Moving to MD, need maternity hospital (Baltimore, Columbia: chapel, transfer, living in)

[DG001]

Hi,

My brother and SIL are moving to MD in January, and she is pregnant with their first baby . She is having a hard time getting information on hospitals, doctors etc.

So basically, they will probably move to Piney Orchards in Odenton. Any advice on which hospital is closest, and the best bet for delivering baby? Google maps show both Howard County general and Anne Arundel Medical Center as about 25 minutes away, but Google maps does not tell you everything. Are there other hospitals in the area with maternity services that they should consider?

Any advice, or information would be most appreciated! Real travel times, and actual service information in the hospitals will also be most welcome!

[North Beach Person]

Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis would probably be the one she'll use living in Odenton, Dr. will probably be in Annapolis. Decent hospital, 3rd child born there, wife has had surgery there.

[bande1102]

I had one baby in Howard County General (14 years ago) and two at AAMC (9 years ago, but have been there since for surgery). I also happened to live in Odenton when I went to Howard County General b/c we'd just moved there from Columbia and my doc was in HoCo.

I much prefer AAMC to Howard County General. AAMC has just undergone some major renovations/updates and I really like that hospital and am impressed. I'm sure it's probably changed, but when I was at HOCO they still had semi-private rooms whereas AAMC had the labor/delivery suites with room for husband. Also, for some reason I got a massage at AAMC, too. I don't know if they still do that, but I loved it. HoCO was definitely showing its age. And I wasn't too happy with the nursing staff, either. There also wasn't any room for my husband and hardly any visitors, either. Not to mention not a whole lot of privacy/quiet. Again, this is going back several years so double-check.

Two more things, if you do decide to go to HOCO, please consider the drive. It was quite a drive from Odenton to Columbia for doctor's visits and the maternity stay. And most of the doctor's affiliated with HoCo were in Columbia. AAMC is in Annapolis, but at least many of the ob/gyn/midwife associated with it are in Odenton/Crofton so not as bad as driving to Columbia for every single visit.

Also, if you live in Odenton, you're also near the Baltimore-Wasington Hospital Center. Formerly known as North Arundel. I have had several experiences there when it was North Arundel and did not like it all. It has since been remodeled and renamed, but I, and most everyone I know prefer AAMC. Although to tell you the truth, I'm not even sure if they have a maternity ward....hmmmm.

Anyway, good luck.

[Gabrielle]

Given the distance, you will probably use AAMC. I gave birth 3 years ago at Howard County General and had a very pleasant experience. The maternity unit had just undergone a major renovation and we all had private rooms. You give birth in a private, large labor and delivery suite and are then transferred to a private, small room for the remainder of your stay. I am a bit jealous of bande1102 since she got a massage when she delivered, but it was still not bad! Best wishes to your SIL.

[PenguinSix]

I've heard good things about AAMC, especially since the renovation. We didn't deliver there but our pediatrician is in Annapolis (Annapolis Pediatrics) and they had rights at AAMC and are able to visit the baby in the first few hours right in the hospital. I think it might come down to which OB and which pediatrican you choose.

[bande1102]

Originally Posted by PenguinSix

I've heard good things about AAMC, especially since the renovation. We didn't deliver there but our pediatrician is in Annapolis (Annapolis Pediatrics) and they had rights at AAMC and are able to visit the baby in the first few hours right in the hospital. I think it might come down to which OB and which pediatrican you choose.

I'll second the vote for Annapolis Pediatrics. I've been to several other in the area and that is my favorite practice. Also, they have a satellite office in a medical building in Crofton (near Odenton) at Waugh Chapel Village.

[mmemk]

Another vote for AAMC! I had my son there in 2006 and will have another one there in a couple of months! Great facilities and staff -- only downside I thought was the lack of a nursery (but that's not a downside in everyone's view).

[bowian]

I didn't deliver at AAMC, but I have used it, and I like it.

[nb14738]

Just had my 2nd baby at AAMC on 11-21-08 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! They are the 2nd busiest hospital for delivering babies in the state of MD, are the only hospital to have a level 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and have a great Labor & Delivery unit with wonderful staff. There is a OB/GYN that is great and they have a brand new office right in Gambrills which is righ next to Odenton in the Waugh Chapel shopping Center. Annapolis OB/GYN is the name. They have a ton of office locations.

[kwhitt]

My husband and I are expecting our first baby. I will be delivering at AAMC. I really like the ob/gyn I've been working with as well. She's located in the hospital. I've met with both her and the other doctor in her office. Both made me feel comfortable with our decision to use them for the birth of our child. The staff has always been friendly and caring as well. Message me for names if you're still looking. I also have a family practitioner that is near the hospital who came highly recommended.