Midwives

Anyone using one? I am seriously considering it/have decided upon it. I have come to the conclusion that on LI in 2006, there is NOT an OB/GYN that I am going to get along with for the next 33 weeks. They simply want to run too many tests, screen for far too many genetic defects and perform multiple sonograms/ultrasounds that I personally just do not deem necessary. I had a rather laid back approach in my first pregnancy, not a single sonogram and I wasn't nervous about it. I think this is the route I must take to have a sane and happy pregnancy and delivery! A sense of total relief came over me this morning when I decided on this.

I wish that weekly sonograms made me happy, but the thought is just ridiculous to me. I want to go in get weighed, measured, poked and asked how I'm doing while getting advice on what I should do and what I should not do. I can't wait to find a midwife and get started now!

Re: Midwives

I use the Midwives at StonyBrook. They are great. They listen to everything you say, you can call them anytime without feeling guilty. My mom is a midwife too and they even let her step in and actually deliver my DS and DD. Not many kids can say that their grandmother delivered them.

FM me if you have any questions.

Re: Midwives

I used midwives and wouldn't have it any other way. I will never use an OB again. I did get ultrasounds but they were my choice to have them. I used CNM's which are different than lay midwives who have an even more laid back approach.

Re: Midwives

Thanks ladies! It's good to know that you CAN get ultrasounds, which I'm not opposed to...I just don't need them as often as OBs seem to be seekign them! I just think this is more my style...something I suppose I didn't realize in my first pregnancy...but that was 6 years ago.

Re: Midwives

I loved my midwives this pregnancy! They were all amazing. I am on the crunchy side and I felt they had the same views as me

Re: Midwives

I just spoke with a midwife yesterday, She told me that I wouldn't start to see her until half way through my pregnancy (I am high risk). She does water births and all that stuff.

Problem: She ONLY works out of NCMC - which I have not heard good things about.

Any comments??

Re: Midwives

She's a wackco!! Stay away!

Re: Midwives

Right there says it. If you are high risk she should see you to evaluate your condition. FM me if you have any questions.

Re: Midwives

What kind of docts does sonos on every visit? I only got them 3 or 4 time tops, and 2 out of those were at the Ultrascreen and level II.

Re: Midwives

I believe my doctor does 2 sonograms the entire pregnancy (obviously barring any complications that require closer monitoring) - the Level 1 at 8 weeks and the Level 2 at 20 weeks. Those were the only 2 that were mentioned when he was scheduling appointments.

I have been tossing around the idea of a midwife, but so far I really can't justify it. I am very comfortable with my doctor.

Message edited 10/20/2006 10:43:26 PM.

Re: Midwives

I am also seeing the Stonybrook Midwives and they have been nothing but nice and supportive. I feel like I could tell them my fears not just my medical issues.

I know the feeling of not wanting to deal with an abrupt doctor. Nurse midwives are definitely the way to go!

Re: Midwives

Kara -- I think NCMC is the only hospital that does water births on LI. I have also heard some bad things about it, but I'm sure there are good things, too.

I switched to StonyBrook midwives around week 28 of my pregnancy from my OB. I am pursuing natural childbirth, and although my old OB wasn't opposed to that, none of his patients did that. I got the -- you will be continuously IV'd, have continual monitoring, be giving birth on your back talk -- all of which I knew would make NCB hard. I really love the midwives, so far. I went over my "birth preferences" with them and they didn't have any issues with anything I was requesting. I have also heard a lot of great things about them from people who have delivered with them.

Re: Midwives

Re: Midwives

Re: Midwives

Good for you! I had my baby in the UK and we have a midwife led service and a very laid back, hands off to low risk pregnancies...and to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way! We had two sonos (at 12 and 20 weeks) and then we see midwives from 27 weeks onwards every two weeks. We do have choices about whether or not we want the tests.

When I had the kid, 11 days late I had a choice whether or not I wanted to be induced, I felt that with the midwives I was under NO pressure whatsoever and most of the women had had babies themselves, so they knew what we were going through!

Good luck!!

eta...I really feel that a lot of these tests done on pregnant women is just a precaution to avoid being sued!The states is so litigious these days!

Message edited 10/21/2006 10:05:34 AM.

Re: Midwives

Michele that sounds like you had an awful experience - thank you for the heads-up!