OB's with a Natural Bent

cmnations

So...I posted a few days ago about needing an OB in South Charlotte (THANKS for your replies!).  After more thinking I realized this is more complicated than I thought.

 I am very interested in natural birth, and was wondering if anyone could rec an OB with more of a propensity to support natural birth in S. Char.  I have BCBS insurance and there are no CNM's in Charlotte on my plan.  

 I had a rec for Dr. Eskridge at Eastover and Dr. Beurskens at Charlotte OB.  Anyone know anything about these ladies?  

Mucho thanks in advance!

still_a_bride

I see the midwives at Piedmont GYN-OB.  I know you said they aren't covered, but are any of the OBs at that practice covered by your insurance?  I do strongly recommend finding an OB that will deliver at CMC-Pineville if it's possible.  

I had an amazing natural birth experience there with my son!  It wasn't just the midwife (all she did was handle the delivery) The nurses were incredible and the hospital policies strongly support the mother and whichever way she chooses to deliver: whether that be natural, water birth, unconventional positions, etc.  They immediately put my son on top me when he was born and told me I could hold him as long as I wanted, they were in no hurry to weigh and examine him. They encourage mother/baby bonding and didn't put a pacifier or use a bottle on my son, which is what happened to several of my friends at other hospitals.  

I only had one nurse with me throughout my labor and the delivery, who was amazing.  I didn't have any IVs, was able to move around as much as I wanted, and was allowed to eat and drink during labor.  If you have any questions just message me!  Here's a link to my birth story: https://community.babycenter.com/journal/octbutterfly06/2395195/birth_story   

MarchABC

still_a_bride:

I see the midwives at Piedmont GYN-OB.  I know you said they aren't covered, but are any of the OBs at that practice covered by your insurance?  I do strongly recommend finding an OB that will deliver at CMC-Pineville if it's possible.  

I had an amazing natural birth experience there with my son!  It wasn't just the midwife (all she did was handle the delivery) The nurses were incredible and the hospital policies strongly support the mother and whichever way she chooses to deliver: whether that be natural, water birth, unconventional positions, etc.  They immediately put my son on top me when he was born and told me I could hold him as long as I wanted, they were in no hurry to weigh and examine him. They encourage mother/baby bonding and didn't put a pacifier or use a bottle on my son, which is what happened to several of my friends at other hospitals.  

I only had one nurse with me throughout my labor and the delivery, who was amazing.  I didn't have any IVs, was able to move around as much as I wanted, and was allowed to eat and drink during labor.  If you have any questions just message me!  Here's a link to my birth story: https://community.babycenter.com/journal/octbutterfly06/2395195/birth_story   

Although we have not yet given birth, I second this poster's opinion. I have really enjoyed all the women at Piedmont OB/GYN and have liked our midwife there. The Ballantyne practice is great and I am looking forward to our delivery at CMC Pineville. Good luck!

nark

I've heard great things about CMC Pineville too. Personally, I had a wonderful med-free birth at CMC Main. There aren't tubs in the rooms, but the labor suites are big, and they have birthing balls and encouraged different positions etc.

I did see the Eastover docs (where Dr. Eskridge practices-and I loved her the times we've met), but the docs didn't have a whole lot of involvement in the "natural" aspect of my birth. The times I brought it up at appointments, they seemed pretty indifferent. Didn't get all excited about it, but never discouraged me either. They were cool with it and put my birth plan in my chart without questioning it. The nurses at the hospital are the ones who actually handled labor and made it a good experience.

cmnations

Thanks for all of your help!  I have an appt with a midwife, Hallie Lyon, with Charlotte OB/GYN.  Apparently they bill insurance under the supervising Dr.'s name.  Who knew?!  

Anyway, my one hesitation with the practice is that they deliver at CMC Main, not Pineville.  I did see that they are updating the maternity center there and putting tubs in 5 rooms (don't know when they're done, but I'm not due till October).  Maybe I can reserve one ; )  

Hoping that I love the midwife, but I'm early enough that I don't feel like it's a loss if I need to change practices.

jillncsu

I'm in a similar situation as you.  I am pregnant with baby #2 and due Oct 10.  I started seeing the Nurse Midwives at CMC Main but am looking at CMC Pineville or the Maternity Center in Fort Mill.  I've heard wonderful things about CMC Main but i like the idea of being able to eat and drink freely during labor and not being on the 7th floor of a huge hospital (which is what you get at CMC main.)  Anyway, I wish you the best, I think the CNM's at Charlotte OB are wonderful.  I chose them after hearing good things and doing a bit of research too.