Your Opinion on Maternity Wards.

I don't live in the area and can't provide a review on this hospital. But it is worth keeping in mind that different things are important to different people. To me, a low cesarean rate and the ability to constantly room with my child to establish breastfeeding and bonding are the most important things (it seems that this latter issue is taken seriously at JH). Because these things are important to me, I will probably do a home birth next month.

Here are the c-section rates for hospitals in MD:

http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/2010/3/28/maryland-ce...

Not sure if this helps, but, I found that finding the right person/group to deliver was more important than the hospital. If you trust your Dr./Midwife then the hospital will not be that important.

My first was born at GWU hospital in D.C. and I do NOT recommend it. It was a very medical model hospital when it came to birth, and they thought I was nuts to want to go natural. I nearly ended up with a C-Section, due to the poor nursing during the overnight staff (and her neglecting to push IV fluids before my epidural).

Good luck with your decision and congratulations!
jessica

I am not from this area, so I can not help too much, however I was able to visit the hospital I went to and meet the staff see the rooms and pretty much everything before I made my choice. If you are not sure where to start ask your OBGYN and they should be able to help get you in contact with the people who arrange the tours.
Tip: if you feel something is fake or wrong it probably is.

I would highly recommend Howard County General hospital, which is part of the Hopkins network. I delivered both of my kids there with the midwives at Esposito, Mayer, Hogan and associates. Really great hospital, no complaints whatsoever.

My son was born at Hopkins Bayview campus and I do NOT recommend it. They are a high-risk L&D so they treat everyone high reisk, even if they aren't. My postpartum room was tiny, hot and there was no way for my husband to spend the night with us there.

Congratulations on your upcoming baby!
I had wonderful experiences with both my children (ages almost 4 and 6 months) at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson. The nurses in Labor and Delivery were great and the entire staff on the Mother/Baby Unit was outstanding! I ended up with an unexpected c-section with my first and then had a planned c-section with my second so I was in the hospital a bit longer than if I had delivered vaginally and I had such amazing care! I have volunteered and worked in a variety of hospitals and have never encountered a better group of nurses than I did on the third floor of St. Joes! (By better I mean they were caring, supportive, understanding, took time to explain things, helpful, quick to respond to my needs, knowledgeable about their work, and genuinely happy.) I had an extremely positive birthing and post-partum experience and would highly recommend St. Joseph Medical Center.
I have also had many friends deliver at GBMC and they were very happy with their experiences as well.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and I wish you a speedy, healthy delivery!

I would reccomend homebirth. Research has proven that it is safer and healthier for you and your baby to stay at home.

Lisa