Desperate for Advice on Midwives/OBGYNs Around Columbus

I saw Dr. Russ with North East OBGYN and was totally happy. He was the only doctor I ever saw in the practice and he delivered both my babies. My chart was always full of notes. He was very good at looking at the overall heath of my pregnancy. His office even has a Nutritionist on staff. This was very handy when I was diagnosed with Gestation Diabetes. He was very supportive of the choices I made. ###-###-#### They took my Military Ins. It can be hard to find practices who do. I will warn you... he does have an odd sense of humor but I always fully trusted in the care he provided.

I recomend Scotio Obgyn I have a doctor Dr Ruederick he is so wonderful I can't tell you enough about him. I lost my first baby after I had him at 28 weeks and he was in the nicu for almost 1 month before he passed. I am 23 weeks pregnant with a little girl. I would go to that practice if you can they are in Dublin. If you want the number I highly recomend them:)

Ok I had mine twins at ST Ann's and the doctors there are great They take caresource in the clinic You should ask for PAT Dodge or Doctor Kington they were my doctors with my babies Even if you are this far you still need to be seen here is the phone number to call ###-###-#### the hours are 7 to 3 mon thur fri closed weekends and holidays PLease let me know If I can help any more

I can recommend Stoneridge OBGYN. I went there for both my pregnancies, and they were very thorough and professional. I did have a few long waits, unfortunately, I think that is unavoidable, but it wasn't every time.

If you do want to try a natural birth, I recommend contacting a doula, and asking her for advice of what physicians in town are the most supportive of that.

Good luck with everything.

I have two children and each experience was different. The first, I was in care of Professionals for Women's Health until about 32 weeks when I switched to someone else (midwife Barb Poole who is no longer in practice-but she practiced with PAt Dodge who I also liked and with Dr. __ man's name escaping me___, who I didn't care for.) The story: At that time, Pfor WH was a little smaller than they are now with "only" 3 docs and 5 nurse-midwives. I too wanted to go natural. We took our birth class through CHOICE, the home birth place, knowing that they would have the most information about natural birth. As I started discussing my ideal birth with PWH, I was feeling like they were not offering support for a natural birth. I made sure I saw each midwife at least once, since they could not say who would be on call when I went into labor (I felt very little connection to most of them). I had also hired a doula through CHOICE, which they didn't like. Ultimately, I left the practice because I just didn't feel supported in my choice for a natural birth. So few of their clients had any interest in it. They also had a high c-section rate. I had a wonderful birth with my midwife and doula.

Less than two years later, my second child was on the way and Barb Poole had left the practice, Pat Dodge was only doing daytime births at St. Anns and my doula was moving out of the country. I went to Dr. Ionna Kanaletsis, who was CHOICE's backup doctor. I was happy with my care, which was minimal (though she did test urine at every visit and I sometimes had to wait a long time, since she has a solo practice.) She was VERY supportive of a natural birth, especially after she got to know me and my personallity (calm, not apt to freak out). I think a high percentage of her clients choose natural. You should know however, that her personality is not for everyone. She is not particularly warm (though since then, she has had a child of her own, so that may have helped) and definitely not a nurturing, hold-your-hand-and-cry-with-you type. She worked very well with my doula (Barb Koeler and Beth Rapatch were working as a team at the time--I loved them both. Check the DONA list for Barb's number).

I should also mention that I had both children at Grant Hospital. I had heard horror stories about Riverside and natural birth--like nurses making fun of mothers in the hallway! The staff at Grant was wonderful--I did make sure to tell them in my pre-admission tour that I was planning on a natural birth so they could assign a nurse familiar with that. They were also kind to my doula. My second child, I labored in their tub.

Congratulations on your decision to go natural. It is a very empowering feeling! Yes, it is difficult and yes, it hurts, but so worth it. Practice prenatal yoga if you are able. Yoga on High has a wonderful class for this. The most helpful comment for me was that "when your throat is relaxed and open, it triggers your pelvic floor as well". For me, I vocalized (chanted--I know that sounds weird and it is not for everyone) during contractions to keep my throat relaxed. It really worked to give me something to focus on. Also, think and say outloud "loose and open" for EVERY contraction. Don't fight the pain, breathe your way through it and imagine your birth canal expanding to let the baby pass through. Ok, I'm off on a tangent now.

I'm passionate about this subject and wish you all the best. Let us know what happens.

PS. I think the website is birtHworkers.com -- another person may have misspelled it

pps. I've heard great things about Kathy Mitchell, who does home births. CHOICE is more expensive, but they have bartering options.

S.,
I have an 8 month old and my doctor is in the Kingsdale OBGYN practice. They have offices in Upper Arlington and Powell. I always saw her at my appointments and no one else. I did have an epidural, so I don't know how they feel about "natural births." But she always took time with me and answered all my questions. I did have to wait for some appointments, but usually not longer than 30 min. I didn't mind, b/c I really like her. Not sure if they take CareSource?? They deliver at Riverside and OSU.
Hope this helps!
C.

