Open-Minded OB In Chattanooga?

November 18, 2008 8:57 PM

Looking for an OB/Gyn in or near the Chattanooga, TN area that is knowledgeable (or willing to learn) about PCOS and open-minded about nonstandard births. Alternately, looking for any feedback from folks who have used the midwifery services of Ina Mae Gaskin or the other midwives at "The Farm".

I have a very bad case of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and have had a great deal of trouble finding a local doctor who will work with me on treatment.

I was initially diagnosed by a doctor in another city, an endocrinologist who specialized in reproductive health. Everything he prescribed did wonders for me.

He is now far away, and trying to replace him has been pretty awful. I've tried a handful of local gynecologists, every single one of which has clung steadfastly to their years-out-of-date knowledge on the topic of PCOS, refused to prescribe me the medications my prior doctor did, insisted on prescribing medications that I already knew didn't work and made me ill, and became condescending, defensive, and accusatory when I tried to change their minds.

I'm now pregnant, and need to get an OB... but I'm extremely leery after the bad experiences I've had. I really do not want to spend my entire pregnancy at odds with my doctor.

To complicate matters even more, I'd really prefer to have a non-traditional birth... ideally, at home. I know most doctors aren't jiggy with that sort of thing.

I've been considering skipping the traditional medical track altogether and using the midwives at the Farm. I've read Ina Mae Gaskin's books and found them extremely interesting and encouraging. Summertown is about a three-hour drive away, but it would be worth it to me to have prenatal care I felt good about.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good OB or midwife in Chattanooga, or has anyone used the midwives at the Farm and could tell me a little about their experience?

posted by Gianna to health & fitness (8 comments total)

I am a single guy, so I couldn't say much about who to go to, but are there any limit due to insurances, gender or other preferences? That could influence who people would recommend.
posted by slavlin at 9:25 PM on November 18, 2008

I don't care about gender either way. It'd be a huge help if they took Tenncare, which I am not on yet but will be getting on soon. Mostly, I just want them to be someone nice that I feel comfortable around.

My babydaddy, my intended doula, and 95% of my friends who'll be milling about the birth are gay, so a non-homophobe would be a huge plus.
posted by Gianna at 9:37 PM on November 18, 2008

I just found these folks, too. Anyone used them? Sorry to spam, but I can has anxiety.
posted by Gianna at 9:44 PM on November 18, 2008

I have some bad news for you. It looks like, from the items I could find, that Tenncare doesn't cover Licensed Certified Midwives. That could just mean when they are not under the supervision of a physician, but it could limit your use of midwife services without a physician to oversee the delivery.

BTW- one suggestion I have for finding resources is the Greenlife Grocery on Manufacturer's Road. They have a large amount of traffic for the people I would think would be likely to know the people you are looking for.
posted by slavlin at 10:19 PM on November 18, 2008

The people on the Mothering Magazine forums would probably be able to help you best. They are a great source of information for home births, PCOS, insurance and doctor referrals. There is a forum called "Finding your tribe" where you can ask people in your state for recommendations.

Good luck and congratulations!
posted by a22lamia at 5:21 AM on November 19, 2008

I have known Farm folks for quite a while. I'm a male, so I can't speak for their services personally, though I have met many women who have and I have met many of the Midwives and midwives who have come to the Farm for training. They are great people and will be willing to answer any questions you may have. Give them a call, meet with them, I'm sure you will be able to figure out a plan that works for you.
posted by Pollomacho at 5:29 AM on November 19, 2008

Oh and congratulations!
posted by Pollomacho at 5:29 AM on November 19, 2008

Oh, and last tiem, I swear, I dated a woman from Chatanowhere who suffered from PDOS. She had the opposite problem and could not find an endocrinologist outside of Chatanooga that she liked and we would have to drive the couple hours back to Chatta-boogie. I will try and figure out who her doctor was, lord knows I spent enough hours in his office with her!
posted by Pollomacho at 5:34 AM on November 19, 2008