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"Phobia" of Doctors, Now I need an OB/GYN
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Anonymous
| Earlier this year I almost passed away after a mistake during elective surgery by a trusted doctor. Now I'm pregnant and I very afraid of going to a doctor. I've put off seeing an OB/GYN because of this fear but I know I need to go soon. So what I'm asking for is suggestions for the most competent, experienced, smart OB who is also very nice. Please send suggestions. Thank you. |
Anonymous
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I'm sorry to hear about your previous experience -- that sounds incredibly scary. Have you thought about a midwife? Assuming yours is a normal pregnancy (and most are), this might be a higher-touch, lower-stress option.
Regardless of who you choose, please get your prenatal care started ASAP. You and your baby will be better for it. |
Anonymous
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I just went to my first visit at Arlington Women's Center (they are located in the Virginia Hospital Center and that is where they deliver). I am seeing the midwife Karen King and I really liked her.
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Anonymous
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I'm so sorry about your experience. That sounds terrifying. I also had a very bad doctor experience - my baby was delivered by a barely-competent OB/GYN at a well-known DC practice who, I discovered later, was not board-certified. (For those who are wondering, the doctor has since left the group and no longer practices obstetrics). I searched hard for an experienced doctor who would understand my traumatic experience and understand my fears about becoming pregnant again, and started seeing Dr. Nancy Sanders at Women OBGYN Physicians. She has been wonderful. I have not delivered with her yet (perhaps some others on this board can comment), but my experience so far is that she is kind, empathetic, and an excellent listener. I would highly recommend her, especially after a bad previous experience, because she is very understanding and sensitive. Best of luck. |
Anonymous
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I was very concerned about my first pregnancy becoming too "medicalized," and ended up giving birth with the midwives at Birthcare. They didn't push any unwanted tests or procedures on me and kept me an informed partner in my care. I just had a checkup there today (I'm 12 weeks w/ #2) and was reminded how much they respect women and our bodies.
Congrats, and best of luck! |
Anonymous
I'm curious. By any chance was this ob-gyn delivering at Sibley and part of a large, often talked about practice here on DCUM? If so, sounds like the person who may have delivered my first... |
Anonymous
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I'd also recommend that you look into midwifery options in the area. I am seeing Whitney Pinger, a CNM who delivers at Washington Hospital Center, and am thrilled with her care. You might consider hiring a doula for additional support and reassurance. Whitney's apprentice is also a doula.
Best wishes for a healthy birth! |
Anonymous
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OP, where do you live and what hospitals are you considering? That will help everyone make suggestions.
It sounds like you might be a good candidate for using a doula and maybe get some counseling too--I know one friend who had a horrible medical experience like you did ended up being treated for post-traumatic stress a couple of years later. Best of luck with your pregnancy. |
Anonymous
Yes - I delivered at Sibley and the doctor was part of a large, DC-based practice. There are lots of great doctors at this practice, but she was, unluckily, on duty for my delivery. She actually shouted for help at one point. I had PPD and PTSD afterwards. I was rather shocked to learn that she wasn't board-certified...does this sound like your experience? |
Anonymous
| try Malcom DeSouza. He is very laid-back and kind. He's also a solo practioner who spends quite a bit of time with patients and is very soothing. I had a great experience delivering with him. his back-up, dr. footer, is also very nice. |
Anonymous
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You are likely going to need to visit several doctors in order to find one that is sensitive to your needs. I would suggest couseling as well, starting asap.
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Anonymous
I second this option. I've been pleasantly surprised that the midwives don't find it necessary to get "in your business" at every opportunity - I only had one gyn-type appointment so far (I'm 6 months). It's nice not to feel like a medical experiment. |
Anonymous
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I also recommend the midwife option. I went to Birthcare for both of my pregnancies. The competency, respect, careful attention, respect, encouragement....did I mention respect?...that the midwives have for women and the birthing process is nothing short of phenomenal.
Birthcare is simply outstanding. They have a long waiting list though so if you are too far into your pregnancy you might not get in. If you are early in your pregnancy you should call right away for a consultation, to see if they might be a good fit. www.birthcare.org. Whitney Pinger, the midwife at Washington Hospital Center is also amazing. |
Anonymous
| To the PP seeing Dr. Sanders: She delivered my son in May. And she's wonderful. But be aware that it's possible that Dr. Schaeffel might be the one on call when you go into labor, though, and make sure you schedule some prenatal visits with her as well. She was my main OB, and is fantastic as well. |
Anonymous
So sorry about what happened to you. How awful. I see Footer, but went into labor on a weekend when DeSouza was covering. Both are great and you will find a lot of positive comments on each if you check the archives. In your case, I would strongly consider going with a solo practitioner (and meeting his/her backup) to give you the opportunity to develop a relationship over the next several months. You will stand a much higher chance of having this trusted doctor attend to you when you are in labor. There are so many stories on DCUM (and even on this thread) of patients in large practices who love some doctors but not others, and it probably adds a lot of anxiety as you approach delivery about who would be on call when it matters. I have also heard good things about Brendan Burke, but no personal experience. |