Anyone Have a Midwife They LOVE That Delivers at St. Joes or Woodwinds?

M.,

I used Generations with my last two children. I agree, I didn't LOVE the midwives... actually - I loved 2 of them, but each time they both moved on to other practices before delivery. I did love the nurse in the office (Joanie), and loved that my visits were on time, kid friendly (I brought both my boys to all my appointments the last time around - ages 3 and 1 at the time), and the ultrasound technician (Kim) is fantastic.

But, even though I didn't find the homey relation ship I was hoping for, Mary was great during delivery. She delivered my son in the birthing tub at St. Joe's. I was totally freaked out after a long, drawn out and somewhat negative experience with my OB delivered first son and was really nervous about my labor... and, the ultrasound I had the morning I went into labor suggested my son was going to be a bigger baby - which freaked me out too (he was 9 lbs 7 oz!) Mary was a calm, steady help and talked me down multiple times when I said I wanted to get out of the tub, that I couldn't do it naturally, and get the epidural. I had a completely drug free waterbirth - which was exactly what I wanted.

Also, Penny was not my favorite midwife to see in the office, but she came in on her night off so that I could deliver my daughter at St. Joe's last year instead of going to St. Johns where Mary was already working with a Mom in labor. I thought that was going above and beyond the call of duty and really appreciated that. She was great while I was in labor, right beside me and helpful to the end.

I have heard REALLY good things about HCMC, so you might want to check them out. And, if you find a perfect midwife, that's great - and I totally understand wanting that... But, know that if you stick with Generations, you will probably have a very positive birth experience. AND, the nurses at St. Joe's are outstanding.

Jessica

I just delivered my second baby in early October, and had switched to Generations around my 28th week of pregnancy. The reason I switched was I figured in a small practice, it'd be easier to get to know the midwife who would be delivering my baby. After meeting all of them, I started requesting Ann, who I connected with best. Sometimes the receptionist seemed kind of annoyed by my requests (but that may have been the pregnancy hormones making me paranoid), but she always accommodated them. So if you don't feel like switching, don't be afraid to request the midwife you like best.

Otherwise, the Healtheast and HCMC midwives have meet and greets every couple months, so you could meet the midwives that way before you make a switch. Here's info for HCMC http://www.hcmc.org/midwives/midstaff.htm. For the Healtheast midwives, I think you need to call one of the clinics to get more information. I attended a Healtheast meet and greet last spring, and the midwives seemed really great.

Good luck on your search, and the rest of your pregnancy!

I think in order to deliver at one of those 2 hospitals, you need to be with the HealthEast midwife group. Yes, unfortunately there are about 14 midwifes, but you can continually see one for your prenatal visits, but there is about a 1 in 7 chance that she'll attend your birth. :( The ones I absolutely loved are Carrie Franzich (sp?), Brielle and Stephanie. Carrie was my main and I continue to see her for my annuals and such. Brielle took my dislike for another midwife very seriously and attended my 2nd birth (can compound on that later if you'ld like), and Stephanie is such an exhorter - she just makes you feel good. I know both Carrie and Stephanie practice clinics at the Woodwinds location, I'm not sure which clinic Brielle practices in. Good luck!

I was very happy with the care from the HealthEast midwives at the Macalester-Groveland clinic (they're moving to Grand Ave. in the next month or two - not sure what the new name will be.)

I saw all of them throughout my pregnancy, and I still see them now for my GYN care. I am most familiar with Julia and M. but also like Beth.

These midwives are all pro-waterbirth and practice at St. Joe's (and maybe Woodwinds and St. John's).

In my first pregnancy I saw the same midwife at every prenatal appointment, but had two complete strangers for the delivery. I understand the frustration with the rotation, but I preferred that to not knowing who I would get at the delivery.

I don't know where you live, but I (and many, many others) LOVE Fern Aspen who practices at Stillwater Medical Group and delivers at Lakeview Hospital. There are a few midwives with the clinic, and I've NEVER heard a bad thing about any of the midwives there! It's just a matter of taste I suppose. You pick a midwive and can see them exclusively for all visits (except ultrasound) and they try really hard to deliver you as well. Fern also specializes in water births. I've had 3 babies there, and been completely and totally thrilled with everything about them! Send me a message if you have any questions. The general clinic number is ###-###-#### if you're interested.

hi! check out www.childbirthcollective.org. they offer free classes and they are the source for doulas and midwives! i know they'd have great resources and we really enjoyed the classes!