In Search of a Hopital with Excellent Birth Facilities

I had my son at Community Memorial Hospital. I had Pacificare HMO Insurance and I never saw a bill, everything was paid in full. I would deffinately suggest this hospital over the Ventura County Medical Center as I have heard nothing but bad sories about that place. The only problem I had was that the maternity ward was over crouded and I had to share a post delivery room which meant there were two newborns in one room...doesnt allow one to get much sleep. Good Luck

I'm going to be wondering the EXACT SAME THING in a couple of years! Are you familiar with The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative? Here's more info: http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/01.html

"The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for lactation. The BFHI assists hospitals in giving breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so. "

Ventura County Medical Center is listed on the site as Baby Friendly. I have only recently moved here, so I haven't been to a hospital. I don't know what this one is like, but if it's classed as Baby Friendly, it will certainly be supportive of BF.

Good Luck, and I'm anxious to see other's reccomendations!

St. John's Oxnard is a great facility. Great sized labor rooms, has a NICU if there are any complications with the baby and the OB dept. feels clean, new and state of the art. Go take a tour and check it out...

I also had an HMO with Blue Shield.

Good luck!

Hello!
I just wanted to throw this out there...

Have you ever considered a midwife instead of going with a hospital? We went with cmh for our first born and the experience was fair even though most of our friends had a pretty good experience.

Our 3 daughters there after were born with Karni Seymour-Brown, a midwife in Ventura and I must say I would never ever go back to a hospital birth ever again. Aside from the fact that she is highly knowledgeable, she is warm and supportive, open to all your needs and wishes. She not only takes care of you during your pregnancy but also does all the birth and after care. Furthermore she will visit you in your home to check on you and the baby and then again once your milk comes in. She is available 24/7 for concerns, little scares, or moral support. She is a consistent and calm support I wish for anyone.

Do yourself a favor and at least meet with her to be open to the option! :)

I love her!

http://venturamidwife.com/

:) congratulations on your pregnancy and all the best to you!!

-C.