What hospitals do you recommend and why or why not?

hollycaskey

I have lived in the area for 2 years and don't know much about the hospitals.  I am planning on doing a midwifery program with Chapel Hill OBGYN and will deliver at Durham Regional.  I'm planning to go natural and I'm worried about hospitals being pushy with me to go against my birth plan.  I know hospitals want to get you in and out and use interventions to do so and for this reason, I've also considered a home birth or a birthing center.  I like that I can have a midwife at Durham Regional- it seems like the best of both worlds for me (in case there is an emergency, I'm in a hospital).  Has anyone  delivered there or somewhere else and has suggestions on any of these topics?  Thanks!

ECUGirl2004

I had my son at the WBWC in Chapel Hill and I'm going there for baby #2. I'm happy to answer any questions about the birth center if you're interested. There's also Carrboro Midwifery and they do home births.

I have heard good things about Durham Regional though. I think if you're working with midwives there, you're probably in good hands.

jenwill

I work at Durham Regional so I'm partial
However, I had DD at Rex (didn't really want to deliver at my hospital where everyone knows me). From my coworkers (and patients) who have delivered there- they love it. And of the L&D nurses that I know up there, none would be pushy. I think at any hospital you just have to set your expectations up front (i.e. not wanting an epidural) so that they have an idea of what you want.

Also-Chapel Hill OB is a wonderful group. I didn't realize they had a midwifery program there. 

Email me if you have any questions about the hospital in particular. jlowern at gmail dot com

allybaby85

I had my baby at UNC. I was seeing an OB-GYN though because of a previous loss. I had a natural birth, i just need a tad of pitocin. UNC was amazing. I told them i didn't want any drugs and they never brought it up the just told me that if i changed my mind to let them know but otherwise they wouldnt mention it. The hooked my up to a wireless monitor so they were able to keep an eye on LO but i was able to walk and change position. I used a birthing ball alot and they also have rooms with tubs to use during labor. I had a great experience. The doctors there are also flexible with birthing positions.

NCHokieGal

I had my baby at Rex and the L&D nurses were great. They were not pushy at all. I was induced, but they were extremely helpful and asked if I had a birthing plan. They simply asked if I wanted an epidural (yes, I did) when the time came. I ended up not getting the epidural and needing a C-section; but I never felt pushed or anything.

beadgirl1981

I delivered at UNC, no one pushed anything and they encouraged breast feeding as soon as I was up to it.  I was induced and they told me they would do everything possible to avoid a c-section and they did, even when my husband and I were sure that was the only way Aurora was going to come out.

During our stay there was a midwife who worked with my ob that checked in on us everyday.  I'm sorry I can't remember her name.

 If something happens and you become high risk they have a great staff for that.  I can personally recommend Dr. Strauss.

ECUPirate04

hollycaskey:

I have lived in the area for 2 years and don't know much about the hospitals.  I am planning on doing a midwifery program with Chapel Hill OBGYN and will deliver at Durham Regional.  I'm planning to go natural and I'm worried about hospitals being pushy with me to go against my birth plan.  I know hospitals want to get you in and out and use interventions to do so and for this reason, I've also considered a home birth or a birthing center.  I like that I can have a midwife at Durham Regional- it seems like the best of both worlds for me (in case there is an emergency, I'm in a hospital).  Has anyone  delivered there or somewhere else and has suggestions on any of these topics?  Thanks!

This is a broad generalization.  I've had 2 c/s and still had a phenomenal hospital experience both times even though one of those was to deliver our angel baby.

I know from friends who delivered at my hospital that they had amazing natural birth experiences as well.

I'd say the biggest thing you have working against you is that it is you against the hospital, doctors, and nurses based on the way you worded your post.

They are your team and you work together to get the best outcome possible.  If you go into it with the mentality you posted above, then I'd be willing to bet you don't end up with the birth experience you are seeking.