OB vs. midwife?

When I found out I was pregnant I called my regular OB/GYN practice. Now I see midwives are very popular and just in reading people's stories it seems you may get more support from a midwife.

How do you go about finding one? What's the difference? Are they covered by insurance? Can you have an OB AND a midwife?

OB vs. midwife?

I used Stony Brook Midwives when I was pregnant with my DS. They were amazing. I'm not brave enough for a home birth, but felt it was the perfect mix of an amazing, supportive midwife but also an amazing hospital should I need it (my son was in the NICU for a week.... was so glad I was at SB).

All midwives have an agreement with an OB should OB interventions become necessary. Your insurance should cover a midwife the same as an OB since they're licensed practitioners. Some practices have both OBs and Midwives, but generally you're seeing one or the other.

Not sure where you live, but Stony Brook Midwives has a "meet the midwives" night once a month where you can learn a lot of great information on their program and midwifery.

OB vs. midwife?

I also used the stony brook midwives and it was the BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!!!! They were great and my birth was so special. I switched from an OB at 20 weeks.

Re: OB vs. midwife?

I use SB midwives also and can't say enough good things about them.

If you are too far away to use them or want to do something at home - there's a variety of other options for independent midwives. Most insurance will cover a midwife!

Re: OB vs. midwife?

I'm in Queens (my oB is women's health pavilion in Howard Beach) so SB is not any option for me. Anything further west?

Re: OB vs. midwife?

St. Luke's Roosevelt hospital in Manhattan has a birthing center one floor away from L&D. There are two practices of OBs that support births there, or you can choose a midwife. I'm pretty sure even if you end up not qualifying for the birthing center (you have to be a perfect candidate, low risk, etc), your midwife can deliver you in regular L&D.