Has Anyone Delivered at Bryn Mawr Hospital

I had an extreme preemie (1 lb 10 oz @ 26 weeks)in Lankanau in November....EXCELLENT HOSPITAL! I highly recommend Dr Carlson for Delivery, Dr. Gerson was my Doctor before Delivery....Dr. Kaplan was the NICU Dr....etc...all good, extremely professional yet attentive!!! Good luck! p.s. she is almost 11 lbs and home...perfectly healthy!!! C. T

Hi J., Stay where you are. These people are very competent. I was involved first hand on their training. You do not want a hand holder but rather someone that knows what to do when something changes or needs immediate attention. These are the people. You will not be sorry. Good luck.

I never think it is too late to change doctors!

I also moved here when I was pregnant with my 3rd child (I was 28 weeks.) I chose to deliver downtown at Pennsylvania Hospital because I didn't want to choose Bryn Mawr Hospital, and I was having a really hard time finding a doctor at Lankenau. My doctor downtown is Leslie Renbaum and I LOVE her. Pennsylvania hospital is an amazing hospital with a top rate neo-natal unit, so I decided the drive was worth it. I had a great experience and will go back there if I ever have another.

Good luck and welcome to the area!

I delivered both my boys at Lankenau. One actually 3 yrs ago today! I was *very* high risk and spent a lot of time there. I also had to deal with Bryn Mawr since they are partners. I feel they were pretty much the same. If it were just the hospital I'd say go with geography. However, since you're not a big fan of your OB then I LOVED my OB. Maybe because he saved my life and my baby.

His name is Dr. Rudolph Laveran, he also works with Dr. Sharon Rudo (who's a tiny little thing that delivered my 3 yr old). He's at Lawrence Park OB/GYN ###-###-####. They took excellent care of me and I have 2 happy healthy boys now!

Neither Lakenau or Bryn Mawr have 5 star accommodations, they are pretty much the same. Bryn Mawr may be a little better actually. They both have level 3 NICU's (which was important to me).

If you have any other questions I'd be happy to help. Good Luck!

I delivered my first child at Bryn Mawr 16 months ago. I was less than impressed, but it wasn't horrible. My main complaint is that the nurses were not very helpful at all. I was having problems breastfeeding and was told to call a nurse in every time I tried so they could help, but whenever I did that, they made me feel like I was bothering them. They were not very helpful and basically told me on the first day that if I couldn't get the hang of breastfeeding they would have to give my son formula, which they did. The lactation consultants were more helpful, but they weren't around much so I only saw them once per day. Another complaint, although I was lucky and didn't have this happen to me, is that they do have shared rooms. So, if you deliver during a busy period for them, you may end up having to share your room with someone else. I can't even imagine that, after just giving birth!

I was planning on switching OBs and delivering at Paoli with my second, but things happened quicker than expected and I am now 27 weeks pregnant, still with the same OB and planning on delivering at Bryn Mawr again, only because I never got around to switching and now I feel like it's too late.

I had a friend who delivered at Bryn Mawr and she had a terrible experience. Nobody cared what she wanted or took her seriously. After that I delivered at Pennsylvania Hospital in downtown Philadelphia and it was the best. The doctors and the nurses were amazing. The nurses were knowledgeable and super helpful and I couldn't imagine a better place.

I delivered both my girls at Lankenau due to a personal matter I have with Bryn Mawr. I loved the nurses labor and delivery nurses at Lankenau. The after care was also a very pleasant experience. I also had surgery on my nose at Lankenau too and again was impressed with all the staff. They are consistently friendly and provide great care. My OB is Dr. Scott Bailey and I will NEVER go to another OB/GYN ever again. I feel like I won't get better care anywhere else. The other thing is that I heard 2 separate stories from women who had life threatening conditions and they all said that he saved their lives.

I had always heard good things about it, but when I toured it before my first child, I was not impressed at all! I'd look at other hospitals to find one you like. Good luck!

I delivered my 2nd child there, in 3/06 with the same practice. I also happen to know someone that works in that office. The Dr.s bedside manner is not the best, i did not get the warm and fuzzies from them either, but they are great doctors, medically speaking. Burns and caparo are especially. It is usually a long wait in the office to see them, but can be worth it if you want someone a little more involved.
I didn't have any problems with Bryn Mawr hospital, but it wasn't warm and fuzzy either. The nurses in the delivery room were ok. I guess on a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it an 8.

