Why an OB?

[Zan]

I was just wondering why so many women in Australia choose OB led care. (I recently did a survey on my birthboard on another site and everyone but the 2 people, one being me, who have chosen an independent m/w, have chosen an obstetrician. Noone chose m/w or shared gp/m/w care.)
From what I've read on Australian boards/from friends and supported by the stats there seems to be a much higher chance of intervention/section if you choose an ob. Some of the comments I've read/heard of what OB's say are ludicrious (a friend recently had her 3rd and had a c/s as the doctor said he wanted to get it over and done with and it looked like it would take a while longer), people are in general not encouraged to vbac, told they need an epidural when they haven't even asked for one (how is a doctor to know how you will cope with the pain!), etc etc.

The reason I ask is in the UK very few people have ob led care.
I guess this may be as very very few people have private births (I can only think of one person I know who did but she had cancer and needed her baby delivered as early as possible so she could undergo agressive chemo so her care was obviously different)?? Most women birth in public hospitals with midwife led care, with maybe one appt to see an ob/consultant at the hospital, it's only if you have a high risk pg you would see the doctor more often.

Just wondered why so many women choose an OB as a matter of course, even those wishing for a natural birth? (Also to me the care doesn't generally sound very good with long waits for a 5 min appt with said doctor) I know there are some great OB's out there (same as some terrible m/w's) but in general the statisics show that if you choose an OB over m/w care you are more likely to have intervention.
Zan

[MotherOfPearl]

I had an obs as I wanted to go to a private hospital- personal choice, I've always had private cover so why not use it- and you pretty much can't get in without an obs.

The obs I had was excellent! She didn't insist on anything for me. I didn't have an epi, and she was helping me to get there without it.

[Pinkbug]

I had orginally didn't want an OB for #2 as much rather have a midwife but because the hospital I am going to must have an OB so I didn't have any choice!!! **I am secretly hoping my OB doesn't come while I am in labour or give birth :thumbsup:

and some women might prefer an OB maybe to due with their health history... bad experiences in previous births they had... they feel comfortable knowing they are cared for properly by their OB etc there is many reasons really

[WeloveHarriet]

I chose an OB and private hospital because in my opinion you get better quality of care here in Newcastle. Also because I lost my first baby he diagnosed straight away that I have an incompetent cervix - had I been going to a midwife/public facility they wouldn't have entertained the idea of giving me a cerclage as a precaution - they prefer a "wait and see" approach. My OB and his midwives are fantastic - you can chose to have as much or as little intervention as you wish. Also regarding appointments running late - that can happen anywhere - even at your hairdressers!! My advice is always to phone ahead and see if they are on time - for all you know they could be delivering a baby or attending to an emergency. And you never know, one day it could be you......so I always have the utmost patience if he is running late.

[Bron]

I've chosen to have a private obstetrician. Because of the places where I have worked over the last 8 years, I have a (short) list of practitioners with whom I feel comfortable. If I'd gone into the public system and needed the intervention of an obstetrician, I would have been anxious that I may have ended up with one that I don't trust.

I am empowered enough as a health consumer to be able to be a patient of a private obstetrician, but that said, he is not the sort of person who would try to force an unnecessary c section onto me.

[jamb]

I went birth centre first time and it was the OB who finally got bub out. So next time although I will still be using m/w's in a public hospital I want to be in the delivery section so an OB is at least nearby and drugs are available when I say I want them.

In my experience (and this is all I can go on) my MW got a little too tunnel visioned on me having a natural birth, did not listen to me who knew something was not right and resulted in me being completely put off drug free/natural birth. The whole birth scared the bejeezers outta me and I truly admire women who birth naturally and need little or no intervention:yes:

[MotherOfPearl]

to me the care doesn't generally sound very good with long waits for a 5 min appt with said doctor

Babies don't book in an appt to arrive:laughing: they arrive day or night, so by attending just 1 birth it can blow the obs whole day out the window.

