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Expectant and Postpartum Moms
Live in Logan Circle, looking for really cool OB or midwife
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Anonymous
What do you mean by "nice"? It would help if you defined what that meant to you a little bit. I find them both clean and neat. Obviously the big difference is that WHC is a hospital and DCBC is a birth center. In the hospital, you have an anesthesiologist immediately available should you want an epidural. You have labor and delivery nurses who help manage your care (don't know if you would see that as a positive or a negative) and there is lots of monitoring and machines and charting on the computer. Though, if you are there with a midwife (Whitney or DCBC midwives) they will help negotiate that to some extent and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. They will let you labor in the shower (but it is very small). Being in the hospital where an epidural is readily available makes you more likely to wind up getting one, because oftentimes women in labor look for an "out" and if it is there, they will take it. (obviously there are tons of variables here...I'm just saying in general...) DCBC is a birth center. The birth room is like a hotel room. Any medical equipment is stored in the closets and not brought out unless it becomes necessary. You can't get an epidural or cesarean, so if that became necessary then you would have to transfer to the hospital. They have a huge tub and let you deliver in it. The only people you see are the people you invite to the birth, plus the midwife (and another midwife shows up for the actual delivery). No receptionists checking you in, no paperwork to fill out, and no "mandatory" hospital procedures. The birth center is in a sort of crummy neighborhood and some people feel the building reception area feel a little institutional. But the birth rooms themselves are very nice. Whitney Pinger probably has more experience then the DCBC midwives, just because she has been practicing for a very long time. Also, being a solo practice you know exactly who is catching your baby. |
Anonymous
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Regarding the DCBC midwives....I've been seeing them my entire pregnancy and I'd say that they are all very "nice." One nice thing is that over the course of your pregnancy, you'll have an opportunity to meet all of them and have at least one visit with each of them. Many of them, you'll see more than once. In appointments, they will take all the time you need to answer any questions you have. I've had no problem "connecting" with each of them and really feel comfortable with them.
Also, if you want, in addition to the midwives, the Birth Center always have a doula on call who will come and help with your delivery. This is optional, but free. But, that's one additional person that could be in the room with you. |
Anonymous
| Just a heads up that the DC Birth Center doula program aims to serve low-income mothers who could not otherwise afford a doula. They encourage moms who can afford to pay to do so (i.e. make private arrangements for a doula). They may soon set income limits so that their volunteer doulas are not taken advantage of. |
Anonymous
| slightly off-topic but...... for anyone who has delivered with Whitney, what is Heather's role? Does she attend the births? Does she just watch (as a mid-wifery apprentice as I understand) or help as a doula??? |
Anonymous
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This is totally third-hand, but an acquaintance of mine whose wife delivered with Whitney Pinger was telling me about another couple (friends of his) set to deliver with Whitney at WHC. Apparently they were also planning to bring some sort of inflatable birthing pool to the hospital and she had approved it.
I'm not pregnant yet, but have seen Whitney for a well-woman visit. I was totally impressed by her. She was just the right combo of sharp (observant, experienced, clearly knew her stuff, asked all the right questions) and warm (very compassionate, encouraging, and understanding of individual differences). I'm looking forward to seeing more of her as soon as we do get pregnant 
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Anonymous
A patient of Whitney's here: Heather attends prenatal appointments and births with Whitney as she can. Her private doula clients are her first priority (and her schedule is very full with them), but if she's available when Whitney's patients are in labor, she'll come as an apprentice. That means she helps Whitney as appropriate, but is not providing the continuous care she would as a doula. For example, she'll monitor baby with the doppler and help with pushing/the delivery. Unless you've also hired her as your doula, it's a bit hit-or-miss you'd see her. She's a sweetheart! |
Anonymous
| Does Whitney Pinger provide ultrasounds? |
Anonymous
a little off topic, but just wanted to say that my sis was with us for both of my labors/births and it was great to have her there! It's a great thing to share with her, she feels super close to my kids since she literally saw them born, she took pics when my husband was doing other things. overall it was great! |
Anonymous
| Just a heads up, OP: the con with Whitney Pinger is that she takes very few patients, and depending on how far along you are, she may not have any availability the month you are scheduled to deliver. She is also very particular about some dietary restrictions (seriously, i think it's no white flour or sugar). You may as well email her and see if she is even an option before you spend a lot of time debating this in your head. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| re: Whitney's availability -- I second what the PP said. I tried to get on her list at 6 weeks and was already too late! |
Anonymous
| OP here. had the baby with whitney, and also contracted heather as a doula. it was awesome. totally awesome. whitney is a really special person. |