[jeanne]

Hello,

I just moved to the UES from upstate NY. I'm over 7 months pregnant and I need to find an OB or Midwife (or a practice with both) ASAP. This is my second delivery. I would like to deliver at Lenox Hill b/c it is close to my apartment or the Birthing Center at St. Lukes.

My first delivery went VERY FAST -- 2.5 hours including 20 minutes of transition and 20 minutes of pushing. I did my first birth completely naturally, no pain medications or epidural. My only dissatisfaction was that I was having back labor and I had to push on my back with my legs over my head -- PAINFUL!!

I have no risk factors and would love to deliver this baby in a position more comfortable for me.

I love this website and forum and I'm looking forward to taking classes and meeting some of the wonderful people who teach and post here.

Thank you for your help! I would feel much better if I got a good recommendation before choosing my provideer.

Regards,
Jeanne

[Deb]

Hi Jeanne

Congratulations on your second baby and welcome to New York! So, to be honest, 29 weeks along may be tough to find a doctor or midwife. Make sure you tell the receptionist that you just moved to the area and that you are now looking for a care provider. Most doctors and midwives do not take women past 26 weeks. First, if you want a natural birth with the option to push your baby out in any position you find effective and beneficial and not be restricted to birthing on your back, I would avoid Lenox Hill. The are rather conservative with their birthing practices.

As a doula, I have attended many births at St. Luke's/Roosevelt and feel they are the most supportive of natural birth.

Here are my suggestions for care providers:

Sylvie Blaustein (midwife)
Georgia Rose (midwife)
Dr. Gae Rodke - she does the birth center.
Dr. Lily Wong (does not do birth center- but very supportive of natural birth)
Dr. Harry Lee (my doctor! great with patients and very supportive of natural birth)
Dr. Katherine Bradley- I haven;t worked with her in a while- but used to do birth center, not sure if she still does.

If you need to stay on the UES, Dr. Alane Brownstein at Cornell hospital is very supportive to natural births. I have worked with her several times and think she is great!

Hope this helps and good luck!

Be well,
Deb
Director of the Prenatal Yoga Center

[jeanne]

Thank you so much for your advice Deb! I look forward to meeting you. I will try to get a hold of these doctors/midwives ASAP. Thanks so much for you help!

Regards,
Jeanne