Bloom vs CWC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ll reviving this thread because I’m currently deciding between the two. FTM. I was “accepted” into Bloom (did not know that was an issue until I read this thread). But I haven’t gone yet so I’d love to hear updated opinions.

One issue is as a larger practice I’m wondering if CWC has better hours for full time workers. Bloom so far only had midday appointments available, nothing at the beginning or end of the day.

I left bloom for CWC. I made it to 24 weeks and had only had one appt with an OB. There rest of the appts had been with the NP. Also - and this is why I ultimately left - they did not have a doctor review my anatomy scan. The NP reviewed the scan. No OB, no MFM, no radiologist. Just the NP. They have had staffing problems in the past couple of years and cut corners. An NP is fine for something routine like a pap smear or a couple of prenatal visits, but an NP should not be the primary medical professional you see for pregnancy. Especially in the DC area and at a bougie practice like Bloom.

At CWC, I saw only OBs and felt that the level of care was significantly better.

I just had my 20 week scan last week and it was with an OB…. They hired more doctors it seems so maybe that is it? Either way, when you make the appointment the receptionist tells you who they have availability with and you can say you want to see a specific doctor (of course you may need to be flexible on dates for the appointment). So that is on you PP.

[Anonymous]

Bloom also lets your schedule appointments in advance - I'm 22 weeks and have appointments scheduled until week 39. and of course, you can choose which OB you want to see.

[Anonymous]

I’m a STM but first time at Bloom. So far it’s fine- wouldn’t say that it warrants the $100 fee. They still run behind on appointments, make you wait, etc. I have all my spots scheduled out in advance and was able to snag morning appointments for all of them, so that’s good! I didn’t deliver in DC the first time so I don’t have anything to compare it to. I’m questioning if I want to stay with them though since it’s so far away and the fact that they aren’t on time rubs me the wrong way.

[Anonymous]

I am at Bloom. Have never had to wait for an appointment. The atmosphere is very nice. But I agree with the poster who said it’s hard to see an MD. Just had my 20 week scan, still have not met an MD, only NPs. I specifically asked several times. They said not to worry, it’s normal. I haven’t been to CWC (or anywhere else) so can’t compare.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand the popularity of Bloom. I had my baby with Foxhall in 2021 and I had no trouble making appointments at convenient times, never waited past my appointment time, and was only ever seen by an MD.

[Anonymous]

If you want a vanity c-section, bloom is a great practice. If you want evidence-based care? Pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want a vanity c-section, bloom is a great practice. If you want evidence-based care? Pass.

What is a vanity c-section? Is it the kind where the tummy tuck is done at the same time and there’s no shelf? Asking for a friend…

[Anonymous]

A c/s at ~38 weeks to avoid wear and tear on body at 40-42 for no real indication.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want a vanity c-section, bloom is a great practice. If you want evidence-based care? Pass.

A vanity C section? Lol. I’ve had both a vaginal and a scheduled C section birth, and you clearly have no clue what you are taking about. There’s nothing vain about your guts getting rummaged around in like a suitcase while your arms are strapped down on a table and you are trying to vomit and not choke while flat on your back with an IV and heart monitors on you. Nothing at all. Both ways of birth are hard and painful but in very different ways.

That said, I far preferred a scheduled C than getting my pelvic floor shredded and dealing with permanent incontinence from my vaginal birth, so there’s that. I certainly wish I had had known the real permanent downsides of a vaginal birth and could have chosen to have two “vanity” C-sections, as you call them, which have less impact on the pelvic floor. Maybe then I’d be able to chase after my kids without peeing myself every time. I don’t wish that on anyone and support anyone’s choice to a C section since they and only they have to live with the permanent consequences of their choice.

[Anonymous]

If you want to stick with CWC try out Dr. Safran, he's incredibly nice and a great doc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want a vanity c-section, bloom is a great practice. If you want evidence-based care? Pass.

A vanity C section? Lol. I’ve had both a vaginal and a scheduled C section birth, and you clearly have no clue what you are taking about. There’s nothing vain about your guts getting rummaged around in like a suitcase while your arms are strapped down on a table and you are trying to vomit and not choke while flat on your back with an IV and heart monitors on you. Nothing at all. Both ways of birth are hard and painful but in very different ways.

That said, I far preferred a scheduled C than getting my pelvic floor shredded and dealing with permanent incontinence from my vaginal birth, so there’s that. I certainly wish I had had known the real permanent downsides of a vaginal birth and could have chosen to have two “vanity” C-sections, as you call them, which have less impact on the pelvic floor. Maybe then I’d be able to chase after my kids without peeing myself every time. I don’t wish that on anyone and support anyone’s choice to a C section since they and only they have to live with the permanent consequences of their choice.

Thank you for this. I wish I had seen it before my own delivery (and wish I had been offered this magic 38-week c section while also being provided with information around the permanent pelvic floor damage that can result after a vaginal delivery!)

[Anonymous]

Bloom is great!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to stick with CWC try out Dr. Safran, he's incredibly nice and a great doc

Dr. Safran doesn’t do OB care at CWC, only GYN.