I delivered 17 weeks ago. They were great and would reccomend. I go to the other practice (Dr Bernardini) she was AWESOME. Spent 2 hours with me and I delivered with no tears or episiotimy (9lb baby- my first)

Why not consider the"Bryn Mawr Birth Center"? It is not affiliated with the hospital but has privelages for all its midwifes in case of the need to transfer to the hospital. It is a wonderful homey environment that is very woman and child focused. I have birthed 2 children there and have many friends who have also birthed their children there as well. It is definitely worth a tour and a talk to their staff.

I had my last two children at Bryn Mawr, and I had a great experience. It was hectic at times b/c I did feel like people were coming in to do different things but that's anywhere. The nurses were great and considerate both times. The only time they came in at night was to give me medicine if needed or take a shift w/the baby etc. I also go to the same practice and I like it there also. It was hard at first b/c I left a practice I was with for 10 years. Here I am pregnant and I didn't know any of the dr's. But I got to know them quickly. I ended up having two different surgeries done by Dr. Burns and felt really comfortable in her care. She also delivered my middle child. She gets mixed reviews from many, in fact a good friend of mine changed practices after meeting w/her b/c she too was expecting the 'warm and fuzzies'. Each doctor treated me well and listened or answered any questions I had or comforted me when needed. And that's the kind of care I look for, others are different. You want to be somewhere where you are comfortable. I heard amazing things about Lanenau, in fact I have a friend who works there & delivered there, if you want me to ask her for recommendations I can. Let me know.

I recommend Dr Porcelan's practice as well! (I go to the Paoli office). I have been going there since I moved here in 2000 and the entire staff is excellent. They have helped me through some tough times (miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant, uncomfortable pregnancy, etc) and continue to be extremely supportive.

I had my daughter at Lankenau and it was really great. I did go into labor on a weekend and was delivered by the on call Dr. who was Maggie Peden. I would recommend her as well. The one thing about Lankenau is that it's a teaching hospital so there were 50-million people in my delivery room. It was great having that much attention and support. I never felt alone! And the food during my stay was pretty good too. :)

My best advice is to be comfortable with your Doctors. You need to be on the same page, and this is YOUR body and YOUR baby so if you are the least bit hesitant, go with your instincts. It doesn't hurt to check out your options, no one is going to be offended...

Hi J.-

I delivered at Bryn Mawr and loved it. I had thought about Lakenau earlier in my pregnancy and had one visit and it seemed too big, too city like. The nurses were great at Bryn Mawr. My doctors are Main Lines Women Health at ###-###-####. I liked all of them but one!
My son actually came a month early and he had to be in the NIC Unit at Bryn Mawr for a few days. All of the doctors and nurses were so on top of the delivery and then the care for him. The one doctor in the NIC Unit- Dr Ritterman was fabulous. He treated my son with more care then I could have ever asked for. He even had us come to the NIC unit for a followup blood draw then wait downstairs in the outpatient. I definitely recommend the hospital. GOOD LUCK!

Hi J.,

I have not delivered at Bryn Mawr but I have a friend who did. She wasn't very impressed with them either. She said that they had to share post delivery rooms; which is not something I wanted to do (this was a couple of years ago so that might have changed now). I delivered at Lankenau and loved. Their nurses were wonderful and you have your own recovery room. The recovery rooms are a little small but they are your own so I didn't care. The delivery rooms are really nice. My doctor was in broomall at mainline health center. Their practice is Lawrence Park Ob/gyn. I don't know if you want to drive that far but I really liked them. They have a man and a woman and both are wonderful. Anyway, take it for what it is worth; since I can't give you first hand advice on Bry Mawr.

Hi J. -

I delivered three children at Bryn Mawr and had a very good experience and the nurses were great! My youngest child is almost three. I also use Bryn Mawr Women's Health Associates and I understand how you feel about them not being warm and fuzzy. Dr. Burns delivered my first and she was really great, Dr. Zeidman delivered my second and she was really good too, and a covering doctor delivered my third. I have also heard good experiences from Lankenau...Good Luck j

Basically, one of my close friends delivered both of children at Bryn Mawr Hospital and she had no complaints. I delivered both of my children at Lankenau and LOVED my experiences. If you decide to change your doctor, I would highly recommend Dr. Laveran in Lawrence Park (Dr. Rudo is good as well).