[bigglet]

I loved the relationship I developed with my OB who was with me from the first scan to actually delivering the baby. I felt comfortable with her and I trusted her because I had seen her regularly for the whole pregnancy duration. She also got to know my me personally so during the birth she listened to me and also gave me her professional opinion and feedback - and thus I was a lot more relaxed about the whole thing.

[sarah81]

I had an OB for my second birth after an awful public midwife experience. The level of care and control I had over my births didn't even compare. I would always go OB now. But my OB was very happy to let you birth naturally and not pushy at all. It also depends on your knowledge and how much you assert what you would like.

I had a longer wait for appointments at the antenatal clinic at the public hospital than I ever did at the OB office. Just my opinion.

[Foxy]

I think the use of OBs through the private system provide people the opportunity for better continuity of care.

[aardvark]

In the past, I'd have been happy enough to go with an independant m/w if they could admit you to a private hospital. No way no how do I want to be a patient in a public hospital if I can avoid it.

You can get the same continuity of care from an independant m/w as an OB for normal pregnancies and births.

Given that they couldn't admit me as a patient in a private hospital, and DH wasn't keen on homebirth, that left me with just an OB.

[Angelinalily]

I chose to go with an Ob. I wanted to go to the private hospital where he delivered, and I felt totally comfortable with him. I will continue to see him throughout my life for Gyno checks and problems. I prefer to stick with the one dr, if at all possible. I have private cover, so I felt I should use it. I mean we already have enough people whinging about the strain on the public system!

Yes sometimes I did have a wait to see him, not always. But as has been already mentioned, this can also happen at public clinic. He was also very accomodating to my appt time needs, and even met me at the hospital in the middle of the night a few times for checks.

the statisics show that if you choose an OB over m/w care you are more likely to have intervention.

Statistics can be bent any way you want to look at them. Would there also be statistics to show that if you chose the public system there would be more chance of birth traumas for both mother and baby?

The things you mention about VBAC and epidurals are more personal choice aren't they? No one I know who has gone private has been pressured by their OB for repeat c-section or epidural, it has always been discussed at length and left up to the individual to decide. Perhaps more people go private so they can choose a c-section if they so wish. If a mother feels more comfortable being able to shoose is that a bad thing?

[FourAngelKisses]

I've seen a GP only for all 4 of my pregnancies. Never heard of shared care until about 12mths ago (probably doesn't exist here) and I always thought OB's just delivered the babies when the hospital told them a mum was in labour. But I've been more than happy with the care I've received from my GP, wouldn't change a thing!!

[Jodiee]

Ive had all 4 of my so far children in a birthing unit in a public hospital.

I have loved every minute of it, it was very relaxed, and they did their best to make me comfortable, etc, etc.

Not saying anything bad about ob's, because I have never been completely under ones care for a whole pregnancy (I had problems with DS1, and had to see one for a couple of months)

My sister had a horrendous (sp?) birth with her OB, and private hospy, 3 attempts at epi, then a spinal block, which also resulted in a first, vaccum, then forceps delivery, both she and the baby are very lucky to be here, she certainly isnt happy, and is happy that the OB is now retired....

I dont know, I spose its what you prefer in the long run, to see the ins and outs of both, and go with what you are comfortable with....

[FinnsMama]

I can totally understand women wanting continuity of care - I was terrified at the thought of showing up at the birthing suites of a public hosiptal in labour and being attended by a bunch of strangers - m/w's, Ob's, students whoever!! IMO it's not an environment many women would feel comfortable birthing in (although some do). That's why I chose to go to a birth centre (I also considered a homebirth but DH and I are both studying so funds are very limited!) - I got to know my two midwives very well throughout my pregnancy and was lucky to have both of them present at the birth!

