Natural Birth Experiences at Centegra, Good Shepherd or Sherman

[cmschn]

Hello Everyone,

I live in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs, close to Crystal Lake.  I am actually just starting to try to get pregnant, but I am very into research (I'm kind of crazy).  My reading has led me to want a more natural birth in a place where I can move around, be fairly unmedicated, and bond with my newborn ASAP.  Right now, I'm trying to decide if I should switch to a different OB/GYN or CNM so that I can go to a hospital that would respect my preferences. 

Would anyone be willing to share her experiences with attempting a more natural delivery at any of the following hospitals?:

-Centegra Hospitals - Woodstock or McHenry

-Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington

-Sherman Hospital in Elgin

I know I can contact these hospitals to find out their exact policies.  But I think personal experiences are important too.  I'm not looking for hospital bashing or anything like that, just honest information.  I greatly appreciate any insights you might have.  If you have recommendations of CNMs or OB/GYNs who are more supportive of natural birth, feel free to share those too.

Thank you very much!

PS If I stay with my current OB/GYN I will be going to Good Shepherd.

[Eyelet]

I don't have personal experience with either of those hospitals, but to the best of my knowledge only Centegra McHenry have CNM's on staff. 

Here is the doctor office in McHenry with the midwives: http://stankevychobgyn.com/mchenry-il-gynecologist-our-staff.htm

[cmschn]

Thanks for that link.  I'm very interested in learning more about that practice.

[flg mama]

Hi there!  I'm a doula and I went to birth at Sherman last year.  I have only been there once but it was a great experience and Kathy M. Boerner was the midwife and there was also a fantastic nurse there name Renee.  The mother I was working with wanted a natural birth and the nurse was very helpful, one of the best nurses I have ever encountered.  She encouraged the mother to use the shower and used a little telemetry unit to check the baby periodically while the mother labored there.  She had such a positive and comforting way about her.  She was very well versed in comfort measures, I felt like the mother I was with really relaxed in her presence and I learned so much from her too!  The midwife was great also, very kind, cheerful, patient and relaxed.  My client felt safe with her and proud when she gave birth naturally to her beautiful baby girl. 

Hope you find just what you are looking for!  I think it is wonderful that you are doing your research ahead of time, the setting and provider have such an effect on how your birth plays out. 

[cmschn]

Wow, thank you very much for that information. I'm glad to hear that there was a nurse that was on board and that the mom was able to have a great experience.  I really appreciate your time!  From your information and from reading about Sherman's no-separation policy, I am starting to get good vibes from that hospital.  Thanks again!

[DoulaSam]

Sherman is a nice hospital if you have a good provider. I did an 8 week nursing clinical on their L&D floor and some of the providers are great and others were all about the interventions. Good Shepherd has a very high c/s rate and is not known for it's natural births at all. 

[cmschn]

DoulaSam, thanks for the info.  Makes sense that experiences would differ by provider. 

[SamiPolizzi]

I gave birth at Centegra in Woodstock and I had an absolutely awful experience. I never wanted to see my OB (or, honestly, any OB) again after that, so I now see Kathy Boerner (http://www.swhs-obgyn.com/swhs-midwives.htm) for my well woman care and I love her. I believe she delivers at Sherman, but I'm not positive.