Midwife Recs Melanie Sumersille and Dale Cook

Hi everyone!

I am looking for a midwife who delivers in a hospital. I have met with both Dale and Melanie and I'm so confused and would so appreciate feedback.

Dale's temperament and style was exactly what I am looking for. Relaxed, warm, gentle, and calm. She was a non-alarmist ("You're 36? That's not high risk") However, I live in western Nassau and I don't know about traveling the hour to Kings Park for appointments. Also, concerned that if I need a C Section I would not know the person performing it at NUMC.

I met with Melanie. I love that even if you become high risk, she still has your case and supports you alongside an OB GYN in her practice. I have heard good things about Winthrop. I could tell she is smart as whip. However, her energy was just a bit more frenetic and rushed and she not as warm and soothing as Dale. She was also a little more of an alarmist ("You're 36? We will discuss genetic testing and MR screenings)

It was also suggested to me by a doula to check out Dr. Jessica Jacob who is an OB GYN but shares many (not all) philosophies of midwife care.

Any and all feedback around experiences with the different midwives and/or the affiliated hospitals during labor and delivery would be greatly greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! :)

Re: Midwife Recs Melanie Sumersille and Dale Cook

Hello gsims416,


I wanted to offer my recommendation earlier (Susan Brockmann of www.southshoremidwives.com in Malverne), but my new little man has been very demanding of his happy but oh-so-tired breastfeeding mama.



I penned a lengthy recommendation in January that you can read below, but based on what you're looking for...Susan sounds like she might make a great match. She's knowledgeable/super duper friendly/calm, is def a non-alarmist, believes that health is a greater barometer than age (I gave birth last month as a first time mom at the age of 42), was the rock I needed when delivering and holds hospital rights at NUMC. She also happens to be a former Gaia midwife, was well worth the 2-hour RT bus trip from Great Neck...and would def become my repeat midwife of choice should I become lucky enough to become a mom again were it not for the fact that I'll be moving to the Hudson Valley next year.

www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-need-help-choosing-a-midwife-practice-884527-1.html

If you'd like more info about Susan or my experience at NUMC (which for the most part was top-notch, despite the fact that my all-natural water birth plan flew out the window after 38 hours of labor stuck at 1-4cms, with baby in the direct OP position with his cord wrapped around his neck + a variety of other unforseeables...which led to an unanticipated albeit safe/complication-free emergency C-section + a very healthy 8lb 12oz baby boy), I'd be happy to share lots of additional details privately or within these forum comments.

Congrats on your own pregnancy.

Midwife Recs Melanie Sumersille and Dale Cook

Zarafa, you have such a beautiful baby boy! Congratulations!

Re: Midwife Recs Melanie Sumersille and Dale Cook

Thank you!!! I fall more in love each day.