Midwife Model of Care

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering if anyone else is seeing a midwife instead of a OB? I would love to friend some other Mothers that are going with the Midwife model of care. It's nice to be able to compare experiences but I'm not able to relate to all of the testing and ultrasounds. My midwife is with a birthing center and not connected to a hospital system.
Just let me know if you are out there :)
Thanks!

[DoulaSummer]

I am not pregnant, but I just wanted to say kudos to you.  I wish you the best of luck and feel free to post questions or comments.  Maybe it will get others thinking and also bring in some natural birthers out of the wood works.

[Clysta]

I'm seeing a midwife versus an OB just because...I prefer it. But mine is connected to the hospital (her office is actually attached TO the hospital) which is fine because that's where I intend to give birth. They have the best infant care center, and birthing center in my area. :)

[Spiket77]

I take it you're a Doula? Very nice! One of my close doula friends just got back from studying with Ina May at the Farm! So exciting.

I do hope there are some other like minded ladies here. I started out with a OB/GYN but I was stressed out after my first visit. My husband and I made the switch right away. I'm so glad we did. Our midwife really spends time with us and has a very positive outlook about pregnancy. What a difference! It suits our personalities better. I felt like the OB was just looking for problems. I know and respect that every woman should choose the pregnancy/birth care that works for them.

Anyways, Thanks for you response!

[Spiket77]

That is wonderful! It is nice to hear that there are options for women in your area. I actually have to cross the state line to get to my birthing center. It's only a 20 minute drive but It's pathetic that there isn't one closer. There is a  regular L&D at the hospitals but they aren't very cool about natural labor.

Best of luck to you and let's stay in touch.

[Clysta]

Mine has tons of set ups. They have family beginnings where you actually birth in a bed, (not a hospital bed) in a giant spa/tub thing, with medicine, without medicine, in a regular L&D room with a hospital bed, etc. More or less you can have as much or as little as you like. My intentions are to go for the most natural birth I can. But we'll have to see how long that holds out for. Lol

[Spiket77]

That is great to have so many options. I wish our hospitals were more universal but they all have different set ups and aren't quite what I want. The birthing center is actually pretty near perfect. The birthing suites are more like bedrooms. They have full kitchen so you can eat all you want :) Plus birthing tubs for water births and walk in large showers. It's pretty ideal...just over the border. Sheesh!
I hear ya on going for natural and hoping for the best. I feel like I'm more likely to succeed with that in a birthing center. They don't even have the drugs to offer. I wish you luck in having and creating the best birth experience for you.

[Clysta]

You too. :) I'm actually excited for labour. The idea of it is..invigorating I guess you could say.

[SeriousSam]

If you can hire a doula that can enhance  the experience as well,

[DoulaSummer]

*toots horn*  Doulas will enhance your experience and help you better prepare for your experience.  They do not work for anyone but you and [should] have no agenda.  Interview several doulas and maybe get references from your midwife directly before hiring one.

[Spiket77]

I am very lucky to have a doula as a best buddy. She has taught me so much already and fell honored to have her be a part of this experience.

[DoulaSummer]

I have to say one of my best experiences as a doula was supporting my best friend.  I know some doulas don't do it for loved ones because you have to sort of disconnect as a friend and tune in as a doula.  I wouldn't turn it down for the world.  As a doula, I just want to encourage you not to be shy about information or questions.