Expecting Twins -- Looking for Understanding OB

Congrats R.!
What an awesome blessing.
I have been a labor and delivery RN for 14 yrs...still practice at a hospital in the North Shore, a childbirth educator for 11 yrs.
I would be more than happy to give you a recommendation for an OB/GYN in the area.
Working side by side with the OBs, I am able to witness their bedside manner, their judgement in the delivery room and "behind the scenes", and their surgical skills.

There are plenty of Obstetricians who combine safety and professionalism with a friendly and encouraging bedside manner. These OBs absolutely know that birth is very natural, and the less they mess with it, the better it is for everyone. They strive for a safe and satisfying birth experience. I know OBs and CNMs that would fit this category.
There are also CNMs that are not as flexible as you may wish. I love nurse midwives, but they are NOT all the same.

It is important to remember that with a twin pregnancy, you will be monitored more frequently throughout your pregnancy, just due to the different challenges a multiple pregnancy can bring. A friendly, encouraging Obstetrician (one with plenty of twin experience) would be my recommendation for you, vs. a CNM.

I would also recommend you take a prenatal class as soon as you can: one that covers
early pregnancy issues regarding a multiple pregnancy. This type of education will give you the tools to provide a "Healthy Womb" for your sweet babies to grow, as well as teach you what you should know throughout your twin pregnancy, what is normal and what is not.

Check out www.babyfeat.net

After a free in-home consultation, you will have a customized prenatal class designed just
for you and your twin pregnancy, along with continuing support. Your education is brought to your home, at times that are convenient to you.

Take Great Care!
K.
____@____.com

Congrats. I have 3 year old twins and a nearly 7 year old singleton. I honestly feel that twins are as much more fun as they are more work. Responding to the first post, most CNMs won't do a twin delivery as the possibility of complications requiring a C-section for baby b make it too risky for them. I had the midwives at Northwestern for my first pregnancy and birth and was sad when I learned they couldn't take my 2nd pregnancy. However, the docs in their practice were amazing and I never felt that I had compromised. Dr. Scott Moses (a twin dad) was my primary for the pregnancy and was really relaxed about our situation, didn't immediately assume we were high risk, kept us calm throughout and gave us a lot of space to enjoy our pregnancy and delivery. Good luck, enjoy the babies! ###-###-#### is their number and they're located at 680 N. Lake Shore Drive.

I just read your last post, and have to agree. I love Northwestern. My primary is Ann Starr, though Scott Moses delivered my first. You meet all of the doctors in the practice, and they are all really good. I went into preterm labor a few weeks ago, and once they stopped it and sent me home they were really relaxed in how they talked with me, and have been really encouraging. Every week I hold this baby in they all cheer me on. My PPO only covers 80% of their bill, however I wouldn't even think of switching docs to save the money. Im much more confident with them on my team. Another plus, the hospital is brand new as of October, and really nice. My hubby loves their food court. Congrats on Twins!

Congrats on your twins! How about a midwife? I think most of the CNM groups in the area will take twins, but having never had the experience myself, I can't say for sure. The whole philosophy of midwifery is that pregnancy and birth are normal and healthy and what your body was made to do. This sounds like the sort of attitude you want. And it is distinctly in contrast to the OB philosophy, which is that pregnancy is a medical condition that needs to be managed and is potentially dangerous at all times.

Hi R.- congratulations! I highly recommend my ob Dr. Regina Belmonte through Northwestern. I was 39 when I had my son (my one and only) which technically put me in the higher-risk arena. She never, in any way, made me feel high-risk, nervous, worried, etc. and was always informative and calming. I loved the other docters in the practice (you meet them all through the process) too. Dr. Roth (from the same practice) actually delivered my son so I can highly recommend her as well. Their office is located at 680 N. LSD in Chicago. Good luck!

Congratulations!!

I have heard great things about Dr. Hussey at Rush Pres. I know it's not north but...

Make sure that you take a good childbirth class (not a hospital class) and go to La Leche meetings.

There are also a lot of support groups out there for moms of multiples!!

R.:

congratulations.... you have gotten some great suggestions... try a family practice physician or a midwife.

look on the birthlink website- www.birthlink.com

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

Hi R.,

Congratulations on the twins!
I don't know how much experience my obstetrician has with twin pregancies but she's very pleasant, gentle, calm and soothing. She delivered both of my pregnancies. She's with ENH Medical Group - Evanston Hospital. Her office is in downtown Evanston. You might want to give her a call and find out more about her.

Traci Kurtzer, M.D.
636 Church Street
Suite #217
Evanston, IL 60201
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