Thoughts on changing practices?

[lycih]

Short back story: less than a year ago, we moved from Chicago to the suburbs.  We now live like 1.5 miles from the hospital in our new town (population 40k, so not like a teeny tiny town or anything)

So, I've been seeing the midwives associated with Prentice for 5 years; they delivered both my daughters, they handled all my multiple losses, etc.  I'm still currently seeing them (they just did my u/s on tuesday, and I'm scheduled for my NT scan next month)

Logic would probably tell me to switch to the midwives that are at my local hospital, rather than staying 25 miles away at the hospital downtown... Especially if I go into labor during rush hour.  Both girls were long-ass labors, so I'm not worried about delivering in the car or anything, just the possibly long, traffic ridden ride generally sucking.  
But, my heart is having a hard time with the idea of switching.  

What should win here?  Logic, or my emotions?  Gah... 

[Deleted]

So I had a somewhat easier time, as I moved from NYC to the Philly suburbs, and driving 100 miles is just not feasible. I will say, I was very happy with most aspects of my care in NYC, and I've been thrilled with my new practices so far. It could be worth an intro visit.

If you know this is your last baby and you're really attached to them, I could see sticking with the practice.

[jrun2013]

I'd follow your heart and go with what you think is best. With DD1 I went to a practice near my house, but I wasn't happy with the experience and wanted midwives instead, so I went to a midwife practice in the city about 30-40 minutes away. The plus side to this though was it was in between my house and y job, so appointments were convenient. I think I'll probably go back there again.

[lycih]

Apr 27, 2017 20:39:39 GMT -5 @officedronette said:

So I had a somewhat easier time, as I moved from NYC to the Philly suburbs, and driving 100 miles is just not feasible. I will say, I was very happy with most aspects of my care in NYC, and I've been thrilled with my new practices so far. It could be worth an intro visit.

If you know this is your last baby and you're really attached to them, I could see sticking with the practice.

Yeah, if we were further, it'd be a non-starter.   (my brother and SIL are in the philly suburbs, btw )
I also, since posting, just discovered that the hospital in town here doesn't have a nursery and only offered rooming-in.  Call me cold, but after 67 hour and 48 hour labors, I was thankful for the nursery...  I'm not sure I want to let go of that option.  
Hmmm... 

[mrscatfarmer13]

I think I would stay with the current practice. Is there any advantage, besides distance, to switching? Which one has a higher NICU level?

[typo31]

This is my first so I don't have advice - but just chiming in to say "hi" from another Chicagoan planning to deliver at Prentice!

[cutay]

I'd stay where you're comfortable. 25 miles isn't a big deal around here, but I'm not sure what that equates to in minutes around your neck of the woods. In any case, I'm a creature of habit, and I'd stay put.

[babydsmama]

lycih as someone who would fly to KS from TX if I could have my last OB deliver this baby I'm all for staying where I'm comfortable! Whether they have a NICU or not would probably help me decide, as well!

[lycih]

Apr 27, 2017 21:11:27 GMT -5 mrscatfarmer13 said:

I think I would stay with the current practice. Is there any advantage, besides distance, to switching? Which one has a higher NICU level?

Prentice/Lurie's children would definitely be higher level NICU
that's a good point too

[lycih]

Apr 28, 2017 9:31:37 GMT -5 cutay said:

I'd stay where you're comfortable. 25 miles isn't a big deal around here, but I'm not sure what that equates to in minutes around your neck of the woods. In any case, I'm a creature of habit, and I'd stay put.

It's really only the rush hour question. 40 minutes or two hours...

[lycih]

Apr 28, 2017 7:52:57 GMT -5 typo31 said:

This is my first so I don't have advice - but just chiming in to say "hi" from another Chicagoan planning to deliver at Prentice!

Hi!! Will this be your first? I loved my experience with the midwives there with both my girls.

[jekasi]

I changed practices since my last baby. I didn't love my experience except for one nurse midwife who was the reason I even went to the practice in the first place. I was very lucky that she happened to be on call when I finally gave birth, because I didn't know when I first started that anyone at the practice could end up delivering. It was just too big of a place for me...more than 30 rooms, and a staff to match, it just wasn't very personal or friendly. I didn't love the hospital experience either and just wanted to start fresh this time. It was all about 30 minutes drive from home although I was working in the area at the time.

Now I am still driving the 30 minutes, just in a different direction. I found a practice with only 3 OBs and a much nicer hospital and so far I'm much happier. I think you should go with your heart...if the experience with the practice makes you happy a little bit longer in the car really isn't that big of a deal IMO.