Doctor Dilemma!?

I am trying to decide what I want to do about my doctor situation. My first choice is to birth in a birthing center. However, with United Health Care, it is considered out of network, as with almost any insurance. We could still use it but we would be paying a few thousand out of pocket. I hate hospitals and think doctors make a business out of childbirth with forceps, episiotimies (sp?), c-sections, etc. But because my husband wants to save money and is more comfortable with me birthing in a hospital, I have agreed to do so as long as I can have a doula. With all that said, there is a hospital right down the road, maybe 1 mile away. I just moved to this area and do not know any doctors, so I'd randomly be picking a OBGYN that uses that hospital. My good friend is pregnant and has recommended a OBGYN, but the hospital she services is 15-20 miles away. What should I do? Opt for the closer hospital with a doctor I dont know, or go with the recommended OBGYN who is further away?

Well, maybe instead of spending extra money on a doula, you could spend that money on out-of-pocket expenses at a birthing center. I had my 3rd baby at a birthing center with a midwife and LOVED it. Made all the difference in the world. It was a natural, relaxed and homelike setting and we were very close to a hospital "just in case."

Otherwise, I would say give the OB a call that your friend recommended. I spoke with a few different providers when I was pregnant to get a "feel" for their birthing philosophy and their policies. Find out why your friend recommended this particular OB. Call the hospital that's 1 mile away and talk to their providers and just say that you're trying to make a decision about your prenatal care.

Hope this helps. I guess what I'm saying is do what feels best to you (even if that means a birthing center). A recommendation is nice but people like different doctors for different reasons.

My mother wanted me to use a wonderful local doctor for my prenatal care this time, but even though I like him I opted for the birthing center because it suits my birth plan better.

P.S. Can you call the birthing center and ask if they can start the paperwork necessary to add your insurance plan?

Try both docs and see who you are most comfortable with.

do consults with various doctors to make sure their views are your own. it would be bad to go half way through and realize you don't agree with what your doctor does. make a list of questions so you get all the answers you need.

I would go with whatever care provider you are comfortable with -- or pony up for the birth center! If you do choose a hospital, I wouldn't worry about being 20 minutes away. It's not that far. And don't forget to see about midwives who have hospital priveleges, and a doula is a GREAT idea (and I'm not just saying it because I am one!).

First of all, 15-20 miles is not far. Most women know when labor has started and have plenty of time to get to the hospital. If it were me, I think I would go with the friend's recommendation, as long as her reasons for liking this doctor mesh with what is important to you. If she likes him because he is good looking, has a very clean waitingroom, etc., I might question her priorities.