changing doctors?

thevintagegoth · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008, 04:18 PM

i'm REALLY not happy with my ob/gyn. she tells me the bare minimum and doesn't really answer my questions. she doesn't tell me very much at all about what to expect or what to do or not to do. this being my first time to last this long in pregnancy, i don't know what to ask for by myself. so i'm really feeling like changing doctors. is it too late? i know you're supposed to find a doctor you trust and are happy with but there's only two months left!

TwinMama08 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008, 04:28 PM

I changed twice, now I have a great doctor!

ashlee007 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008, 06:13 PM

I don't know - while I like my doctor I don't have one of those great "friend like" relationships you see on tv with her. She only answers questions when I ask - doesn't offer very much unsolicited information. Personally I feel like as long as she's competent to save my life and safely deliver my kiddo that's all I need. My last doctor was only in the room long enough to deliver Ava - the nurses did all the real work.

If you can tolerate her, I would recommend sticking with it - but then that's just me. I'm sure other people may feel completely different.

thevintagegoth · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008, 09:21 PM

yeah, at my goddaughter's birth a couple weeks ago the nurses did all the work! well, at least all the tought work. lol. the doc just came in and checked her. the nurses got to put up with the complaining and the tough parts. lol. go go nurses!

Running Mom Ragged · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 06:12 PM

I didn't change with my first one and wish I had. She was ok buut I wish I had used a midwife like I wanted. So I used a midwife after that. This time, I didn't like where I was originally. I found out there was a new midwife somewhere else and I am SO glad I did. I think it is VERY important to get someone you trust and feel like you are getting information from. You can also look up things online...if you aren't sure. For example- if you want to have a natural birth without drugs you can find whatever you need. Or if you are wanting to try to have a VBAC (vag birth after cesearean) Just giving examples...but you need to be proactive in your care. It's for you and your baby. That is the MOST important.

It may be late, but I think you will be happier in the long run if you find someone you like.

KFG · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 07:23 PM

I have to agree with Francine. If you aren't liking your doc that is a sure sign to change. I trust my docs (there are 2) with my life and thank goodness I do! They always put my well being in the forefront and want this birth to be the best it can be for me. They contantly explain things and situations and stay as long as it takes to answer all of my questions. If you are haivng enough doubt to ask, then I would. It's never too late!

Running Mom Ragged · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 06:23 AM

Here is another way to put it, and I got this from the Hypnobirthing book- it isn't my thought...but I totally agree... (i changed the colors and types..)

If you were shopping for a car, and you wanted a Black Honda Hybrid Accord, you wouldn't go to a Saturn dealership and look at red Saturns or GM or wherever. So why do people think that they should settle when it comes to their child and birth and prenatal care? I think, if you aren't getting what you want, it is imperative that you find someone who gives you what you want and need. You are a young mother too, and with that I am sure you have scared feelings! You need your questions answered. You need that if you aren't a young mother- I have 3 already and STILL ask questions! Like- why do I need this or that test, is it really necessary? I ask about specific things in labor...but I have learned over the years that I should ask and it's ok to ask. My caregivers have been different each time, but not because I was unhappy, it just worked out that way. Most midwives are EXTREMELY helpful, and the reason I like them is because they stay with you- like the nurses, but they also help you birth your baby. They aren't running in at the last minute like a doctor. Some like that, some women prefer to have the person they did their prenatal care with and got to know over the past nine months to be with them. And except for a few minutes, when my mw wasn't at the hospital yet, and another time she needed to check something, she was with me the entire time.

The reason I have had different midwives is because after my second child, we moved to a city 2.5 hours away. Then with my last one, the midwives I had left soon after I had Breylan- one was going to teach midwives in training, and the other went to deliver at a hospital during the day hours only, but also teach the interns! That is the hospital I'll be going to, but I also have a different midwife this time.

When I switched to her this time, I was about 14 weeks...so it was much earlier, but it made a HUGE difference. Very huge. So I think it would help to not settle, and you will be happier in the long run, even if it feels like a hassle now.

thevintagegoth · #8 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:02 PM

thank you francine!

DKenagy · #9 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 07:27 AM

Thanks for posting that, Francine.

I switched at 32 weeks with my 2nd because I found out the dr was in an 8-man call group, 7 of which I would never meet unless they came to the birth!! His idea of comforting me was to say that he would just induce me when I got 'favorable' so I would know that he would be there... uh, convenience induction??! I think not... then, he really sealed it when he said, "You're 32 weeks. You wouldn't switch now.," Buh-bye!! I went with a midwife group and was pregnant for another 9 weeks--long enough to meet them all.

If you aren't satisfied, don't just deal with it... you are the customer! Shop for the dr you want!!!!