| Posted By |
Message |
Foodie876
LIF Zygote
Member since 1/17 5 total posts
Name:
|
Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I just found out I am pregnant (only about 4 weeks). I definitely want to use a midwife (I'm very anti-medicine and want a very natural birth) but I'm trying to decide between Gaia Midwifery and Stony Brook Midwives in Bohemia. I definitely would feel most comfortable delivering in a hospital (so no home birth), but the water birth at NUMC that Gaia attends sounds appealing to me. Any feedback on these 2 practices?
|
Posted 1/10/17 10:46 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I met with them both and toured both hospitals. I didn't use either because Gaia was going to cost me a lot (not under my insurance) and Stonybrook is pretty far from me.
I'll just tell you my impressions, but keep in mind I didn't actually use either.
Both hospitals were updated and nicer looking than where I delivered (Winthrop). I feel like I would feel better at Stonybrook if there were any emergency with me or the baby - this is just because I feel like Stonybrook is a better hospital, I don't have facts to back this up. NUMC has a low c-section rate, so that is appealing.
The Gaia midwives seemed like they were more natural leaning to me. I really liked Susan Brockmann (I don't think she's with Gaia now) although I would have preferred if she were a nurse. Dale Cook is a CNM.
Stonybrook has a monthly meet the midwives session that includes a lot of information and a tour of the hospital. Gaia used to have a tour, but I went years ago, not sure what they do now that some of the midwives split off.
Another option is Melanie Summersille at Winthrop. She works with Dr Plancher and delivers at Winthrop. I think Melanie most likely is there for all her deliveries (should be same with Gaia, but I think you get whichever midwife is on call at Stonybrook). And I also like that you will know the Dr who will come in an emergency. This isn't my practice, but they cover for my OB.
Message edited 1/11/2017 11:07:28 PM.
|
| Posted 1/10/17 3:58 PM |
| |
|
checka
She's here!
Member since 5/05 1769 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I used Stony Brook Midwives when I had DD in 2011 and I was very happy with them. I went to the one in East Setauket but any of the midwives from either office can be on call when you deliver. They really pushed for me be comfortable during labor.
|
| Posted 1/10/17 4:39 PM |
| |
|
pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
Posted by checka
I used Stony Brook Midwives when I had DD in 2011 and I was very happy with them. I went to the one in East Setauket but any of the midwives from either office can be on call when you deliver. They really pushed for me be comfortable during labor.
What do you mean by comfortable? Do you mean ways to ease the pain or something else? With my 1st, the nurses kept trying to convince me to have the epidural and I finally gave in pretty close to the end. I think if I had a midwife or doula there, maybe they would have told me I was in transition and encouraged me or helped in some way.
|
| Posted 1/10/17 6:56 PM |
| |
|
checka
She's here!
Member since 5/05 1769 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
Posted by pumpkinmom
What do you mean by comfortable? Do you mean ways to ease the pain or something else? With my 1st, the nurses kept trying to convince me to have the epidural and I finally gave in pretty close to the end. I think if I had a midwife or doula there, maybe they would have told me I was in transition and encouraged me or helped in some way.
They did try to make me more comfortable physically while laboring and suggested different things to help with the pain. They knew that I really wanted to give birth without an epidural. I was having pitocin strength back contractions that were very intense and I got to a point where I couldn't take it anymore. I was very disappointed but asked for an epidural and the nurse called the midwife who said OK but can I check you first. When she checked me she said I was 9 1/2cm and asked if I wanted to try pushing first since it should help with the pain which it did. The anesthesiologist came in a little after and she waved her away because she knew I was OK. I really appreciated the encouragement she gave me to deliver the way I wanted.
Another little example is there was a light in the room that was very bright and shining right on the bed in my face. I didn't say anything about it but my midwife didn't like that it wasn't a comfortable setting for me to labor in. She tried to turn if off but it was broken so she had me moved to another room so I would feel more comfortable.
There were a lot of things that I think helped me deliver without an epidural the way I want. They were very supportive.
Message edited 1/10/2017 8:45:29 PM.
|
| Posted 1/10/17 8:44 PM |
| |
|
ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I did not use the sb midwives because I ended up being high risk but I did use the same office they are out of. They do sonos in house which is nice, and god forbid the need arises, there are high risk doctors who are located there. For instance, if you fail the glucose test, you won't have to go to another office to meet with the MFM or nutritionist. I wish I had been able to use them because I've heard great things.
However, the front desk staff leaves a lot to be desired.
|
| Posted 1/10/17 11:54 PM |
| |
|
muffaboo
LIF Adult
Member since 12/10 3797 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I used SB Midwives. My fist appt was at E Setauket office. I saw Dr. Christina Kocis and she was great...but the receptionists leave much to be desired. I then switched to the Bohemia office bc it was actually closer to our house. Love the Bohemia office. It's fairly new and updated. All sonos are done there so it's convenient. They have very low c section and episiotomy numbers. There are also high risk drs in the office should you need it.
All of the midwives were really nice but my favorites are Heather and Chris Kocis. You will get whatever midwife is on call to deliver you but Chris ended up delivering me. I was able to go natural with no epidural and I was so happy about that. I have no complaints about the hospital either. Their NICU is great & the highest level (Regional Perinatal Center) but thankfully I didn't need that. I delivered in 2014 and still use them for my annual exams. TTC #2 and will definitely stay with them.
|
| Posted 1/11/17 5:49 PM |
| |
|
HappyWife515
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/09 406 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I used the sb midwives for a vbac 9 months ago and I'm so happy with the experience. I went to the office in bohemia and my only issue with it was the wait times. But I also was there quite often due to issues with my 2nd pregnancy. This was my third. Other than that they were awesome.