I do see the red flags. I definitely feel for you. When i was pregnant with my last child, my family dr. decided that she was going to drop her "baby patients" due to insurance costs. I was 5mo into my pregnancy and had to find a new Dr. I was in tears for quite awhile to say the least. The bond that i had built with her was irreplaceable. You do mention that you never see the same dr. and that seems very odd to me. I can imagine that if your choice dr. is busy in delivery the day of your appt., you may get the dr. on call, but you are just a number at the practice it seems.

I saw Dr. D'Angelo out of her Dublin practice (not sure what her practice is called) and she was very down to earth and was willing to listen. As for your choice to give ____@____.com's...I had my 2 kids there as well. My 1st born was before the new addition and back when it was a small and friendly hospital. I wasn't treated like a number. I chose to then have my son there as well, and was very disappointed. I was initially impressed with the new addition and the whole idea of "newness", but in reality, the baby wing had doubled and consequently, I did not receive great care. I have heard that the new hospital in Dublin is now open if that is an option with your insurance and such. Just a thought.

I do hope you have luck in finding a Dr. that has better bed-side manor. Trust your gut...if something doesn't feel right about the situation, change it!

I saw Dr David Reudrich at Scioto Ob-Gyn in Dublin. I really liked him--he was planning on delivering my son, but was running down the hall to my delivery room when baby was born instead, no one expected him to come so fast!

I drove 1 and 1/2 hours to see this Doc.

Hi S., I have 2 kids and I had both of them naturally with the care of midwives and doulas. My daughter was born in columbus at home with a fantastic midwife, kathy Mitchell. It's your delivery you can have it the way you want, it's your choice as long as you are in no danger or not endangering the life of you baby. kathy (the midwife) is great and would not mind taking this late, and she has deliver at St Ann. I will send you her info privately. i'm reluctant to do so here because I have not talked to you her and will not do that without her knowledge or permission.
Good luck with everything.

I go to PW Health and I love it! I know what you mean though about seeing different docs everytime. When you schedule your next appt. You'll have to ask to be scheduled with a doc you like. My favorite was Tiffany M. she's a nurse midwife and always made me feel comfortable. I always felt like she had plenty of time to talk to me and answer my questions. My favorite office is the one in Westerville. If you get an early morning appt you won't have to wait as long (I was usually only there a total of 20-30 min). As far as who delivers your baby depends on what day you go into labor. They are all on call different days. Carol O. (another nurse midwife)delivered my baby and while I had never met her before she was really nice and I liked her alot. If you really like someone ask about being induced on a day that they are on call. I spoke with Tiffany about being induced and she was really supportive. If the doc you were reffering to about the epidural was Hackett he was that way with me to. I just made sure I never scheduled another appt with him... Hope this helps a little. Good Luck!!!

I have had 3 children and have always had urine tests at each and every appointment. It's a must to make sure there is no protein in your urine, which can become a major problem. Also, I see the same doctor at each and every appt. and they have very detailed charts. That said, I think you need to find a new dr ASAP.

I go to Assciates in Central OH Obstetrics and Gynocology. They have 3 locations--Dublin, Westerville and somewhere on the east side, i think.
I see Dr. Karen D'Angelo. She is fantastic! Very willing to listen. I've delivered all 3 times at St. Ann's and loved it, also.
On a side note, I've heard terrible stories about Riverside. One of my best friends labored in a wheelchair in the hallway for 45 minutes before she was moved and had to deliver on an entirely different floor due to overcrowding!!! 2 people in my Lamaze class had their babies there and both said they'd never do it again.
If they have so much business, I feel like i can un-burden them and go somewhere else. :)

Good Luck in whatever you choose.

I too see how you would be concerned, and above all if you are getting that red flag feeling inside then that should tell you you are not comfortable which could make you uneasy for your delivery. Depedning on where you are in columbus I absolutely love Northeast ObGyn, I have an 10 month old and see Dr. Elizabeth Sabol. It is a small practive 3 males and one female, I know others who have seen all of the docs there and have heard great stuff. they do go to st. ann's if you are concerned about hosptial. i had my son at st. ann's and work as a casual on the nursery floor and it was a great experience, the docs there are great.

If you are in more UA area i have heard good things about Kingsdale, I use to go there when i lived closer to that area and saw dr. kimberly shepard for a short period of time.

Good luck and just remember your intuition means alot and you most certainly need to feel comfortable with the facility.

And they need to definately be checking your urine! (for protein levels)

Hi S....

I had great care but I went with Women Physicians In OB/GYN. Unfortunately they are based out of Riverside. I never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes to get into an appointment and I always saw my doctor at the visits. You never know who you are going to get to deliver your child though if you happen to go into labor during the night or on a weekend -- it would just be whoever is on call. I had my baby on the 4th of July and fortunately my doctor was on call. I had a great experience.

