[melissavcl]

For various medical reasons, I may have no choice but to have a repeat C-section with my 2nd pregnancy. I had a very difficult C-sec with my first. I have since spoken with one mama who had a similar experience as I did, with her first (with the same Dr. as I had), but she had a much better experience with her second (with a different surgeon). This has lead me to wonder if the doctor has an effect on the c-section "experience".<br><br>
All that to say, has anyone out there had an okay (meaning, not too traumatic) c-section with a South Jersey doctor at a decent hospital in other ways? My friend's Dr. only has privileges at Underwood, and I've heard not-great things about that hospital in general and specifically their postpartum care. My first was born at a hospital that had amazingly wonderful postpartum care, very supportive of BFing, rooming in, private room, etc. but it looks like I'd have to use the same Dr. as I had the first time, in order to have a C-section there. And that hospital doesn't allow VBAC at all, so even if I were miraculously able to try VBAC, I wouldn't be at that hospital anyway.<br><br>
I guess I should specify that my C-sec was traumatic physically as well as emotionally. During the "close", for example, which took 30-40 minutes, I felt waaaaayy more than I now think I should have (after talking to other C-sec mamas). I'm sure that the experience is different for everyone based on their pain tolerance, etc. but like I said, I'm beginning to wonder if it would be "better" with a different doctor.

 

[jen528]

I'm not sure where you are located in SJ, but I had 2 c-sections with Dr. DeLuca at Pinelands OB/GYN and both were amazing. The first was after 25 hours of labor and the second was scheduled because I am unable to have vaginal births. She is kind, caring, warm and AMAZING. My husband was able to hold the babies right as they were born and he brought them up to me so I could kiss them and snuggle (well my head and neck could snuggle) them while I was closed up. Dr. Agar assisted with both c-sections as well. She is also an amazing doc. They deliever at Virtua Memorial and I loved that hospital. Great mother baby unit. Very nursing friendly and a LC comes around every day to check and make sure you are nursing ok.

 

[melissavcl]

Hi Jen!<br>
Thank you for your recommendation. She let the baby stay with you during the close? That's awesome! In what town is her office located? Looks like it might be Mount Holly, but I'm not sure. I'm in Gloucester County, so Mount Holly is not unreasonable.<br><br>
I'm a little confused about Virtua, because there are two. Which one is Virtua West (Voorhees)? Is that the same as Virtua Memorial? I have heard good things about the postpartum care at Virtua West, so I'm wondering if that's the same hospital you delivered at. Since my first was born at Elmer, I was a little spoiled in that area so I'm hoping I can find another hospital that is great in that way.<br><br>
Anyway, thanks again for your response!

 

[dlm194]

I asked some areas doulas this question a while ago for a mom in a similar situation. I got 2 recommendations - Dr Michelle Salvatore at Cooper and Dr Chen at Lourdes in Willingboro. Mom ultimately went with Dr Michelle Salvatore (I think she was closer). The doulas commented that those particular doctors were very nice and very respectful during the c-sections.<br><br>
I went to a hospital similar to Virtua (thousands of deliveries a year) and they handed our baby to my dh who held her for pictures, etc. Unless the baby has medical issues, most hospitals will do that. The real question is whether the hospital will bring the baby to you in recovery so that you can start nursing within the hour. There is no medical reason that a hospital cannot do this although most can't be bothered.<br><br>
I'd encourage you to call local hospitals and see which ones will be most accommodating. I have a friend that did that. The hospital practically rolled out the red carpet. She had called so many times, they knew exactly who she was! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[melissavcl]

Thanks, dlm. I remember seeing Michelle Salvatore on another thread, and I do have her on my list. I've also heard good things in general about Dr. Mama and Dr. Suarez who I believe are in the same practice as Salvatore.<br><br>
What do you hear about Cooper as far as postpartum care goes? I got a little spoiled in that area last time around (I had DD at Elmer). They were pretty quick to get her to me in recovery (not quite an hour, but under 2), but i only saw her for a few seconds in the operating room. There were no medical issues for the baby, i think that's just how they do it there unless you ask for something different. There are a lot of things i'll be asking for this time, now that i know what to ask for! But afterwards i'd like to be in a place where i'm supported in my wishes to keep the baby with me as much as i want to, etc.<br><br>
I think distance-wise Cooper or Virtua are better for me than Lourdes.<br><br>
I guess i'm also wondering about surgical skill...i'm having a hard time putting this into words, because i really don't know if what i felt physically was typical or not. But if it's not, then i am wondering if a different doctor would make a difference.

 

[dlm194]

Oh gosh, I'm not sure about post partum care at Cooper. I didn't have my babies there. I just asked about the c-section in general. I have no doubt that surgical and anesthesiologist skill have a lot to do with how your c-section goes.<br><br>
You can't plan a c-section at Elmer with a different doctor? I know they don't do VBACs there but I thought they would do repeat c-sections.<br><br>
Also have you tried going to local LLL or Holistic Moms meetings? Those can be great places to get the inside scoop on area hospitals. I'd suggest ICAN but there is no local group.

 

[melissavcl]

Nope, apparently there is only one doctor doing planned C-sections at Elmer, and it's the doctor I had for my first.<br><br>
Anyway, thanks for the ideas and suggestions, dlm! I appreciate it!

 

[Green mama]

I had a high risk preg and saw Garden State OB/GYN in Voorhees, delivered at Virtua Voorhees as well. Very large practice, they have a website, on staff: OB's, Nurse Practitioners and a Midwife. I really liked them and my delivering dr (Stieghtner) was amazing during a very high risk delivery (transfusions required).<br>
I was very happy with the practice and hospital.