Midwife or OB?

Congrats Bobcat!

We went to a OB in Mt Eden as recommended by a friend for a couple of appointments whilst TTCing (PCOS was confirmed and the OB prescribed me clomid). We got a pricing schedule while we were there for OB care and it was approximately $5500.

Although PCOS is considered by some as a high risk PG, I have had a very easy pregnancy with no complications. I decided to go with a MW but if at any stage I had had any bleeding or any issues whatsoever, we would have switched quite quickly back over to the OB.

I think if you're low risk, there's probably not too much difference in the antenatal care you get. The OB I went to had Audis parked out the front, a chandelier in the reception area and better magazines, but apart from that, I don't feel I'm getting any less of a service from my MW!

I have also been told that you do see more of the hospital MWs than you do of your OB during the birth, too. DH was told that this is because the OB is there to care for the baby, not you. Not sure if this is true, but it was another reason for us to go with a MW. I want someone who is there for bubs AND me. Oh, and DH!

Hiya, from experience from friends, an OB costs a lot of money, and well, does very little
Twice I have been told by friends(2 different ob's) that they paid thousands, saw him as often as a m/w, and he turned up at the hospital to deliver, then left again.
So they paid extra money to still deliver in a hospital, to still be attended 99.9% of their labour by a m/w, and postnatally too.
I think if you have an exisiting medical condition that requires specific care, you would be referrred to a high risk team, and seen at a local clinic.

LucysMummy wrote: I cannot rate OBGYNs highly enough, they not only have more experience but from my experience they can get you the better rooms (both hospital and birthcare) and if you need a c section or emergancy assistance there is no waiting or hanging around. The Origins guys also do ultrascans every appointment as they have the machines in the rooms and for me personally it was such a comfort to see my baby each visit.

Yikes! Do they have more experience? That would depend on the individual, wouldn't it? As for the rooms, I thought it was just first come, first served, basis? Especially Birthcare who to me seem quite MW / natural birth focussed. I am paying for one of their premium rooms, but they obviously can't guarantee me one. I'll be pretty annoyed if I find out I'm in shared room just because I chose the public healthcare opinion for my antenatal care!

And will I really have to wait around if I need an emergency C-section or medical assistance just because I chose not to pay for an OB? Now I'm really worried!

As for the ultrascans, I was told that if your baby is healthy, the less ultrascans you have the better? Can't remember why, though. Anyone know?

Thanks everyone for all your comments, it's been great to get comments from you all and I appreciate all your advice and support.

I have chosen to go with a midwife, Christine Ealson from Epsom Midwives. So far we have only chatted but she seems to be very experienced, not all airy fairy, and very open with her communication which is what I like.

I was recently in hospital for hyperemsis and all the doctors and midwives there knew her so she seems to have a very good reputation and be well respected and liked by the hospital staff. I think that's a good thing as I plan to deliver there too.

Good luck to everyone and thanks again for your support