Met and didn't like the other doc sharing delivery rotation

[Anonymous]

I'm 7 months pregnant. I very much like my OB and would be happy with her delivering me. She recommended that we meet with the other doctor with whom she shares rotation and we did today. Under no circumstances do I want this man attending my delivery. He didn't even bother acknowledging my partner in the room, was way overly brusque, and from a read just now on this board (oh why did I not do that earlier) I see his c-section numbers are through the roof (I don't want a c-section unless it's medically necessary). What do I do? Do I have to switch practices on the chance that I go into labor when this guy is on rotation? I'm sure this is a question for my OB, but I'm curious how others would think to handle this.

[Anonymous]

It will be a total crap shoot regarding which OB attends your birth. Yes, you might like your OB, but the chances of getting her are very slim. It could be the other doc in the practice, or it could be one of the numerous other doctors who back up your practice. It's not so common for a woman to get HER doc when it comes time to deliver the baby.

Why not switch to a midwifery practice? If your birth is attended by an OB, your chance of needing a c-section will be anywhere form 30-50%. If your birth is attended by one of the two local midwifery practices (at Washington Hospital Center, or at Shady Grove), the chance of you needing a c-section will be anywhere from 10-15%.

It is not too late to switch. The difference in care is ENORMOUS. For women who truly want to avoid an unnecessary c-section, then you owe it to yourself to switch. It is not too late, either. I've known women who switch when they are past their due date. Also, I've never known a woman who was unhappy with her decision to switch to a midwife.

[Anonymous]

OP here. What is the name of the midwifery practice at WHC?

[Anonymous]

This is not an answer to your question but I am however very curious which OB you're talking about (the male with the c-section fettish). Being from Europe I feel that c-sections are quite common in the US and I am very fearful that I will end up with a c-section if things take longer than they're willing to wait for. Unfortunately I am too late to switch, I am due in a week but if I would have known about midwivery practices I would definitely go with them.

[Anonymous]

My experience with 2 hospital deliveries is that the attending physician is only there once you're pushing. The residents handle deliveries for the most part. Just me personally, but I didn't worry about whether or not I really liked the OB on call at the time-you probably won't see him/her much.

[Anonymous]

Go with your gut. 7 months is not too late to switch -- I switched at 39 weeks. Best decision.

As for comments on whether you care who attends your delivery, you have met the care provider and you said that "Under no circumstances do I want this man attending my delivery." Even if you don't care during the delivery, which frankly, despite what people tell you, you may, now you may worry about the situation over the next two months. It's unnecessary stress at the end of your pregnancy.

You mentioned speaking with your OB, but remember she has chosen to align herself professionally with this person whom you don't like. She may still be great when you speak with her, but don't be surprised if she downplays your views.

As for 11:41's comments: not all hospital/practices use residents. I don't know if OP meant "attend" in that sense. Regardless, you have now met this doctor. Don't dismiss your gut feelings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. What is the name of the midwifery practice at WHC?

The DC Birth Center midwives deliver either at the birth center in NE DC, or at Washington Hospital Center. About 3/4 of their patients choose to deliver at the hospital, so it is very common for them. You would still have to go to the birth center for your prenatal appointments. Their website is www.developingfamilies.org. It is a fantastic practice with wonderful midwives. Even though they see some very high risk patients, they still have great outcomes and a low c/section rate. You do not need to live in NE DC or be "low-income" to use them, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is not an answer to your question but I am however very curious which OB you're talking about (the male with the c-section fettish). Being from Europe I feel that c-sections are quite common in the US and I am very fearful that I will end up with a c-section if things take longer than they're willing to wait for. Unfortunately I am too late to switch, I am due in a week but if I would have known about midwivery practices I would definitely go with them.

Almost all of the OB's in this area have high c-section rates. Overall, the c-section rate is very, very high at most hospitals in the area.

It is not too late for you to switch. In fact, you could call the DC Birth Center and switch to them today if you wanted. The choice is indeed in your hands!

[Anonymous]

A low c-section rate is not always a good thing. There sre some doctors and HMO type organizations that do everything in their power to avoid a C/S because it looks bad for "their numbers" and it ends up being terrible for the baby. I work in a hospital and some of the worse cases I have seen are docs or women who are so opposed to a C/S and it results in a terrible birth injury. Just food for thought. Sure some jump to C/S to quicky - I'm not going to deny that information but just remember it's not always bad.

[Anonymous]

12:09, thanks for your post. I'm not OP but am 33 weeks and want to switch practices, which is totally contrary to my prepared-way-in-advance personality. To hear that you switched at 39 and were happy is reassuring. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm at a large practice where there are many doctors. Fortunately, I have met most of them and like all of them I've met except for one. Knowing that I could possibly end up with the doctor I dislike or possibly one that I haven't met, I decided to hire a doula. At least this way, I'll have someone in the room whom I know and like and knows what is going on. DH will be there, of course, but he won't be able to offer much in the way of advice, etc. Just a thought! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:12:09, thanks for your post. I'm not OP but am 33 weeks and want to switch practices, which is totally contrary to my prepared-way-in-advance personality. To hear that you switched at 39 and were happy is reassuring. Thanks.

Thanks for letting me know -- this means a lot. I didn't listen to the inner voice because I wanted everything to be set and planned out. By the end, I couldn't ignore that voice, and it was a very stressful time -- one I didn't share in real life because people think you're crazy when they hear that you have changed at 39 weeks. So, I am happy to hear that this was helpful to you.

[Anonymous]

Find out how frequently this physician takes call for your doctor. If it's just a few days per month, then chances are slim that they'd be at your delivery. However, if they share a lot of call days, then you should probably switch. i would also share your experience with your regular OB in a diplomatic way. Not an easy task but you may get some helpful feedback.