WWYD? Changing OBs

[ginnyjones82]

I love my OB, I've been going to the same office since I was 17 and needed check-ups, scripts for the pill, ect....
I've always known that when I give birth, I would go to the women's hospital associated with my OBs office.

So.... the problem is that when DH and I move, instead of office and hospital being 20 minutes from home, it will then be an hour!!  I would stick with it anyways, but there is another highly rated (from internet research) birthing center only 10-15 minutes from the new home.  Under a different hospital network.  I know that it makes sense to change to the new place.  I'm thinking of asking the current OB if she knows any of the doctors there to recommend.  I'm just curious what others think.  

Stick with what's familiar but further....
or head in to new territory??

[nutmeg8484]

That's a tough one. I would probably change, only because I made the mistake of watching a show on TLC about women giving birth (in cars/ at home/ on the side of the road etc.) and now I am completely terrified to not make it to the hospital. I know it's completely irrational but that's how my brain works. I think I would ask the DR you trust what they think about the other OB group, I'm sure that they at least know of the doctors/the clinic reputation, and go from there. Good luck!

[ginnyjones82]

My DH's fear is me giving birth on the way!! It's happened a few times within the last year or so in our area. We always joked that when the time came, if I was past due date, we would go drive around this one spot it seemed to happen frequently at.

[IFinTN]

I changed OBs but only because she was not affiliated with a hospital that had a NICU. I am paranoid about going through all of this and then God forbid baby needs the NICU and we aren't there. The new hospital is about 30 min away, 45 in traffic. I'm less worried about giving birth in the car than I am about the lack of NICU.....

[jessimi06]

I switched OBs for a similar reason. My old OB is a hour away, and the hospital didn't have a high enough NICU for my piece of mind (which I am now going to need). Since I've had some issues, I would recommend that you switch as well. Not only because it's a hour drive for appts/the birth, but because its a hour drive if you were (God forbid) in an emergency situation and/or having complications.

[ProfessorChaos]

Lots of people in the US drive an hour to their hospital, so it's not a crazy distance. For FTMs, labor is USUALLY a long business, so the probability that you'd deliver in the car is pretty low. That said, if you have a fast labor, bleeding, or other rare complications, that hour could make a serious difference. Perhaps touring the birthing center and meeting their personnel to see how you feel is a good first step in your decision?

The book The Birthing Partner has some great guidelines for partners assisting with births out of cars. Well worth a look.

[ginnyjones82]

So I was looking up the ratings online for current doctor and possible new doctor. And also looked up the NP I know and love. Possible new Dr scores higher than current Dr.... Hmmm.... so in a perfect world, I want possible new Dr and old NP. But in reality, I think I'm gonna schedule appointment in the next few weeks with possible new doctor. DH feels better having Dr and hospital very close to home. Thanks everyone for your input!!

ProfessorChaos, I told DH about that book, and got the side-eye.... I'll have to get it and read and then tell him about it.

[vballbaby]

I think I would do the same ginnyjones82, good luck!

[ronniesgirl]

Lurker here! I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to wish you well! I'll lurk some more tomorrow for an update!

[daydreamernyc]

I agree with ProfessorChaos, that time really shouldn't be a concern since you should have enough of it.

Good luck with your decision

[daydreamernyc]

Just wanted to add that you should also consider the OBs perspective on treatment. Some OBs are quick to lean on c sections so if that is something you want to avoid unless medically necessary, you want an OB you can trust. For that reason alone, I'd be willing to travel a bit for that assurance.