My OB has been my gyne for years, but at my first OB appt I found out the practice does not work with CNMs. I really want to work with a midwife. Does anyone in the city of Chicago have a great CNM/OB team that they can recommend?
I think the CNM/OB team is the way to go. Wonderful docs and midwives at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group. They are in the 680 N. Lakeshore Dr. building near Prentice Women's Hospital.
I recently delivered at Prentice and had the most wonderful experience. I couldn't believe how wonderful all the nurses were. They were so supportive of breastfeeding (I had a really hard time). They were very encouraging.
Where in Chicago are you? Just so you know.... all you need is a midwife... they have backup OBs (for the rare need for one).
My top pick for midwives in the chicago area are the west suburban midwife associates in Oak Park.
There is also a great group in the Evanston area.
Good for you to want a midwife. I think you will be VERY happy with midwifery. Much more attentive and they spend so much more time with you.
Congrats on the pregnancy! 2 is really fun
I use the Nurse Midwifery practice at Swedish Covenant Hospital(at California and Foster). I'm very happy with them. I received prenatal care there for my first child and am now back with them for my second. It's a group of 5 midwives--some I like better than others, but overall it's a good group. My one complaint is that I often have to wait 30 min. or so to get in for my appointment but I chalk it up to the fact that they spend time with you and don't rush you in and out.
West Suburban Midwives (Gayle, Julie and Hillary) in Oak Park are *great*. There you can also deliver in the alternative birthing center if you like. UIC also has a great group of midwives - let me know if you want some specific names. I'm delivering there next month. NMPG has a group of midwives but they deliver at Prentice which may or may not appeal to you. (I personally don't like the "baby factory" feel and all of the medicalization that goes along with it, but with 12,000 births/year lots of women clearly think it's fine :) )
Another strong vote for nmpg @ 680 n LSD -- all three of my children were born with them. Carol Hirshfeld is the best.
