Midwife or Obstetrician?

Well, my opinion is that you don't really need an obstetrician unless you are high risk or have other health issues that may cause complications in your pregnancy, or unless you are happy to pay. Obstetricians are not free, like midwives, unless you are referred to one (e.g. if you went with a midwife and something came up causing you to be high risk, they would refer you to an OB anyway).

I had a midwife, so I can't comment personally, but from what I've heard, OBs can be quite "medical" (duh, they are doctors, but I can't figure out another word to describe what I mean ), while midwives tend to provide a more... personal experience (they also do home visits after the baby is born, which I'm not sure OBs do - someone may need to confirm that). However, I'm sure this would depend a lot on the individual OB!

I think most midwives are quite capable of dealing with normal pregnancies, although they get a bit of a bad reputation in the papers sometimes. I think you should go with whatever you are comfortable with, really. Some people feel they need the "safety" of an OB, and hey, if that is what is going to give you security and peace of mind, then go for it. My midwife was awesome though, and I couldn't have gotten better care!

There are not too many private OBs around (at least not in Wellington), so if you do decide to go with one, you should get onto it ASAP. Also, if you choose a midwife, do it like YESTERDAY, because they book up fast! Good luck on your search.

Oh, and congratulations!

Firstly, congratulations! If you choose to go with a mw, here are a list of recommendations by women on this forum. Go to the last page for the updated list. You can arrange to meet with a couple of the first before deciding who you want. Good to get onto it early though, as some book up quickly;
link

If you've got no health problems, i'd go for a mw.

i would agree with the others, most women choose to have a midwife instead of an OB unless they have particular concerns or are high risk

my OB's office is very personable and has been very good so far in my pregnancy - however it costs $3500 - that gives you monthly visits till 28 weeks, then fortnightly till 36 weeks, then weekly till delivery, they also have midwives on staff that you can talk to about concerns who will do the at home visits post birth

it is a very personal decision and you need to make the right choice for you - remember at any time you can change your mind and change providers (wether OB or midwife) - so would suggest you ask those you know who have had children already who they used, and go and talk to some of them if possible to see if they are the right fit for you

I would go with a midwife unless you have any medical reasons as to why you'd need an OB. Most midwives will refer you to an OB if needed and in that case its free. My midwife refers me to the OB as I have CSection history.

My midwife does, monthly till 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks till 35 weeks, then weekly until delivery, and its free lol

I find the midwife much more personal and caring the when I see the OB. OB tend to be more "medical" and midwives are more "natural" and do it the way nature intended.

Edited by Sheza

I think this really depends on the style of care you're after and if you are willing to/can afford to pay. I started with a midwife and then changed to an OB halfway through. However this was a lot to do with the particular midwife not midwifery care over all.

I found the midwife was far too personal in her interactions, bordering on inappropriate. The OB was obviously more medical and reserved but still friendly and reassuring.

I wanted to go with a OB originally but didnt think I could justify the $4000 as I am in my 20s and have no health issues. As it turned out there were a few hiccups along the way and I ended up with a c-section. In the future I would not hesitate to go back to the OB.

Good luck with your decision and congrats on your pregnancy!

congrats!

I am under an OB and was with my first pregnancy and personally believe its the best $4grand spent, but its all personal preference, I havent found the medical side of things an issue, I find it quite reassuring that they have that wider medical background to be honest. I did have problems with my first pregnancy (hypertension and pre-eclampsia) and was in the best hands possible with the OBs, they have always been extremely througher, available whenever you need them and Ive been 100% happy with the care and money that ive spent (which will be over $8000 once baby number two comes along since Ive been through them twice. Once bubs is born I have a post natal midwife that will come and visit me and I also go back to the obstatrician. They came and visited me every day after bubs was born in birthcare to see how we were getting on.