I didn't consider an OB because I don't have private insurance, plus as you said Zan research suggests you are more likely to experience medical intervention if you birth in a private hospital attended by an OB. I posted this in another thread but here it is again: If you are considering your own OB and/or a private hospital read this article (http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/321/7254/137), which compares birth outcomes for low-risk first-time mums in the private and public system in Australia. Here's a quote from the article ("primaparas" means first-time mums): Quote:
Notably, of all private primiparas at low risk in private hospitals only 18 per 100 women achieved a vaginal birth without any intervention compared with 28 per 100 private patients in public hospitals and 39 per 100 public patients. Among private patients with an epidural, the most likely birth outcome was an instrumental delivery with an episiotomy. Among similar public patients, the most likely outcome was a non-instrumental vaginal birth without episiotomy.

Of course these stats don't mean that if you do birth in a private hospy with your own OB you will have intervention in your birth, as many have said it's possible to have a very good experience with your own OB. I guess the point is to do your research, and chose your birth attendants carefully. And as I said I can totally understand women wanting continuity of care, and to know and trust their birth attendant prior to the birth.

Interestingly I did a poll on another foum about women's ideal situation to birth in, and the most popular choice was a mid-wife run birth centre, but this option isn't available to many women (why not?!! :mad:). Homebirths also aren't a realistic option for some women due to financial constraints (I'm already saving for my next one) and the fact that few midwives are willing to attend hb's anymore...

[WitchHazel]

I wanted to have my baby in a private hospital with the assistance of someone I'd built up a relationship with over the past nine months. I've also been exposed to traumatic pregnancies and losses and I wanted to have the security of an OB.

[AM]

Well, I've heard it said, if you hire a surgeon to look after you during pregnancy, dont be surprised if you end up with surgery!

If you hire an independant midwife (for continuity of care) you have THE BEST chances of obtaining a intervention free birth, I know why I chose the latter! :thumbsup:

[ShadyCharacter]

What she said again ^

Might just follow you around and agree with you Ange - will save me a whole lot of typing ;)

[bubs_and_us]

i was a public patient in a public hospital for baby #1.... to be honest, i had no idea that you could even hire a private OB!!!! i was very naive, and my GP didnt tell me any differrent.....

i was happy with the care i received, so i will most likely be a public patient for any other pregnancies.

[lisags]

I chose an OB and private hospital for my first birth, I was referred to him by my GP and automatically went to him because I didn't think to do anything differently. I also had and induction and almost every intervention except C section. Four different midwives I had never met before were with me and my husband and the OB only showed up a few times.

I had the same OB for the second birth but had a doula and it was completely natural. We spent an average of 30 mins waiting for the 10 minute appointment with the OB, my doula came to my house and spent around an hour.

I am having my third birth in about a week at home (hopefully) and my doula is now my midwife, she comes over to my house and we spend at least an hour talking over tea and biscuits.

[alicesmum]

hi there
i'm with you. chose mw based programs both times. saved loads of $$$ (prob sounds bad to have as one of your reasons!!) and minimised chances of intervention (perhaps???)

i started a thread about this a while back. see:

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=24883

:p

[Miaow]

I went public but I still had an OB - When I got a doc to confirm the pregnancy he booked me in at a local OB before I was booked in at the hospital etc.

I stayed with him the whole pregnancy even though he didnt deliver EJ. I liked the more thorough care/check ups - Also he had a U/S in the office which was good with checking position etc. He was local also which made it a lot easier to visit.

I reached the medicare threshold before the end of the pregnancy also (due to a few extyra U/S) so at the end it was only costing me about 4$ a visit once i got the refund from medicare.

[AM]

I am having my third birth in about a week at home (hopefully) and my doula is now my midwife, she comes over to my house and we spend at least an hour talking over tea and biscuits.


All the best with your upcoming labour!!
HB rocks!!

[red crayon]

being a bit older, i went with an ob and a private hospital. my ob was fantastic and did everything to avoid a c-section...and was successful.

if i have another baby, i think i'll do it differently and go with a midwife. not because my first experience was bad but because i've read more now and would like a different experience.

