Hi!
I am 29 weeks pregnant and with Dr. Burns at Bryn Mawr Womens. I want to have a natural birth but since this is my first wanted to delivery in a hospital. I am not second guessing my decision to stay with Dr. Burns and not find a midwife. Has anyone had a natural birth at bryn Mawr and/or with Dr. Burns or any of the other Dr. with the practice?
On the other hand does anyone know how to go about finding a midwife to delivery at Bryn Mawr hospital?
Thanks
Re: Widwife/ Natural Birth at Bryn Mawr Hospital
Dr Burns delivered my son and she actually encouraged me to go natural which had not been my plan. I was pretty far along by the time I got to the hospital and she thought I seemed like I was handling labor well. She was absolutely fantastic at the hospital and was very supportive so I was so glad I ended up with her.
Having said that, I'm sure you know that you can get any of the doctors from that practice (or even someone else entirely depending on the day) so there's a very good chance you will end up with a different doctor on the day of the big event. You should really discuss your plans with all the doctors in the practice over the next ten weeks and make sure they understand your wishes.
I have heard great things about the birth center but my son ended up needing the NICU staff in the delivery room (irregular heartbeat in the later stages of labor) so I was so glad I was at the hospital where he could get the care and attention he needed immediately.
Zachary Ryan - 1/13/08 - 6lbs 15oz, 20.5 inches
Lilia Rose - 5/11/10 - 8lbs 6oz, 21 inches
Thanks everyone very much for your comments! I feel so much better about staying at Bryn Mawr Hospital now!
Thanks
If you want to increase your chances of withholding of an epidural and not being more highly interventive at BMH, really look into hiring a doula. Doesn't have to be me, of course, but honestly - you will never regret having a doula by your side for informational, emotional, and physical support - something you will definitely not receive continuously from the nursing staff or OB...and partners usually appreciate the help! Good luck with your pregnancy and all of your choices! You can do it!
Oh, and I think BMH gets a bad rep, as does TBC because of the transfer rate from TBC to BMH. It's kind of a weird thing, that relationship and their outcomes for moms delivering at either location. There are plenty of moms that deliver naturally with no problems at TBC (70%), but still between 25-30% are transferred, usually not for "emergencies", but for pain med or probable issues ahead type deals. So, BMH only sees what and who comes in, yk? Not the other side of it - all the natural births happening across the street without any intervention. They get to see the problems happening more than other hospitals and are used to managing them more often which can make them more used to interventions, which definitely may alter how they handle normal labors as well. Just my thoughts...
I say make a birth plan/preferences, discuss everything in detail very nicely with as many of the doctors in the practice, and hire a doula. Your chances increase greatly!
Good luck...