I am frustrated with my new OB office (and docs) and I'm wondering what others experiences have been so I can figure out if I'm making a bigger deal than necessary - or if I should find a new office.
I moved to NC (from Chicago) when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I spent hours (and hours) researching OB offices and finally decided on one that got many great reviews. I went to my first appt and the office staff, nurses were really nice. The dr. spent some time with me and even did a quick (very quick) ultrasound. When I left though, I realized I still had a ton of questions but knew they could all wait for the next appt. For my 20 wk appt/ultrasound, they called me back 45 min. late (which made it past 5p), and the ultrasound was SO quick. He looked really fast, told us the gender, looked a little longer and that was i (literally less than 20 min, including the nurse stuff, the ultrasound and check-out)t. The dr. left right afterwards and was even out of the office before I "checked" out at the front desk. To make it worse (for me), we only got ONE picture, and that was the gender shot (maybe this is normal but in the past I've gotten 4-6 pics and at least one profile). Of course, I was so upset since I had been looking forward to this ultrasound so much, especially since the first 20 wks of pregnancy were consumed by the move/move-related stress. Needless to say, I was very upset about it. I thought I'd give them another chance, and have given them 2 chances, and both my 24 wk and 28 wk appt have been so quick, I literally had no chance to ask any questions (and the one I did sneak in, it seemed like I was taking too much of his time). For this last appt, I didn't see the dr. until 1.5 hrs after my scheduled appt! With a 1yr and 3yr with me in that little exam room, it seemed like an even longer wait. And then he was in and out so fast, I still didn't get any questions answered. I've seen 2 different docs there and they never ask how I'm doing, what's new with the pregnancy, ask if I have questions...just come it, check the heartbeat and leave. I have actually gotten more information from the nurses I've called than from the drs. Although I've had a really easy pregnancy this time around, its been an emotionally stressful one and this isn't helping. Especially since I spent so much time researching docs to begin with.
So, I'm not sure what to do next. I should have switched offices when I was first upset but decided to give them a chance. Now I'm worried that I'm too far along (28.5wks) to switch...and maybe its not that big of a deal. Its a definite contrast to what I was used to at my previous dr. but maybe this is more the norm?
Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm just confused and I know the pregnancy hormones don't help!
DnJ*7-06-02
Baby Girl*8-17-05 Baby Boy*6-22-07
Another Baby Boy*2-06-09
You're definitely not too far along to switch. I switched right about where you are during my 2nd pregnancy. It just sounds like the practice isn't a great fit for you. And that's fine. I ended up with a wonderful OB who spent lots of time hand-holding (I was needy b/c of complications I had with my 1st ) and really cared about me as a person and a patient.
Do you have anyone you can ask for referrals now that you've been in town a bit longer? That's the best way to find a good dr. Then, I'd pick 2 and ask to meet with them before making a decision.
Us ~2005 * #1~2006 * #2~2008 * #3~-2010 * #4 due 9/19/12
DNJ sorry you are going through this. I guess that if I were in your shoes I would switch. I really haven't heard of people having a problem switching OB's later in pregnancy unless they were like 36+ weeks. Do you know anyone that you could ask for a referral?
I hear you about the long waits! I actually up and left the peds office because I was in the waiting room with DS for 1 hour and I felt miserable myself. Yes, we were back 2 days later, but I only waited 15 minutes!
Unfortunately, that sounds pretty "normal" to me for a busy/large OB practice. Have you thought about switching to a midwifery practice? From what I've heard, they are much slower-paced, spend more time with each patient, and may provide you with the kind of care you are desiring.
I would absolutely switch to a different office and would get on it ASAP b/c many offices won't want to take you switching in the 3rd trimester - you're before 30 weeks and you moved so I would tell them that and that your previous office delivered horrible care. If you give them a convincing story of *why* you need ot switch late in the game I would think they'd be more sympathetic.
That does not sound at all normal to me - and I was not with a midwife practice. Granted, we only had 3 docs, but they all took time to talk with me / answer questions. I would definitely ask around for names and switch if you can.
Robyn & Scott - August 29, 2004 * SM - July 17, 2007 * * BH - APRIL 14, 2010 *
My OB comes in the room, sits down and first thing he asks is "how are you doing" and he lets me tell him, even if I'm long winded. Then he asks "what kinds of questions do you have today" and I rattle off my list. A doctor should never be in such a hurry that you can't ask him/her questions about YOUR HEALTH!
I'd switch ASAP and also tell them WHY you're leaving.
Dnj2002, I'd find a new doc. My first child's pediatrician did this, and after a year of feeling incredibly frustrated I left the practice. You don't have a year to stick it out.
I go to a normal, busy OBGYN now, but see the midwife on their staff. Some of the docs in the practice are amazing, and some are horrible, but the woman I see is the most wonderful person ever. I think it just depends on the medical personnel. However, it sounds like your office just wants to rush you out the door, which is unacceptable in my opinion. Find someone new who you can be happy with.
Yeah, I go to a regular OB/gyn practice and my doctor always makes sure to answer all my questions. I do bear the responsibility of having them ready to go - usually written down so I don't forget any. But she will spend the time to answer each one fully.
Switching may be a pain, but if your gut is telling you it's the right thing to do, then you should listen to that!
Advice/feedback wanted on OB situation
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) and really cared about me as a person and a patient.