[candyn]

For me it is the reassurance of having the one person i fully trust. My Obs has come become my pillar to rely on. My mother lost her first child (stillborn) due to negligence of the midwives so to me it is a comfort to have an experienced Ob who can handle any situation that may arise during childbirth. Also i love the fact that he is the only one caring for me and not a different person each time. I am extremly happy to go private. Plus I Love being Pampered!!!!!! Give me my five star hospital and great food!!!:p

[lilpearl]

Zan - I really think that MOST women who are under the care of an ob think that it is the normal thing to do, and that an ob is just someone who cares for a pregnant woman and 'delivers' babies. I don't think most women realise that obstetricians are not trained in normal birth, they are trained in the problems of pregnancy and birth and are surgeons, so are very comfortable giving caesareans, or with a pair of forceps in their hands. My mother admitted to me that back when I was born, she thought an ob was simply the person you went to when you were having a baby - never realising that obs are SPECIALISTS in the problems of pregnancy. Let me just say before I go on, I think obstetricians can be brilliant when they are truly needed, and there will always be a place for them, but they are over-used to put it extremely mildly! I agree that, giving birth is (in most cases) an intrinsically safe, normal life event, an obstetrician (for most women) is a dangerous rout to take. In fact, the GOOD obstetricians say "most women should not see me". Oh, there is a GREAT documentary called "Once a Caesarean" - everyone should watch it!!! An independent midwife in Melbourne told me "there are only two GOOD obstetricians in your area, all the others push for intervention, including caesarean, and most of the time, they will only mention caesarean in the last weeks of your pregnancy, after they have gained your trust". (I hadn't asked her for info on obs in my area - I'd never see one! She was just mentioning it) I truly believe that, in most cases, midwifery care is the absolute SAFEST way to go. In fact, there is plenty of documented evidence (don't ask me exact references, I've done so much bloody reading on the topic lately, in my course, that I don't know where I read what...I'm not one to quote books, just the knowledge I've gained from them).

I'm deciding whether to go homebirth of hospital with my third child (second child was a water VBAC in a birth centre, with midwife care....a brilliant experience, which I'd repeat in a flash if I were still in Sydney with the opportunity to do so), and I was doing a 'tour' of the local hospital this weekend. The midwife showed the women and partners a few monitoring systems, and said "now, if you've had a past caesarean, they will strap these to you and you'll be monitored almost continuously due to having an increased chance of problems". I spoke up and said "I don't believe in unnecessary intervention, we can refuse these things, can't we?" and got the response "oh, of course! You can refuse anything, it's all up to you in the end"......and I thought of all those women standing there who didn't question her! Most of them were seeing obstetricians, I think (I'll explain why in a minute).

A fairly common misconception is that private hospitals offer better care. The fact is, some private hospitals have a caesarean rate of 90%! And most private hospitals have a caesarean rate of at least 50%! Given that only up to 3% of caesareans are truly necessary, I don't think that intervention to the degree of cutting a baby from your womb is good care. But the fact remains, private hospitals cost money (whether out of pocket, or through insurance, they get the money). A caesarean gets them more money. A caesarean gets an ob more money. A caesarean is quicker and more convenient for an obstetrician (who then has the time for his 5 minute appointments with his/her "patients"). And that's the thing, an abstetricain sees one as their "patient", and pregnancy and birth as a medical condition to be resolved.

When I was in the lift leaving the hospital on the weekend, one woman said "book in now, because I'm 27 weeks and only got my first appointment last week", and another heavily pregnant women agreed. I asked "oh, so what do you do in the meantime for the simple check-up's (you know, blood pressure, bit of a feel of the baby), just go to a GP ?(and I was also thinking "or hire an independent midwife", but didn't bother). Their quick reply, in unison, was "oh, you just see a local obstetrician". I was speechless...I was disgusted - not at them, but of the general lack of education that is so wide-spread among women having babies (and I'm not saying everyone who chooses an ob is not making an informed choice - but most are, I believe...and in my studies, I've done a hell of a lot of research into the beliefs of women, surrounding birth and birth care and the reasons behind this, so I'm not making it up as I go along). Birth is not seen as a normal, safe life event that it should be for most women. Most women who have problem births do so because of an inbuilt fear surrounding birth, and the idea of a painful birth, and an idea of what birth represents (i.e, a medical situation for most people), and then all the intervention that cascades out of hand. So, when they said "oh, just a local obstetrician", I couldn't help but sign and shake my head, and just walk out of the elevator....they probably thought I was weird and didn't understand my response in the slightest. I didn't mean to be rude, but it's so frustrating to hear over and over that women seriously think obstetrical care is meant for the majority of women. Obstetrical care is only meant for women with life-threatening situations surrounding their pregnancy and birth.

