About Hospital and Obgy Practice for Natural Child Birth

I delivered two kids at Fair Oaks and my doctors were also Hodges, Meinig and Zaita at Fair Ridge OBGYN. Both my kids were delivered via c-section; however, the first was an emergency c-section (my son's heart rate was fluctuating wildly) and I chose not to have a VBAC the second time around. You are in the most capable hands there are - - my primary doctor was Hodges, and he actually delivered both of my kids (he's got to be the best baby doctor around) but I would have felt comfortable with Meinig or Zaita as well. They are truly a class act, and they would NEVER discourage a natural childbirth or deny the wishes of any expecting mother. I give that practice a 10/10!!! As for Fair Oaks -- another class act. Delivering there is like delivering in a five star hotel. Just my experience, but hopefully it gives you some confidence in both the practice and the hospital. Good luck!

My neighbor had a really great natural childbirth without drugs or interventions with Loudoun County Midwives http://www.lcmidwives.com/

Unfortunately, doctors and hospitals rarely see totally drug free births around here. My opinion is that midwives are great at this.

I have experienced three natural births (sort of) with the help of the nurse midwives on staff at Fairfax Family Practice. All were delievered at Fair Oaks hospital between 1997 and 2008. We were trained in a husband coached child birth method (can't remember the name) that was quite effective. The labor and delivery staff at Fair Oaks hospital is wonderful. The care by the nursing staff is EXCELLENT! I delivered all three children there and truly believe that the staff provided me with excellent care and supported my efforts to deliver naturally. I encourage you to visit and ask questions prior to the big day.

A. Jacobs - A first time responder. Busy Discovery Toys working mom with three kids and a dog! I live in the Herndon/Reston area.

I have to say Fairfax is not the best option for natural childbirth. I changed from an ob to a midwife at 28 weeks last pregnancy because my ob practiced at Fairfax and basically told me I could do what I wanted but she would be calling the shots.

I have heard Fair Oaks is OK, but I have no experience with them.

I know you have lots of recommendations for Loudoun. I also looked at Birthcare in Alexandria when I was looking for other choices, and would have chosen them but they were already booked for my birthing month.

The best advice I can give is to look at everything and ask lots of questions and if something doesn't feel right to you then it probably isn't right for you.
L.

As a mother of two born naturally, now pregnant with my third, I would HIGHLY recommend that you search out the local natural birth resources in this area. Join the YAHOO group "novahomebirth" (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NoVahomebirth/) and check out the Loudoun Birth Matters website: http://birthmattersva.org/loudoun/ They hold monthly Birth Circle meetings which will answer SO many of your natural birth questions and give you all the resources you need.

Taking a Bradley class is a great step, but I would recommend that you also seriously consider care with a midwife (be it Loudoun Community Midwives who practice at Loudoun Hospital, Birth Care who deliver at their private birth center or in your home, or best yet, a private practice midwife who will do all of your prenatal care and attend your birth in your home). Your risks of unnecessary intervention are incredibly high with any OB at any hospital, and your chances of experiencing the birth you want are best found with a like-minded practitioner (a midwife) in a like-minded setting (out of hospital).

~M.