Recommended Ob's in Brisbane

[MamaBleech]

Hi all,

I am six weeks pregnant with my first and am a little overwhelmed with the birthing options available to me.

My first choice would be the Birth Centre at the RWBH and I have had my GP refer me already. However, with the odds against me in actually getting in I need a back up plan.

I have private health insurance so would prefer the continuity of care offered in the private system but want to avoid 'trigger' happy obs that are going to offer to cut me open at the very first sign of trouble.

Can anyone recommend an 'open minded' ob in Brisbane that is going to support me doing it my way? Wesley, Mater Mothers or RWBH would be fine. I am more than happy to go public as long as there is some continuity of care.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[MrsTickle]

Public - RBWH and the Mater both offer Midwifery Programs you can join where you can enjoy continuity of care and a more personal relationship with your midwife. However you have to be in the right catchment area to be in one or the other. RBWH if you live northside and Mater if you live southside.

Private - I have heard great things about Doug Keeping and Paul Bretz at the Mater. However they are very popular and get booked out really quickly so ring ASAP. Wesley is called Caesars Palace as they have one of the highest rates of caesars in the state so I'd be avoiding going there at all costs unless you actually want a cs.

[littlemissmoi]

Paul Bretz's group practice - Arrivals - is really good, all the docs and midwives working there are great. I have posted about it under the 'seeking an obstetrician' thread.

They combine ob and midwife care and have very good continuity of care. Also, don't think they are interventionist in the slightest - my ob at Arrivals highly discouraged me from having an elective induction, which surprised me as I'd heard Obs were really 'trigger happy', so to speak.

The way their practice is structured means that they wouldn't be likely to 'schedule' births etc because they work on a roster system.

[julietv8]

I had a wonderful birth experience with the Midwifery Group Practice through the Mater. I would highly recommend them.

Failing that, interview a few OBs, ask them their CS and episiotomy rates and anything else that is relevant and important to you, your body, your birth, your choice. :thumbsup:

[TheBabyCuddler]

If you live in the northern suburbs, Recliffe Hospital has a team midwifery model of care. There is a team of 6 midwives that you will see through your pregnancy and one of them will be at your delivery and then see you postnatally and at home. Smaller hospital, no flash plasma in the corner of your delivery suite, just very experienced midwives who have the time to look after you and your family and advocate your wishes. I went private in the ACT for my first delivery (NEVER AGAIN) then when we moved here was told about Redcliffe and highly recommend it. OB's are there for high risk or medical conditions if they arise .. otherwise let a midwife care for you as thats what my personal experience taught me and my last two deliveries were the most empowering positive experiences ever!!

All the best ..

[kadownie]

Bear in mind that when you are private- in labour your ob won't be with you much during your labour- you will be cared for by midwives (who you don't know..) and your ob will pop in, and be there when you birth (usually)

You do need to live in the Mater catchment to access the group practice

Have you considered getting a doula- that way you will have someone you know and trust with you- regardless of where you birth (public or private)