Has anyone done this before? I currently see a midwife, and there have been things I've been not so pleased with. I would like to switch to her partner. How do I gracefully do so?
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Yikes, I would be hesitant to do that within the same practice...seems like it could be awkward. Especially if the original MW ends up delivering your baby for some reason!
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Do they by chance have different schedules? At my dentist's office they have evening hours but they each only work one evening. Sometimes there is an office manager you could speak with and ask how you would go about it, I would just say you felt like your personality meshed better with the other one or something.
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I considered doing the same at my OB's office. Someone suggested coming in the day that my original doctor didn't work. Eventually I just decided to go elsewhere since I wasn't fond of the nurses they kept getting.
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There's unfortunately no avoiding things through scheduling. It is a small practice, so it's bound to be uncomfortable, at least for me! I really do think I'm making the right decision, so I need to focus on that above anything else.
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Ooh, that's tricky. I would just go to another building all together
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@MrsTiz: so tempting just to keep things easy....however, the other main practice in town is big, and you're not guaranteed to have your primary OB for your delivery. Then it's the learning hospital, where you'll have 50 people constantly rotating in and out! The doctor I hope to switch to is really loved and well-respected.
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Okay, I'm an adoptive mom, so I don't have experience with this particular situation. However, I've worked in healthcare, including small clinics, for a long time. Doctors and midwives understand that sometimes one is a better fit for a client than another. They shouldn't take it personally if you make a switch. Trust me - you're not the first! If someone does ask you why (which rarely happens) consider in advance what you would say to give some feedback. Or just say you're interested in a different perspective.
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Do they suggest you strictly see only one doctor/midwife? I typically saw the midwife at my practice, but they encouraged me to see the other two OB/GYN's at least once during my pregnancy (the one was already my regular doctor) just incase they were on call when I went into labor (I ended up being induced while my midwife was on vacation). Maybe your office is similar so switching wouldn't be that uncommon?
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@Mrs. Beemer: thank you for helping me put my mind at ease! Good tip about having an answer in mind. I admit that it would be tempting to say it was what my DH wanted and place it all on him! I like the different perspective one.
I'm not pregnant, so this is not a pressing issue, but it's been on my mind for awhile.
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@Happygal: I agree with@MRS. BEEMER:. I also understand you concern with being uncomfortable. I recently had to switch Dr. and when the nurse received my transfer request she called and ask why.(maybe it's because the doctor told me there's no way I could be having a miscarriage when I was having a miscarriage) I figured she would, we had a fairly close relationship since I had been going there for almost 7 years. It was awkward! I'm glad that I transferred to a physician in the same network just not in the same practice. You have to do what is right for you. Go with your gut.
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I did this! I had to see all the drs in my OB practice while pregnant in case my dr wasn't available for delivery...They want the preg patients to know all of the drs. I REALLY liked one of the other drs better than mine, and she ended up delivering my daughter (I requested her to do it, not "my" dr) and I just asked them to go ahead and change it on my chart and it was no big deal. I went in for my 6 week follow up and brought the baby, and my old dr came over to congratulate me and seemed genuinely excited even though she knew I was seeing the other dr. I think that they have SO many patients, that they have to see things like that all the time and not take it personal if someone prefers another dr. So if you like the practice and just want to see someone else, I would just do it!
Plus when you think about it, the person taking care of your unborn baby and who will bring him/her into this world is a BIG DEAL. I am so glad I had the new dr delivering my baby bc the feeling that I had about her in the office- good bedside manner, calming, I 100% trusted her- definitely surfaced in the delivery room and I had the most amazing delivery- I actually wish I could go back and do it again sometimes just bc it was so cool. And it had a lot to do with loving/trusting my dr. Not to mention that I was in labor for 36 hours, just progressed slow, and a lot of other drs would have called a section by then. But she stuck it out with me, and I got a 3-push, no stitches delivery!
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I have done this before. I asked if Dr. X was accepting new patients and then schedule my next appointment with Dr. X. The front office staff was discreet, no questions about why. The practice was quite large, but I did pass Dr. Z in the hallway and waved-more of I recognize you, you recognize me thing. And Dr. X simply stated, "oh, I see you used to be Dr. Z's patient" while reviewing my chart.
If you think your current MW and her other patients would benefit from you discussing your displeasure with her care, then say something. Otherwise, just switch withoutthe fanfare.
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My friend did it with her OB. She just called the receptionist and asked to switch doctors. She said it was slightly awkward when she ran into her old doctor but he just said hi and she said hi and that was it. I say do what makes you happy, as a patient, that's what you are entitled to!
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Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences. It was very helpful and encouraging!
@PrincessBaby: trust is such a big thing, you're so right. That's what I don't have at this time with my midwife. Thanks!
When the time comes when we get that BFP and I call to switch doctors, I will be thinking of you all!
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