pregnant--please advice on CNM/Birth Centers (St. Paul, Roseville: insurance, live in, health)

[withmetta]

Dear All,

We moved to the Twin Cities two months ago and I just found out that I am pregnant. I have always wanted a natural birth (home birth is not an option since it is not covered under our insurance plan), so I am actively looking for good CNMs and birth centers in the area. The advice given by the thread "Good doctors--pregnant" in July, 2007 was very helpful.

We live in Roseville and after checking with my insurance program, the following hospitals/systems are covered:

1) HealthPartners
2) Fairview
3) HCMC
4) St. John, St. Joseph, Woodwinds
5) Regions Hospital
6) Abbott Northwestern

HCMC seems to be highly recommended and I am very tempting to go there, but I wonder if there is anywhere closer to Roseville that also has quality birth center with great CNMs? Would you recommend some good CNMs?

Thank you in advance!

[Bagira]

We had both our Children at Fairview-Riverside via CNM appointments are thru Fairview Woman's Clinic. Knowledgeable peoples.

[golfgal]

HCMC isn't all that far from Roseville so if you are leaning that direction I wouldn't worry about the distance. Woodwinds is the newest hospital in the twin cities so my guess is it would be a little more up to date on facilities. Abbot/Northwestern has a very good reputation as well. I am not a fan of St. Joe's, or St. John's based on friends that have given babies there--there are better choices I think. My cousin used to be in charge of the birth center at Regions and she was not happy there. I have never been a fan of Regions--too many bad stories--unless you are a burn victim--then that is where you want to go.

[withmetta]

Thank you so much! Your info is very helpful! I will cross St. Js and Regions off the list then.

[withmetta]

Thank you for your recommendation

[MinnesotaGirl]

I agree with Bagira-I love the CNM's at Fairvew Riverside Women's Clinic. I delivered at Fairview Riverside and had a great experience. Woodwinds is beautiful and would be perfect is your pregnancy & labor are uncomplicated.

[withmetta]

thank you so much! I will check it out as well!

[Lillietta]

[Children's Hospital - connected to United Hospital (United Children's Hospital) - is wonderful! Is United not on your list? I know members of HealthPartners use United Hospital in St. Paul but maybe different companies refer to different hospitals. Children's Hospital specializes in medical problems- pregnancy, childbirth or pediatric - with great success.

[withmetta]

Hi Lillietta,

Thank you for your suggestion--I did not realize that United could be an option as well. I will check it out too.

[golfgal]

I would say United as well but that wasn't on your original list so I didn't mention that. The nice thing about United/Children's is that Children's is right there so if there was an issue with the baby, you can be onsite for visits,etc.