Anyone Love Their OB?

I agree with Megan. I adore Dr. Catherine Clinton at the Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital. Before seeing Dr. Clinton, I had seen three other doctors (also affiliated with Northwestern at the 680 N. Lakeshore Dr. building), I was having a hard time conceiving. The other doctors just put me on clomid and really did not monitor me. As soon as I saw Dr. Clinton and explained what was going on, she knew exactly what the problem was, I had PCOS. She diagnosed me, put me on the correct medications, monitored my follicles with ultrasounds and three months later I was pregnant. If it were not for her, my little Alison would never have been born! Also, I did a rotation and would recommend any of the doctors in the practice at Prentice. Dr. Kelsey actually delivered Alison and he was wonderful! Good luck.

I adore Maura Quinlan at U of Chicago. She is amazing. Simply amazing. L&D was fantastic too (I had a c-section) but the maternity ward is hit or miss--but there are definitely hits so you just have to make sure you speak up and ask for who you want.

S.,
I've been with my OB for 17 years (yes he has seen me grow up). He is located at Gottlieb Hospital and his name is Dr. Afshar. His associate is dr. Ardakani and she is FABULOUS too. She actually delivered both of my children and they were both very postive when I had doubts about ANYTHING. You mentioned you are from the West Town area, geoghraphically I'm not sure where that is but the hospital is located in Melrose Park ( I worked at the hospital for 10 years and because of his (and his partner) reputation, I made an appt. and ever since I'm still with him). This is serious business when it comes down to finding a good OB. Best of luck!

N.

i absolutely love my ob! his name is elias sabbagha (not to be confused with the ultrasound doctor/pioneer, his father, rudy sabbagha. elias sabbagha is in the 680 building, suite 1424. the labor/delivery process and all the appointments leading up to it were smooth and i felt ultra-informed. you can ask as many questions as you like and he does not talk down to you or make you feel uninformed. there were times when he stayed in my room for more than 45 minutes discussing questions and concerns. he runs late many times because of this policy but i never minded because i knew he wouldn't rush me in any way. he delivers all his babies and he specializes in high-risk situations (although not necessary to be a patient of his). i felt so good and unafraid about going into labor and the delivery process because i trusted him completely and i knew if anything arose, he would explain it and give his recommendation and then my husband and i would decide what to do. and, if an emergency came up, i trusted he would immediately do the right thing. one caveat, he doesn't accept many insurance providers---hence the time and attention he can give to each patient. in the end, we were pleasantly surprised at how little extra we ended up paying as the labwork, ultrasounds, etc are not billed through his office but other offices which take all insurances. anyway, i can't say enough good things about him. you'll like him, he is a total character, great personality. and, his office staff does everything they can to help you and make things easier. good luck!

You might consider going to a midwife instead of an OB. Especially if you're considering VBAC for your second baby (assuming you're considering another baby or are currently pregnant) I would go to someone who has at least a 70% success rate with VBAC. I also delivered at NW and had a scheduled c-section because my son was breech, but am going go the midwives at UIC for my next baby since they have the lowest c-section rate in the city and the highest VBAC rate. I don't have any specific names yet, but I know that Sharon Rising, the midwife who delivered me (when my mom gave birth 30 years ago) is affiliated with them. She remains a close family friend to this day. Let me know if you want her contact info and I'm sure she can recommend a few people.

Midwives in general will promote nursing and frequently are supportive of extended nursing, will help you have a drug-free birth should you want one (but will not make you), and are able to spend more time with you both during prenatal appointments and while you're in labor. Other good midwifery groups I've heard about in the city are at West Suburban in Oak Park, Swedish Covenant, and Illinois Masonic.

I delivered at Northwestern and I had Dr. Chen. She is a new mother herself and was wonderful. Very nice and the new location of Northwestern will be wonderful. All the doctors at NMPG.com. I also saw Dr Garvey and Dr Moses and loved them both as well.

I love Dr. Van Arsdale at Northwestern. I delivered a year ago and have since referred a friend who's due this Sunday and she loves him as well.

Dr. Chatherine Clinton at the Chicago Women's Health Group. She LITERALLY saved my son's life--I was a very "skiddish" patient...my sister lost a child to premature birth and I was nervous about the whole thing--she was very understanding, gave me all the care I needed and even some I might not have--but I asked and she did it for my peace of mind (extra ultrasounds etc.). Halfway through we saw some "funneling" and she sent me right away to a specialist. I had to have a dangerous surgery and then be on bed rest for the last six months--she was SO GREAT through the whole thing. She took a lot of time answering both my questions and my boyfriends questions through the whole thing. She knows her stuff and is very good at what she does. I really feel like I owe her not only for saving my sons life, but for all the emotional support! Her office is actually right in the hospital too---instead of going right down the hallway to the triage, you go left and that's their office. I don't know where they are going when the hospital moves over though, you might want to ask about that. Good luck! (P.S. The number is ###-###-####--I had appointments at one time or another with all of the other doctors there and would recommend them as well...all really great!!!)

We worked with the midwives of NMPG for both pregnancies and since I had twins the second time, we had to be under the care of the docs too for that one. Carol Hirschfield is my primary caregiver and midwife and Scott Moses was the doc we worked most closely with. I found them all to be very supportive of my choices and a great help with breastfeeding issues. Their office is located at 680 N. LSD. Good luck!

I love my OB - Dr. Micah Garb at Lakeshore OB/GYN. He is a man and I don't know if you're comfortable with that, but I really like him. I have been to three practices in Chicago and this is where I plan on staying. I hated the offices at Prentice (333 W Superior, Ste 444) and I used to see a doctor that retired at 30 N Michigan and I wasn't fond of the doctor he referred me to (which started my quest for a new OB). Lakeshore has nice offices, helpful staff, and I have never had a problem talking to a doctor on the phone. I highly recommend them!