hospital delivery in Albuquerque?

KathleenHolscher

Hello all.. I'm twelve weeks pregnant with my first, and will be moving from Philadelphia to Albuquerque before I deliver this August.  I'm a bit anxious about leaving my doctor here in Philly, and really have no idea where to start looking for a doctor (or midwife) in New Mexico. We know hardly anyone down there. I do know that I want to deliver in a hospital, with a full range of resources easily available (if I stayed in Philly, I'd be delivered at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania). I've checked out the websites of UNM and Pres, but I'd love any suggestions / recommendations. Has anyone had particularly good or bad experiences they could share?  Thanks so much!

eturp

My OB was part of the Women's Specialist of NM group. Her office was at the hospital where I also delivered (downtown Pres). Her name was Dr. Villarael and their website is wsnm.org. They are a great group of doctors but I've also heard good things about UNMH. 

jcollins55

Lovelace Women's Hospital is another option for you to check out.  I am 15 weeks pregnant with my first and have been happy with them so far.  I've also heard really great things about them from others that have used them.  I'm really excited about the natural birthing center.  I am originally from NH myself, welcome to Albuquerque when you get here.  I think you will find there are a lot of people here from the North East!  Congrats.

rachaelski

We had a home birth, but my midwife said that Lovelace is really trying to suit the needs of women wanting a natural birth in their new birth center. They are even reaching out to traditional midwives for feedback. 

eac205

I have been more than happy seeing the midwives at UNM.  The labor and delivery unit is newer as well.  We are due next month but so far I have no complaints about anything.

lostaspen

I'm also planning a home birth, a VBAC.  I had a c/s with Woman's Specialist at Pres and was not very happy to later find out that Pres has a 45-50% c/s rate!  So if you go there, be very careful.  The midwife I had through Woman's Specialist had told me they had a 10-11% c/s rate, but I don't see how that is possible.

runnergirl326

I just saw this post, and I would recommend either Lovalce Women's Hospital, or Presbyterian. My SIL had my first niece at Lovelace, and the 2nd at Pres. Both were fantastic! I guess it really depends upon your insurance - we have BCBSNM and so I will deliver at Lovelace. And Welcome to Albuquerque. You will love the scenery and weather out here!

KathleenHolscher

Thank you all for your help!  I have BCBS insurance as well, and it looks like most providers affiliated with Lovelace accept that, so that's where I'll start.  I'm taking a tour of their birthing center when I visit next week.  I'm hoping I can use the natural birthing unit.  Thanks again, and best of luck to you all!

rileymiller

Love Dr. Sophie Petetrson. She's with Pres. And I will deliver at Pres in July. We just moved here and she was recommended to me. And I am so happy she was!

desertmouse39

I had my first baby with Pres in 2011 and am going to deliver my second with them in the next few weeks!  My OB is also through the women's specialists, her name is Dr Carmona and she has suited me very well as she supports AMA pregnancies with a more natural birth approach.  The family birthing rooms are well designed with tubs for laboring, etc...  I was very pleased with the whole experience, but I cannot say the same for the rest of my health care with Pres.  At any rate, welcome to NM!

MommyEllenSue

I used Vicki Stetson at Alb Health Partners. She was amazing and anytime I had to see any other midwife I was happy. I delivered at Lovelace Women's Hospital. I was extremely happy with Lovelace and with my Midwife. My LO had some unexpected issues after birth and had to spend some time in NICU. The nurses and Dr.'s there where beyond amazing! Lovelace is considered a baby friendly hospital. I've heard great things about UNM also. I had a really bad experience at Presbyterian when we first moved here so I would not recommend them. Oh I have BCBS also.