Anonymous wrote:Second rec for the GW OBs. I wanted a midwife but was too high risk. Some of their OBs are fairly similar to midwives in some respects. I was happy and am going with them again.

Third - I have had normal pregnancies but they were so supportive of my initial wanting a natural birth I basically had to beg them for an epidural. And during the process you will likely see midwives as well as doctors.

Anonymous wrote:Physicians and Midwives has at least 2 locations in Alexandria. I like them, but they are probably not as "crunchy" as other midwifery practices, I guess.

I would definitely NOT recommend them for a high risk pregnancy. My last pregnancy turned high risk in the third trimester, and I was transferred to the OBs with no notice. I literally walked in for an appointment I had scheduled with a midwife, and nurse let me know that I was now seeing Dr. X instead. I was not very happy with my care overall, especially after the OB switch, although I will say that two of the midwives I saw during my eventual induction were amazing. However, both of the midwives I loved have moved to GW now.

I'm in my second pregnancy now, which is high risk from the beginning, and I'm seeing the GW OBs. I've been very happy with them so far. I also live in Alexandria, but work in Arlington and travel to GW has been easy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or you could just go with an OB group who supports vaginal delivery, like GW. I was not high risk, had a textbook pregnancy, and ended up getting transferred from midwife to OB care in the middle of my labor. It was not a good experience but I was grateful they took over and delivered DD safely. That said, transitioning care in the middle of labor was really stressful as I realized my trusted midwives could not help me and were at the end of their scope. I will only use an OB next time and since you are high risk I don't know why you wouldn't as well.

I had a similar situation with the Arlington Womens Center midwives, though I ended up very happy with the care decisions I made in conjunction with both my midwife and the OB I had never met before who stepped in to deliver DD when the complications arose. I now see that OB for everything, love her, and if I ever have another kid will try to have her at the delivery. If midwifery care is not an option for you, AWC's OBs, like GW's, are very supportive of low-intervention, unmedicated vaginal births, VBACS, etc.

Interesting. My high risk, but controlled and otherwise easy pregnancy turned into pre-e and a complicated, scary delivery. The WHC OB's came in, but the Midwives stayed also, so both were there when I finally delivered. I don't know if my care was officially transferred to the OB's, but I'd imagine it was since the midwives wouldn't have called them in unless the situation was beyond their scope. These stories make me even more grateful for the WHC midwives.

I agree about the GW OB's though. I have heard nothing but good things about them, and would consider them if my high risk condition worsened to where I couldn't use the WHC midwives again.

Third for GW OBs.

Anonymous wrote:Or you could just go with an OB group who supports vaginal delivery, like GW. I was not high risk, had a textbook pregnancy, and ended up getting transferred from midwife to OB care in the middle of my labor. It was not a good experience but I was grateful they took over and delivered DD safely. That said, transitioning care in the middle of labor was really stressful as I realized my trusted midwives could not help me and were at the end of their scope. I will only use an OB next time and since you are high risk I don't know why you wouldn't as well.

I had a similar situation with the Arlington Womens Center midwives, though I ended up very happy with the care decisions I made in conjunction with both my midwife and the OB I had never met before who stepped in to deliver DD when the complications arose. I now see that OB for everything, love her, and if I ever have another kid will try to have her at the delivery. If midwifery care is not an option for you, AWC's OBs, like GW's, are very supportive of low-intervention, unmedicated vaginal births, VBACS, etc.

Second rec for the GW OBs. I wanted a midwife but was too high risk. Some of their OBs are fairly similar to midwives in some respects. I was happy and am going with them again.

WHC is definitely more risk-friendly than some, but they wouldn't take me (well-managed chronic hypertension). I think you'll just have to call a few practices and see what they say about your specific situation.

Or you could just go with an OB group who supports vaginal delivery, like GW. I was not high risk, had a textbook pregnancy, and ended up getting transferred from midwife to OB care in the middle of my labor. It was not a good experience but I was grateful they took over and delivered DD safely. That said, transitioning care in the middle of labor was really stressful as I realized my trusted midwives could not help me and were at the end of their scope. I will only use an OB next time and since you are high risk I don't know why you wouldn't as well.

Possibly Midwifery Care Associates-worth asking.

WHC midwives don't take type 1 diabetics

I also would like to know about midwifery practices that work with high risk patients and support natural vaginal deliveries. I have Type 1 diabetes and this has proved difficult thus far.

Physicians and Midwives has at least 2 locations in Alexandria. I like them, but they are probably not as "crunchy" as other midwifery practices, I guess.

The Arlington Womens Center midwives take high risk patients! You would get your care from them in conjunction with the VHC MFM practice for ultrasounds, NSTs, etc as necessary, but the midwives would still be your primary caregivers and would deliver you. That should be pretty close to home for you! I had a great experience with them, though my technically "high-risk" GD was very uncomplicated.

Hmm, I was high risk and had a great experience with the WHC Midwives, but that may be too far for you.

Three years ago in a different state we welcome our DC into the world with the help of midwives and an OB standing by, after a high risk pregnancy (IUGR). We have moved to Alexandria, and I am now in the very early stages of my next pregnancy. I am 37 and have already experienced at 5 weeks some bleeding, which was watched at a recent ER visit and discharged with "threatened miscarriage" but still hopeful that we will be "ok". Forgive the TMI!

Even though I was high risk the last time, we had great midwives who carefully monitored me and baby and avoided a lot of intervention. I'd love to find a practice like that in Alexandria, if possible. Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer!