I'm 8 weeks with my first and I just moved to Astoria. Can anyone recommend a good midwife and female OB/GYN who is compassionate to natural birth? I'm also looking for a comfortable birthing center within a hospital. Thanks very much.
I recommend St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital birthing rooms. They have 3 birthing rooms that are very non-medical in appearance. The nursing staff is wonderful. I had both my boys there, even though I live on the Lower East Side. They are located around 58th St/10th Ave, so it's out of my way. But I liked their facility, since we no longer have a free-standing birth center in NYC.
The midwifery group I used recently "retired" their business, but I'm sure you can find midwives who are allowed to deliver at SLR hospital, by contacting the SLR Birthing Center.
- greta
Its a little of a hike for you, but I cannot recommend them enough....I'm planning a natural birth at the St.Lukes/Roosevelt Birthing Center with Dr. Margarita Olivares/Dr. Brandley/Dr. Rhee. They run a great OB-GYN practice across from the Time Warner Center and Columbus Circle. For a midwife resources and for WONDERFUL classes, I've found Realbirth on 9th Ave at 49th extremely helpful.
I don't know of any, but I can recommend my doula who can definitely help you find what you need. Her name is Alecia Scharback and you can reach her at [email protected].
I agree that St. Luke's birthing center is the way to go.
As far as Dr. Rhee's practice I recommend Dr. Olivares, first and foremost. Just know that if you fall into certain risk categories, one of which is having a large baby you may not be allowed to give birth at the birthing center.
You might be better with a midwife. Dr. Olivares is the best Dr. in Dr. Rhee's practice.
Well… it seems like there’s a consensus. My sister-in-law’s friends also recommend midwives associated with St. Luke’s/Roosevelt. I will check out your referrals. Thanks so much for your help.