Would you recommend your Gynaecologist?

Miss London36427

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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 11:49

I am with Dr Raj at the American Hospital. However, I don't think all insurances cover American. She is very friendly and put me instantly at ease. She also doesn't just push c-sections like a lot of doctors here. She is quite pro-natural birth. The hospital itself also seemed calm, spotlessly clean and is recommended by my doula. The NICU is also fairly good I believe. They also seem to be flexible in their policies towards mums and babies too. For example, they encourage doulas, breast-feeding, skin-to-skin contact, baby staying with mum, etc. I was originally with City and very pleased with the care and the admin side of things was so easy. I only left because my doctor left and no other doctors were available apart from one who was also leaving and a new one that I had heard nothing about. Dr Elsa was booked up until practically the day I'm due to give birth. I have to say though that City were pretty poor about the changeover, not bothering to help sort out another doctor or anything (I think lots of people had this problem when Dr. Ekaterina left) which kind of put me off the City otherwise I would have been more than happy to stay there. I did have an appointment at the Welcare (whilst trying to decide between the AH and Welcare) with Dr Janaki and she was very professional and the other staff very friendly and admin side of things a breeze. I felt like I'd be in safe hands there. It was a difficult decision between the AH and the Welcare and I chose AH as I felt so at ease with Dr Raj as she has a great sense of humour and also my last baby was transferred to NICU at Welcare so memories of last visits were slightly traumatic (no reflection on Welcare as their NICU facilities were excellent). Quite a few of my friends (inlcuding my doula) have given birth at AH and had a positive experience. For my previous pregnancy I was with Dr Shiva at Medcare. She is pro-natural birth and followed my birth plan to the letter. Although she was (and probably still is) very busy and so the appointments were a bit rushed, I had no complaints about her. The midwives, nurses and doctors were lovely when I was in labour and also very caring afterwards. Generally though, the admin side of things at Medcare was a nightmare; having to chase up test results to the point of practically having to stalk them for them, paying for appointments, sonographer not turning up and nobody having any idea where she was, trying to book appointments, trying to set up a payment guarantee from my insurance co with them - all a nightmare. But then others have had no problems, maybe I was just unlucky each time! It really depends on what you want from a doctor and hospital. Make a list of the things that are important to you during ante-natal care and delivery and when you see the doctor ask them questions to see if they meet with what you are looking for. For example, do you want a no fuss doctor or one with a good 'bedside manner' who takes time to answer all your questions. Are you looking for a doctor that will respect your birth plan including what type of birth you want (remember that too many doctors here are c-section happy as it's easier for them and costs more!), what pain relief you want, what position you want to give birth in, can your husband be in the labour room, do they encourage doulas, do they encourage skin-on-skin contact, will the doctor attend the delivery, will s/he give you his/her mobile number in case you have any questions, etc. Asking those types of questions says a lot about the flexibility of the doctor and the hospital and their policies regarding mums and babies. Even if you choose a doctor and a hospital, if you are not happy with either at any point for any reason, you can change. You can always choose a doctor at a clinic (different doctors will deliver at different hospitals) but just make sure they deliver at a hospital that you're happy with. You can always visit a few hospitals (if you have time) that are covered under your insurance so you can get a feel of what the labour rooms, maternity wards/rooms and staff are like. Most hospitals are more than happy to show you around. You will find when researching that there will always be negative experiences of any hospital and doctor here but different people have different expectations so it's always best to just go with your gut instinct on which doctor and hospital you feel comfortable with. There are also the goverment hospitals such as Al Wasl but I believe it is more difficult for an ex-pat to get appointments and some restrictions during childbirth apply such as husbands not being allowed in the labour ward. I believe it is also not as cheap as it used to be. However the NICU is supposed to be excellent. The opinions on Al Wasl will vary as again people will have different experiences with different doctors and also different expectations and comparisons, etc. It all depends on your criteria! Just be clear on what you want and don't be afraid to insist on your wishes being met and if you feel uncomfortable or feel they won't be or that you are being pushed into a direction you don't want to be pushed in, then change if it is feasible to do so and your insurance allows it.

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