I didn't deliver at Bryn Mawr, but did deliver at Lankanau and had a WONDERFUL experience. It was my first child, I had to have a C-section so I was in the hospital five days and didn't want to leave I was being taken such good care of. :) Every nurse was wonderful to me and my Dr's were awesome. I was also breastfeeding and had a lot of trouble at first not knowing what I was doing and they helped me through all of it. My Dr's were high risk Dr's so I don't know if they focus on that or are open to any patients. But I also have other friends that delivered there and loved their Dr's. I would just try to research Dr's at that hospital. Again, I would highly recommend Lankanau!

I had my first daughter at Bryn Mawr Hospital with my doctor's coming from Bryn Mawr Women's Health Assoc. It was the worst experience ever. So much so I switched to Dr. Rudolph Laveran at Lawrence Park OB/GYN ###-###-#### to deliver my second daughter at Lankenau.
Highlights
Through my whole 9 months no one at Women's Health remembered my name or that I was having a girl or anything. I would have to wait for over an hour to be seen ever time. When I had an appointment they were short and acted like they didn't care.
When my labor stated I called spoke to a rude Craparo who told me that I should come to the hospital. Once there, they said the rooms were over crowed and I was not moving fast enough so they sent me home. Called back two and half hours later saying it was time to come back. They said I was good to stay at home because first babies take a long time. My husband said forget that put me in the car and we went back. I was at 8 cm when I returned! Tried to give me an epidural and ended up paralyzing me from the neck down for 3 hours stopping my labor. When my daughter did arrive, she had swallowed some of the meconime. They cleaned her up and took her away. Rolled her into my room about 2 hours later and my husband looked at her and said she looks a little gray. So they took her back to the nursery and didn't come back for 2 hours. The whole time we are in a panic. Finally someone came in and told us she was in an oxygen tent in the NICU. She stayed there for a week. (Nurses in there were great!) She is fine now but what a day.
So needless to say I switched both hospitals and doctors. I love my new one. Everyone knows who I am and my daughter. I never wait for more than 10 mins in the office. Just the best!

I delivered my twins at Bryn Mawr, and was so happy with my experience that I went back there with my 7 month old even though we now live closer to Abington Hospital. I delivered with Castelli/Hirschman, and love that practice. I worked at Bryn Mawr, and many of the maternity nurses use the same practice. If there is a a doctor you absolutely love at Lankenau, than switch if it would make you more comfortable, but Bryn Mawr is as great a hospital as Lankenau.

I was followed through the Birth Center but ended up having a C cection at Bryn Mawr Hospital and was overall very pleased with my experience. My sister in law delivered her two children at Lankenau and raves about her experience there. I think you will be in good hands either way. Trust your gut and go with that. Best of Luck

I had my son at Bryn Mawr hospital about a year and a half ago. It was a terrible experience. After delivery I did not have five minutes alone. I could not get people to stay out of my room. They even woke me up to ask if I wanted cable! I was so desperate for sleep that I had to leave the hospital earlier then planned. They were completely impersonal. They also whisked my son away straight after delivery and washed him and gave him shots without asking. I did not get a chance to hold him or breastfeed right away and I was too exhausted to protest. Find another place while you still have time!

Hi J.,
I delivered both my girls at Lankenau and loved it. I live 1 hour away from the hospital, but still went there to because of their reputation. The staff was very nice. My daughter, who is now 10, was born at 33 weeks. She had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks and like I said the staff was wonderful. My other daughter is 6 and was born at 37 weeks. There are two different practices I would recommend. One is Dr. Michael Belden and Dr. Peden(female) was the practice I was with when I delivered Jessica. There are 3 women in that practice. Then there is Dr. McConnell (female) who is wonderful too, she was the doctor on call when I went into labor with Jess. I hope this helps you out. It is never to late to switch. You have to feel good about your doctors and the hospital. Good luck with your decision. J. D. 35 yr. old SAHM w/ two girls ages 10 and 6. Married 13 years.

Hi J.,

I delivered both my kids at Bryn Mawr Hospital. My first was 4 years ago and second only 5 months ago. I was very happy with the staff for both deliveries. The rooms aren't as updated as another hospital i toured (in jersey). It made me feel comfortable they would provide the best care for my baby being they have the NICU. I use Mainline OBGYN in Rosemont. Also, we lived in Jersey for a year and a half. I moved when i was 8 months pregnant with no problems switching doctors/hospitals that late. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about Bryn Mawr or Mainline OBGYN.

