Help me chose an Ob!!

[DVMmomma]

Some of you have probably read me whining already but here's the story...

The Ob I had with DD1 was great, I loved her. BUT, she's part of a multi doctor practice and the one I had for delivery was terrible and I'd rather never see her again in my life. Anyway, this practice delivers at the 'better' hospital in our area- meaning it has a NICU and it's more set up for pre-term deliveries and complications. We'll call this hospital A. There's another but- it's a 21 minute drive with no rush hour traffic. Probably closer to 45 minutes in rush hour. Likewise, the Ob practice is 20 minutes away as well. 

Alternatively, I went to a new practice today (again a multi doctor practice) that's 9 minutes away from my house and so far so good, I liked it and liked the people. They only deliver at the closer hospital to me which is still a great hospital, but no NICU. Also if I go into labor before 34 weeks, they'll send me to hospital A anyway. And if there are any problems with the babies, they'll also have to go to hospital A. This other hospital, let's call it hospital B, is 11 minutes away. This practice seemed just as comfortable with twins but they seemed a little more "we'd go for c section" than the other practice. My Ob at the other practice basically implied she'd get those babies outta my vag one way or another. Which is appealing to me because I want a vaginal delivery but do not want the double whammy. 

I know 10 minutes difference doesn't sound like a lot but if DD1 was any example, when I go into labor, it's hard and fast. 

What would you do?!

ETA arguably the most important point. The new practice offers a 'pampered pregnancy' which includes a free gift at every visit, 2 free nutrition consults and a free 30 minute massage. So there's that.

[callmeKD]

I would go with the hospital where there is a NICU. DD ended up being early and in the NICU. it was a blessing to be in the same hospital with her and to not have to worry about either of us being moved.

[hollyberry]

I second the NICU hospital. We ended up going to the one that had it and it is about 30 mins away. I really eased my mind knowing i would be in the hospital where the babies would get the best care if needed. (It was needed, mine were born at 35.5 and baby girl was in NICU for 2 weeks. Baby boy was there until i was discharged from my CS so one week.) Where i am ic the babies were born at the closer hospital and they needed the NICU they would go and i would have to stay at the first hospital until i was discharged. I didn't want to risk that.

[requiressnacks]

I'd go with the practice that delivers at hospital A. I wouldn't consider a hospital with no NICU.

But shoot - i would love a free 30 minute massage (although you're probably paying for it one way or another. )

[piccyami]

I'd also go with the hospital with the nicu. I felt much more comfortable knowing that our hospital had a level III nicu and I wouldn't be separated from my babies if they needed nicu time.

[nerdykitten]

Go with hospital A. I delivered at one hospital, but due to the NICU being at capacity my babies were transferred to the other local hospital's NICU. It really sucked to be on the postpartum floor and not be able to go see my babies for two days. I mean I literally had not seen one of the three except for pictures. You don't want this scenario for yourself.

[schmella]

Oct 12, 2016 14:13:16 GMT -5 @wineandcupcakes said:

NICU for sure. And honestly, I would even travel a bit further for a Level III NICU if you have one around. To me, that's the most important thing, hands down.

ETA: I read someone blog today (so, not scientific), but her doctor had told her the survival rates generally, and then what the same survival rate is at a Level III, equipped NICU in the US. MAJOR difference

This. I delivered at an older hospital with a level III NICU, my MFMs office was attached to the hospital. It was no spa-like retreat but knowing we wouldn't be separated and that this hospital would have everything we could possibly need was important to me. Also, because my MFM group was integrated, there was amazing continuity of care. No guessing at meds or allergies or medical conditions or concerns.

We had a newer, nicer option with a level III NICU but it was a 45 minute drive vs 10, so yeah, we went with the close one

[DVMmomma]

Oct 12, 2016 14:13:16 GMT -5 @wineandcupcakes said:

NICU for sure. And honestly, I would even travel a bit further for a Level III NICU if you have one around. To me, that's the most important thing, hands down.

ETA: I read someone blog today (so, not scientific), but her doctor had told her the survival rates generally, and then what the same survival rate is at a Level III, equipped NICU in the US. MAJOR difference

Hospital A's NICU is a level IIIa. SaveSave

[DVMmomma]

Oct 12, 2016 16:22:00 GMT -5 nerdykitten said:

Go with hospital A. I delivered at one hospital, but due to the NICU being at capacity my babies were transferred to the other local hospital's NICU. It really sucked to be on the postpartum floor and not be able to go see my babies for two days. I mean I literally had not seen one of the three except for pictures. You don't want this scenario for yourself.

No, I don't. That sounds absolutely awful. I'm sorry you went through that!!SaveSave

[DVMmomma]

Ok, thanks everyone. I really appreciate your feedback and experiences.

[housecarder]

Agree on hospital A with the NICU. Like nerdykitten, said, you don't want to have to be separated from your babies. And if you have a c section and one or both babies is transported to the other hospital then you would have to stay at B while they are at A.

[Squishy622]

+1 to these wise women, go with the NICU!