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Oakland
Citizen
Username: Oakland
Post Number: 37
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 12:54 pm: | 
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For those of you who were living in MW/SO at the time you delivered your children, where did you decide to have your children, how long ago was that, and why did you pick where you did? (i.e. Morristown Memorial, St. Barnabus, Overlook, somewhere else all together). I am particularly interested in those that had kids in the recent few years. |
kriss
Citizen
Username: Kriss
Post Number: 284
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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I delivered my first at Overlook ('02) and my second at Mountainside ('04). Loved both hospitals. Excellent nurses, private rooms, decent food. One of the reasons I picked Overlook over St. B (my OB at the time had privileges at both) is because Overlook allowed the baby to room in, and my husband could stay over as well. I understand that St. B now has private rooms.
I delivered my second at Mountainside because I had switched to a midwifery practice and that's where they deliver.
I don't think you can go wrong at either of these hospitals. I received excellent care at both. |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5253
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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Oakland there has been a lot of talk about this over in past, try to do a search, you may find more information.
I can just tell you I preferred Overlook mostly because of the private rooms. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 530
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 2:37 pm: |
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I delivered a year and a half ago at St. Barnabas. I'd thought when i chose my OB that i'd have a choice between St. B and Overlook, but found out later that they'd stopped delivering at Overlook just a few months earlier. So that made the decision for me.
It went fine. No real complaints, other than an incredibly hard time getting someone to help me learn to breastfeed. I tried to get a private room, but they were all taken when i was ready to move out of the delivery ward. And if none is available when you first need a room, there's no possibility of switching later, even if you're there for 4-5 days after a c-section. (Unless, of course, you're my OB's wife. ;-)
My husband had surgery at Overlook recently, and while i was waiting for him, i took a tour of the maternity ward, just for kicks. I may consider switching OBs if there's a next time, to try to deliver there. It seemed smaller, friendlier, and everyone is guaranteed a private room, even if they have to put you in a shared room for the first few hours before one becomes available. Then again, i really like my OB, so we'll see... |
melicious
Citizen
Username: Melicious
Post Number: 392
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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I do NOT recommend Morristown. I had witchy nurses and amateurish anesthesiologists during a pre-term labor episode. It was with my third kid and I have been in multiple hospitals with my first two, so I know what it's supposed to be like.
I ended up ('04) going to St. Peter's in New Brunswick - wonderful care, but a haul. I had to go there because I'm high risk and found the high risk group to be stellar and the nursing staff true caregivers. They also have the largest NICU in the state - which for me is an issue.
Good Luck and take care
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2901
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 2:47 pm: |
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My kids were delivered at overlook (2001 & 2003) because my OB delivers there.
Overlook was fine. My 1st was in the NICU for 10 days (low birth weight but no other health problems) and they helped me breastfeed and pump. My 2nd was in the nursery for an extra 5 days because of jaundice. I was allowed to stay at the hospital (in a different, less used ward) overnight during that time to breastfeed. Being in the NICU was actually easier because I could sit outside her incubator all day & night if I wanted to, whereas you aren't allowed to sit in the nursery.
I did have a private room, and the hubster could have stayed over if he had wanted to (which neither of us wanted!). I was a bit surprised at the fact that the nurses in both instances would rather just formula feed the babies than bring them to the mother (or have the mother come to them). I got a lot of "why don't you just get some sleep dear" comments, which I didn't really appreciate. I've heard that from a lot of women who give birth in various places though.
St. Barnabus is bigger and delivers more babies. I have heard they have a higher "level" NICU (5 vs 4?), I have also heard that the higher level simply means newer equipment. I have also heard that Morristown has a higher level NICU as well and the drs rotate between Morristown and Overlook.
