Which INOVA hospital is better for delivery- Fairfax or Fair Oaks

[klin]

Hi! I just moved to Fairfax and am trying to decide which INOVA hospital to deliver at. Both Fairfax and Fair Oaks are close to me, but I am not familiar with either one. Plus, INOVA hospitals are not offering maternity tours during the flu season. The online photo tours and info available on the INOVA website aren't very helpful. I'm due at the end of Jan. and need to make a decision quickly. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I don't know about Fair Oaks, but my understanding is that it is fairly new - I went there for my NT test at 12w.

Fairfax: is where I will be delivering - some people think it is like a "baby factory" and probably they are right, but it is not something I am caring about. It is the best hospital to be with your baby has complications.

[klin]

Thanks so far for the quick responses! The more feedback I get the more of an informed decision I'll be able to make. Keep them coming please!

[Anonymous]

Unless you are expecting a baby that needs a high level NICU Fair Oaks is the way to go. I will be delivering there in December and I'm looking forward to the quieter more laid back atmosphere. Many of the doctors alternate between the two so you will in no way recieve inferior care at Fair Oaks. Fairfax is a ton busier and has well earned it's great reputation. Baby factory and all.

[klin]

Seems like Fair Oaks is getting the most votes here. Only problem is that the only recommendation for a female OBGYN I've gotten is for a Dr. Terry Allen, who delivers only at Fairfax. Any recommendations for a female OBGYN who delivers at Fair Oaks???

[Anonymous]

my practice is Hodges, Zaita, and Chin. Hodges is a male but all 3 are wonderful. I thought I would be more comfortable with a female too until I had an appt with Hodges. He will change your mind! But even so you could stick with the other two if you prefer. This practice is great. I've never waited a long time and Hodges has been on Washingtonians List of top docs more than once, I believe. It's called Fair Ridge OBGYN. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I delivered at Fairfax. The nurses were extremely nice. The room I got was bright and large. I was very satisfied.

[Anonymous]

There is NOTHING wrong with Fairfax. It is a "baby factory" b/c they have a very experienced NICU there. If your baby has any problems requiring a lot of care, it will be sent to Fairfax.

Fair Oaks is smaller, all rooms private, food better. But, I have to say, while I was in the hospital, none of that really mattered. I had a private room, sure (at Fairfax) but I as fixated on my baby, healing and going home.

[Anonymous]

klin wrote:Seems like Fair Oaks is getting the most votes here. Only problem is that the only recommendation for a female OBGYN I've gotten is for a Dr. Terry Allen, who delivers only at Fairfax. Any recommendations for a female OBGYN who delivers at Fair Oaks???

I delivered both of my children naturally at Fair Oaks. The nurses were great and so was my doctor. I told them I didn't want any drugs and they respected that. Nobody badgered me about it or made me question our decision.

Plus I declined pain medication during post partem. Again, the nurses were respectful of that and didn't bother me again.

Check out Fairfax OB/Gyn - the office is literally in the next building and is attached to the hospital (my doctor literally ran over when I was giving birth). The practice havs two midwives (very awesome) and 2 female doctors.

[Anonymous]

I recently delivered at Fairfax and overall was very pleased. As mentioned, this is the place to be should there be complications as the NICU is top notch. The nurses were absolutely outstanding, as was the rest of the staff. I'd heard about the high volume ("baby factory"), but I felt that they made it a very personal experience and were aware that they are competing with other hospitals for "customers." I felt most comforable delivering at Fairfax in case anything went wrong (and my practice only delivers at Fairfax). The main downside is that the facility is older. Although it has been renovated and it looks nice, the rooms are infernos in the summer. I think you can't go wrong between the two hospitals. When I did my maternity tour earlier in the year, there happened to be two women I heard talking who said that they both delivered previously at Fair Oaks and were coming to Fairfax because they didn't like their experience there. I think it really depends on the nurses who happen to be scheduled where you're there.

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts about or experiences at Reston Hospital?

[Anonymous]

I read that Reston Hospital has the highest c-section rate in the area. Also, they have a ban on doulas.

I guess it all depends on the kind of experience you want.

[Anonymous]

I wasn't "expecting" a high-risk delivery but had one and I am SO glad that I was at Fairfax! My DS was in the NICU for two days and I asked my OB (who also delivers at Fair Oaks) what would have happened had I had the baby there. He said, "they would have flown him to Fairax." I am sure that would have worked-out ok but I am terribly appreciative that I didn't have to deal with any of that.

[Anonymous]

A family member recently had a baby at VHC who required a higher level of care and the baby was simply transferred to INOVA Fairfax. Personally, I would go with Fair Oaks based on friends' experiences.

[Anonymous]

I am new to the area, and I delivered at Fairfax because of all the rage about Fairfax Hospital. I was so disappointed in the treatment to both me and my baby. I guess coming from another part of the USA ( Texas), I just expected way too much. It was not a pleasant experience for any of us. I would choose Fair Oaks next time or even a hospital out of state for that matter. I would rathe not share what all happened to me and my baby.