Thinking About Changing Doctor

For our last child, I had a midwife who worked at a hospital with a birthing center. It was the best of both worlds - the support was there if needed, but it was very mother-centered and avoided intervention if possible. This was in 2002 in New Orleans. They had a tub, which I found relaxing, but they weren't set up to go the distance with a water birth. That would have been my ideal. I'm not sure what's in Houston, but definitely check out midwives. They're highly trained, and you'll see a doctor prob. twice during your pregnancy so you'll know the doctor should you need her for the delivery.

I don't know about location for you as I am new to the NW Houston area (from D/FW), but I absolutely LOVE my doctor, and they also have certified Midwives there as well if that is more the direction you would like to go. My doctor is Dr. Dudley Baker, and he is with The Northwest Womens Center located in a building right next to Willowbrook Memorial Hospital. Here is their website: http://www.nwwomens.com/ They even have a spa there!! I am 19 weeks pregnant now and had my first child in Ft. Worth so I am not sure how Dr. Baker is during delivery, but from all that I've read and can tell from my appointments, he cares about what you want as well as what is best for the baby, rather than just pushing one thing whether you agree or not. Good luck in your search!

I do know a couple of great doctors but my experience is out in the medical center. Due to malpractice libility, very few midwives practice her and if they do it is at a birth center which are hard to come by. Also due to malpractice scare most doctors are intervention oriented. As a labor/delivery nurse, some times the interventions are necessary but not always. I truly believe that a great nurse will be the mediator between what is necessary and what isn't. The best thing I could suggest is to interview your doctor based off the things that happened during your last delivery. Dr Castillo, who works out of Cy Fair Hospital and I think maybe Tomball is great. If you want a list of some others let me know. Sometimes it is worth the drive, like to the Medical Center, for a doctor that you can trust and feel very comfortable with them with their practice and their personality!

Have you thought at all about a midwife? You would certainly have one-on-one care and would not have to worry about interventions. They know when someone needs to go to an obstetrician and when they can do the job themselves. Might be the perfect option for you.