>OB for sure. I would just feel more comfortable with a doctor verses a midwife. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680966 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:07:10 +0000 KayKay 2680966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd do the OB practice. Continuity of care, while nice to have, isn't a big sticking point for me. Every pregnancy can be/is different, and any doc will get your history and listen to you when you talk about what happened previously. Each of my 3 has been delivered in different states, at different hospitals, with different providers.</p> <p>I also wouldn't consider the 8w/10w first appointment/dating ultrasound a sticking point. It seems very important right now, this early, but you'll have a LOT of pregnancy left after that, and far better to be trusting and happy with the care for that!</p> <p>Convenience would be a big thing to me, especially when appointments get more frequent. And if your attempted VBAC fails, I'd much rather be with a provider I picked (and/or his partners, if necessary) than a random.</p> <p>I've also found that during my labors/births, it was really the nurses that I had most interaction with. I delivered once with my primary doc and twice with the docs on-call, and the on-call docs were wonderful (and only there for the pushing!). As long as you know they would support a VBAC practice-wide, I'd pick them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680948 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:38:36 +0000 lilyann 2680948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: I second this as well! My local ICAN chapter has been invaluable (private Facebook group). We live in a very non friendly VBAC state so we pretty much know all the VBAC supportive providers and their quirks. </p> <p>FWIW I started to go into labor on my own, used a foley bulb and pitocin to help my body finish dilating though. I go to a very VBAC supportive OB &amp; used a doula as well. My OB never gave me a timeline, so I would make sure your provider is VBAC supportive and not just VBAC friendly, if that makes sense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680934 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:23:29 +0000 LemonJack 2680934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Based on your history I would definitely go with the OB. I wouldn't be able to trust that particular midwife practice after that experience.</p> <p>When searching for a midwife/OB with my first child, I REALLY wanted a midwife, but the hospital I delivered at didn't allow midwives. I was shocked! I ended up going with a very naturally minded OB, and the entire practice has a similar philosophy. It was a great experience. In your case it sounds like this OB might be similar. I would just confirm that the others are as VBAC friendly and willing to follow your plan if your doctor is not able to deliver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680922 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:13:59 +0000 Cole 2680922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: you have nothing to lose at this point, they can agree, give a counter plan or say no way but at least you'll be clearer on what to do next. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680920 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:12:51 +0000 Mae 2680920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: Interesting... that is actually a really great idea. I feel like I'd feel so much more comfortable with the practice if I didn't have to see her again. I'm going to seriously consider this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680917 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:10:28 +0000 Cole 2680917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: I think of I were you I'd go into the midwife practice and tell them your concerns and ask for help coming up with a plan to make sure your needs are met- I really, really wish I did this with the practice I was at last time but I was afraid of insulting someone and while it wasn't as bad as your situation I still regret how things unfolded. I would ask to not have appointments with that midwife, I would ask that someone else be willing to cover her call time just for you so she isn't the one there for your delivery and I would ask to have an OB cover your follow up care if you need another c section. I was shocked to find out after I delivered that many people in my area have had issues with the midwife I didn't like and that the other midwives offered to cover call time for those people when possible. </p> <p>I am expecting again and I found an OB I love, he's a solo practitioner (another group provides back up but he says he misses less than 1 birth a year on average.) I encourage you to also look at other options. I actually found him by emailing a local doula and asking if she had any suggestions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680909 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:05:08 +0000 Mae 2680909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: good idea. The midwife that was on call during my delivery (who i really like) mentioned them to me in the hospital I recall, but I totally forgot and have never looked into them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680907 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:02:36 +0000 MrsSCB 2680907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For a VBAC especially, I think it would make sense to go with an OB since it's already more complicated than a typical delivery. Also, if the midwife didn't notice the incision has issues right after birth, I'm not sure I would trust her to notice whether any problems were developing with it during labor (which is obviously the concern with a VBAC).</p> <p>ETA: How big is the practice? Would you be able to find out what the other docs' views on VBACs are to help you decide? I was prepared for a different doctor to deliver my baby because I've heard that happens often. But I will say that I felt like my OB really made an effort to be there, which I really appreciated, and I was glad she was the one to actually deliver DS. That would probably depend on the specific doctor, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680905 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:01:12 +0000 Mae 2680905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I just found out a few days ago, not really "out" :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680902 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:59:51 +0000 Foodnerd81 2680902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: to me, the fact that you don't fully trust them, fair or not, is enough to switch. You have to be able to trust your providers, otherwise you will second guess every single thing. And fwiw, my midwife practice didn't see patients until 8-10 weeks either, unless there were concerns, and no ultrasounds until 12 weeks unless you were really unsure of your dates. That's just their standard practice. </p> <p>Also I didn't realize you are pregnant- congrats!