fairfax versus fair oaks?

[Anonymous]

My OB delivers at both. I thought I liked the idea of Fairfax because of the nationally recognized NICU (I am not considered high risk but to be safe). But, I have heard some not-so-great things about the nurses being over worked etc. etc. I know nothing of fair oaks. Anyone have any input?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Delivered at Fair Oaks. Loved and had no problems. My doc. office was physically connected to the hospital so she was literally at my bedside in minutes.

The nurses are fine and respectful. I was asked once if I wanted an epidural and I declined. No haggling or pestering.

The PP rooms are private and I got the end unit so I had double windows. I hear the tvs are getting switched to flat screen, but it didn't happen when I was there (15 months ago). The nurse brought in sheets and pillows for DH to sleep on for the fold-out recliner.

The food is decent. Good selection and tasteful (although I was so hungry). Plus, my DD had severe jaundice and was sent downstairs to the ped. ward. I was able to stay bedside with her (to nurse) and was allowed to order from the ped menu (yum...chicken fingers and brownies ). Then nurses were so nice there too.

The LCs are good too. I saw four of them (they came to visit me in the ped. unity too while trying to nurse a severely jaundiced baby) so I got a ton of great tips and points of views from all of them. I even used the hospital pump free of charge (although I think that was probably an error on their side).

DD stayed bedside with in the PP room. She went to the nursery only for the PKU screening and the nurses had no problem with me accompanying her (it was good for me to get and move).

I wasn't overly impressed with the night crew. Sorta glum and slow, but I hear that is rather typical everywhere.

I'll be deliverying there again in 2009. Maybe I"ll see you there.

Oh yea....parking is free.

[Anonymous]

Love love love Fair Oaks Hospital. They were very supportive of natural birth (important to me). Cozy and personable, friendly and caring. I cannot speak of Fairfax since I never delivered there, but I heard one too many stories that weren't positive.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax was fine! Great nurses and top-notch care. I have had several friends who were high-risk or who had unusual complications who are very glad they delivered there. One's life was probably saved due to the availability of speciality surgeons for a very unusual situation. I never delivered at Fair Oaks, but I thought Fairfax was as good as any other hospital that I have heard of.

[Anonymous]

I delivered at Fairfax because I wanted the safety net of the NICU, even though I had a boringly normal pregnancy with no risk factors. I'm so glad I did because the 2nd night they detected an arythmia in the baby's heart and her heart rate kept dropping. They called the NICU and drs were there instantly.

I had also heard some of the not so positive things about Ffx but did not experience any of that. I got a private room no problem, my nurses were all great. And with regard to natural childbirth, one of the triage nurses gave me a hard time for wanting the epidural--so I think it just depends on who you get.

good luck with your decision