Has Anyone Delivered at GWU?

I delivered at GW two times. They have an excellent NICU but hopefully, you won't experience that. Otherwise, they are OK. There are some really good nurses and others that are just OK. It is a teaching hospital so there are many residents and medical students who see you in addition to the attending doctors. Overall, I would say its ok. I actually had a 24 week preemie there and they did EXCELLENT for him. So I will always go to GW because I am at risk to have more preemies. Good luck to you!

I delivered there in July 2008. Everything went exceptionally well for us. We arrived one day thinking my water had broke. Spent about 2 hours as they ran 3 tests to confirm if my water broke. The nurses, students and attending were all very nice. In the end my water hadn't broke so home we went.

Only to return less than 24 hours later. The only negative side for us was arriving during shift change. I was put in triage for quite some time without being seen. And the problem for me was I was pretty darn sure I was fully dilated and I really wanted to push! So my water finally did break and the nurses got me in to a room pronto.

Again, the nurses and attending were all awesome through my pushing phase. And then I was able to hold Dillon for up to an hour while they handled the cord blood, cleaned me up and gave me a couple stitches.

The after birth rooms are a bit small. But really there isn't much you are going to do. Your body needs to rest and you can spend very close time with you child.

I guess the one other thing to be aware of with it being a teaching hospital, you will be checked on about 5 AM by a student. Then the nurses are in and out. But I guess I would rather have constant care than being ignored.

Has your OB/GYN discussed whether he/she will actually be delivering the baby? My Drs pretty much said it wouldn't be them. And I was fine with that.

Hi D.,

I actually delivered my boy last year at GWU. I was scheduled for a c-section then went into labor a day early so I didn't get to be with my doctor - which was a bummer - but the doctor on call was supposed to be pretty good. One thing I didn't like as much about GWU is that it's a teaching hosital so they have the students come talk to you or examine you first, then the interns and then the doctor comes in. I imagine they were poking around down there too when I was delivering. Overall it was ok, I liked the nurses and the nursery where my son was kept for 5 days. But I had complications afterwards (my scar split open 2 days after I was released from the hospital) that makes me wish I had my own doctor. Go for a consult and tour the maternity ward - it's you who has to feel comfortable with the setting in the end :) Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I delivered my daughter at GWU 6 years ago.

I delivered there back in September.It was o.k. It's a teacher hospital so there's a lot of students coming in and out you room asking question it can be annoying because your in pain. My best experience is at Washington Hospital Center.

Yes, I delivered 2 kids there. Fantastic labor and delivery nurses. Private rooms. BUT--once you get into your post delivery room the nursing is not so great. Very slow to respond. HOWEVER--I have heard the same about Sibley.
I spoke with my doctors about it at length since they have done many deliveries there. They concurred with my assessment. Good luck!

My daughter-in-law delivered ther in Dec 2008. It was agreat experiece for the entire family. The nurses and Doctors were very nice and professional and attentive to every need.

Yes! My friend across the street delivered a healthy baby boy there last year. As a matter of fact, I was also pregnant at the time, and looking for a good hospital (as we moved recently to this area), and she highly recommended it. Although she may be a little biased, because she works there. Have a great pregnancy!!!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I delivered my first child at GWU 4.5 years ago (so I can't speak to a recent experience). I had nothing but positive experiences -- my L&D nurse was AMAZING, my room was small but private (they all are), the staff was attentive, and the food didn't suck (wasn't wonderful, but not terrible).

I would say that b/c it's a teaching hospital I probably saw more people than in a non-teaching hospital -- I had a private OB so there were no med students in my delivery, but I had nursing students in my room constantly. I think that you can request no students when you pre-register; look in to that.

My only "complaint" would be that the then-lactation consultant (not sure if she's still there) wasn't very attentive....but with the Breastfeeding Center of DC mere blocks away, you're covered if you do need help.

All in, it was a great experience.
C.