Big Baby Decisions

We spent a lot of time researching obstetricians and hospitals once we arrived in Osterville. Trying to match which doctor delivered at which hospital and who was on our insurance was quite the maze. Add to that talking to women with young children about the doctors and hospitals they did or did not love- it became an intense decision.

This is what we found:

• 3 hospitals in the area: Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis (at 20 minutes, closest with most route options), Falmouth Hospital (30-45 minutes depending on time of year, only one or maybe two routes), Jordan Hospital in Plymouth (about 40 minutes off Cape, high risk and natural child birth hospital)
• doctors: one midwife type natural medicine female doctor, one group including some women, everyone else male and small practice
• insurance options: most doctors were part of our insurance plan
• advice: most people say the traffic should be a major factor, many women liked the group practice with females

What we decided... drum roll...

(1) Cape Cod Hospital- It was closest and we were most familiar with the route options. They have midwives/laborist on staff who deliver babies during the day so they are always fresh, well rested, and full of creative labor advice.
(2) Cape Cod Hospital OBGYN- It has two male doctors (who I haven't met) and a female nurse practitioner. They are right on hospital grounds, so easy access to doctors during delivery.
(3) They are in our coverage, check!
(4) Some people love this practice, but I don't know that many people who have delivered here. The most recommended practice delivers at Falmouth Hospital.

6 week appointment: We saw a nurse at this initial appointment to talk history and get base weight and blood pressure readings. She was able to answer our many questions about the practice and hospital.

Blood work: This was done at an independent local lab.

8 week appointment: This appointment was scheduled when we ended up traveling to MS. It was rescheduled for 9wks 3days and I saw the nurse practitioner, Kate, and was very impressed. She was laid back, friendly, and informative. Best part, she said we get to do an early ultrasound for size and date!

Coming up:

Saturday, October 8, 11am ultrasound at the hospital
Monday, October 31, 10am 12 or 13 week appointment at Cape Cod Hospital OBGYN

14 minutes! And lots of options.