Seeking Recommendations for Prenatal Doctor/midwife.

Hi J.,

Welcome to the area! Greater New Haven Obstetrics and Gynecology is the group that I used (and continue to use) when I had my daughter. It is a practice of midwives, MD's and nurse practitioners. Janet Spinner was my midwife there and she was absolutely wonderful. They deliver out of Yale-New Haven Hospital (whose staff was also great). The environment was a little sterile compared to other 'birth suites' I've seen since, but the people were excellent.

Take care and good luck!
H.

PS Their website is: http://www.greaternewhavenobgyn.com/

Hi J.,
I would highly recommend Dr. Randall Kaump of the Greater New Haven Ob/Gyn group in New Haven, Hamden, Orange, and Madison. My reason for Dr. Kaump over all the other doctors in the group is that he has more experience with high risk and complex pregnancies in part due to me, plus he doesn't get nervous very often and has a calming effect on his patients. I do like the other doctors in the group as well but only see him unless an emergency comes up and he is on vacation. I have been his patient for 22 years now, he has seen me through some really difficult and complex problems, many surgeries, and 2 rough pregnancies. Just as an example I had 3 c-sections before I became his patient and then got pregnant with my 4th having him completely natural 9 years after I became his patient and my 5th almost 3 years after that, again completely natural. Dr. Kaump has become just like a part of our extended family, my oldest and one and only daughter turns to him for guidance and as a sounding block all the time. Let me know if you want his phone number. I know you won't be sorry if you use him and the group, they really are that great.
Hugs,
T.

Hi J.,

I just gave birth to my first child at Yale-New Haven hospital in April and we have the Yale Health Plan insurance. As far as I know the health plan will not cover the cost of a birth anywhere except Yale-New Haven hospital, so your options may be limited to that if you can't afford to pay for a birth somewhere else. That being said I had a wonderful experience at Yale-New Haven. The nurses were great and very supportive of my decision to have a natural childbirth. They offer birthing balls, rockers, and showers in each of the rooms and the nurses suggested different positions and techniques for me to try during labor. They seemed very excited to have a mom who didn't want an epidural.

The only negative thing I would say about the health plan is that there are a bunch of doctors and midwives in the practice and you really have no idea who will deliver your baby. They try to rotate you through all of the delivering doctors in your last trimester so that you will meet them all, but I had never met the doctor that delivered our son. I don't have any regrets though, she was great and I had a very good birth experience. Because of that unknown I would make sure you have a birth plan. They asked for mine as soon as I got there and made copies so that everyone knew what I wanted and it was kept in my file. I really felt like the doctor and nurses did their very best to follow my plan. The only thing that did not go as planned was that my fluid was meconium stained, so my son went right to the pediatrician instead of to my chest when he was born. But that was obviously in his best interests.

I hope that information helps. Good luck with your birth!

S.

Hi J.,
I would suggest contacting the New Haven OBGYN group. Dr. Dawn Kopel is great. All of the Dr.s and midwives are wonderful. They are a pretty large group. I don't know if you have considered a pediatritian (? spelling) but Milford Pediatric group is wonderful I have been taking my sister there for 18 years so when I had my son 3 years ago there was no question where to go. Good luck

Hi J.,

I just had my first baby (in February) at Yale-New Haven Hospital, and it was a wonderful natural childbirth experience. As far as I know there is only one birth center in the state of CT, and it's in Waterbury. I was determined to have an intervention free birth, and the nurses at Yale truly respected and supported my decision. No one ever offered me pain medication, I never had an IV, and they continually suggested different positions for comfort, both during labor and delivery (e.g. birthing ball, rockering, showers, pushing on all fours, using the bar for squatting, and positioning a mirror so I could see how I was pushing). At Yale you will most likely also have a private postpartum room as they only have a few shared rooms (and of course you will have a private L&D room!). I use Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility group--a group of midwives and doctors--and all of their normal vaginal deliveries are attended by midwives and the doctors just come in for the actual birth moment. They are a great group. You can check them out on their website: www.ob-gyn-infertility.com. We also hired a birth doula from Birth Partners who was *fabulous* and really helped me and my husband with my long labor. Check them out at: www.birthpartnersdoulas.com. I am confident that you can have the natural childbirth you want at Yale! Best wishes for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy, labor, and delivery!

A.

Hi J.! congrats!! I used a midwife for both of my deliveries and she was wonderful. Unfortunately for me, she switched practices and is now in the New Haven area (good for you though!!)) She is affiliated with St. Raphael's Hospital in New Haven. her name is Nancey DeGennaro CNM. she is in a group with 5 midwives (3 of which I know and adore!!!) Nancy has a very special place in my heart. she is very calming and supportive and I can think of no one else I would want to birth my children!!! good luck!! If you can't find their number let me know and I will get it for you...