Which is the best hospital to deliver at? And, which is the best doctor to use?

[Johnna Edwards]

Hi ladies! I was wondering if you all could give me some feedback about your experiences at the big DCH and Northport DCH. How was the overall atmosphere, the nurses helpfulness / attitudes, etc??

I am wanting to find the best place of these two for when I have my baby.

I will want a unmedicated hospital delivery. This means I will want the ability to walk the hall, and not have to come back every five minutes for monitoring (seeing as everything is moving as it should and am low risk). I do not want a doctor who will try to attempt to pressure me into early induction, and will be fine with me going over my due date by a couple of days (maybe even a week). I dont want a doctor who will try to pressure me / or often tends to use unnecessary interventions.
 
Do any of you have suggestions for a doctor you REALLY REALLY liked, who was caring, concerned, and who was really good at what he did AND who respected (so long as safe) what YOU wanted from your delivery?

Please fill me in on any obgyn's that you have used or possibly a friend used that are more inclined to let things progress naturally without doctor/ nurse intervention.

Thanks so much lasies!

[Christina Boyd]

Thank all of you so much!  I was really stressed when we found out that we might have to switch from Brookwood; my heart was really set on it because of all the wonderful things I've heard.  Everything y'all have told me makes me feel better.  I really appreciate everyone's input & congratulations.  Thanks again, & congratulations to y'all who are pregnant as well!

[Lydia]

The big differences between Northport and DCH is that Northport is a smaller Women's center and is easily accessible for visitors. At Northport you'll labor and deliver in the same room that you'll be staying in the entire time, which is pretty nice and large. At DCH you labor and deliver in one room, which is also large, and then get moved to a different room after you have your baby.

 

The normal postpartum rooms at the "big" DCH are really small. But, if you pay an extra $60 and there is availability, you can get a "suite" which is actually a two-room postpartum room. One room has the hospital bed, TV and a couple chairs and rocking chair, then there is a "living room" type room with a sofa that the dads can sleep on, a couple other chairs, TV and table. Also, the NICU is at the big DCH, so if your child might need that it is something else to consider.

 

Otherwise, DCH and Northport are run by the same healthsystem. Both are DCH - just one is larger than the other.

 

I've given birth twice at the big DCH. Dr. Kim Ray is my OBGYN and I love her. She has held my hand and been there with me when we discovered in an ultrasound that our baby's heartbeat had stopped early on. She celebrated with me through my two successful pregnancies and she was one of the first people to call and check on us after the tornado hit our neighborhood because she knew where I live. I can't say enough good things about her. For me, it's comforting having a young female doctor who is a mom herself. She goes above and beyond and I never felt pressured for medical interventions. (I for the most part labored naturally.)

 

If you do deliver at DCH, I highly recommend requesting a suite. Well worth the extra money. It was super spacious and the nurses were great. Also, I recommend bringing your own birthing ball if you plan to go natural and ask for intermittent monitoring. Dr. Madden delivered my first and Dr. Harbin delivered my second and everyone was super supportive of my wants as far as labor was concerned.

[Christina Boyd]

Awesome information, Lydia!  Thanks so much!  One question - I'm assuming the extra $60 for the suite is per day rather than a one-time fee, am I right?  I'm quite impressed that Dr. Ray called to check on you after the tornado!  That speaks volumes for her care!

[Lydia]

I thought it was $60 per day, but we were only billed $60 for the entire hospital stay. (I gave birth at the end of July this year.) Our insurance ended up covering part of that, even. So, I guess it's a one time thing?

 

And yes, Dr. Ray is awesome. One of my favorite doctors ever.

[Christina Boyd]

Awesome!  Thanks again!  I really do appreciate everyone's help!

[Jessica Tuggle]

Hi,

Congrats! I just wanted to let you know that we have a La Leche League that meets here in Tuscaloosa that provides breastfeeding support and information. You can find us on Facebook LLL Tuscaloosa or you can call me. Jessie Tuggle 410-1934

 

[Christina Boyd]

This excites me, Jessica!  I've heard nothing but great things about LLL!  Thanks so much, espcially for your personal number.  I'll definitely be putting your expertise to use, Lord willing.  Thanks again!

[Daniy]

I swear by Dr. Karl Harbin.. ( Parlow Harbin and Poist OBGYN. They are in the DCH towers. He only delivers at DCH Regional Medical Center. I LOVE him. I have been with him for several years now.. fallowing a quack doc. Harbin is wonderful. He makes you feel very comfortable. He has a great outlook and he is HONEST... he will not give you false hope. ( I went through a miscarriage with him.. and he was wonderful.) He helped me to get my health where it needed to be.. and I am now 13 weeks and doing great. I loved that he talked about the baby as OUR baby... he makes himself part of the expirence.. because the doctor is so important... he realizes that. He made my husband feel so welcomed... and he made sure my husband didn't have questions or concerns. He is just a awesome guy. I highly recommend him!