Does Franklin Square allow water births?

kristeno90

Hi all. I have moved to Baltimore within the past year and I was just wondering if Franklin Square does water births? I had one with my DD and I am hoping to be able to have one again. I asked my DH who grew up in the area but of course he has no clue. No one else in his family seems sure either since none of them have had children recently.

HappyToBe2012

I don't think they do.  During the hospital tour, the tour guide said the rooms have showers but no labor tubs.

ruffian99

As far as I know, Mercy is the only hospital that allows water births (but I'm not sure about that). I had a water birth at Special Beginnings, which is a birth center in Arnold. We drove about 45 min to get there, but it was totally worth it. Good luck!

dixee.deluxe

yeah, i think mercy is the only hospital that allows them.  and i believe there are only two tubs, so it's not a given you'll get one.

kristeno90

Thanks ladies. I guess I will just hope that I can manage natural birth without the water. My OB only delivers at Franklin Square (Dr. James Thompson in White Marsh) and I really like him. Plus I know for sure my insurance (military) is accepted at his office.

Lisa and Mickey

kristeno90:

Thanks ladies. I guess I will just hope that I can manage natural birth without the water. My OB only delivers at Franklin Square (Dr. James Thompson in White Marsh) and I really like him. Plus I know for sure my insurance (military) is accepted at his office.

FWIW- Dr Thompson delivered my 2 nieces and nephew. I was in the room for all three. When I switched OBs he was my first choice. I can't remember why I didn't go with him. I believe he wasn't accepting new OB patients at that time. He shares call with Drs Coleus and Kaplan who I ended up with and I really like them too!

jcsntms06

I don't think they do. But Harbor Hospital does.  

jcsntms06

Sorry my iPhone won't let me edit. I would check with harbor though. A friend delivered there and told me that. 

lenebene

Franklin Square, St. Joe, and GBMC don't allow water births or have tubs.  

Upper Cheasepeake has a tub that they will allow you to labor in but you can't give birth in it.  

Mercy allows it but it's a first come, first serve.

Special Beginnings and another mid-wife practice does in Anne Arundel county. 

daisyterp

Just try to labor at home in your own tub for as long as possible. I had DS @ the Bay Area Midwifery birth center and labored in their tub for a good 2+ hours, but didn't have a waterbirth- I could have if I wanted to though- 

I would be more concerned with the fetal monitoring element- does FSH require constant fetal monitoring?  

If so will your movement be restricted?

I was induced w/ DD and was basically tied down in a bed as a result- it's pretty hard to say no to the epidural when you are not allowed to move around to make yourself more comfortable and already hooked up to an IV, 2 monitors, BP cuff, etc.