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680901 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:59:43 +0000 Iced Tea 2680901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would recommend checking with your local ICAN chapter (most have facebook pages) for suggestions of practices that are vbac supportive. They are an invaluable resource. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680895 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:54:43 +0000 Mae 2680895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: Thanks but I mean... it's fine. I'm lucky to be pregnant and that I had a healthy pregnancy last time and if some postpartum drama is my fate, it just is what it is. Obviously I'm trying to figure out how to get the best outcome here, but I don't mean to sound so woah-is-me because as issues go this is relatively minor! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680893 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:52:45 +0000 littlejoy 2680893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: All of those concerns are super valid. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this ... I'm sure it's stressful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680891 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:51:35 +0000 Mae 2680891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: Yep, they are super well respected and well rated! And there are 2 OBs that work inside their building/practice. I was also super surprised the OBs don't handle postpartum care for c-sections. And yes that is precisely my concern. Like, if they missed a post-op c-section opening, what if they miss a complication and push too hard for a VBAC? But also last time they were very apt to induce and refer for c-section as problems arose. So I don't know. It's confusing. (granted, it was a different midwife who told me I had to be induced and have a c section). </p> <p>@ShootingStar: Well shit, I didn't think of that. lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680889 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:49:33 +0000 yoursilverlining 2680889@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: so sorry you had to deal with that - what a horror show!! That's still a deal breaker for me - she is providing your healthcare and IMO, she failed in a huge way to miss that. That's not a miss I personally could get past. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680887 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:48:46 +0000 ShootingStar 2680887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Yeah, my recovery was pretty good the first time. Though the second time around the incision has been more of a PITA and taken longer to close. Another poster here mentioned the same thing, so it might be a common issue with repeat-c's. Although in your case I'd probably want to talk to the doctor about how your tears might heal if you have a VBAC and if they'll have similar issues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680885 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:46:11 +0000 littlejoy 2680885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is that midwife practice consisting of CNM's? I am so surprised they would miss something like this (though, I would assume all aftercare related to a c-section would be done by the OB office who performed it). </p> <p>I can see why you'd have trust issues here. </p> <p>If you truly want a VBAC, I think finding a care provider who will support you is the key. If you go with the OB, a doula would be an amazing advocate for you. My fear is that this midwife group might be less likely to see any problems, and more focused on the VBAC. Does that make sense? The OB knows there's always a chance for c-section, but paired with the doula, the might try everything (they safely can) for a VBAC. </p> <p>I delivered at home with midwives, so I am definitely not anti-midwife. I just think your particular situation was pretty scary, and shouldn't have happened (with proper training and care). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680884 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:44:33 +0000 Mae 2680884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: Yes there are 5 midwives and I really like the other 4. They also advertise that they sort of specialize in VBACs, have a great VBAC success rate, low episiotomy rate, etc. To be honest I did not like this one particular midwife even prior-- she's the oldest/most experienced, but sort or rude and dismissive generally. If she was no longer at the practice, I think I'd be far far more likely to stick with them. I don't know about switching. I guess I could call and look into that if I decided I wanted to try. And good point on pitocin. I didn't have pitocin until the last few hours last time. Cervidil worked great for me. </p> <p>@ShootingStar: Yea.. if my recovery had gone well I think I'd be more interested in RCS. I actually did not have much pain or mobility issues which was great postpartum. But the incision opening was scary and really hard to deal with (and both my mother and brother have had post-op incision issues-- I think we are all just poor healers). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680880 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:40:24 +0000 IRunForFun 2680880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Oh also, make sure to ask about inducing for a VBAC. They may not use pitocin but some practices will do cervidil/break you water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680879 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:38:27 +0000 ShootingStar 2680879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: In that case I think it would be really good to talk it over with a new provider you think you can trust and get their take on it. I can totally understand why you'd want to try for a VBAC. I just knew for myself that I didn't want to labor for 20 hours again just to stall out at 3cm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680878 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:35:31 +0000 IRunForFun 2680878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Is there any way you can start off with the midwives and then do a consultation with the OB at 10 weeks before deciding which you'll continue care with? I really like the midwifery model but it does sound like that particular midwife was dismissive and I'd have a hard time trusting her too. There are other midwives in the practice though, right? How do you feel about them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/which-ob-would-you-pick#post-2680871 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 14:31:42 +0000 Mae 2680871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: My c section was not really normal failure to progress. My kid got stuck because of her position. She was normal size (8 lb) and I don't have narrow pelvis or anything. They told me it is entirely likely that I could have a VBAC because what happened with my LO was just a random fluke. But they didn't mention I'd have to go into labor naturally. That makes things a lot harder. </p>