Natural childbirth at Inova Arlington vs. Shady Grove

[Anonymous]

I am trying to decide between a midwife assisted birth at Inova Arlington with Physicians and Midwives or Shady Grove with Midwifery Care Associates. Anyone have a recent experience with natural (drug free) child birth in either one of these scenarios? I am leaning toward MCA because I have heard P & M referred to more than once as "medwives".

[Anonymous]

I think you mean Inova Alexandria.

[Anonymous]

Woops! Yes, I mean Inova Alexandria. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I was planning on Midwifery Care Assoc, but noticed on their website that they require that you get all your prenatal care through them to attend your hospital birth. You didn't say how many weeks you are, but I just thought I would mention it.

[Anonymous]

I'm curious to read the responses to this, as I just switched to P&M from Reiter Hill & Johnson in DC. (Really didn't seem like natural childbirth would be an option at RHJ.) My only appointment so far has been with Sue, one of the midwives, and she was GREAT. My biggest concern as a first-time laborer is that I'll be rushed through the process and have to fight to keep the pitocin away, so she gave me recommendations for hypnobirthing classes and mentioned that the nurses at Inova Alexandria get to pick their patients -- if they want to get in and out with a induced/c-section, they can, and if they want to work with someone who's requested natural childbirth and is more likely to be in labor for longer, they can do that as well. She said if the midwives knew that one of their hypnobirthing patients was in labor, they'd make it a point to get to the hospital even if none of them are on call (I'm due New Years Eve...). I'm really hoping I'll continue to be happy with my decision.

[Anonymous]

I posted the original question (does that make make me the OP?, not sure of the lingo). I did not notice that their website states that you should do all of your prenatal care through them, but I was already at 34 weeks when I contacted them and they are willing to accept me as their patient.

[Anonymous]

I switched to MCA from P&M just a few weeks ago (I am now a few days overdue). We made the decision after touring Alex. Inova and not liking the feeling of the space, the rigidity of the nurses protocols, and the fact that by that point many of the P&M midwives who deliver, we hadn't met yet because they aren't the same ones who do office visits. We toured Shady Grove and fell in love with the staff, the space (they have tubs in every room) and the fact that the hospital seemed very progressive/inclined to let the midwives be midwives. Additionally, when we looked at epidural/c section rates at P&M we were not pleased, it seemed to us that they weren't nearly as low as you would expect a midwifery practice to be (plus we were told by a midwife they induce at 41 weeks not 42). MCAs numbers were great. At MCA we have met each of the three midwives who might be delivering and we love them and the personal atmosphere at the office. Everyone knows you and treat you like a person, not a file. I could go on. Of course, we haven't had our delivery yet (hoping it will be very soon), but we are confident that we have the right staff and setting to help us have a healthy birth. Good luck with your decision!

[Anonymous]

No experience with Alexandria, but delivered my daughter in 2006 with the midwives from MCA (then Maternity Center) at Shady Grove. Had planned on a birth center birth but then unfortunately needed to be induced at 38 weeks for medical reasons, so off to Shady Grove we went. Was able to have a natural birth (besides the induction!) and was very pleased with the experience (didn't need Pitocin, thank goodness). Fabulous L&D nurse, midwife was there for me--between the 2 of them (and my husband, of course) it was almost like having a doula. Postpartum wasn't great, but that was back when the rooms were semiprivate. But the postpartum nurse was wonderful. Am now with MCA again for second pregnancy, planning to deliver at SGAH in January!

[Anonymous]

PP here--I should add, I switched to Maternity Center at 33 wks with my first pregnancy from OB's and was very glad that I did--there were some complications with my daughter when I was in labor and the midwives were careful, concerned but conservative enough that everything proceeded smoothly. Of course I didn't want to take any chances with my daughter's health, but I am CONVINCED that had I been with an OB they would have rushed me off for a c-section. And my daughter was healthy and beautiful (and still is)!

[Anonymous]

Delivered at Shady Grove with MCA and had a very hard and long labor. I know for a fact that I would have had a c-section if it had not been for the midwives protecting me. I highly recommend them.