I have 4 children and have delivered 3 of them naturally. The last one (born in November) is the only one born in Ohio. We delivered at Riverside Methodist Hospital and my nurse was FABULOUS! She listened and respected everything that we said. We told her that we have fast births so she sent up everything that was needed before even doing the paperwork. My OB is from Women Physicans in OB/GYN. She was really great and never questioned when I said I wanted to do natural. She was very aware of what and where I was with my pregnancy and, even though she didn't deliver the other babies, was aware of my history with them too. I have heard great things about the other Drs in this office too. As a side note, they did a urine check at every visit, with every child. I don't know anything about Caresource but would definitely recommend calling Women Physicians in OB/GYN to see if they accept it.

Eeekk, call a doula (look at www.birtworkers.com) to get a list of "natural friendly" docs in the area. No one should be disrespected for their choices; whether they want an epidural or don't.

I never write in on these things but I had to respond to your message. That practice sounds horrible!! I would leave there as soon as I could-it is not too late! I gave birth naturally with both of my kids. I took natural childbirth classes from CHOICE-they are in Clintonville on High Street. These classes are a very important step in going through with a natural childbirth-it's pretty hard to do without the right mental tools. I also had a doula who was there at both births (in the hospital) who was a support for me and my husband and made sure my wishes were followed. I understand that money is tight for you but just call CHOICE and tell them what is going on with you and I am sure they can give you advice, at the very least. My OB was skeptical of my ability to go through with natural childbirth, simply because it was my first, but he was also very supportive. His name is John Paraskos and his office is near Riverside which is where I delivered. I cannot say enough positive things about Riverside and my experiences there. I also have a lot of friends who LOVE Dr. Carol Greco. I am not sure where her office is. Anyway, good luck to you-I hope you leave that terrible practice-your health and your baby's health are at stake, and that is all that matters!

Hi S.,

I'm so sorry to hear that you've had this awful care! Also, I'm proud of you for planning to go all natural.
Which PWH do you go to? They have an office in Dublin, and that's where I went for my last pregnancy (my daughter is now 13 months) and I LOVED it there!! I ALWAYS took a urine test when I went in (sometimes inconvenient when having to drag a 1 y/o in the bathroom with me to pee lol!), and the nurses there were always friendly and personable... they knew me by name and we all got along well. All of the midwives were open to go all natural (most of these midwives should be the same that you're seeing, though, b/c I know that they travel between the office in Dublin and Upper Arlington...which I went there once and didn't care for it in UA!) I think I saw the Dr. there once or twice and he was very nice and supportive.
I delivered at Riverside, with the midwife "Carol O'Connor" and I couldn't have wished for anything better! She did everything to help me go all natural (which is what we did!) and she even did little 'manuevers' to allow my baby to come out smoother and faster; she gave my husband and I ideas on how to get more comfortable and was so supportive!
I know that you don't have a choice for who you'll have deliver your baby since you go w/ whoever is oncall, but most of the midwives were great (I tried to schedule w/ a different one at each appt. so I could know each of them.)

Maybe try going to the Dublin office if you dont' already, but remember that no matter what happens, this is YOUR baby and YOUR pregnancy and no one can make you get an epidural or anything...keep strong!

Blessings,
Renee

I have never heard anything good about Professionals for Women's Health. I highly recommend Dr. Jennifer Papp. Although I didn't go natural, I had a birth plan that wasn't entirely conventional and she had no problem with it at all; in fact went over every detail with me. I never felt rushed and she did a urine test each visit. (It's to detect protein in the urine which can be a sign of problems) If she's in your plan, I'd check her out.

Dr. Ionna Kanelitsas is another good Dr.

Wow! I go to PWH as well (have for years, through 3 pregnancies, including one high risk) and have never had the issues you describe. I've always received great care there. The staff has always been polite, and I know they always taken blood work and urine samples consistently. Which office to you go to? I usually go to the Westerville one. As far as I know, you should be able to request the same doctor for your check ups. I don't know which doctor you spoke with about your birth plan - I know that Dr. Hackett comes across very business like. He delivered our first son. Dr. Wurst delivered our 2nd and she was great. I started seeing Dr. Brian Kelly during my last pregnancy (the high risk one), and he has always been wonderfully supportive and sensitive. We lost our third son at 3 1/2 months of age due to heart defects, and he called us almost immediately after seeing the notice in the newspaper.
I agree that it's frustrating not knowing who will be on call when you go into labor. The IV thing I think has more to do with the hospital than the OB. I've heard that St. Ann's is very pro IV and epidural. I've had all my boys at Riverside, and they are a bit more flexible about this things. I was able to get a "lock" on my IV so the needle was in place, but I wasn't actually hooked up to anything. I never had an epidural either, except for my 3rd, which was a c-section.
Stick to your guns about the type of birth you want, and don't let them push you into anything. Besides, the actual OB usually doesn't get there until it's time to push anyway!! So write out that birth plan and give it to the nurses when you get there.
Get in to see Dr. Kelly - he is great. Or ask for an appointment with the midwife. I can't remember her name at the moment, but I've seen her many time too and she is great. I'm sorry you have had such a negative experience there!