GP/Obstetrician or Midwife?

[Colinsmom]

But as the midwive proponents have stated, they don't use epidurals. So frankly, that would knock it out for every woman I know IRL.

Like I said, three best friends, each with two kids, one naturally, one with the epidural.

Not ONE would do natural childbirth again.

Enuf said!

There's a big difference between choosing (and preparing for) a non-medicated childbirth, and ending up with a non-medicated birth by circumstances. Did your friends fall in the latter category? I chose to have an epidural for my first child, and chose a non-medicated birth for my second child. If we are blessed with more children, I have every intention to have another non-medicated birth. I felt that it worked better *for me* and *my* body - I know many women who had similarly wonderful births with epidurals, but I just wasn't one of those women.

Regarding epidurals, hospital-based midwives absolutely can order epidurals, the same way that hospital-based OBs can. Obviously an epidural isn't an option at a homebirth, and birthing centers may go either way (I don't know, we don't have any in our area).

 

[hoosiergirl7]

This is my .02 and not from personal experience but from my SIL. With all 3 of her DD's she used a mid-wife. Partly because she has a PPO rather than an HMO. She delivered all 3 of her girls at home (the first 2 in birthing tubs the 3rd came too quickly to set up the tub and was born in bed). She chose this because the midwives like others have already stated are more supportive. They also tend to have fewer patients so they definitely connect with you better. Another reason was that the hospital she could deliver at confined you to the bed and she wanted to be able to get up and do everything possible to make her labor more comfortable as she delivered all the girls naturally without drugs. So she was able to take warm showers, sit on a birthing ball, crouch on the floor and do breathing exercises.

If your pregnancy runs smoothly and you are carrying a healthy baby I would say go with the mid-wife. However if you're not comfortable going that route I've heard that if you go doctor route that several people I know have hired doula's to help them through labor.

 

[disneymom225]

Hi! I saw both the midwife and the OB during my pregnancy and I LOVED the midwife. I was pretty sure she'd be delivering my DD and was glad about it but she'd be up all night w/ another deliverery and couldn't be there for mine. So, my least favorite OB showed up. I was not happy BUT she turned out to be an amazing person to have. She remained calm during a fairly tense deliverey. Actually I didn't know there were complications until the next day b/c she was so calm--dd's umbicilical cord wasn't implanted correctly and could have died during the pushing phase but the OB didn't want to panic me b/c that would have made it worse. Anyway- I guess my main point is that you need to be comfortable with who you choose but people may surprise you. Good luck! Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy!

 

[KiKi Mouse]

I haven't read the entire thread but here's my two cents:

I live in Canada too. I had a doctor/hospital birth with my first and a midwife attended home birth for my second. Big difference.

The hospital birth was horrible. I had a very long delivery that ended with an epidural and forceps delivery. Not to mention a huge episiotomy. I didn't realize how traumatic the experience was until I was pregnant with number two. I had anxiety attacks just thinking of the hospital.
I was lucky to get a midwife and knew that no matter what happened she would be there in my corner. I had way better prenatal care than I did with the OB. We had a planned homebirth that went very well and my recovery time was nothing. I can't say enough about the midwifery program where I live. My family received top notch personal service that was more than anything we could have gotten had we had an OB. Home birth is not for everyone. However, if I were having a hospital birth I would use a midwife as well. I would never think of having a baby without one.
After baby was born the midwife visited us in our home for 8 weeks to take care of me and the baby. Baby had some weight gain issues so the midwife was at the house almost every day. Like that would ever happen with a doctor. The weather was horrible last January too (-30+C) so it was nice not having to leave the house.
Good luck to you no matter what you choose. In the end the result is the same...LOL A new baby