[lilpearl]

Just remembered - 'Pursuing the Birth Machine' by Marsden Wagner is such an eye opener, about the truths behind birth care in this country. It's out of print, but should be available in most university libraries, so please get your hands on it if at all possible, I think it's such an important book for EVERYONE to read, and has heaps of information on all the things I mentioned above. :)

[FourAngelKisses]

I asked "oh, so what do you do in the meantime for the simple check-up's (you know, blood pressure, bit of a feel of the baby), just go to a GP?

Why not, it's all I've ever done with my pregnancies and I've never had any problems. With my first, Jacobs HN was diagnosed at 30wks and she looked after me really well.

[WeloveHarriet]

It surprises me that people think that OBs tend to all want to end up using some form of intervention - in my immediate circle of women friends only 3 had caesars - all because of breech births which could not be turned safely. I personally think that everyone has the right to choose without people using scare tactics - my younger sister went through midwives and both times had hellish experiences - the first labour was 30hrs and the second was 18hrs - so in my mind you can get good and bad care no matter which you choose. But at the end of the day whatever suits the individual is what is best for them. Had I of chosen a midwife my daughter would not be here and this pregnancy would more then likely not proceed past 20wks either.

[SamanthaJane]

I had heard great things about my OB, he would definitley be the best in my area :yes: (which can also be a bad thing because its harder to get an appointment lol) I hardly know this man, but yet i trust him with my life and my unborn daughter's life. I feel safe going with him, he is experienced and he "knows his stuff" so to speak. He is very open-minded and easy going. He understands that every woman is different and that every pregnancy and birth is different. Every woman i have spoken to has found his post-natal help extremely wonderful aswell. he has a low c/section rate and whilst he prefers no drug interventions during delivery, he has no problem with them being used. In his opinion, the whole experience is about the woman, and for the woman, not him. For me, it's not about the name (OB) it is about him as a person, i'm glad i'm going with him and i've never doubted my decision once.

[lilpearl]

angel_kisses - I agree. I'm seeing a gp until I get a midwife up and running :)

Kylie - not scare tactics, just evidence-based fact. You needed an obstetrician, but most women don't. Likewise, people in all walks of life can have negative or unexpected birth outcomes. My hope is that more women start having positive, normal birth experiences. Some people are lucky and get an obstetrician who thinks outside the box. This is rare though. Midwives are trained for normal, natural birth, and are (proven to be) the safest option for most women. I find it funny that you say I'm using scare tactics - scare tactics to improve birth in this country? Haha - I'm the good guy!:thumbsup:

[candyn]

I am sorry but i disagree. no obstetrician will give you a ceserean for the sake of it, (unless i am very fortunate to have found a great OBS) home births are great for a totally uncomplicated birth. What if the woman tears, also what if the baby gets stuck in the pelvic area ( it happened to 2 of my friends and their obs weren't C section happy, actually one of them used Lionel Steinberg which everyone raves on about!) There are many case scenarios that a homebirth can be dangerous. By saying there is more intervention by going to a hospital is the obvious truth because if there is a problem with any birth including a home birth i am almost certain that the mother will be transfered and acted upon at hospital, please correct me but i really do not think you can give an emergency c section at home.
See how statistics are not accurate. Placing fear in women saying that their Obstetrician are not acting on their behalf, IMO is very dangerous because if a situation arises that the baby is indeed in danger and the mum refuses to accept the advice of her OBs and medical team because she has been prewarned that they are not acting on her behalf, she may choose to say no and avoid the intervention needed therefore her baby may die as a consequence.