I just delivered at Bryn Mawr on the 31st of Jan with my second child. I really like it alot. All the nurses and staff are awsome. I also delivered with Bryn Mawr Womens health assoc. With my first pregnancy I wasn't to sure about them. But I stuck with them and have been really impressed the second time around. They really know what the'yre doing. Even though sometimes it may seems like the bed side manner of some of them is a little abrupt. I've seen them all. In the last half of my preg I mainly saw Dr Abder. She had a baby on the same day as me:) she was really great helped me get through some tough stuff, and put me in touch with people at the post pardom stress center. Give them some more time, your bound to find a least one of the docs there that you can connect with, and then stick with her. Dr Burns has also been my doc since I moved here in 2000. At first she's all buisness but as you see her more and more she warms up and is quite nice.
Your 33 weeks now I'd just stick with it. Unless of course your really unhappy.
best of luck

I delivered at Bryn Mawr hospital back in the 90's thinking I would get a more "natural" delivery. It felt more like a surgical one. They had you all strapped up, IV in one arm, Automatic BP cuff on the other (left a bruise, since you are tensing the muscle while pushing at the same time it compresses your arm), the baby monitor around the abdomen, etc. You couldn't move. When it's time to push, they pull all this equipment out with surgical lights above and you are made to deliver in stirrups (the bed morphs so that your legs are elevated and spread apart. You are not allowed anything by mouth (so you get to starve). The room looks nice until they do all this. Not natural at all! They are in control, what you want is unimportant. (or important as long as its in their parameters)

I delivered my next two babies around the corner from the hospital at the Bryn Mawr Birth center. What a pleasant experience! They let you pick what you want to do, how you want to deliver, they have REAL bedrooms and you can have any family members you want (even siblings) present while giving birth. If you have other children, they can relax in the family room, watch videos or go to sleep while you are just laboring along. You are allowed to eat if you like, they have a kitchen that can be used to store and cook foods, you can labor at the dinner table and go to the bedroom only when you feel the need to push. I relaxed with friends and family members around the dinner table, laughing and joking and every once in a while, gripping my abdomen during a cramp. I was amazed at my matter-of-fact attitude compared with my terror of the first delivery. I think because they empower you to do what YOU think is best makes all the difference in the world. I didn't think I could do completely natural until I was with these midwives. On all the monthly check-ups, they spent 1/2 hour with me! I got to do my own weigh-ins and urine dips. I handled my own chart and could look through it all I wanted. They come to your house afterwards to check on you and do the heel-stick on the baby (for mandatory blood tests). Such personal Care! never got that with an OB! You can also transfer to the local hospital if there are any problems. But they are happy to discuss this at length over the phone with you and you can visit for a tour (for free, doctors wouldn't be interviewed unless I made a full appointment and paid for it!). I was so impressed and loved having my mother at my side, that I wasn't scared at all! And the build up in the intensity of contractions is much easier to take laughing and joking with friends and family. You won't have that at a hospital. My oldest was allowed to cut the cord and there were no episiotomies! (avoid them at all costs - TRUST ME)Doctors will tell you only that they make the decision on whether to do an episiotomy at the moment the head presents itself. Well, the decision is always the same. I know. I used to deliver babies with Doctors and with Midwives during my medical training and the doctors ALWAYS grabbed the scissors and the Midwives NEVER did.

My sister-in-law used the Midwives at Lankenau with her last child since she was in her fourties and considered a higher risk. I don't remember if she had the same freedoms as she had at the Birth Center.

Call the midwives of delaware county. They are an excellent practice. If you are having a normal pregnancy and expect to deliver vaginally you must see them. They are midwives in the sense that they are not doctors but I have never had better care. My first birth was medical intervention hell. My second was calm nice (as it can be) and private. They will help you go naturally if you want to but they will also do an epidural if you need. (I did!) You have the baby at delaware county memorial hospital and that was also a great stay. The staff was nice and I had NO issues with anything during my stay.

The number for the midwives is ###-###-####. The midwife that delivered me was Amy Nathans, She was awesome! If I ever have another one I will go the same way and I am constantly telling people they should go midwife!

Good luck with #3
Cia

I delivered both my kids at Bryn Mawr, with Bryn Mawr Women's Health Associates. Both times were perfectly fine! Dr. Craparo delivered my dd, and Dr. Burns(yikes!) delivered my ds. I found the nurses to be fine. I think it is more important to be comfortable with you doctor (and then deliver at the hospital where they are affiliated) than to pick a hospital for it's ammenities. It is your and your baby's health that should come first in your decisions.

