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Detroit Babies
Oakwood Hospital Birthing class
Has anyone here taken a Birth Class at Oakwood? What did you think? Or anyone deliver there?
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Re: Oakwood Hospital Birthing class
I took it there in 2008 and it was OK. I didn't learn anything that I hadn't already read in books. It was good to have a tour of the hospital though. My H probably got more out of it than I did as it was all new to him!
I also delivered there - the labor nurses were great but I had a rough time with one of the post-labor nurses. Her name is Marge and she is pure evil! The food was good, the lactation consultants were great. HTH!
You weren't getting many responses, so I thought I'd give you my 2 cents.
I delivered at Oakwood back in 2008. After careful consideration, I switched to another practice and to a different hospital, since I wasn't completely happy with my experience at Oakwood.
The good:
- Food is very very good. I never had a meal that disappointed me.
- The day nurses are wonderful. Angela was probably my favorite. I also give a LOT of credit to the nurse who stayed by my side and massaged my back constantly when I was dealing with back labor. I don't remember her name, but she was a wonder.
- The lactation consultant (when she's around) is very helpful.
- Very relaxed attitude with visitors. I liked that I could have people visiting late even if it was technically after hours.
- Great NICU if you need it. I didn't, but I have a friend that did and it was invaluable.
The bad:
- I had some awful experiences with the resident doctors. In particular, there was one who had no bedside manner and pretty much forced me to get a Foley ball without really explaining the procedure or what it did. He was so awful to deal with, that I ended up getting an apology from him.
- I barely saw the doctors from my OB practice, even though I was lead to believe that most of the time, there would be one at the hospital. This is more of an issue with my practice than with the hospital though.
- The night nurses that I saw once I was in my postpartum room were terrible and useless. I struggled with breastfeeding the night my milk came in, and instead of helping me, one of them yelled at me to "feed my baby" even though I was begging for help.
- Postpartum rooms were very cramped. Not the best setup for my DH to sleep either.
I have very mixed feelings when it comes to Oakwood. While there were elements about my stay and birthing that were wonderful, I was convinced that I could find something better. I certainly wouldn't recommend against Oakwood, but I would recommend that people consider all of their options before choosing Oakwood as their birthing hospital.
Thanks for all the insight. Just curious where did you decide to deliver this time?
Henry Ford West Bloomfield. I live in Plymouth Twp, so I don't live very close to any particular hospital (other than St. Mary's), and about a half hour away from 4-5 that I can think of off the top of my head. So I had a few options
I decided to switch to a midwife practice, and one of the HFWB midwives works right out of Henry Ford Canton. It's been a good fit so far.
My practice with Oakwood was Dearborn OB/GYN and I adored Dr. Cohn and Dr. Robinson as well as all of the office staff. But this time, I decided I wanted to avoid the string of interventions that I had that ultimately led to a c-section, and I also wanted to avoid the more unpredictable resident doctors at Oakwood. My experience at Oakwood overall was very positive, but this time, I'm hoping for something better.
Same to you
I hope you have a great experience at Oakwood!
I delivered at Oakwood with the Dearborn OBGYN practice in Jan 09 and loved my experience with them and Oakwood. I couldn't have asked for better care. Every room is private and it seemed like everyone that I encountered bent over backwards to get me anything that I needed before I even realized that I needed it. Dr. Mullins delivered my DS and Dr. P saw me the next day.
I HIGHLY recommend Oakwood and if you are still delivering there, I hope you have as nice of an experience as I did. (minus the back labor - I would not wish that on my worst enemy!)
Sorry, I just remembered that you asked about the class. My DH and I both took the birthing and BF class. I liked the birthing class, especially the part where they told you what to bring and the how to take care of the infant class. DH and I both said, "Well the nurse at the hospital said..." numerous times after DS was born.
It was also nice to know what to expect. I knew what the check-out procedure was, what the car seat inspection lady wanted to see, etc. Everyone kept remarking on how prepared we were and I owed it all to the class. At the time, I thought the relaxation techniques were helpful, but that (unfortunately) went out the window.
If you plan on BFing, I HIGHLY recommend that class. I wouldn't have had such a successful time if it had not been for that information. Take your SO with you. There was a TON of information and it was nice to have 2 sets of ears to hear it all. DH was worried that he would be the only guy there, but every SO was there, so tell him not to worry.
Best of luck!
We took the birth class this past weekend. There were a few things that we learned and as you said I learned about the storks nest - where we can go and register and get the birth certificate started and waivers for surgeries etc. I guess it's supposed to speed up the process and let you have more time with baby.
I am considering a BF class. For some reason even though it's a natural thing it makes me nervous. I will talk to DH and see if he is interested in going. I bought a book, but perhaps this will be more informative.
Thank you for all the info.