Thoughts on Midwives at Special Beginnings (particularly as relates to delivering at AAMC)?

[Calladona]

Ok, I finally finally have my insurance/midwife issues worked out.  Kathy Slone is not an option for me after all, but in the end, I think I'm ok with that.  Driving up to Baltimore was pushing my comfort zone since I've had some quicker labors...  Close by gives me some comfort level.

Anyway, so my options are limited to the midwives up at Howard County or the midwives at Special Beginnings (delivering at AAMC because I'm a VBAC).  I just have a better feeling about the ladies (and man!) at Special Beginnings so that's where I've opted for now.

Anyway, looking to hear the good and the bad.  I'd like to feel prepared all around.  Keep in mind I cannot even labor at the birth center because of being a VBAC, so I'll only be down there for checkups.  Oh, also how are they about bringing children along to appointments?  I forgot to ask when I was on the phone and now I wonder if I should try and get childcare - at least for my first appointment?

Oh and particularly if anyone has any comments relevant to how they manage things in third stage/post birth, I'd like to hear that as well.  I'm particularly hoping for a hands off third stage - no pit, no cytotec, no pulling the cord, no aggressive massage - of course unless I start bleeding profusely.

[otheramerica]

I loved my experience at SB. I had my second there after having my first at GBMC. David was my MW and I was pleased with how things turned out.  My DS had difficulty breathing about 40 min after birth and was an emergency transfer to the NICU at AAMC.  David made the decision quickly and without hesitation to call the ambulance. They had oxygen right in the room and put him on it as soon as they realized he was having problems. The ambulance came from the firehouse right next door so it took maybe 10 min from the time they called until DS2 arrived at AAMC.  He was there 7 days, and a MW from SB was there visiting us each day of his stay. I felt very cared for and supported. 

I had some heavy bleeding so I was given pitocin and had uterine massage but was told first that it would be happening and why. They were not at all aggressive with stage 3. They put DS2 on my chest immediately and let the cord stop pulsing before it was cut. The only time he was taken from me was for my stitches, and then my husband held him. My only complaint about SB was that they let the intern MW do my stitches for a 2nd degree tear (torn right where my epis. from my first was) so things are a little off center down there now. DS2's heart rate dropped at the end so I had to push quickly and without them using the oil or warm washclothes. If I had more time I might not have torn. David was not warm and fuzzy, but I felt safe/supported the entire birth. I sort of lost it in transition and he was very take charge but not in a mean way. He just told me what was going on with DS's HR and then told me what he needed me to do to keep the baby safe. 

I took my oldest to almost all of my appt and it was never a problem. They have some toys in the waiting room and in each room where they see patients. The only time it was a challenge was when they sent me upstairs to do a check in a birthing room because a woman was close to giving birth and the MW didn't want to come downstairs. Luckily I had packed snacks and books so I kept him occupied with those. 

I think you will really like your experience with them. I would go back without hesitation if I get pregnant again. 

[KatyLinda]

My 2nd was supposed to be born at the Bay Area Birth Center, but when we arrived in labor and discovered she was breech we were transferred to AAMC.  My first was born at Howard County.  Based on my dealings with the nursing staff at both places, AAMC would get my vote.  Feel free to PM me if you want more details.  

[Calladona]

Thanks guys!  I had my first visit there and was happy with how it went - well, aside from my kids, but that couldn't be helped. LOL  Anyway, I talked with them about post-birth procedures and really liked what I heard.  Looking forward to my next appointment in a month!

[jessicaq]

I had my son vbac with special beginnings at AAMC in Dec. I would highly recommend them. I had a VERY long labor but they were very helpful and although they sent me home from the hospital a few times before admitting me, I was annoyed at the time because I had been in labor for awhile but not dialiting, it was the best decision as I was a successful vbac.

[micah_mae_]

I don't know which midwives are still there but I've only heard bad about one and she's also the one I had a bad experience with, if you want to know more you can PM me I think it's against the rules to post negative reviews.

[mamalex23]

I recently delivered with SB at AAMC and have some positive, and a negative review of the experience that I will share privately if you wish. Best of luck.