childbirth facilities/experiences in Columbus OH?

Blanca78 · 11-07-2009, 08:22 PM

Hi there,
I'm pregnant with my first, due in July, and am relatively new to the Columbus, OH area. I was very disappointed to find that there are apparently no freestanding birth centers in the Columbus area. I'm not yet convinced a home birth is for me, but I've found very little information about what it is actually like to have a baby at any of the regional hospitals. As far as I can tell, my insurance will only cover delivery at OSU Medical Center or Stoneridge WOmen's Health Center in Dublin. Does anyone know anything about what the delivery experience might be like here? I found one review online that was very negative.

If it does not appear that I will be able to have the minimal intervention, mother-centric birth experience I desire, and there are no other options, I will consider a homebirth over the medical center, but I want to find out more before I make my final decision. Since I'm new to this pregnancy/birth thing, I just don't quite understand how it all works!

Any input is much appreciated! Thanks!

khaoskat · 11-08-2009, 11:14 AM

Check out CHOICES in columbus, oh.

They have a website if you google their name.

I have heard good things about OSU, especially from the ICAN list and VBAC hopefuls.

Blanca78 · 11-08-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaoskat

Check out CHOICES in columbus, oh.

They have a website if you google their name.

I have heard good things about OSU, especially from the ICAN list and VBAC hopefuls.

Thanks, that's a relief--the one review I found online was horrific, so I was really freaking out. I liked what Riverside showed on their maternity website, but I don't think my insurance covers delivery there.

I did find the CHOICES website and it looks like a really neat organization. I left them a message about setting up an appointment but I haven't heard back yet.

Thanks for the input!

ASusan · 11-09-2009, 04:01 PM

I delivered at Riverside with a doula. It wasn't horrific, but it wasn't mother-centric, either. They are a baby factory, and delivering without drugs, epi, interventions, is extremely rare. Anything you do that deviates from their typical procedures or "policy" will have to be pre-approved by your OB, and continually reinforced by you or your DH or doula.

I was told by one doula that we interviewed that Grant medical center is the best if you want a natural birth at a hospital in Columbus, based on her experience.

chrisseye · 11-12-2009, 02:12 PM

Hi there,
I delivered at OSU Medicial Center in January 2008, and my doctor practices at Stoneridge OBGYN. Back then, I was not exactly on the natural birth bandwagon, though I did intend to give it a shot if at all possible. I arrived at the hospital kind of late in the game, so there was actually no time for any interventions -- they didn't exactly have the opportunity to insist otherwise! I had a completely natural, un-medicated birth. I can't say what it would have been like if I'd been in the delivery room longer than 1/2 hour! But my experience with both the hospital and OBGYN was positive, and we received excellent care. So from that aspect, you're in good hands! I think if you are firm in what you want/don't want, you'll be fine. I just don't recommend being wishy-washy about it, because they'll walk all over you.

Blanca78 · 11-14-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisseye

Hi there,
I delivered at OSU Medicial Center in January 2008, and my doctor practices at Stoneridge OBGYN. Back then, I was not exactly on the natural birth bandwagon, though I did intend to give it a shot if at all possible. I arrived at the hospital kind of late in the game, so there was actually no time for any interventions -- they didn't exactly have the opportunity to insist otherwise! I had a completely natural, un-medicated birth. I can't say what it would have been like if I'd been in the delivery room longer than 1/2 hour! But my experience with both the hospital and OBGYN was positive, and we received excellent care. So from that aspect, you're in good hands! I think if you are firm in what you want/don't want, you'll be fine. I just don't recommend being wishy-washy about it, because they'll walk all over you.

Thanks, Chrisseye--that's very reassuring. I also read somewhere that the head of OB-GYN at OSU Med Center led a study on the safety of VBAC, which makes me think they may be open to low-intervention births.

khaoskat · 11-15-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blanca78

Thanks, Chrisseye--that's very reassuring. I also read somewhere that the head of OB-GYN at OSU Med Center led a study on the safety of VBAC, which makes me think they may be open to low-intervention births.

You are talking about Dr. Landon, and his research is not just on VBAC, but also VAMC (VBAC after multiple C/S - meaning a VBAC after having 2 or 3 or sometimes even more C/Ss).

You can check out the Columbus Ohio ICAN chapter on yahoogroups. They are a lot of people on it with a lot of information about the local hospitals and physicians there.

But many people in Columbus do travel to Dayton Ohio to use Family Beginnings (those who have not had a c/s that is) and want a Natural Birth in a Birth Center.

foxylittlemama · 11-17-2009, 02:21 PM

Have you checked with any of the gals on Columbus AP Village? They are a wealth of information on all things natural in Columbus area.

Blanca78 · 11-17-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxylittlemama

Have you checked with any of the gals on Columbus AP Village? They are a wealth of information on all things natural in Columbus area.

No, is that a Mothering group? Or a separate discussion group? Thanks for the tip!

**Geofizz** · 11-17-2009, 08:38 PM

Blanca, check out Dr. Hammett up in Delaware. He'd deliver at the hospital there, but OSU insurance covers it.

foxylittlemama · Yesterday, 12:27 PM

It's a website for attachment parenting in the Columbus area. They host playdates and other functions and are a great sounding board for asking questions about natural parenting. Just type Columbus AP Village in a browser and it should come up!