Need advice...switch dr. or keep the one I have? WWYD?

[mtemm]

We moved here (Saratoga area) in september, and not long afterwards I had my first pre-natal appt. at a new practice. I did a lot of research and chose the practice based on the VBAC friendly attitude they and the hospital they deliver at have (hospital is Bellevue for those who are familiar). I've been seeing a mid-wife there because I really like her, and figured I could just rotate the OB's as I got further along (I'm due 4/18).

fast forward to Halloween when I went for my amnio. One of the dr.s was going to do it, but surprise! Its twins!!! So while they are more than happy to treat me pre-natally and deliver twins, they aren't comfortable doing amnios on them. They referred me to a specialist just for the amnio. The specialist is associated to a different hospital (Albany med), about 30 minutes from the one I planned to deliver, but equal distant for me.

Fast forward to today when I finally have the amnio and meet the specialist. He was awesome! Very nice, made me feel very comfortable, very caring to me and nice to the u/s tech (which I think says a good deal). I tend to be much more comfortable with a woman dr., but he really made me feel as comfortable as any woman ever has.

So I was asking him where he would deliver and just get his take on things. The hospital I originally chose is small, a women's only hospital, and has a level 3 NICU, but when I asked my midwife about it last week she said the NICU is really more like a 2.5.

The NICU at the specialist's hospital is a level 4. Its a teaching hospital in a city. He is taking new patients and actually I did set up an appt. with him for 3 weeks from now, figuring I could always cancel it if I decide to stay where I am.

I just don't know what to do. I guess first off I should arrange a tour of the specialist's hospital. I've already taken one at my original choice.

I think my fear is that the NICU at the original hospital won't be able to handle my babies in case something horrible happens, and I'll be stuck there recovering from a section or birth while they are 30 minutes away. If nothing goes wrong, then no problem, but there is always that what-if.

Curious to know what others would do. I'm in no way attached really to my original practice, the one OB I've met has the personality of a stick. While I like my midwife there a lot, she wouldn't do the delivery.

TIA!

 

[Lewski709]

You should check all options and go with what YOU feel is best. As far as medical attention, the fear of not being at a hospital that can provide is scary and if needed, they will take the babies to another hospital which has the specialists. That certainly is one thing to consider.

On the other hand, don't think something is going to happen. Easier said than done, with 2 kids here and 2 gone at age 30 something (me)....the fear can be rough!

I think you already know what is best!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Here is my thought on the subject, and I am a health care worker.

If you took your car to a mechanic, and then took it to a second mechanic who you liked better, you would think nothing of switching. So, why should you and your babies be any different. It sounds like you really connected with the new doctor. I wouldn't burn any bridges with the first. If you switch, just give him the courtesy of telling him you are switching because you like the other hospital, or something kind. I would definitely go where I felt more comfortable.

 

[Alex]

I think your first doctor showed very good judgement. He admitted there was something that he shouldn't handle which a lot of doctors won't do. Why not just tell him that now that you know it is twins you feel more comfortable going to the Medical Center that has better facilities...just in case.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

After having a child that needed a NICU level 4, I would go there. If something serious happens and they have to transfer...are you willingly to accept that risk?? There is a transfer risk.
Also...insurance. Its one thing if you are already at a Level 4. Do you want your insurance company to debate the fact you want to move your children? That could get hairy. I have seen that situation.
Things are so touch and go, minutes can mean everything. Having top notch surgeons at the drop of an instant can be very important. Without being too morbid my dd would not have made it. So of course I am biased.
But there are NO guarantees so touring the hospital is an excellent thing to do.
Oh and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!