Akron, Ohio Maternity Wards

I delivered my third at Akron City a year ago. I had delivered my first two at Wadsworth-Rittman a very small, community place and had had wonderful experiences. I was able to labor how ever I wanted - I was in charge of things. I was worried that when I went to a huge place like City, that would change. I had no need to worry! The nurses at City were awesome. They let me decide how I wanted things to go. They would offer suggestions, but didn't push their opinions on me. I could walk, use the ball, rock, use a tub, whatever I wanted to do. They didn't try to get me to use drugs. They actually encouraged me to go without them since that's what I wanted. I felt very comfortable and had a great delivery!

I have one piece of advice to give you no matter where you go. Since these are both big hospitals, there will be all kinds of medical students and residents there. If you don't tell the nurse otherwise, you'll have people in and out of your room all the time, making for a hectic feel. To have as much calm as possible, make sure you tell your nurse that you want only to see your midwife and your nurse. Obviously, if issues arise, you may not have a choice. I told my nurse this and had a peaceful, quiet birth with only my husband, the doc, and 1 nurse in the room.

Good luck as you pick and congratulations.

1 mom found this helpful

I delivered my first at City purely by accident - when my OB called to say we were on our way to General she was told they were full and closed and I had to go to City. It ended up being perfectly ok!! We had wonderful registration people. The nurses were awesome and totally respected my wishes. I had a doula and they checked in the beginning but as time went on and we had things handled they just let us be - as we requested. I loved the security measures both of the labor ward and the postpartum area. I have passed areas in General where anyone could have just walked into rooms with newborns in them. I just don't feel comfortable with General's infant security. I can't say enough about how wonderful the nurses were at City and even stopped by the next day to see our little one. I'm having a homebirth this time but would not hesitate to go back to City if I needed medical intervention.

I do agree with taking tours of both hospitals though. I never took a tour of City because we hadn't planned on going there. I would just be sure to ask about security measures to keep newborns safe at General.

1 mom found this helpful

I would ask for a tour of both hospitals and then decide. You can ask other people their opinions but everyone has their own opinions and expectations.

According to my 18 year old foster daughter (who delivered at General) "General's food is better, go there!" Oye.
My sister in law delivered twice at City. She liked it there too.
I think they are both good hospitals. I would wait until you tour both and then go with your gut!