How did you find your OB/MW?

[uwfan27]

This has been on my mind recently, and even though I'm still TTC, it's something I have already given a lot of thought to. I always do my own research before I buy anything, or hire anyone by checking websites for reviews and even the BBB, but as you know... there isn't a great resource for doing your own research on doctors.

When I need to see someone for a sore throat finding the right 'fit' isn't really very important. But for me, finding the right OB [i[is[/i] important, very important. Other than ask around for referrals, what can you do? I did have a prenatal appointment with on OB I was just paired up with (based on scheduling) and I liked her enough, but don't envision her being my doctor. That appointment, even with insurance, still cost us some money out-of-pocket and I don't want to go doctor shopping and pay for these 'interviews'. Is there another way? I live in the US, I am sure it is different (easier?) elsewhere.

Part of my problem is I will have to use an OB vs a midwife, which is what I originally had imagined. I was even leaning towards a home or birth center birth. But I had a health surprise arise that means I will have to use an OB. It is overwhelming to me all the various doctors even at one hospital! I do know the hospital I want to use, it's just WHO to use within the maze??!!

And have any of you run into a problem where you [i[thought[/i] you found your doctor, but you ended up not liking them? Did you 'fire' them? I had that happen once with a different specialist, and it was sooooo incredibly stressful. I would really like to avoid that if at all possible, while pregnant.

I do understand that it is very likely your doctor will not be present to deliver your baby, I get it. But for all of the appointments leading up to the L&D it I would really like them to be with someone I trust/admire/like/feel comfortable with.

Thanks ladies, and I hope you all have swift births (or are enjoying your LO as we speak!!)

 

[Equreuil]

I went with a recommendation for my women's center from a friend that had given birth right around the time I got my BFP. She said her experience had been really good. And I have to say, I'm glad I went with it.

I would look into seeing if there's any women's centers or offices that have both on staff. At mine, there's two OBs and 3 MWs, and I've ended up having appointments with most of them (depending on availability). At least that way, if you don't feel you click with one, you can maybe request your next appointment by with someone else. I'm sure they'd understand the idea of you feeling out your options for someone you're comfortable with.

 

[Harley Quinn]

I was referred to a maternity group by the fertility clinic I had been going to when I got pregnant. There were at least 6 different doctors in that group, but I only met one of them before I decided to transfer to a group closer to home (so I could deliver at the hospital closer to home). Anyway, there are also about 6 or 7 different doctors in that group. I met with just one for my first 3-4 appointments, and then after that I made sure to schedule my appointments on different days so that I could meet as many of the doctors as possible (in case they ended up being there on delivery day... turns out I met the doctor who "caught" my son on the day of... go figure!).

Anyway, I would suggest finding a maternity group with a number of doctors, that way you can meet several and when you find one you like, you can just keep scheduling appointments with him or her. What are the chances you'd not like every single doctor in one group? You could even ask one of the nurse/receptionist who work with all the doctors who they would recommend you book your appointments with (i.e who will spend the most time and answer all your questions, be available by phone, whatever's important to you); maybe they'll be willing to help you that way.

I lucked out in that I like all the doctors at my group. I feel like I can ask them anything and they'll take the time to answer, and I do know that they have a great reputation within the community.

Also, aren't there website where people can rate doctors? I feel like I've seen something like that before.

 

[uwfan27]

Thanks for your knowledge ladies. I didn't really think about just rotating through doctors at a group practice! In fact, the place I am likely going to end up operates this way, and I didn't even think about just rotating through a few until I found one i liked.I guess 9 months is enough time to find someone!! Many thanks you two!