Question about Physicians and Midwives in Alex

[Anonymous]

Hi,
In response to a question I posed earlier about finding a practice that can be more empathetic towards my fears of medical procedures/pain, I made an appointment with Physicians and Midwives in Alexandria. The appointment was made with the midwife Catherine. Has anyone heard anything about her? I saw one negative comment on this forum. I am so nervous going to this appt. as is. I would like the first practitioner I meet there to be somewhat warm and receptive to my questions. Thanks for any input.

[Anonymous]

I saw Catherine early on in my pregnancy. She answered all of my questions and didn't make me feel rushed. She also called me about a question that I had (as she had promised to do) - the same day. Overall, my experience with her was just fine.

I had heard that there are midwives and doctors at the practice that you will click with and ones that you might not click with as much. It's hard to say until you start meeting them, but I haven't had issue with any of them thus far. BTW - if it helps, my hope is to go natural also.

[Anonymous]

I had a few appointments with Catherine and she was the midwife on call during my first delivery. I found her to be very warm and I think she will be responsive to your concerns. But I do agree that you will click with some of the midwives/OBs and not with the others. The midwives are usually "warmer" and spend more time with you during the appointments and will address all of your questions (some are actually disappointed that I don't have more questions at a visit!). The OBs are usually faster and some are on the cold side (don't even look at you during your appointment because they have their head buried in your chart the entire time). The OBs that I really like are Dr. Ken Adhoot and Dr. Denise Cunningham. Gina & Karen are great midwives as well.

[Anonymous]

Catherine is wonderful. She is very warm, but also very matter of fact. Don't be intimidated by her or the practice. I had a high risk pregnancy and was sent to the hospital on two separate occasions for monitoring. Catherine happened to be on call both times. She was also there the night I went into labor. I had a very positive experience with the practice. Loved Catherine, Sue (who delivered my son), and Patrice. Also really liked Dr. Cunningham. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I am at 15 weeks with my first baby and also had concerns about P&M--the collaborative system, midwives vs. doctors, etc. My first appointment was with midwife, Sarah Pinkman. She was very warm but seemed a bit flaky and didn't so much put my concerns to rest. Since then I've seen my own doctor (Cunningham--who I love) and Sue Magenheimer, who was very nice. I've not met Catherine yet. I've decided that the PP's comment is correct--that you will click with some staff members more than others. I checked out all the staff photos on the website (which i think is a nice idea since, although it's not fair to judge a book by its cover, it gives you some sense of who these people are) and I decided to try and meet all those who appealed to me and who got good reviews from people i know. Once I form my own opinions I may or may not narrow my spectrum of caregivers as time goes on. I know I won't have a much of a choice as far as delivery but that is a short time compared to the consistency of care during my pregnancy so I've decided to focus on that. I plan to try and surround myself with people I like and whose advice and care I trust. I've decided to try to relax and trust the professionals rather than be anxious about it. I hope your appointment with Catherine goes well and that you continue to find others at the practice that you're comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE Catherine. I had my very first OB appointment with her, and I would estimate that she spent 45 minutes with me. I went in with a list of questions and we discussed every single one and she, of course, gave me information that I didn't think to ask. Catherine also delivered my second child--a delivery that followed a very long induction process. She is just the type of person I needed in the delivery room--she tells it like it is without being at all mean or condescending.

I don't recall disliking any of the midwives (though I am not sure I saw all of the ones that are newer to the practice). Sue delivered my first child--very tough delivery. Patrice is one of my favorites as well. I also like most of the doctors, especially Drs. Cunningham and Bowers. I was not as big a fan of Drs. Rambhala or Giammittorio...but that might just be a generational thing. I'm sure they are very experienced and competent. I can't recommend that pratice enough; I have had 100% positive experiences with them.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the previous posters that didn't have much nice to say about Catherine. I guess we just didn't "click", I found her very cold and matter of fact. I avoided her like the plague ! As far as docs go,I really like Dr Kankasuan, Dr Cunningham, Dr G and Dr. Bowers. I only liked two of the midwives,Gina and Karen.