My birth experience could not have been better. I was supported, coached and not rushed. The best birth experience out of all 3. The others I was with different drs.
|
| Posted 1/12/17 8:36 AM |
| |
|
zarafa
LIF Zygote
Member since 2/16 37 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I absolutely LOVE my midwife, Susan Brockmann.
www.southshoremidwives.com
She used to work side by side Dale Cook (who is apparently retiring this year) at Gaia, but now runs South Shore Midwives in Malverne with Rochel Lieberman. I'll be delivering in one of two hydro-birthing suites at NUMC (see pic below!), though Susan performs a LOT of home deliveries as well. In fact she's delivered nearly 700 babies!
Susan sees mamas on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 10 weeks. She charges 5K, due by 36 weeks, which covers all prenatal/hospital services + 6 weeks after birth.
I researched midwife alternatives after an absolutely HORRIBLE experience with Great Neck OBGYN during my first pregnancy, which ended in a missed miscarriage. Consequently, I must have scoured the internet for EVERY Long Island midwife review and found that Susan and Dale had the best feedback. In fact I don't believe I ever came across even one negative mama review for either. And since Susan's practice was closest (I don't have a car, thus visits require a 2hr RT bus trek), selecting her sealed the deal.
Why do I like Susan?
— She is THE swiftest email answerer I've ever encountered. I usually receive a response to any inquiry within 5-15 minutes. AND she shares test results (e.g. blood draws, sonogram results) as soon as she receives them herself.
— Appointments are long and never rushed. Ask any question! Chat about any subject! (My first appointment lasted 1.5 hours. I've never stayed less than 45 minutes.)
— Though usually seen on the dot, I've never been left waiting for an appointment longer than 10 minutes and have often been admitted early. (She seems to purposely stagger appointments so that all moms have plenty of time to yap for eons, which is super nice.)
— She's sweet, kind and mild mannered but appropriately assertive.
— Both of her two children were born naturally, so she's preaching to the choir. (One was 10lbs3oz!)
— Appointments feel like I'm visiting a knowledgeable friend...something I vastly prefer as most clinical settings give me the weebie jeebies. Nor does she come across as even remotely hippy-ish/new age-y.
— I don't feel like I'm being analyzed for problems/illnesses....she treats me like I'm a healthy preggo lady.
— She supported my wish to continue with progesterone suppositories and agreed that my having taken the initiative to get on them early in the first place may have saved baby #2. (So many OBGYNs are anti progesterone. Great Neck OBGYN refused to consider I might be low on progesterone, so I will always be left wondering "what if"...I ended up receiving a prescription + an early sonogram to ease my anxiety via a walk-in women's clinic in Park Slope staffed by CNMs.)
— I experienced hypermesis gravidarum through most of my second trimester. It was AWFUL. Nothing was easing my all-day sickness/vomiting. Despite Susan's natural inclinations she DID offer to prescribe me with Zofran. I opted to suffer without meds. But it was great knowing I COULD have taken Zofran if I'd wanted to. (She suggested papaya enzyme to ease my 3rd trimester acid reflux, which usually helps. In other words...suggests holistic options 9 times out of 10.)
— She's informed. Take my first appointment where I jumped the gun and asked if it was true if eating 4-6 dates/day 4 weeks before one's due date cut back on labor time. She responded by whipping out a file folder with printouts of the same scientific study I'd read, and gave me a copy to take home!
— She asked me to drink a bottle of Odwalla instead of that nasty, chemical-y orange drink for my Glucose test. I happily complied!
— She's not an age-ist. I'm 42 and she says that being a good candidate for a midwife birth has little to do with age.
Incidentally...if you were to learn you were having multiples, Susan doesn't deliver 'em but Melanie Summerville will. Though Melanie delivers at Winthrop.
Congratulations and best o' fun with your pregnancy!
Message edited 1/12/2017 9:19:51 AM.
|
| Posted 1/12/17 9:15 AM |
| |
|
Foodie876
LIF Zygote
Member since 1/17 5 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I have a meet and greet with a midwife from Gaia next week but my insurance can't give me a straight answer on the out-of-network cost  One of my co-workers started out using Gaia (but had to switch due to high risk)... She would know exactly what it would cost with our employer's insurance but I feel like it's too early to tell her (I'm only 5 weeks along).
|
| Posted 1/13/17 9:30 AM |
| |
|
pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2911 total posts
Name:
|
Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
Do you have the procedure code to tell your insurance? They should be able to tell you the allowed cost for the procedure out of network and the percentage they pay and your deductible. And you would ask Gaia their fee and figure it out. When I looked into Gaia, they gave me the contact info for someone in their office to ask about fees. I don't think their fees were that bad, but my out of network deductible is high, so it would have been all out of pocket for me.
You will have separate charges from the hospital, so hopefully that is in network for you.
|
| Posted 1/13/17 12:52 PM |
| |
|
angelicd77
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/13 794 total posts
Name:
Kim
|
Need help choosing a Midwife Practice
I used StonyBrook midwives. I saw Chris Kocis, Kris Clemmons, and Ann Visser. I loved they all. They were amazing. Ann was with me when I delivered, even though I had an emergency C Section. I would recommend them to anyone that asked.
|
| Posted 1/13/17 1:19 PM |
| |
|
