New OB/GYN - Miami,FL

You will have different experience with the new doctor but it doesn't mean that it will be worse. There will probably be things you don't like as well and things you like better. But, as long as you feel good about the overall experience it will be fine. I had a different ob for my first child. It was an all female group practice. At my appointments I saw a different dr each time and rotated through the group twice before I delivered. I liked all of them and had a very good experience. We moved after that and now I see a male ob who is great too and a really nice guy. I really like both practices but there are things l like better about my old ob and things I like better about my new one. Just find someone that you feel comfortable with and it will be fine. You may end up liking your new one better.

Oooh - that's a great idea, Tricia.

Call up (or visit might be better) the hospital you would like to deliver at and see what doctor they recommend. At my hospital the nurses vote for their "physician of the year/quarter (whatever)" and my doctor won once. They listed their reasoning and it made a big difference in my decision.

I switched Drs after my 20 week ultrasound. It was the BEST decision.

My own personal opinion is that someone in a small practice would tend to me MORE thorough than a larger practice group. But I would pay attention to if he LISTENS to me. When you go there with a list of questions, do they all get answered? How late does he run? How does the office staff treat you? What are his after hours / emergency procedures? Are you all on the same page with how you write your birthing plan and how adjustments are made? Do you have similar philosophies about "emergency interventions" and pain management? Also, if it's a small practice find out who covers for him if he's off and will you see that person for a few of your visits to build a rapport?

You indicate that you are used to the same routine? What does that mean to you? Talk with him about what your expectations are and see if his routine is similar.

Lastly, even though your girlfriend wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.... just because she loves him doesn't mean you will. So, if you aren't comfortable don't hesitate to look around.

Also, remember that many women give birth having NEVER met the Dr who delivers their baby and everything works out fine.

Congrats and Good Luck!

I had to switch doctors after my first because she retired! I was sooo worried, but got recommendations from her and ran them by my aunt (a nurse in labor-and-delivery at the hospital where I delivered). She gave me a good recommendation, and I like my new doctor even better! I've gone through one miscarriage and a birth with her, and am now 20 weeks pregnant with another. I know it's scary at first, but after your first few prenatal visits with him, you'll get comfortable with how he works. Ask lots of questions if you're concerned about what he is/is not doing. Best of luck, and congratulations!

Due to insurance changes, I had three babies with three different practices. Some I liked more than others, but everything turned out OK in the end. Each time, the doctor was only there for the last hour right before the baby was born anyway.

With my 1st I had an office with 2 drs. My second was a single dr with a very small practice.I got better care and concern with the small office. It was so much better where people knew your name and face by sight! Stay small in this day and age. Big corporations just care about how much money they can bring in. Just my opinion.