St. John's vs. Santa Monica Hospital?

Health & Medical Hospitals & Medical Facilities
21

Wow. I wasn't going to respond, but I thought it important that I do considering that St. John got such a bad rap.

I have two children one year apart from each other. The first was born before the St. John's remodel, so I went with UCLA, Santa Monica and really had a horrible experience.

I will tell you that when I first got to UCLA I had a nice nurse assigned to me. She was sweet by any means, but was to the point. I ended up in an emergency status as soon as I was hooked up to the heart monitor and they kept me on oxygen all night. At one point a rude nurse came in to check if I had dilated and she broke my water. She didn't warn me and I was stunned. When I reacted she laughed to my husband and said, "Didn't someone tell her that she was having a baby?"

I ended up in emergency c-section (not the fault of the hospital at all!!!!). The part that was their fault was that the nurses were horrible to me. LITERALLY! I fought to try to have the birth naturally and one nurse said to me (on my way into EMERGENCY delivery) that my baby was going to come out with problems because I had pushed for a vaginal birth. I was bawling and freaking out! When I got into surgery I told my doctor this and he said, "No way! The baby will be fine." After I got out of surgery we made a report against that nurse.

BUT, our stay didn't get better. There were a few helpful nurses, but most were sub-par. One night they kicked my screaming child out of the nursery, woke me up in the middle of the night to have me walk (which you do have to walk after c-section, but they could have waited until morning) AND they were so mean that my husband decided to take over and ask the nurse to leave...and HE helped me to the bathroom and helped me clean myself...very humiliating...and I am a strong girl.

The next year St. John's had just finished being built. I had my son there. The facility was flawless and nurses were amazing. I did at first get put into a strange ward on the bottom floor. I mentioned that I would like to be moved to the main floor at first opening and was moved later that night, but eve with that I was not ignored and people kept coming to check on me.

The room was like being in a hotel. My husband enjoyed his bed there (at UCLA it was horrible). The nurses made me this juice that was amazing and would bring it whenever I asked. They even said how they made it and let me go into the fridge and make it myself and store food my family brought in for me.

They were all smiles every time that I saw them. I walked the halls a few times everyday and everyone would say hi to me and they were all so nice. Just writing this makes me want to have another baby.

I did have an episode there that tested the nurses. I started shaking in my bed uncontrolled. They came rushing in wrapped me in blankets and stayed with me while my body was shaking. They were so sweet to me. My husband was astonished because at UCLA he had to do so much. Here they just said sit back, we will help her to the bathroom. We will hold her while she shakes. They were calm and said these things happen...don't be scared, etc.

I do know people who had good experiences at UCLA, but I know MANY who LOVE St. John's. Just had to put my two cents in.

22

I had my baby in December at Santa Monica and could not have been happier. It was our first baby so I can understand your apprehension. It was before they moved into the new building so the rooms were a bit tired but had everything you needed - and anyway decor is the last thing you are looking at! The nurses were just amazing and provided a really good cross section of advice going out of their way to sort out any problems/ issues which came up. Parking is fine it is just across the road.

23

I am an acupuncturist, doula, and mother of two boys - I'd have to say in my professional and personal experience - St. John's all the way...better staff, environment, all around vibe!

Good luck to you in May!

Nicky Corbett, L.Ac.

24

Lindsey, my children are now 12 and 9, but I had both of them at Santa Monica Hospital and everything went really well there. The parking isn't the greatest, but the two facilities are pretty much in the same area. At the time St. John's did not have a neonatal unit so if there were complications they would've had to take the baby elsewhere. I don't know if that has changed. The nursing staff and rooms were great. Good luck and hope that helps!

25

Hi, this perspective comes from a visitor, who is a pediatric nurse. My friend delivered at SM UCLA 2 yrs ago. Her labor experience was great. I wasn't sooo impressed with the postpartum nurses, but my expectations are probably a tad bit higher considering I am in the medical field. From what I understand, St John's is nice if a flat panel TV is in your birthing plan. I have a friend who was a L&D nurse at St Johns. She said it was a nice facility, but that their staff was over worked. I asked my OB which facility she felt provided better care (I was completely set on choosing St John's.) She said that 60% of her patients go to St Johns, and 40% to UCLA. My OB's choice? SM UCLA. She felt that I would receive better nursing care there. St Johns NICU is a level II. UCLA's is a level III. Meaning that if your baby is just a little "sick", then St John's will be fine. BUT, if your baby is significantly sick, then your baby will be transferred out. Just food for thought. When I am able to conceive again, I will choose SM UCLA. Good luck to you, and congratulations on your new addition!

26

I am so glad you asked! I toured both hospitals and can say they both were great. I delivered at St. Johns's on 11/13/07 and my experience was fabulous. I spent 6 days there (1 in labor & 5 after an emergency C-section), so I would know (more details below). Santa Monica Hospital has a pediatrics unit and Saint John's does not. Should your baby need to stay in the hospital after you leave, they will not have to be transported. Also, they told me that have a lactation consultant there every day of the week, whereas St. John's doesn't (but I will tell you why that doesn't matter).

If you delivered at St. John's and your baby needed additional care after you left, it is only three short blocks to Santa Monica. My pregnancy did not show any signs of complications (not to say that there couldn't have been), so I opted for St. John's as my best friend had her baby there in June of 07'.

I am SO glad I did & here's why... breast feeding was/is very important to me and St. John's has a fabulous lactation consultant who will assist you with any of your breast feeding issues during your stay & here's the great part AFTER you leave. I went back to see her 3 times after having my little one. I cannot tell you how great she is! My best friend's neighbor had her baby at Santa Monica a week before me and had to pay a lactation consultant lots of money after leaving the hospital for a consultation. I paid nothing. She was not able to breast feed and I was. That's a very personal decision & I by no means look down on her. However, I would say that I am successfully breast feeding thanks to the free consultations after I checked out of the hospital. I was fine breast feeding in the hospital, it got difficult when I got home.

Good luck to you with this very big decision! I am sure wherever you go you will have a safe and wonderful delivery! E_mail me if you have any questions: [email protected]

27

Hello Lindsey,
My second daughter was born in the new St. Johns. The staff took care of me well. The room is private and quiet with a flat screen TV. As if you want to look at any thing else but your wonderful baby, It's good for the dad. There is a long window seat long enough for a bed. Private bathroom. Parking was $9 for the valet in front.
The reality, you have everything you need inside you!
Relax and enjoy the experience!
Bring some one handed snacks, banana, fruit and nut mix. You will be hungry in the middle of the night. Don't be afraid to hit the button to get more juice.
Today is my third childs 4 month birthday. I had him at home in a horse water trough full of warm water. My oldest daughter,4 yrs., cut the cord. That was great experience also.
"Ina May's Homebirth" book is full of real information and inspiring stories.
You have the strength and the ability inside you, and trust the little voice.

28

Thanks so much for your opinions, advice and well wishes!
I’m still planning on taking the tour at each hospital before making the final decision but I feel much more prepared to make an informed decision after hearing your stories. Thanks again and all the best!