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Birthing Center? University Pa OB
HELLO ALL
Has anyone had there prenatal care done at Bryn Marr Birthing Center. What were the pros and cons? Or with PA University Hospital
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Re: Birthing Center? University Pa OB
We used Bryn Mawr. I really can't say enough good things about them. While I didn't connect with EVERY midwife, but I saw about 8 different ones. I asked my husband if he could remember any cons and we both agree that any cons were so heavily outweighed by the pros that they are forgettable.
I know that's not the same for everyone, but that's my story.
I'm currently going to Bryn Mawr and I LOVE it. I'm only at 21 weeks, so I can't vouch for the actual "birthing" part, but the pre-natal care has been excellent. They really make you feel like you are part of the process. You get a binder to keep everything organized and record your records. They've been on time for all of my appointments so far. I used to have to wait a half hour to 45 minutes for my annual exams when I went to my old Ob-Gyn.
I'd say the only "con" is that you have to go elsewhere for your ultra-sounds. I went to Lankenau's peri-natal testing, and the techs and docs I've gotten there have been great to work with.
The only other "con" I foresee could be that you get to go home within 12 hours (give or take--they're not going to wake you up in the middle of the night and kick you out) of giving birth. However, after talking to a friend who had both a hospital and a home birth, she said that one of the best parts about a home birth is that you can sleep in your own bed without nurses waking you up every hour or so. Since I have a tempurpedic mattress waiting at home, I'm beginning to see the early discharge as a pro!
Thus far, I HIGHLY recommend them. They only accept so many women with similar due dates, so if you're interested, definitely sign up for an orientation class (free) and your first appointment ASAP.
Im so sorry 2 here u had that type of experience Sophie hopefully u will find a place that suites all ur needs.
Welp 2day I had my first prenatal visit at the birthing center n it was AWESOME nothing like the hmmmm theres no way 2 say this any more nicer Knuckle heads at the PA hospital smh who treated me like cattle anyway (breath) I am looking forward to working with them. thanxs again
Good for you getting in, it can be tough sometimes! Best of luck to you! Like someone else said, the thing with the Birth Center is that as long as everything goes pretty perfectly all through the end with your pregnancy/health/labor, then people have great experiences there. Most of the midwives I've met and attended births with are absolutely wonderful. Although I know there are women who've not been happy with their treatment in labor, too. I think the downside is the high transfer rate (50%) for first time moms and it's not always made so clear how often it happens, why/when it happens, how to prevent it, and how to prepare for that possibility - so when it does happen, women have felt shocked, unprepared, and sometimes abandoned. It's about expectations. Sometimes I think women get their heart set on this idea of the birth center and hear all the great stories (which don't get me wrong, they are the majority) but don't expect to be one of the ones who transfers. Which by the way, they just changed their location for non emergent transfers from BMH to DCMH...should be a positive change...going into effect tomorrow actually!
Think about hiring a doula for labor support, too. Not just b/c I am one
, but b/c I see how busy they can be there and I know the midwives and nurses are lovely but they do not/cannot provide ongoing continuous labor support.