Seeking Help for Good Obgyn/ Midwife

What I've found is that CHOICE is the best place to find the kind of midwife you're describing because they are the 'Center for Human Options in Childbirth.' However they are not part of an OBGYN practice here in Columbus. So far I have not found ANY medical practices that combine truly natural childbirth alternatives with western medicine in the Columbus area. The only place in this state that does such a thing (that I'm aware of) is Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. They have a natural birthing center called Family Beginnings. IT IS OUTSTANDING! Plus it's in a hospital - labor and delivery is right around the corner. So, if anesthetic is needed or a c-section, you are wheeled around the corner and down the hall. As for here - I'm told Doctor's West and Grant are the most open to natural methods in the birthing process. (It also depends who's on duty.) A great doula is the best option I've found if you are delivering here in a hospital. (I found mine through CHOICE. She will also travel to Miami Valley.)

Dr. Ionnna Kanellitsas is a phenomenal OB that definitely supports natural. I had my third child with her last March... she called ahead to the hospital to ensure they "left me alone", i.e., no IVs, no medical intervention at all. She is perhaps the best OB I've run across (my other two children were born out of state). She is located at the Center for Progressive Women's Healthcare in Hilliard, Oh - ###-###-####.

Edited to add I delivered at Doctor's Hospital - they were VERY supportive of all of my wishes, never tried to force the IV or any meds on me, the rooms are very homey and friendly, and they never took the baby at all.

Good luck!

I would highly recommend Professionals for Women's Health - they have several Nurse Midwifes on staff all of which are certified nurses - http://www.pwhealth.com/

I love this clinic because they are so matter of fact, they tell you like it is - I had some complicatons with bleeding during my second pregnancy and the doctors were really supportive and just gave me all the facts straight forward - I appreciated doctors like that.

As far as a hospital, I delivered at Riverside twice (I know you said not Riverside), but they let me have both my children for as long as I wanted them and unless I called for the nurse to take my kids to the nursery - the only time that they were in the nursery was for their initial check up.

good luck,
M.

Hi and congrats. My daughter was delivered by a midwife in March and she was WONDERFUL. She was the most relaxed, supportive, considerate woman ever. I love her!! :) Anyway, she is with a group of DR's and I can give you her name and info. if you want it. They have 2 offices, one in Dublin, and one near westerville/polaris. But, honestly, it was the most wonderful experience. I tore badly and needed an epsiotomy, but she did everything in her power to prevent it (massaged me etc) but it had nothing to do with her, it was the way my baby was laying and the smallness of my pelvic area. Anyway, my point is, she was truly a professional who did everything in her power to see that I had a good experience. As for hospitals, I delivered at St. Anns in westerville. I delivered on a full moon, so they were jammed, but I still had a good experience. I have heard good things about mt caramel also, who is affliated with st anns. If you'd like more details, feel free to email me.

Hi Megan,

I am currently working with the midwifes of CHOICE in Clintonville. http://www.choicemidwives.org/

I am 7 months pregnant with my first child. CHOICE was recommended to me by a couple who had both their children at home with a CHOICE midwife. I really love their organization and the two women who will attend us at our birth.

I suggest meeting with them for a free evaluation meeting they can help you determine if a midwife is right for you.

I alway look forward to my visits with them, my husband always wants to go to the prenatal visits there and never attends the OBGYN appointments.

They ask me questions that make sense about my nutrition and activity levels. They explain everything that my doctor never does about tests and options and procedures. I get lots of reading material on preventative measures for preclamsia, back labor, and anything health related for pregnancy. They treat childbirth not only as a procedure for birth but as a whole experience that is emotional, spiritual, physical, and empowering for women.

So check them out they have lots of literature and an informative website.

Good luck!

S.

I used Kingsdale Ob/Gyn in Upper Arlington. I'm sorry to say that I don't know of any natural practices, but they were great with me with me 1st son. They were very nice & supportive with me when I developed pre-eclampsia. I know you also said no to Riverside, but we delivered there almost 4 years ago & plan to again soon. They would let me keep my son in the room at all times. During his delivery, the nurses that started with me stayed with me. I was told that they even came off their break for the actual delivery. He was a vaginal birth with VERY little drugs & no extra equipment. I did not get an epiderual (things went too fast). But, everyone was very nice & wanted to make sure that I was comfortable. Good luck