Seeking OB/GYN in Northern NJ Who Supports Natural Childbirth

Updated on February 24, 2008
M.L. asks from East Orange, NJ
4 answers

Can anyone recommend an open-minded Obstetrician in Northern New Jersey who will support my desire for a natural childbirth? My husband isn't comfortable with a midwife or doula, so to ease his concerns I'm looking for an M.D. with a low rate of C - Sections, and whose ego isn't threatened by my knowledge of my own body and my educated desire to have a natural childbirth with no episiotomy and no internal fetal monitoring. Or, am I naive and asking for too much?

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W.S.

answers from New York on

Congrats on your pregnancy! I would agree with the first responder that you should look into the practive with MDs and midwives. That way you have a better chance of getting what you want while keeping your husband happy! As for doctors not trying to have high c-section rates...yeah right!!! Maybe that nurse should check out Ricki Lakes documentary "The Business of Being Born". We have unbelievably high c-section rates in this country. Birth is big business and that's the bottom line. Don't become one of the statistics. Stick to your guns and plan for the beautiful birth you desire.

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A.D.

answers from New York on

Hi! First of all congratulations on the pregnancy! I'm a maternity nurse, so I hope I can be of some help! Believe it or not, no doctors try to have a high c/s rate....they usually occur because there is a problem discovered during the pregnancy or something happens during labor! As far as the internal fetal monitoring during labor you can definately request to avoid that....it is invasive, so naturally it is also not something a physician does unless absolutely necessary! As far as the episotomy that can also be avoided, but in the instance that it is needed in order to avoid complications or undue stress to your baby, any physician will perform it! Don't stress, I'm sure any physician you choose will be willing to work with you. I'm not sure where you plan to deliver, but I work at HUMC, so I would be happy to recommend a couple of physicians that I believe would best suit your needs!

Good Luck and let me know if you want a couple of names.
A.

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J.A.

answers from New York on

Hi M., I gave birth "naturally" to three children (now 2,4, & 5 1/2) with Nurse midwives in a hosptial-based birth center in New York City. (I live in Hoboken) I received all the benefits of midwifery care in a midwife-only practice (all Yale grads) with the "on-call" backup of a physician in a hospital-based birthing center (only 3 rooms on a quiet floor away from the hubub of the regular birthing floor). It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can have the best of both worlds. I found that my skeptical husband (banker-type, not initially comfortable with midwives) was completely converted by the experience. So don't give up. The nurse midwives follow all the same prenatal and labor procedures and policies as the MDs (it's the law!). It's the added emotional and social support, along with longer office visits and their presence during your labor (not just your birth) that makes all the difference in the world.

There is a time and place for the interventions you mentioned. They are there to save the life of your baby. You just need to find someone who won't simply use them as a convenience for the provider. You'll be paid a lot of lip-service on this subject -- just look at their numbers. OB-Gyns are the most highly sued specialty in medicine. You almost can't blame them for how they practice these days (yet, you can -- Business of Being Born documentary - super scary!)

By the way, doulas rule -- especially for your husband. Why should he have all that pressure on him to figure out how to comfort you? To decide when to go to the hospital? Interpret the medical lingo, if necessary? It can be sooo stressful and scary for the partner -- they are not childbirth experts. Doulas take the pressure off of him, and allow everyone to focus on you as a cooperative, supportive team. The support you might require during natural childbirth is often the obstical to convincing your partner that it's a good idea! Natural childbirth is hard work, and it will require all of you. If you can swing it, I would recommend the doula.

Take your husband to interview a midwifery practice. I guarantee he will not have a concern that they can't put him at ease over. They are highly professional, licensed, credentialed, insured women's health experts -- they will not be beating a tambourine and burning incense. Also, look at midwife.org for more information you can give him. It's the website for the national organization of nurse midwives. I spent a lot of time educating my husband, and found that using things in print from "official" sources really helped. Good luck!

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R.K.

answers from New York on

One to One Female Care in Morristown is a fabulous group. My first child was born naturally & I was hoping to do the same w/ 2nd but turns out I was placenta previa & was so grateful to have expert staff taking care of me. There are 2 midwives in group & I stayed with them (they do all the same test & everything) but when the inevitable time came for the c/s, due to condition, MDs were there. The entire pregnancy & birth were a great experience - this group makes me want to have more children! Good luck!
One To One Female Care
111 Madison Ave Ste 305
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
www.onecare.medem.com

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