Bethesda National Naval Medical Center
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Anonymous
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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone is planning to give birth at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda? I would appreciate any comments. I did search the forum archives but couldn't find much information. Thank you |
Anonymous
| I am planning on delivering there late November. I am only 16 weeks so can't really comment too much. They seem to know what they are doing and I am a complicated pregnancy so I have seen quite a few docs there in the past few months. The tend to run very very late for comp OB appointments (waiting an hour at times) but overall I have been happy. I haven't done any classes or taken a tour of the birthing ward yet but have heard good things about both. |
Anonymous
| Has anyone succeeded in getting Bethesda NNMC to return their referral to Tricare? I'm currently battling with them to release my referral so that I can see my own personal ob-gyn. They are so far refusing but at the same time unable to articulate why they have this policy. And their referral mgmt folks are saying they'll only reject it back to Tricare on the say-so of a Bethesda ob-gyn, and obviously I don't know any. I've spent the morning in tears. Do you have a doctor at Bethesda and have his/her name and number? I'm at a loss, and since I'm already high risk, really don't need this much stress and this many tears! thanks. |
Anonymous
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I gave birth at NNMC in October. BEST.EXPERIENCE.EVER.
I was able to give birth without the use of drugs and they were very helpful with letting me take my time and let things happen naturally. I saw an amazing nurse practioner during my pregnancy and I was lucky to have a midwife for my delivery. The nurses and doctors on the L&D floor were amazing. I almost didn't want to leave. The lactation consultants were helpful (esp. Eddie) and had a lot of good tips for me. I took the breastfeeding class (which had some good info) and I toured the ward. I was happy I did so because when I got there I knew what to expect and wasn't as confused about what to do. I highly recommend Bethesda above all the military hospitals in the area! If you have any more questions feel free to emal me andrea.mervick@gmail.com |
Anonymous
I work at WRAMC and am a civillian myself, but have patients who have delivered there and they all say the same thing, that it was a great experience. My co-worker's wife had a VBAC there recently and things went very well. They don't have L&D at WRAMC anymore, so everybody delivers at Bethesda and we just get to hear about things! I know a NICU nurse there, and she is excellent, and has positive things to say about the NICU. I think you are lucky to be delivering there 
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Anonymous
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I had my first child in a private, civilian hospital and our second child at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. I would say that the care was equal at both places (which is a big statement for me to make because I was very nervous about “military” health care).
Some things to note about the process at Bethesda: • First appointment: your first appointment is at 6 weeks and is a group information session (held from 9 am – 1 pm… yes, it is 4 hours!). They will go over an orientation, have you fill out paperwork, do a one-on-one interview, and then send you to the lab for labwork. Additionally, they require you to attend a genetics testing information session. That can be done on the same day (held from 1-3) or you can come back another day for it. • First appointment with a doctor: 10-12 weeks • Subsequent appointments: every 4 weeks (assuming a non-complicated pregnancy) until you are 36 weeks… then every two weeks. • Post-partum appointment @ 6 weeks after delivery (they suggest you request a copy of your records at this appointment… so they don’t get lost in the system forever). I felt that the doctors were very good about adhering to my birth plan and not pressuring me into things I did not want. The nurses in labor & delivery were great. I thought the lactation consultant at Bethesda was excellent (make sure to ask to see her ASAP if you plan on breast feeding - she is a wealth of knowledge!). The only thing I was disappointed about was some of my lab work came back abnormal and I had to wait until my next appointment to find out the results (i.e., no-one called me!). In the orientation they tell you NOT to call and bug them about results, however, given my experience, if you are concerned at all, I would call (they will make you leave a message for the doctor and they will call you back within 72 hours). |
Anonymous
| Curious if anyone has additional/recent experience with OB care/delivery at Bethesda NNMC? Thanks for any information you can share! |
Anonymous
natural and without the use of drugs sounds awfull , was this by choice? |
Anonymous
You seriously brought up an old post to ask me this...why don't you use my email address...it's there if you feel like going into further discourse about my personal decision. Thanks 
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Anonymous
You seriously felt the need to ask me this...why don't you use my email address...it's there if you feel like going into further discourse about my personal decision. Thanks
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Anonymous
I don't understand, in my country we have to technologies like here in USA. Why you choose not to use it? We leave our country for the better life with technologies like in USA. Why you chose this, we leave to go to USA for a better place with the technologies. |
Anonymous
Watch the documentary "The Business of Being Born" and you will understand why some women opt for no drugs for birth. Kudos to the Mom who did it au natural! |
Anonymous
| I delivered there and was very impressed. Facilities and nurses were all great. Also great lactation support hotline after delivery. No complaints! having now been at other military hospitals, Bethesda is absolutely one of the BEST! |