Finding a Supportive Hospital for Pregnancy & Delivery

Question
Hello,

I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby.  I had my 2 previous children at a catholic hospital that my OB is/was affiliated with.  I had miserable experiences at this paticular hospital both times around.  I was actually made fun of for my weight by one of the attending doctors at my c-section, and then at my second c-section my daughter was put into the NICU for more than a week, because I tested postive for the group B strep bacteria; even though I was given antibiotics during my section, and my water had not broken.  My daughter tested negative for group B as well.  The whole thing was a joke that cost our insurance company more than $30,000.  

I was considering switching OB's so that I would not have to deliver at Mercy Hospital again this time.  But my OB informed me that he had privlidges at a new hospital, that I have heard nothing but great things about.  So I decided to stay with him with the promise of having a (hopefully) better experience at this delivery.  But the thing is, he's never actually delivered anyone there.  I'd be the first.  He's not even so much as picked up his credentials.  I have not registered, or done anything, becuase I have been waiting on his promise that he would go over to the hospital and take care of it.  Yesterday at my pre-natal visit he dropped a bomb shell on me.  He told me he wasn't sure if he wanted to deliver me over there anymore.  I told him that I DO NOT want to deliver at Mercy again.  But I have been insisting on that this entire pregnancy.  I am confused and disappointed, and I'm not sure what to do.  Do you know what options I have at this point?  Will another OB take me this late in my pregnancy?  Is there any recourse that I have?  I'm so frustrated.  I'm not sure what's going to happen now. Just for your info, I'm not a high risk or anything.  All of my test have come back normal--no gestational diabetes, no high blood pressure, my NT test/ultrascreen was normal, I have only gained about 11 pounds this whole pregnancy, and I've had no complications.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

-Tanya Phillips

Answer
If you are in the United States, your doctor has to refer you to another doctor if you request it. Another OB will take you this late in pregnancy, especially if you explain the situation. In addition, I would go ahead and pre-register at the hospital you like. The hospital has doctors on staff that can deliver your baby- you don't have to go through an OB. Even if for some reason you can't change OBs, you can go ahead and just go to your hospital of choice when you are ready to deliver.

Even if you're not in the United States, I can't imagine your hospital turning you away- especially if you pre-register. I would inform your OB that you plan to deliver at the other hospital and if he can't deliver you there, he needs to help you find a doctor who can. It is your choice where you deliver, not his. The hospital will help you. =)

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes!
Helen =)