Experiences at St. Joseph's Med Center or Mercy?

ED23 · February 2011

So I live in Towson, and want to have a natural birth: I was even leaning towards home birth but there are only a few CNM in my areas that do it and they're full.

I'm looking into St. Joseph's because the hospital seems to have a good rep and there is a team of midwives there. I've also heard some good things about Mercy and that they do water births but I don't know if they have midwives or not.

If anyone has any experience at either of these hospitals I'd really appreciate a bit of guidance! Thanks!

ThePastor'sWife · February 2011

Linky to a discussion of SJMC:

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/44526913.aspx

anonsouthernbell · February 2011

If you want a natural childbirth than I would go to Mercy over St. Joe's. I know a fantastic home birth midwife if you are interested just pm me. (She lives in PA. She is not a CNM but a CPM). Also, if you are interested the Anne Arundel Co. birth circle meets the 4th Tue of every month at Baltimore Washington Medical Center and this month they will be discussing comfort measures during labor. (There is a yahoo group you can join for more info).

ED23 · February 2011

Thanks for the link, my search isn't working.

Anon, I'm gonna PM you about all that :-)

HarCoMommy · February 2011

I delivered at St. Joe's and had a wonderful experience, although I did not go natural. Best of luck to you!

Informedbirthchoices · February 2011

As a doula and Childbirth Educator I have worked with women in labor at both Mercy and SJH, with many different care providers. A natural birth is possible at both locations. I would highly recommend choosing a MW over an OB in both settings (however, I did just attend a birth with an OB at SJH that went beautifully!).

I think the bigger question here is home vs hospital. Many women who are excited about the possibility of home birth never feel settled in the hospital version of birth. I think focusing on that aspect of your decision should be your critical 1st step! If you want a home birth you can find someone to attend you that is free and that you "click" with. A childbirth class is a good place to help feel out this decision, but often times women take classes further into their pregnancy and are reluctant to switch at that point. It is great you are thinking about it now. Please feel free to PM me with any more questions. I LOVE to chat about all things pregnancy/birth ;-)

D

workingurl21 · February 2011

I wanted to do a water birth at mercy but getting in to see a dr. for my first visit put me at almost 20 weeks. The pratice i wanted was so full that I couldn't even get in. Since we had a few problems in the begining I ended up at St. Joes. I being seen my capital womens care and they do have a midwife on staff. I have not delivered yet but i will say the treatment I have receive at St. Joes has been much nicer than the way I was treated just trying to get an appointment at mercy. As previous posted said I think the bigger choice is home or hospital?

mrsfirefly · February 2011

Try Kathleen Slone out of Mercy. It's a practice with three MW. I used them (not natural though, had a c-section once all was said and done) but have nothing but positive things to say about Mercy. Very supportive of natural birth. I've also heard that Hoffman & Associates (all female OB's out of Mercy) are very open to natural birth. I now go to them because I know I'll need a c/s the next time around.

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Experiences at St. Joseph's Med Center or Mercy?

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