[SassyMummy]

I would never TRY to be looked after by an OB. I do not believe that birth is a medical problem, and considering that OBs ARE surgeons, I don't believe they are the best people to attend birth.

That aside, most OBs are male... and I would prefer to be in the care of someone who either HAS had children or WILL quite possibly have children to be providing me with birth and pregnancy care. Even if I have a midwife who will never, and has never, had children, at least knowing she knows what it's like to have a vagina would comfort me more than a man, without a vagina. How he could ever relate to birth and pregnancy would frustrate me - because it'll never be a situation he'd EVER be in, and I just don't find that reassuring at all.

While I DID have a c-section, I never WANTED a c-section. There had been no mention of c-section UNTIL I saw an OB... which really says it all for me. I will give my OB his dues though - I do feel that HE felt he exhausted every angle to try and get me to go into labour (I was 2 weeks overdue), and perhaps within the hospital, he did all he could. Still, considering there was no evidence of DD being in distress, or my placenta breaking down or anything (every test done always came up fine and dandy), my c-section WAS unnecessary.

Like I said, I feel that HE felt he'd done all he could... but I would have been happy for him to send me on my merry way and give me a few more days....even with regular checks just to make sure nothing went wrong. He had been looking after me for 3 days already, while I was being induced...and I think he'd had enough and wanted to get me over and done with, at last!

Midwives, quite often, are women. They MAY have been in the position of giving birth before, or somewhere done the track they might be. Either way, it's something that COULD happen to them, and I think that the way they deal with birth also adds to my confidence in them.

Midwives see birth as natural...OBs see it as medical.

I think both are an individual choice... but I do believe that if you want a MEDICAL birth, then an OB is for you. If not, you're better off with a midwife.

It does seem silly that we don't have more options though - what about having a midwife at a private hospital? That would be fabulous for all the women wanting NATURAL births in the comfort of a private hospital. I do believe if that was an option, many women might forgo the OB altogether.

In future, I'll be having a VBAC, so there's no way I'm seeing an OB. I want to have a baby through my vagina...not have my stomach hacked away at AGAIN. I do believe that my only way to achieve this is with midwifery care... and, because homebirth isn't something I'm interested in, I'll be doing this at a PUBLIC hospital.

Besides the fact that I don't want to PAY to give birth, I believe that the fact a public hospital isn't there to make money will give me a much greater chance at achieving a vaginal birth.

As for continuity of care... I really couldn't care less. It's not really something which concerns me. I will have a doula, myslef and my partner, to make sure my wishes are always known. I'm not worried about having "strangers" see me give birth...it's just not something that worries me. No idea why.

Sorry this isn't written too well...I'm tired...:sleeping:

[Rhys'Mum]

1st I live in Canberra and if you don't book in when you first get an incling you may possibly be late you can't get into the midwife program. Neither can you if you are 'high risk' or have other medical complications.

2nd Don't we generally have a different demographic giving birth now, particularly in private hospitals? Don't we tend to be older, perhaps have more existing medical issues? Perhaps the intervention rates aren't just a reflection of gung ho OBs, maybe its demographics and systemic problems?

3rd The trauma I experienced in giving birth was a direct result of the midwives and their attitudes.

I wanted and needed the support of the midwives and all I got was stay home, we find women labor better at home, and you aren't really in labor anyway so stop being a big sooky la la, no after 40+ hours on your feet having painful contractions you can't have gas because we find it doesn't work this early, never a how are you travelling, you are doing very well, just a how long are your contractions and oh no they aren't really that long, see they've peaked so it doesn't really count.... Whether I'd been public or private it was the same midwives.

Fortunately I had an OB who I felt was the only one who was really in my corner. He knew me, we had a rapport and he didn't want to go down the Cs path. Yes after 57 hours of strong contractions that went nowhere my son finally decided he'd had enough. The outcome may well have been different had I been supported early on, then again it might not. The Cs and my body's response didn't traumatise me the attitudes did.

