can anyone recommend their OB in DC?

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am the original poster and first I just want to thank everyone for the advice. I have alot to think about! And for the poster who asked about Reiter and Hill, that is the practice I am leaving. I do like most of the clinicians ( but not all, especially Reiter!) but I have just had it. I have gone to them for 10 years and they have no idea who I am, I never trust they are going to call me back, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm the one who asked if it is Reiter and Hill that you're leaving. I would like to exchange notes if you don't mind (since I had a miscarriage too and am wondering if it was normal how they handled things or not..). If you have time, can you email me at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I just switched to Foxhall OBGYN on Mass Ave a few months ago and I've been very pleased. I've only seen Dr. Beckerman so far but have spoken to a few of the doctors for various reasons and I've been impressed with all them. So far so good!

[Anonymous]

I too recently left my OB (at Capital Women's Care - 2141 K Street) for Foxhall. I'm seeing Dr. Nichole Pardo & really really like her so far. Incidentally, I left Reiter & Hill during my last pregnancy & it was SUCH a great decision. They were so impersonal & disorganized. Be forewarned that it took multiple phone calls & letters to get my medical records forwarded to my new OB, but just be persistent. It will be well worth it to find an OB you like & trust.

[Anonymous]

I love love love Foxhall!

[cate_shea]

I would not recommend Dr. Gschwend. He delivered our son about a year ago. It was my desire to have an "unmedicated birth." We chose the practice because it was a physician-midwife practice and our primary person was Kim Severn, CNM. Unfortunately, she was out of town when we delivered. Dr. Gschwend was "on call." In short, when my husband and mother asked what they could do to help with pain management during labor, he muttered, "Get an epidural," and walked out of the room (he had been informed of our wishes). He said NOT ONE WORD throughout my delivery to me ... complete silence. He almost gave me an episiotomy without asking me until my husband intervened (ended up that I didnt need it and had only second degree tears). He also did not do the cord blood collection we had asked for ... it was in our birth plan ... he chose not to read it. I am not a high maintenance person; I am the daughter of a doctor so it is important to me to be complaint and respectful. Happily, I was able to birth naturally and have a healthy delivery; the L&D nurse was fabulous! It was because of her I was able to do it! Trust me, look elsewhere!

[Anonymous]

I love Foxhall too - I see Sarafian primarily, but had appointments will all the docs that deliver babies before the birth of my daughter. I've been impressed by all (except maybe Lightfoot who is very young). I recommend them (but sounds like you may be looking for a solo practice).

[Anonymous]

I would not recommend Dr. Gschwend. He delivered our son about a year ago. It was my desire to have an "unmedicated birth." We chose the practice because it was a physician-midwife practice and our primary person was Kim Severn, CNM. Unfortunately, she was out of town when we delivered. Dr. Gschwend was "on call." In short, when my husband and mother asked what they could do to help with pain management during labor, he muttered, "Get an epidural," and walked out of the room (he had been informed of our wishes). He said NOT ONE WORD throughout my delivery to me ... complete silence. He almost gave me an episiotomy without asking me until my husband intervened (ended up that I didnt need it and had only second degree tears). He also did not do the cord blood collection we had asked for ... it was in our birth plan ... he chose not to read it. I am not a high maintenance person; I am the daughter of a doctor so it is important to me to be complaint and respectful. Happily, I was able to birth naturally and have a healthy delivery; the L&D nurse was fabulous! It was because of her I was able to do it! Trust me, look elsewhere!

Oh my gosh, you poor thing. I'm so sorry you had to go through that, but I'm glad everything turned out OK. Doctor Gschwend sounds like a real piece of work.

[Anonymous]

PP again. I second the vote for Dr. Sarafian. She wasn't my doc for my pregnancy, but covered for my doc's practice when I was in the postpartum ward. She is sweet and kind, and made a big difference for me when I was having a really hard time.

[Anonymous]

Please do NOT see Dr. Gschwend under any circumstances. His c-section rate is much higher than the national average (which is already too high). He said that 35% of his LOW RISK patients have c-sections and that his high risk patients have a MUCH greater risk of a c-section. It's irresponsible that he is still a doctor.

When I asked him how I could lower my risk, he said that my only option was to birth in a log cabin, and that he didn't have any time to explain it any further and left the room with my husband and myself in shock. Needless to say, I went to another doctor (in that same practice) who confidentially told me to LEAVE the practice since Dr. Gschwend and others in that practice will give a c-section improperly. I recommend Birth Care in Alexandria, VA (it's on the blue line and I think the yellow line, too).

http://www.birthcare.org/

Anonymous wrote:Dr. John Gschwend with Contemporary Women's Health in Bethesda. He also sees patients on Fridays at Sibley. He recently delivered my DS and delivered my friend's two children. Although he's not exactly warm and fuzzy, I have consistently received excellent care from him. Although I've never been bothered by it, I know some have complained that the Bethesda office is too crowded. Also, the practice recently moved into larger offices in Bethesda and the Sibley office is much much quieter.

[Anonymous]

Too bad re Reiter and Hill. We had a great experience with Dr. Shiva Sedgi there, and continue to see her.

[Anonymous]

I went to Foxhall and liked them all. Dr. Beckerman is a bit smug for my taste as a human being, but he did a great job with amnio (didn't feel a thing) and was there for the delivery and it was fine. I love Dr Sarafian!

[Anonymous]

Dr Sarafian delivered my last baby and I have to say that I could not find one even teensy thing wrong with my care. She is professional but warm and accessible, incredibly good under pressure and really communicative. I just worry about everyone recommending her so much because if she cannot deliver my next baby I shall be terribly disappointed. Foxhall - if you're reading this - don't let her go anywhere else!!!

[Anonymous]

I second Dr. Colie at Georgetown Hospital. She's superb, though it is a very busy practive and the wait can be long.

[Anonymous]

I'll put in plugs for Dr. Virginia Thompson whom I loved - I had to switch b/c my company dropped BC/BS and that's all she takes. She delivered DD 1 and was just great. Switched to Dr. Andrew Engel at Foxhall - he is excellent! He delivered DD 2 and was great all the way around. I highly recommend both.