To be honest I would use whichever one my doctor preferred. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1425
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |
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I had two kids at St Barnabas six years ago and four years ago, mainly because of proximity, and partly because we had been taking prenatal lamaze-type classes there. At the time they did not have private rooms, and that sucked, but now that they do, I'd go there again in a heartbeat. I was very pleased with all aspects of my care there. |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 491
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 4:26 pm: |
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My son was delivered at Columbia Presbyterian...only because that's where my wife's OB worked out of. I didn't think it was that great...Private room with really uncomfortable couch/futon thing for husbands to sleep on. My sister had her last at Morristown, and couldn't say enough about how great it was. |
Earlster
Supporter
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 1504
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 4:51 pm: |
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Both our kids were delivered at Mountainside in Glen Ridge (by Montclair). It is the closest hospital if you want to use midwives.
Both times we were more then happy with the place. They have a very nice birthing section with a tub in one of the delivery rooms. |
Bill232
Citizen
Username: Bill232
Post Number: 161
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 4:55 pm: |
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My wife had both of my children at SB. Nine and seven years ago. Had no problems with the staff or hospital at all. Actually both of my kids ended up in the NICU, my daughter for a heart defect that was caught by the staff. My son was for mainly observation due to a fast delivery. That needed, extra attention, that was given especially from the NICU staff was great and very caring.
We are actually expecting our third child (a son) in June. Even though we now live in West New Jersey we are still planning on having him at SB. I like to stick with a good thing if it does not need changing.
Let me know if you need a good pediatrician.
Congratulations. |
ccurtis
Citizen
Username: Ccurtis
Post Number: 27
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 5:14 pm: |
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we went to morristown (well, that was where the OB delivered). No complaints - we had a private room, and the nurses were not "witchy" at all. The only complaint is with the lactation consultant, whom my wife did not learn anything from, and they aren't really around on the weekend. |
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 497
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 5:43 pm: |
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I delivered at St B's 4 years ago and would have no qualms about going back. I've heard lots of stuff about them being overly medical and all that, compared to Overlook which is into more natural birth, etc. This wasn't really my experience. I think it's more about your doc.
I needed to be induced due to some medical concerns but my doc let me take it really slow and absolutely did not rush me into a C. I never progressed so I did have a C-Section in the end. But I didn't feel forced. The hospital people didn't seem to care one way or another - it was purely a decision between me and my doc about how to move forward.
In the meanwhile, I was able (unfortunately!) to meet about 10 different L&D nurses and the vast majority were amazing. Very kind, very considerate and very professional. They bent the administrative rules a number of times to let me be more comfortable.
After the baby was born I had tons of help breastfeeding, although none of it worked at the time. (I used a lactation consultant from outside the hospital.) I always hear that St. B's doesn't allow your baby in your room all night and that they don't support breastfeeding, but I found the opposite to be true. I kept my daughter with me as long as I wanted at night, but frankly, there were several times that I was okay with her going to the nursery so I wouldn't just stare at her breathing!
I wasn't as impressed with the maternity or the nursery nurses as I was with the L&D nurses. But then again, I had already been there 4 days and was feeling grouchy.
Good luck whatever you chose. I think we are really lucky to have options and so many great facilities around here. |
Twokitties
Citizen
Username: Twokitties
Post Number: 419
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 10:23 am: |
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Delivered at St. B one year ago. Chose it because it is a teaching hospital. It was my first child, first time ever in a hospital, so I have nothing to compare to, but it was fine. Very busy the day/night I was in labor.
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Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 248
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 10:35 am: |
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I chose to deliver my baby at St. Clare's hospital. My baby chose to be delivered on my kitchen floor. The EMT chose to carry me out and deliver the baby in the driveway where it was frigid cold winter.
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susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 1489
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 11:00 am: |
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I used St. B, due to proximity and reputation, and the fact that that is where my OB delivers. Six years ago when my daughter was born, was a very good experience except for three different roommates over the 5 days I was there (one of whom had nearly continuous multiple visitors)
The nurses did a very solid job of helping me get started with breastfeeding, and leaving my daughter with me for as long as I wanted, but taking her when I needed recovery time.
