OB or Midwife?

So, I had my 1st prenatal yesterday. All seems fine. Still too early to see a heartbeat, so we go back in 2 weeks.

The OB is also my GYN. I've been going to her for about 2 years and I like her. BUT, I get the feeling that the practice is more doctor-centric than patient oriented. I asked about midwifes and was they told they don't do that, then gave some lame excuse about how the midwife center is on a different floor than the OR's and since 1 in 5 deliveries are Cesarean, they don't like to wait for elevators at the hospital .... huh? She said they are open to 'natural' methods. She actually used he fingers as quotation marks when she said natural. She stated several time that the practice is very conservative.
Now this is totally my gut reaction to what the DR told us.

What have your experiences been? I feel that billions of women have children thoughout the world, it's only in the US that cesareans are so common. I'm not a totally granola kind of person, but I generally like the least amount of intervention as possible.

Anyone have an experience or reaction like this?

GO with your gut, and if you are not comfortable with this office, find another option. Niha and Michele31 are using the same midwife for their pregnancies - Niha is planning a water birth and Michele is planning to use hypno-birthing to manage her labor pains. I believe their midwife is located in Huntington. Do some research on other OB/GYN practices and maybe that will help you decide what's best for you and your baby.

When I was PG, I used a regular OB/GYN office, but I was not in NY. I was in California, where medical practices tend to be much more progressive and OPEN than here in NY. My Dr's office had a certified midwife on staff, and I got to see her several times throughout my pregnancy. I was also extremely comfortable and confident in all 3 of the OB's in the practice, which took away any anxiety about who would deliver my baby. For me, the situation I had worked - but then again, no one ever said anything like what your doctor said to you. MY doctors proudly talked about how FEW c-sections and episiotomies they performed b/c of their beliefs in allowing labor to progress naturally and using perineal massage to prepare for the baby's delivery and avoid tearing and such.

Best of luck - I am sure the other prego women will happily offer some recommendations for you to investigate. I can't offer any recommendations, b/c I haven't found a new OB/GYN here in NY yet.

Another vote for going with what feels right to you.
I am considered 'high risk', so I see an ob/gyn who deals with high risk pregnancies and is exceptionally familiar with PCOS. I'm not into very conservative medical theories, and my dr. is very liberal in his beliefs. My mom is constantly rolling her eyes at the things I can and cannot do.
For me, this is the BEST option because I'm getting the best medical care from someone who completely shares my beliefs.
Trust me, the right medical professional for you is out there, and you will know when you find him/her.

Thanks. I'm in the city so I'm researching 2 birthing centers, one is Elizabeth Seton Childbearing center and the other is Midwifery Inc which is part of St. Lukes.

My husband is pretty open, but doesn't want to make a decision just based on this one meeting w/ her. Since my post, I've scheduled informational interviews with these 2 places. Figured it can't hurt to see other places, then go back and compare w/ my OB.

Thanks. I usually trust my gut, but I also don't want to do the knee-jerk thing.

As always, THANKS!

I agree with what everyone else said. If you were uncomfortable with what your OB said go with your instinct and look elsewhere. I think it is very wise of you to interview other providers. That's the beauty of giving birth in this day and age, we have choices!!! Past generations just stayed quiet and did what their Dr's told them to without questioning anything.

I've heard excellent things about both St. Luke's Roosevelt and Elizabeth Seton. Both centers have midwives but they are still under OBs and affiliated with hospitals nearby. You have time to make your decision, and it sounds like you're doing your research and will make an informed decision on what works for you.