It sounds like everyone has a different story... :) So you never really know what to expect, I guess. I delivered at Bryn Mawr 8 years ago and it was a wonderful experience. I've been raving about it since. I felt well cared for and would definitely go back again. (I also had thyroid surgery there and was very satisfied.) I had a c-section and was there five days, they said I could go home earlier but I didn't want to leave since I was so comfortable there (I think someone else said the same thing)! I also lucked out and had my own room the whole time, not sure how that happened but it was great. I was with a different practice though, and Dr Manfrey delivered my daughter.

Hi,
I delivered both of my boys at Bryn Mawr. I had an OK time w/the first (Crapero delivered me-she wasn't my favorite) and a great experience w/the second (Bernardini delivered me and I LOVE her & would recommend her to anyone)! Most of the nurses were nice and helpful. Bernardini is w/the other practice that delivers at Bryn Mawr-she is great but can be hard at times to see b/c she is so popular.
Hope this helps and good luck!

I'm not originally from the area so I don't know much about the hospitals here but a friend of mine delivered at the Abington Hospital and she had a wonderful experience. I've also read good reviews on other doctors there on this site. I hope you find a doctor that you are comfortable with!

I am currently at Bryn Mawr Women's Health. I am also new to the area. I live in Haverford. I am 16 weeks pregnant with my third child. I am definitely changing OBGYN's. I got such the cold shoulder from Dr. Burns. I hate it there. I can't wait to find a new wonderful OB. Please let me know how your search is coming. I am willing to deliver at Bryn Mawr or Lankenau. Want to meet for lunch one day?

J.,

I was a patient of Bryn Mawr Women's health for my last pregnancy. I was seeing Dr. Craparo late in my pregnancy and didn't get the "warm and fuzzies" from her either. Also, she was ALWAYS running late. Any appointments I could I tried to schedule with Tara, she was the nurse practicioner then. I am not sure if she is still there (I had to change doctors because of my insurance) but she was great. I was also nervous about Bryn Mawr hospital, so your nervousness is ok. When I was there for my c-section and a few days after, however, I had a great experience. Dr. Craparo did a wonderful job with my c-section, she was much more personable in the hospital than in her office for some reason, and there were no complications. One of the nurses said that her attention to patients in the hospital was why she was often running late at the office. Also, I spent a few days in the hospital because of my c-section, and as a result so did my daughter. The nurses on the maternity floor were wonderful. They brought her to me when I needed or wanted her, and they were more than happy to take her to the nursery if I needed some sleep. They were very attentive to the pain medication schedule and I ended up having a really good experience, despite my initial concern. Good luck with the new addition, and I hope all goes well no matter what you decide.

I delivered my second child at Lankenau in May, and had a great experience. They were working on a new labor and delivery floor during my stay there, so it may be open now. My practice is Women for Women, Drs. Barsoum, Manko and Porcelan are all wonderfully attentive and caring people, I would highly recommend them! Their office is in the hospital, and you can find their contact info on the Lankenau Hospital web site.
I was in a similar situation as you, and received the recommendation for Women for Women from a Labor and Delivery nurse at Lankenau, who told me they were the best group at the hospital, and I am glad I followed her advice!
Good luck!

Hi, I had a great experience at Bryn Mawr and Craparo actually delivered my son even though I was not using that practice...My delivery was super quick, but everything went smoothly and the nurses were wonderful!!

hi! i just delivered my son at bryn mawr 8 months ago...it was a pretty perfect experience-no complaints!

Hello J.,

I delivered my daughter at Bryn Mawr last May and I had a very good experience. No complaints at all!

I was actually with The Birth Center, which is a midwife practice right around the corner from the hospital. Unfortunately, I had to transfer to the hospital for a c-section. Craparo actually did my c-section. I only met her for the first time 30 mins. before my surgergy, and frankly never saw her afterwards since I had a midwife.

The nurses were all very nice, they have two lactation consultants, the rooms are lovely and the security for the babies is state of the art. They were constantly checking on the baby and making sure she was ok. Although there may be better hospitals, you certainly didn't make "a bad choice."

I have heard good and bad stories about every hospital in the area, so keep that in mind if you decide to make a change so late in your pregnancy.