I suppose I can't just ask to switch doctors within my practice at this point in my pregnancy, can I?

I don't see why not. If there's ever a time to be totally happy and comfortable with your doctor (is there ever a time not to?) it's when you're growing a new human.

I suppose I can't just ask to switch doctors within my practice at this point in my pregnancy, can I?

I don't see why not. If there's ever a time to be totally happy and comfortable with your doctor (is there ever a time not to?) it's when you're growing a new human.

Seriously, I think people forget this when it comes to healthcare: you are, in essence, the customer. If you have a better experience with the second doctor, then you have every right to switch. You didn't sign a contract stating that you will only see Doctor #1, right? (And any such contract would be unenforceable anyway.)

It's your health and well-being, which extends now to the health and well-being of your baby. If you get better care from Doctor #2, you should switch. If Doctor #1 tries to push back, say that this isn't a negotiation; it's your choice as the patient.

That's what voicemail is for, sj! Avoiding humans when you're out of spoons. Also, buying gifts off registries and having them sent. How did we manage in the world before?

I don't know. I love living in the modern world.

Seriously, I think people forget this when it comes to healthcare: you are, in essence, the customer. If you have a better experience with the second doctor, then you have every right to switch. You didn't sign a contract stating that you will only see Doctor #1, right? (And any such contract would be unenforceable anyway.)

It's your health and well-being, which extends now to the health and well-being of your baby. If you get better care from Doctor #2, you should switch. If Doctor #1 tries to push back, say that this isn't a negotiation; it's your choice as the patient.

I just don't like upsetting people, and I could still end up with Doctor #1 on delivery day. I actually think Doctor #1 is an excellent doctor, but I find Doctor #2 to be more personable and approachable. Is that a good enough reason to switch doctors?

sj, what would you tell one of us?

It is a good enough reason to switch. You are in a high-risk pregnancy, and anything that can ease your concerns and questions will be beneficial to both you and ltc. Go with your gut, or at least have the conversation with Docter #2.

{{{askye}}} I wish there was a magic fix for all of this, but you're on the right path, even if it doesn't seem like it right now.

sj, what would you tell one of us?

You know me too well.

It is a good enough reason to switch. You are in a high-risk pregnancy, and anything that can ease your concerns and questions will be beneficial to both you and ltc. Go with your gut, or at least have the conversation with Docter #2.

That's a good idea. She also told me again today that I'm doing a really good job with the diet, and I don't need to be so hard on myself, which is really what I needed to hear.

I could still end up with Doctor #1 on delivery day

If Doctor #1 acts like a spurned high school girl while delivering a baby, just because "you like that doctor more than you like me, I hate you forever!", then you've got a brilliant malpractice suit.

She also told me again today that I'm doing a really good job with the diet, and I don't need to be so hard on myself, which is really what I needed to hear.

Seems like you have your answer. I haven't heard a single negative thing or complaint come out of your mouth every time you've talked to her. Doc #1 OTOH?

It's not just the mechanics of OB/GYN practice, it's the intangibles--personality compatibility, empathy, bedside manner. Doctor #2 brings the whole package to the table for you.

SWITCH. How many articles have I read in the last 10 years about women being in charge of their birth experience? Switching docs is about the LEAST fussy thing you could do. I mean, JESUS, the things I read!

I just don't like upsetting people, and I could still end up with Doctor #1 on delivery day. I actually think Doctor #1 is an excellent doctor, but I find Doctor #2 to be more personable and approachable. Is that a good enough reason to switch doctors?

I work with hundreds of doctors and see patient switches in multi-doctor practices all the time. They even have a standard form for it in the multi-doctor practices. It is standard and they don't take it personally at all.

With obstetrics they usually make you see all of them since any of them might be on duty when you deliver, but if you are having a scheduled delivery you should be able to have your preferred doctor.

Is that a good enough reason to switch doctors?

Sounds like Doc #2's communication style is a better match with yours. This is a full and sufficient reason to switch. And it casts no aspersions on Doc #1's abilities or virtues.