Would definitely deliver there again, but would do my best to get one of the private rooms, even with the "executive wing" surcharge. I'm happy with St. B. on all other dimensions, and personally would not shift to a less convenient location for us (e.g. Overlook) just to save rooming charges, given that I have a child who would want frequent short visits, and a husband who would not be rooming in.
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cppkqp
Citizen
Username: Cppkqp
Post Number: 113
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 1:14 pm: |
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All three of my children were born at St. B., which I chose b/c of its reputation. My son, born in 2003, was full term and over 10 lbs. He was delivered via c-section due to his size. He spent a few days in the NICU due to a respiratory infection. My twin girls were born in 2005 at 33 weeks also via c-section, due to a medical condition (mine, not theirs). One spent three weeks in the NICU, the other six weeks (after surgery at 4 weeks).
St. B's NICU is amazing. It is highly rated because it offers an outstanding team of well-trained doctors and nurses as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Each of my children received excellent care there. St. B sometimes receives premies and other high-risk infants born at other hospitals in our area that require the care that St. B is able to provide. While my girls were there the NICU was one of about a dozen NICUs nationwide that were participating in a study of the success of their care so that other hospitals could learn from them.
While I sincerely hope that your child does not need to learn first hand about the care provided at the St. B. NICU, it is an excellent facility. When my girls were being delivered, I found it very reassuring to know that they were in excellent hands. I too received excellent care at St. B., and enjoyed a private room during each of my 5-night stays. Best wishes.
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NFK
Citizen
Username: Nfk
Post Number: 89
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 3:36 pm: |
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I defaulted to St. B's b/c that was the only hospital my ob delivers at and I would follow her anywhere. I had my baby less than a year ago. I had an excellent experience and did get a private room where my husband could have slept with me had we chosen that. Plus, we had GREAT food in the private room. We chose to have him go home and sleep there, that way I knew I could sleep. Let's face it, after you delivery, people are coming in and out all the time so try sleeping!
I had some nurses that were lactation consultants as well as the "real" lactation come see me. I thought they were all full of *hit b/c they all said different and conflicting things so I ended up getting a lactation consultant to come to the house. Highly recommend Chatham Lactation Consultants. Dawn and Mario were wonderful!
Just keep in mind that you want to be where you will have the best care. Private room and all that is great if things work out but pregnancy and delivery don't discriminate so I was glad I was at St. Bs where they could handle anything. I'm not a nervous person but it was just nice to know in the back of my head. |
mimi
Citizen
Username: Mimi
Post Number: 230
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 8, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
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a huge second for dawn and mario at chatham lactation. the only lactation center in nj. have helped me immensely!
to answer the original questions, i just delivered 3 weeks ago at mountainside in montclair/glen ridge with joann of avalon midwives. the best experience all around. private rooms. rooming in. great l&d nursing staff. amazing backup ob. birthing tub. very low-key, non-medical feeling setting with accessibility to excellent medical care. most importantly, i liked the fact that the hospital does way fewer births than st. b's. so i didn't feel rushed. or like a number. they gave me plenty of time for a long (unfortunately) labor, and didn't rush me into a c-section. even after 36 hours.
i also highly recommend finding a doula to round out your team. we used doulamomma (hi, kim!) and couldn't have asked for a better fit.
good luck and congratulations. |
Seagull
Citizen
Username: Seagull
Post Number: 82
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 1:19 pm: |
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I delivered last year at Overlook. My doctor delivered at both Overlook and St. B.
I chose Overlook b/c after taking the tours, it seemed like a comfortable fit. I highly recommend checking your options out before hand to see which place makes you most comfortable. Also ask your doctor which he/she prefers.
I was very impressed with the design of Overlook's delivery room (they do have one with a tub- although I didn't use it). I liked that the baby would be allowed to room-in and I that would have a private room.
