United Vs. St. Joe's in St. Paul

I delivered my 1st baby at United 17 months ago, and was THRILLED with the entire experience. I found the nursing staff, as well as the doctors, to be incredibly helpful and attentive, and in most cases we felt they went above and beyond our expectations. I am 19 weeks pregnant with our 2nd baby, and we plan to have the birth at United. It was a wonderful safety net to have the NICU right there at Children's. I also felt that the docs and nurses really allowed me to be in charge of decisions when appropriate, i.e, using anesthesia vs. other natural methods of easing discomfort. I felt very safe and well cared for at United.

I had both my girls at Abbott in Mpls but I was with the same group of doctor's MN Perinatologists. If your highrisk I would seriously ditch the midwife and stick to the doctors and United. I've heard horror stories and great stories from every hospital in MN. If your highrisk your going to want to have the Pernatals deliver you and have Children's right there with the NICU. Just my opinion

I don't know if with the nature of your complications you might need a higher-level nursery than St. Joe's offers, but you can also have an ob-gyn birth at St. Joe's - your OB may not be as into the water birth (or might be) - but there might be a St. Joe's middle ground for you. You might consider OB + doula instead of midwife. I had a fantastic (26-hour) labor there, the nurses were phenomenal. Good luck!

I get my routine care thru Parkview obgyn at United and so that just seemed like the best place to continue for pre-natal care and eventual delivery. Can't say enough about the calm care provide by Dr K. Mikkelson. I did have an irritating nurse during my stay but as a 2nd time mom, I just consistently and pleasantly and confidently told her "No" (i.e. butt out) when necessary.

The best laid plans for birth will be broken especially if you have any complications. I had my first baby at United and felt like I was bothering the staff every time I needed help and I ended up having a c-section.

Good luck with your nurse midwife, then you might actually get the birth experience of your dreams.

A., I just had my baby at United 6 weeks ago.Unfortunately,mine is a horror story.I was a high risk an recieved a wonderful care during my pregnancy from all the doctors and nurses at Perinatal-you can't wish for more caring stuff,that kept you sane during these stressful 9 months.But they dropped the ball when I needed them the most.Well,I shouldn't say"they'",I'm talking about one doctor.
But- water birth at United?!Forget about it,my dear.They deal only with complications.And yes,some nurses were wondeful,but a few-total b....s.
You know,I understand,this is your first baby and you have that dream how you wanted give birth to your baby,but for the most times it's all only dreams,reality is far from ideal birth story and you goal to have this baby as safe as possible,even if this is not your perfect dream.
good luck dear!