One thing that has been assumed here is that all women are choosing their ob's, well that is not the case if you go public. It is really the luck of the draw as to who is on when you are in labour. So no shopping around to be had, in my case I would never have chosen any of the obs who I had dealings with during my pregnancy and labour.

As for judging, we all get judged. I am judged for having an emergency c-section. I am judged for being upset that I did not get the birth I want. I am sneered at and looked at like I am freak for still wanting to have natural vaginal birth 2nd time around (if there is one) and for having wanted one for my first birth. As mums and as mums to be we need to develop thick skins.