The nurses were all very nice. Security was top-notch (although I'm sure that's true for both of these hospitals). There were also nice little touches like a dinner ready for me once I finally delivered (9:30 pm) and a free breakfast cart coming in the morning so my husband didn't have to go to the cafeteria. |
apm
Citizen
Username: Apm
Post Number: 337
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 1:44 pm: |
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I delivered at Overlook. I like that it has a small hospital feel as it is built into a mountain so it doesn't look so big. I liked the private room and the fact that they respect your decision whether to breast feed or not. My sis had a baby at St. Barnabas 10 years ago and the breast feeding women kept harassing her even after she told them she didn't want to. She had to call the nurse station on them to get them to leave. She did say that aside from that, St. Barnabas was very nice.
The nurses at Overlook were very nice and experienced and I was able to get the rest I needed after a C-section knowing my son was being fed and was safe. I was a nervous mother without any experience so I appreciated them the way you appreciate your Mom who knows all about infants. My son took immediately to those little bottles and went through them like crazy. The nurses were amazed!! To this day he is a good eater and knock on wood) has never been sick. I had a good experience at Overlook and didn't want to leave.
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Melba
Citizen
Username: Melbaj
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 2:16 pm: |
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I delivered #2 at Overlook in Jan 2006. Both hubby and I loved it. Our baby roomed with us. The breakfast cart before the delivered breakfast was a nice touch. We picked the hospital because of the private room situation. When we delivered #1 in the city, we were unable to get a private room so hubby had to go home at 3am when we found out he couldn't stay. We did not want to go through that again. PL me if you have any specific questions. |
delin wareham
Citizen
Username: Dwareham
Post Number: 51
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 6:20 pm: |
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I delivered two years ago at St B and again seven months ago. If you're high risk, St B is the place to be despite its faults (which, in my opinion are many). But if you anticipate a no-frills delivery, Overlook is probably the place to go.
St B is simply too busy a place and you wind up not getting everything you need unless you become a pain in their rump. My biggest complaint was that I had to chase the staff for things they should have been providing me -- pain medication, fresh towels, supplies, etc. I also found that the staff wasn't very communicative -- they didn't let me know about the various activities like breastfeeding classes, etc. All of that is in the packet they give you, but I was too busy/tired to read that at the time.
I had a regular room to myself the first time around and got a private room the next time. Both accomodations were fine; the private room was pricey though at about $200 a night.
I had a mediocre L&D nurse with #1 and then a FABULOUS one with #2; on both occasions I found some maternity ward nurses were outstanding and some were less than average, but I'm sure you'll find that anywhere.
Bottom line is that I didn't feel like they took care of me very well but they did take great care of my kids. |
doctoralissa
Citizen
Username: Doctoralissa
Post Number: 195
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 10:50 am: |
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I had my son at Newark Beth Israel. I'd been there before with an ectopic and my GYN is affiliated there and at St. B. The way the staff hopped when my GYN spoke convinced me that that was the place for me.
No one in Mwood/SO goes there, but I felt the experience was great, especially as a woman of color. Not too busy, great and attentive nurses.
New birth center and private rooms. Originally I was in a double room but was by myself. When I got a roommate I asked to be moved to a pvt room (I was in longer because of a C section) and they moved me within an hour. The lamaze/lactation coach there is fabulous. I called her months later with a question and she remembered me and the details of my birth/breastfeeding well. Overall a terrific experience and close by...yes you have to drive through the ghetto to get there, but I'd rather go down Chancellor Ave in bad weather than over So. Orange Ave.
Good luck! |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 105
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 12:34 pm: |
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my friend is a labor/delivery nurse at Overlook. She is great and had 6 children of her own.
My youngest is 18 so I am out of the loop I suppose but we had him at Overlook. It was fine but my other two older children were born in Perth Amboy General because we lived in Sayreville at that time and the food was much better. |
jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 473
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
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I was born at Overlook more than thirty years ago and look how great I turned out!
J.B. |
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