Midwife, Doula, or OB?

i had a wonderful homebirth and i highly recommend it! i also had a doula at the homebirth, which i also recommend. there is a group of homebirthers and people who are interested in homebirthing that meet the first and third wednesday of every month. the yahoo group is azhomebirthcircle (at least i think that is it. if it's not, contact me and i will get it for you!). in my opinion there is no comparison between a homebirth and a hospital birth (and both my parents are doctors so i was raised VERY western medicine.) one of my good friends is a labor and delivery nurse at a major hospital and she chose to have a homebirth also. if you want more info, please just email me!

I have to type quick, baby getting fussy.
Had a midwife for the first. Prenatal care was the best ever!! Tried a homebirth, but after 36 hours of being in and out of labor, I decided I wanted drugs. Midwife couldn't go as she had a lady in labor (two weeks early)she had to run off to, but she called a doula to come in for me. After that, I decided I wouldn't go to the hospital again without a doula.

With the second baby, I decided to try an OB. The prenatal care was not personalized at all. THis was not the fault of the OB, just the way it works in an office setting. Hated calling for advice on something and getting a nurse who gave me a "standard" answer only to find the doc would tell me something else. Also hated fighting for my rights (wanting to do things as natural as possible while docs err on the side of "caution" with medical intervention).

At anyrate, I found a great doula here in the Valley and I am so happy I had her with me. My husband loved her, too. We both thought she was worth every penny.

I wish I was the kind of woman who could've completed a homebirth, but my labors aren't textbook in any way so the hospital (and an epidural) seemed to be the path for me. If that's the path for you, take a doula!

If you want a recommendation, email me. My doula is a massage therapist and a cranial/sacral therapist. She worked on me in the preganancy and on my son straight from the womb. She helped improve his latch for nursing, too. Great lady.

B.
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I did a hospital birth with my first, but I think hospital births just aren't for me :). I'm going with a midwife this time around (her name is Pamela Qualls) and am due in late November. My friend just had an awesome home birth with the same midwife. Here are two things I would recommend getting:

Birth: The Surprising History of How We are All Born http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Surprising-History-How-Born/d...

The Business of Being Born http://www.amazon.com/Business-Being-Born-Ricki-Lake/dp/B...

These are awesome for anyone pregnant, no matter what you choose! Good luck!

I had a wonderful experience with my Midwife.Amber Riedel with The Family Birth Center in New Braunfels was awesome.She was well educated and informed me of my entire experience being pregnant.I loved my water birth that I had at the birth center. Very relaxing and perfect for my baby to join the world. I highly recommend Amber if you live near San Antonio area or Austin.She is the best midwife!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi S.
I had a homebirth, in the water, and it was WONDERFUL! I loved the midwife experience. So attentive. I felt very comfortable delivering at home and I know it made my labor go s much more smoothly. The water is a great pain reliever. The prenatal period was great...you see midwife often and she (or he I suppose) takes the time to get to know you. They spend time with you!! By the time the delivery occurs, you have a great friend and resource and I felt comfortable and trusted her completely. I have a beautiful baby boy because of it all. Better yet, he was almost 9 pounds and I didnt even tear!!! Thats how "relaxed" I was in the water. If you are a low risk pregnancy, i would very much recommend a homebirth. You can start by just interviewing a few of them. Ask them questions, get educated on what they do. I truly think the baby benefits from the experience as well. Many even take insurance, although its much cheaper to stay at home than in a hospital room. I hope this helps...and good luck! You will be so happy you looked into it.

About me: I am a 3rd year Naturopathic Medical Student with a BEAUTIFUL 6 week old son who was born in the water, in my kitchen!

I delivered my first two kids in VA at a Birthing center with midwives. I hired a doula as well. They were all great. I had my third child in PA at a Birth center with midwives, but this time I didn't hire a doula because I felt I didn't need the extra support this go-round. I'd highly reccomend using midwives and doulas! Good luck!