Birth Options in Annapolis Area

Updated on October 29, 2008
E.T. asks from Annapolis, MD
5 answers

We are pregnant with our second child. (First child was born abroad - GREAT birth experience and care.) My husband's company is moving him/us (we are still abroad at the moment). The company cannot line up our visas, paperwork and housing allowance in time for the second one to arrive, so I will be having this second baby in the Annapolis area (close to my parents home). I will not be arriving in the U.S./Annapolis until I am 34 - 35 weeks pregnant... I have do not have an OB/GYN in the States. (I do have a primary care doctor that I have not seen for over 2 years).

A few questions:
- Given the OB shortage in the U.S., do you think I can find an OB to meet with and deliver my baby since I would just be meeting her a month before delivery (especially with Christmas and New Year's in the picture)? Or, do you think I will be "stuck" and just have to show up at the ER when I am labor?
- I tried to deliver my first baby drug-free... I ended up getting a light/walking epidural. I could urinate, walk around, still felt a lot of pain and urges to push, etc... but I was not confined to the bed. Do American OBs do this? Do the hospitals allow this (such as Anne Arundel Medical Center - close to my parents). (I have heard that many hospitals have banned this due to liability reasons? Is this true????)
- I LOVED the light/walking epidural and ability to move so much... did any of you have this done? If so, did you like your doctor? Where did you give birth?
- What is considered standard practice from the nurses/midwives that come with hospitals? Should I hire a private doula? For example, with my first birth (not in the U.S.), the nurses/midwives were super attentive and supportive. They also did a lot of massage for pain management and really helped coach me and my husband... they fulfilled a doula role and were very, very kind and super attentive. My husband and I were so appreciative and in-awe of their service level and attention to detail. We couldn't thank them enough. What is the service level in hospitals in the U.S? Should I just plan to hire my own doula, or do the American nurses go the extra mile to be nice, give massages, etc?
- Basically, if anyone has any recommendations for OBs and/or doulas/midwifes... please let me know... or hospital/birthing center recommendations
Sorry to have so many questions... just feeling very uprooted/uncertain right now. We were very prepared for our first birth... and I just feel very out of control with the circustances of this second one. I am in that "nesting" phase and just a tad frustrated, because I don't know which country we will end up living in. Our care is great here... just don't know what to expect at home. Any perspective would be most appreciated.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

THANK YOU so much for your advice. Calling potential care providers and doulas now. Great to have a good place to start and recommendations from such a great group.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi,
AAMC is very good. Almost too good in that they have a VERY busy maternity ward such that they are building a new wing. I use Special Beginnings Womens Wellness and Birthing Center (Midwives associated with Annapolis OBGYN if OB needed). I used them for my first 2 and will for my next due in April. I believe the other midwifery org is Chesapeake Birthing Center which is physically connected to AAMC. I just didn't get a good vibe when I interviewed them. We used Brenda Lane for a doula and she was worth it. Good luck and best wishes!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.N.

answers from Washington DC on

I am currently in the Annapolis Area...a great hospital to go to is Anne Arundel Medical Center. I went on a tour and it was awesome. They are very attentive and it is a very clean facility. I have had several friends whom have delivered there and everyone has been delighted to have there children at AAMC. Check out the website at AAMC.com. Also the OB/GYN that I have used is Myrna Ortega, Arnold, Maryland, it is approx 5mins from Annapolis, she has 25 years of experience and is very qualified. Check her out... there are also other OB/GYN's on the AAMC website that you can refer to. Good Luck with the birth of your second child.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Hey! I have a great OB here with Johns Hopkins in Odenton. His name is DR. Rojas. I am looking into delivering at the birthing center in Annapolis called Gentle Beginnings. I have several friends who have had great experiences there. I am only 20 weeks so I haven't toured the center myself. I can however recommend an EXCELLENT doula. Her name is Jen Verdery and she is wonderful. I have taken her birthing class and she will be at my birth. Her phone number is ###-###-####. Even if you don't decide to use her she could give you more information on the different hospitals and their policies since she has been a doula at them. Hope this helps, I know how hard moving is. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

When I was pregnant, I was deciding between St. Agnes and Arunel Hospital in Annapolis. Annapolis would have been close to me if I was sure that I would go into labor at home. But if I went into labor at work, then it would be too far. So I went with St. Agnes Hospital. Arundel Hospital has a great maternity ward. I have friends who delivered there and said it was great. It is new.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.V.

answers from Washington DC on

Elizabeth,
I believe you contacted me. Sorry I was in Germany at the time on vacation. I would love to answer your questions. I do not think you would get stuck without a doctor. After an epidural the doctors in the US will not let you get out of bed.
There is a great birthing center in Baltimore called Special Beginnings ###-###-#### Address: 1454 Baltimore-Annapolis Arnold, MD 21012. They even give the option to have a water birth. In US hospitals you usually do not have a nurse that is just assigned to you usually there is one nurse for every 2-4 patients. The reason many of my clients hire me is so they may have the care you had abroad. I work part time as a doula for Holy Cross Hospital as well as doing private births. I have unlimited long distance and can give you a call to answer some of you questions. Your message cut off and I did not get your whole message. I have many of the numbers to hospitals, doctors, and other resources. Give me a call anytime ###-###-####. My website is educatedbirthing.vpweb.com

J. Verdery

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions