Midwife or Ob/gyn?

LOOOOOVED my midwifery experiences both times. I gave birth both times in a hospital, but my midwives were with me the entire time and I was definitely in charge of what happened from start to finish. Actually, I would say it was more of a collaboration, but my midwife was totally tuned in to what I wanted. Good luck, whatever you choose, and congratulations! What an exciting time for you!

A.

I would say the best place to deliver is Banner Desert. It is on Dobson and Southern, and is right off the freeway so getting there from Tempe would be fast. They accept all the high risk stuff there so if (god forbid) anything should be complicated with your delivery they have facilities there to help you. That is the place other hospitals send their moms/babies when they can't handle them because they are too sick. I didn't have any complications but I delivered there and it made me feel better knowing they could handle it if something went differently than we planned. Good nurses too and the room I was in was just remodeled so it was the same as going to a new hospital because it was all nice and new. Best of luck and congratulations on your baby! -S

I vote midwife!

My first daughter was born in a hospital and despite our best efforts to have a completely natural birth, after 28 hours of active labor (as in AFTER my water broke), I didn't dilate (and no, they weren't checking me constantly). My doctor was actually great and would have let me keep going but I was so exhausted. We did an epi and pitocin and she arrived within a few hours.

My second labor was amazing - and only 5 hours (also typical of second labors). I chose to have our daughter at home with an experienced midwife, Pam White. My labor was in a comfortable environment and my recovery was fast. I was on my feet and feeling great by the next morning. Even my husband was completely sold after the birth. He loved that Pam was with me through the whole thing (not typical of hospital births) and that he was free to sit with me or help by getting things Pam or I needed.

That said, the hospital doesn't have to be a horror story (and wasn't for me). You can choose what kind of labor you want in either place but may have to be more firm with a traditional OB. Just be sure you talk through all your concerns thoroughly BEFORE you get to the labor room!

Also, you'd probably enjoy reading "Birthing from Within". It will help you prepare for birth wherever you choose to do it - no judgment.

Congratulations!!

M.

Hi K.- I am so excited for you:)
I just had my second and did it natural again- better this time around:)
I had my baby at scottsdale shea and they were wonderful about following my wishes and being open to any news things that would happen. I wanted to go the midwife or doula route but cost was a factor- so I just educated myself and informed my husband about what I wanted as well. I would recommend you visiting the hospitals and asking alot of questions early on. My husband and I were very shocked in a good way as to how open scottsdale shea north was with pregnancy.
If you have any other questions about specifics we can talk more.
Good luck and enjoy!
D.

We absolutely adore our midwives!!! Sarah Blum-Sheller and Wendi Cleckner with Global Midwifery:

http://globalmidwifery.org/

They do homebirths and are an awesome, caring and professional team. After experiencing midwifery care, I will NEVER voluntarily return to the care of an OB. There's no comparison!