I might hire a doula or an independent midwife were I to consider a VBAC but I would certainly be using an obstetrician as well.

[Roopee]

You know what? I dont get it! Why is this even a debate? It's a choice every woman that chooses to give birth has the right to make.
I do not agree that the OB's are in for the money. Some may well be but the majority are not. I dont agree that Ob's are only trained in obstetric emergency and complications. I think this is a very narrow minded view of it all and i also think that saying that to women may very well have its own tragic consequences.

Yes i choose to go under a care of an OB- who is extremely kind caring and definately NOT scalpel happy. He has my utmost trust and confidence that he is doing the best by me and my babies.

I think that if you are confident in the opinion that homebirths and or independant midwives is the best option for you- then great! Go for it. But, there are times when we will all have to wait for our appiontment, and there are times when your midwife or Doula may not be abale to make it too your birth. The principles are the same in all situations.
Everyone hs a horror story and an opinion- thats life unfortunatly.
Lets just support each other without the degradation of the choices we as individuals make.

[mamabare]

Hi, I think that most new, first time mothers think that this is the most accepted option (which I personally think is a shame). There is certainly a distinct lack of information available about other birthing choices available to women in Australia. Not just info about whats available, but also info about the benefits, research etc about choosing to birth with a midwife or doula either at home or in hospital.

I come from a medical family, so I always assumed that a doctor was necessary to have a baby. I went along to the public hospital (pregnancy caught me by surprise, and I had no private insurance) and learnt that I could go through a midwives clinic. This was something that sat well with me, and the experience was amazing.

At no time did I feel anything but safe and supported with these wonderful women, and I later discovered that having an OB increases chances of intervention by some incredible amount - so was very glad with my decision.

[candyn]

Mamabare it is great that you had a wondeful experience, but i do disagree with you on not being informed. withmy first i was given a tonne of info and i knew that there was homebirthing and midwifery care available, i just chose to go with an obs as i wanted security for any emergencies that may arise, my mother lost her firsborn due to negligent midwives, so you see there is always two sides to everything.

Having a baby is totally natural but unfortunately we are imperfect and situations arise, in a perfect world there would be no worries, but death does happen and injuries may occur in birthing.

Low intervention should be priority but only in a carefree and unproblematic birth.:o

[AimeeB]

:wave: Hi Zan all mine have been through public in the birthing unit of my local hospital with a midwife-And i Looooooved it!My mum is a middie and I felt totally comfy with them all and had my mum and dh at the births of all the kids and was so glad NOT to have an ob as I know they wouldn't have let my mum participate the way she did.Legally she 's not allowed to deliver family members as such,but may as well have as she was very involved in each.Not to knock ob's by any means and I'm glad every woman has the choice but I wouldn't have my experiences any other way.There is always an ob registrar on at the hospital so if need be they can be called,but more often than not the middies do the job perfectly!A girlfriend has seen the same ob for all 6 babies and 4 out of the 6 he decided to induce as they were due when his holidays were due.I also have a friend having #3 and she is only 14 weeks but the ob she is seeing has told her he will probably be away at her due time so they might have to look at what can be done?He also refuses to see any patients before 26 weeks so most of her care is from her gp anyway.For my last bub born last October we had a new program called MGP(midwifery group practice) in which you have the same midwife from your first clinic visit till after home care.I love the intimacy and have formed a fab relationship with her and she will be delivering #4 in March next year.As i stated each to there own but for me midwives are the way to go.
ME-28
DH-29(nearly 30:laughing: )
DS-09/12/01
DD1-16/09/03
DD2-12/10/05
#4 EDD-22/03/07:yelclap:

[YoungMumSteph]

I had an OB for my first pregnancy because my parents thought if was best as I was 17 and still covered under their private health care.

My OB was fantastic and supported my natural birth.

This pregnancy Ive decided to go public as I had no health problems or complications.