Delivery at fairfax - Drs Berry, Silas, Maddox, etc

[Anonymous]

I went to NOVA OBGYN because I thought the Drs seemed good and because, when I called, they told me they delivered at Fairfax. In general, I am comfortable with the practice. That said, I was taken aback when Dr Berry told me I had a good chance of having to go to Fair Oaks. He said if I was under 30 weeks at delivery I would likely go to Fairfax and over 30 weeks, I would likely go to Fair Oaks. Of course, I want to deliver at Fairfax because I want a good NICU on standby.

I asked the front desk about percentages of Fair Oaks vs Fairfax and they said the Drs rarely deliver at Fair Oakes. So now I am confused. Have any of you gone to Fair Oaks with them?

I feel in a tough spot - I like the practice, but not the uncertaintly about where I would deliver. I'm thinking of changing practices and would appreciate your thoughts if you have been to them.

Thank you -

[Anonymous]

I am a new patient there and feel the same way. What Dr. Maddox told me was (and I think I also read this in some of their literature) when you go into labor and you call the on call number, if a Dr. is already at Fair Oaks delivering someone else, for instance, they would tell you to go there. So you really would have NO idea until the moment you go to the hospital (unless you are induced or have a scheduled c-section). Did you receive the "Congratulations on Your Good News" sheet? I think that is where I read it (I'm at work otherwise I'd go check). I also was a little taken aback on that same sheet that indicated they share time with three other Drs, who might also deliver if they are on-call. I had never heard of the other practice before and there are, what, 5 Drs. at No. VA OB already?!

I will be interested to hear what other say....

[Anonymous]

Yes, I did read that on the "Congratulations on Your Good News" and Dr Berry also did say it would depend at where they are when I make the call that I am in labor.

The issue is that I only want Fairfax and Fair Oaks is sooo far away (in addition to not having the level- 4 NICU).

But since the nurses said almost everyone goes to Fairfax, I am trying to understand if they are just trying to manage expectations or if there is a very real chance I would not be at Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

I have two friends who delivered with this practice, both went to Fairfax.

[Anonymous]

I delivered DD at NOVA OBGYN, as have many friends. All of us delivered at Fairfax. Fair Oaks is a possibility, but I think Dr. Berry sometimes speaks off the cuff and can be a bit confusing. I loved all of the other doctors, but Dr. Berry is a little odd (although excellent doctor - saved my friend's life with an emergency c-section). As for the "other" practices, I ended up going into labor when one of the NOVA docs was ending the on-call shift. Doc stayed with me for several hours, but I told doc to go on ahead. The doc from the other practice was great. I really liked her, but you really spend 95% of your time with the labor nurses anyway, so the doc didn't really matter.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Delivered two children through the practive, both at Fairfax. With my second, my water broke and Dr. Berry was on-call - he had me go to Fairfax. Great experience with Drs. Silas and Berry, highly recommended.