Live & Learn: Why I Fired My OB

As some of you may already know, I have really been struggling lately with my OB and trying to figure out a middle ground with her. When we first found out I was pregnant back in August I knew right away that I wanted to go the natural route. So in January we signed up for the Bradley Method classes in hopes that it would help prepare us for an all natural childbirth. At the time, I didn't realize the impact this would have and all the criticism that would follow.

In the last few weeks I have seen my (ex) OB twice, once for a regular check up and again for a hernia exam. The check up went as usual - weight check, blood pressure check, baby heartbeat reading, and a quick chat. I've never felt a real connection with my OB and, after finding out that come baby's birth day I won't even know which doctor I will get (there are 6 in the practice), I was beginning to get a little put off. I had expressed my decision to have an all natural birth and the OB was less than interested. She really just seemed to brush me off. This should have been my first red flag. 

The second time I saw her this month was due to an umbilical hernia that I have. I wasn't aware of it prior but after an ultrasound and exam the OB walked into our room and bluntly stated "Yep, you have a hernia and you need surgery." I was so caught off guard and shocked that I could barely ask any questions. Thinking to myself, there's no way I'm having surgery at six months pregnant!

After speaking with surgeons and other doctors, we discovered that surgery is not medically urgent at this point in time. I have chosen to wait until after T's birth to have any type of surgery & would never want to put my son at risk. The fact that my OB was so extreme about this really upset me. 

So, this past week Vince and I met with some midwives and after speaking with several, as well as some doulas, we have chosen to go to a Birthing Center with a midwife and say adios to my OB. 

When we sat down with the midwife on Wednesday I literally could feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. Talking with her about my birth plan and desire for an unmedicated birth really made me feel so much more comfortable and at ease. We were exactly on the same page and she was so understanding! Something that I had never felt from my OB. I finally feel like I have someone who is supportive and really cares about my wants and needs, as well as those of baby T. 

All in all, I would say this was a learning experience. I should have known from the beginning that an OB probably wouldn't be the best fit for me, but I guess sometimes you just have to do things by trial and error. 

I am excited about my midwife and as the big day is getting closer, I am even more excited for the birth of baby T!

Sometimes you just gotta Live & Learn!