[niminy]

Hello all, my family and I are moving to Medford from Ann Arbor, Michigan in about 6 weeks. We have a 2 1/2 year son and I am due this Thanksgiving with our 2nd child. Both my pregnancies have had complications so I am looking for a good obstetrician. I also would like to find a good family doctor and/or pediatrician, and a child-friendly family dentist. We do extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping and would like a family doctor or pediatrician who supports those choices.

I am willing to travel to Reading, Woburn, Melrose, Malden, Winchester, Stoneham, and Wakefield. Can anyone please share with me some names either that you recommend or DON'T recommend? I have gotten 2 ob's names: Dr. Monteiro in Malden and Dr. Judith Carpentier in Reading...anyone ever seen them? Can anyone who's given birth at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital or Winchester Hospital share whether they'd repeat that experience? Thanks in advance!

Melanie

 

[alybeans]

Welcome to town!! I live in Melrose. Dr. Carpenter actually delivered DD at Winchester Hospital, although she wasn't my OB, she just happened to be on call when I went in to labor (it was a holiday weekend.) She seemed very nice. My goal was to go au naturale but I did end up getting an epidural at the very end. She and the hospital staff were all very supportive of my desire to go natural and they never pushed any meds on me at all. I can honestly say the decision was mine (although I definitely regret it!) The only thing I was disappointed in was that Dr. Carpenter insisted I needed an episiotomy so I gave in and consented. While I was in labor the nurses all raved about her and insisted that she was far less likely to push for interventions than most. Over all I really did like her and considered switching to her for next time (although I've decided to go to a birth center instead). She seemed to know a lot about BFing as well, she gave me some tips for my cracked nips while she was discharging me

Winchester Hospital

has a MUCH better reputation than Melrose-Wakefield. They are 1 of 2 hospitals in the state to win some award based on employee satisfaction. All the nurses I know have told me that it is a better hospital. The nurses and LC's were all great and very supportive of me BFing. The LC helped me get Aly latched on correctly. The nurses brought me a pump when Aly would only take one breast so I could pump the other (they eventually helped me get her to take both.) They never tried to give her a bottle or pacifier, etc. I would definitely go back there had I not decided I'd rather go to a birth center next time.

I don't have any recommendations for peds (as I don't totally love ours, yet don't hate him either) and my dentist is in Peabody which is pretty far from you.

I hope that helps a bit. If you have any other questions let me know. I'd be happy to help. Good Luck with the move!

 

[SingingMama]

Welcome! I just wanted to respond to your post, because I live in Arlington, just down the road from Medford. Also, I was born in Michigan and grew up in Ohio. I like our pediatrician so far, but she is new to us so I'm not sure I want to recommend her just yet (she is supportive of co-sleeping and extended breastfeeding, we're still getting to know her though). You can PM me if you want more info about her. We're probably going to be switching dentists, so I definitely don't want to recommend him. I hope that you have an uneventful move, and like your new place in Medford!

 

[niminy]

Thanks, Vicki and SingingMama, for your responses! Maybe once we move there we can meet in person. I am excited and hopeful to meet some friendly like-minded moms in the area.

I welcome other input and feedback from other moms in the area.

Regards
Melanie

 

[alybeans]

No problem. I'd love to meet once you get settled. I've been going to an AP playgroup in Somerville which is right near Medford, if you'd like to check it out let me know once you get here.

 

[abranger]

my whole family sees dr roy berkowitz-shelton at davis square family practice in someville. i coudl go on and on but if you search this tribe you will be many recommendations for him. we are no vax and still nursing and co-sleeping with our 2.5 yo dd.