St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital?

I found my doctor first, and she was affiliated with St. Luke's Roosevelt. In asking around, it seemed to me like it was one of the better hospitals in NYC for delivery, especially for the postpartum recovery. We were happy with it. I thought all the doctors were very professional and nice, and I was with a practice that was very open to natural child birth, so I didn't feel like I would be forced into a c-section. Also, it's not one of the hospitals that will give your kid formula even if you tell them not too; they respect breast feeding.

One thing to be aware of is that they don't have lactation consultants perse, but all nurses are trained in helping new mothers breast feed. But there's a wide range in quality of nurses. I had one terrific one who really helped me with the breast feeding; and then I had another one who was probably legally blind trying to deal with a catheter. We finally asked the 2nd one to go get help if she couldn't see what she was doing, and I wish I had asked her that from the moment she was struggling, but I was too focused on being polite. Now I know, when you are in the hospital and in pain, no need to worry that you are being rude if you ask an incompetent person to get help.

Here's the negatives I noticed. First, a nurse was trying to force me at 7am, 9 hours after delivery, to consent to a Hep-B shot for my baby, because she didn't have my paperwork from my doctor that I was negative for Hep-B. (I had gone into labor 3 weeks early.) She was really overbearing, and I think I was only able to resist her because I'm quite bossy myself. I convinced her we could wait until 10am when the doc's office would fax it. So best to get your paperwork in asap, or maybe after you get that blood test at 20 weeks or so that says your negative for all the bad stuff, request a copy and put it in your purse. My reluctance to do Help-B was that I'd rather wait until he's 4 or 5, kids with wheat allergies can have severe reactions and you have no idea if your newborn has a wheat allergy, and I was also worried because he was 3 weeks premature. I couldn't believe this nurse was pushing this so strongly, as if I didn't know that I was negative for Hep-B.

The second thing, which is an issue for some couples, is they want to go where there's a great NICU (newborn intensive care unit) in case something goes wrong, and I think Columbia Presbyterian and one other hospital (maybe Mt. Sinai?) have the reputation for having the best NICUs in NYC. I didn't consider quality of the NICU in making a decision, because I just wasn't worried about that. Maybe if I had a higher risk pregnancy, I might have been.

Hi J.,

I delivered both of my boys at St Lukes Roosevelt. My OB is Samantha Feder if you want to check her out (she's great!).

I agree with Tracey and her review. Be very clear about what you want in terms of care for your baby, because the nurses can be pushy. With my first, he didn't latch right away, and the nurses made me feel like he was going to starve if he didn't get a bottle. Stand your ground! I think these issues stem from the fact that they don't have a lactation consultant. They also like to push to put the baby in the nursery. I wanted my baby with me the whole time. Again, stand your ground.

With respect to the birthing center, it IS great, but you should know that in order to use it, the person delivering your baby has to be with you for your entire labor. Both of my births were natural, but I delivered both times in regular L&D, because it just wasn't logistically feasible for Dr Feder to be with me the whole time. I've also heard that they kick you out pretty quickly after the baby is born, which may be ok with you.

Just FYI, while the birthing center does have big tubs for you to labor in, I'm pretty sure you will not be permitted to have the baby in the tub. At least that's what I was told when I took the tour before having my first, 3+ years ago. Maybe things have changed since then...

Also, I don't know how it is at the other hospitals in NYC, but in order to get your own room after delivery, you have to pay for it at SLR. I got lucky my second time around, and there weren't a lot of women delivering when I did, so I ended up in a "semi-private" room (meaning shared and not really private at all :-) ) all to myself. The private rooms are $850 (which should be covered by your FSA, if you have one). You get better food, and your husband/partner can room in with you if you want, etc. There are some nice perks, but at a hefty price tag.

Good luck!!!

Hi. Was wondering if you did end up giving birth at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital and did you use the birth center? If so, how much did it cost approximately?

Thanks.

St. Luke's has a brand new state of the art Birthing Center. It is extremely popular and worth taking a look at. It all depends on what type of birth you want. I know that they are fully equipped for water births......

It is also a great hospital.

Hi J.,
Good choice in hospitals, especially if you are interested in the birthing center option they offer for a more homey experience. Both of my children were born at St. Lukes. I found an amazing midwife, who has since moved out of state, for the purpose of getting to use their wonderful birthing center and to be provided as natural a birth as possible. I felt especially comforted knowing that only steps away, in case of any complications, we had access to the best medical care and a highly reputed ICU. We were very well cared for through the births of both my children. The birth of my first needed to be induced, which was not my choice, but the best option according to my midwife. This turned out very well, with the help of my amazing doula and midwife who were aware of my desire to continue without anesthesia. I was nervous about having to be in a more clinical setting than offered in the birthing center, but it turned out much better than I expected. After the births, so many people came to help afterward with caring for our baby and showing me how to nurse. With my second, the birthing center was a dream. Good luck, and if you are interested, you should take a tour of the birthing center!