Birth Options in Tigard/Tualatin Area

Updated on July 15, 2009
J.S. asks from Lake Oswego, OR
5 answers

I am looking at possibly changing my insurance to Kaiser (to save money). My birth options on my current insurance would include the Tualatin Women's Healthcare Associates (which some friends have raved about). Any feedback on birth experiences in Kaiser? - Beaverton is the closest (which would also mean at least a 20 minute drive to every appointment). Or experiences at the Women's Healthcare facility? This will be my first and I am worried about having random doctors through Kaiser or having things feel out of my control.

1 mom found this helpful

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

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Portland on

You are getting a response from the perfect person, lol I am a current Kaiser employee as well as I had my last child (Pre-kaiser employment) with womens healthcare assosiates so I truely know both sides of this one. I loved my OB from womens healthcare, I have NEVER been treated so well by ANY doctor, they are absolutly amazing!!! Your friends are right to rave about them.

Kiaser is a good facilty, well trained staff ( myself included) The only drawback that I have an issue with is that you are not for sure to get your OB when you go into labor, I am 2 weeks from having my 3rd and I will be hoping to land it on the right day to get my OB. I really feel that Kiaser has great facilities, and great staff, but sadly the one on one that women crave, when it comes to one of the most important experiences in your life, is lacking.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.E.

answers from Portland on

DO NOT CHANGE INSURANCE!!!!!!!! I have had a baby with Kaiser and one with womens healthcare associates. My experience with Kaiser was AWFUL!!! My experience with womens healthcare associates was WONDERFUL!!!!
I am not even going to go into how awful my experience with Kaiser is here because it would take too long. The whole experience from start to finish was bad unprofessional, the aftercare was terrible with nurses that were not very great. I was so very very very unimpressed.
I had the complete opposite experience with women's healthcare assosiates. I had Dr. Bair who was FANTASTIC(Dr. Fox is also great!) My care was great from start to finish. The only negative thing I could say about Dr. Bair is that you have to wait a long time in the waiting room to see him...that should be fixed but it was still 100% worth it. I ended up having to have a c-section (big baby 9/12 lbs with a really big noggin) which he did a fantastic job at and you can barely see the scar. The after care at providence st. vincents was wonderful, the nurses were fantastic!
Kaiser was much cheaper ...i think i paid 15$ total and through my aetna i paid 1200$ total but it was 100% worth every penny. I would never chose kaiser for birthing a baby if i had a choice. you get what you pay for. A baby can only be born once and you want that experience to go well...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Portland on

JS

I delivered two babies at St. Vincents and had regular appointments at the Beaverton Kaiser clinic. My most recent delivery was just six weeks ago so everything is fresh in my mind. My OB is a great doctor but I always felt rushed through appointments even after waiting long to see her. I do like the fact that she saw me quite often when I started developing gestational diabetes. I got her to deliver my baby because we had to schedule a C-Section and that made a big difference from my first birth when I don't remember how many doctors came to see me during labor. The nurses at St. Vincents were for the most part really great; a few truly exceptional ones. I felt very supported especially the first day or two at the hospital. After that they pretty much leave you on your own. Another friend of mine who spent about 3 weeks in St. Vincents also had a good experience with the staff and with her OB at Beaverton. In sum, I can say that our family has received good service from Kaiser but we would of course have wanted more individualized attention.

Best wishes,

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Portland on

I have Kaiser and delivered at Sunnyside in 2006 (for $5). I have to admit I didn't like the staff that I delivered with, but that was mostly because of the nurses. I didn't have my dr. because I go for my app'ts at Interstate campus. But, if you are going to the same center for your checkups as you will for delivery, you do have a good chance of having the same dr. This time I do have a chance because my OB also works at the Sunnyside ctr. But in the end, things were so crazy it didn't really matter, I think. I had a midwife deliver me but I really don't think that was any different than a doctor either, except a dr. had to come and get the baby breathing anyway. To me it was worth the $1800 saved by switching insurance. THe recovery staff was great, and they don't skimp on the time they allow you for recovery, from what I heard from other moms being exited up to a day earlier than I was. Also they are very pro-breastfeeding, and get you on that right away with no alternatives unless medically necessary. No sugar water, no pacifiers, which I know other new mothers had pushed on them elsewhere. Also their follow up visits are great, and lactation nurse app'ts are as many as you need with no copay. I'm not sure if I'll deliver at St. V or Sunnyside this time, as Sunnyside has a new wing since I was there. I think Kaiser is really great for the birth and baby care.

best wishes!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.N.

answers from Portland on

HI J. S.,

I am a birth doula who just attended a great birth with the docs from Women's Healthcare Associates. It really depends on the doctor you get, and of course, you can get one of several on the day you birth your baby. One of the docs said some concerning things to my client, and another was passive at best, while anther one, the one who delivered her baby, was amazing! I have to say that having someone consistent with you throughout your birth can make you feel empowered and respected despite the staff changes of nurses and doctors. For obvious reasons, I do not wish to disparage any of the doctors or their reputations, but if you would like more information from someone who has worked with many of them, you may call me and I can help you find the type of physician that you are looking for. Also, they have some GREAT midwives, that I was impressed with. If I can be of service, please feel free to email me personally.

My best,
T. Nelson CD (DONA)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches