Bloomington Hospitals/Natural birth friendly?

[SWagner]

Why do you say that Health Partners isn't the best and who would you recommend. Do you know anything/like HCMC?

[SWagner]

Does anyone have anything bad to report about HCMC? I've heard negative things but only because the take "all kinds" which isn't a good reason not to choose them since I love diversity! Why would that make them a bad practice? Any thoughts?

[golfgal]

Health Partners is basically an HMO. I know people that use it and it is fine, there are just better options if your insurance works for them--many private practices, etc. I like the Parkview Clinics personally but my youngest is 13 so it has been a while since I have needed OB care.

I have just heard too many horror stories about Health Partners--long waits for testing, not getting needed tests because of cost, etc. One particular incident was a friend's mom that went to her HP dr complaining of stomach pains. He wrote it off to 'female issues' and didn't order any tests. Finally it got so bad she went out of network and discovered she had stage 4 ovarian cancer--she didn't make it. Another friend had a 6 year old boy that had kidney stones and it took them 2 months to get him in for an ultrasound and they decided not to do anything for him and just wanted to let things progress naturally--the kid was 6 and in PAIN. It is cases like these that make you wonder about where their priorities are?

I have heard good things about HCMC but I have no experience with their hospital at all.

[SWagner]

Thanks for the info!

Still making a decision...

S

[SWagner]

Anyone have thoughts about the HCMC hospital or the Abbott NW hospital especially regarding the midwife section??

Thanks!

[JenLee]

Both are good; but I've been told that Abbott is quicker to medicate women at the first sign of discomfort (even when the woman initially doesn't want the intervention) whereas HCMC will encourage the woman to move around and change positions and work with her instead of almost forcing meds on her. Many hospitals prefer the more "traditional" American labor and delivery (medications, bedrest, medical interventions, etc); so if you want to have a more natural childbirth, you should ask around.

I would encourage you to check out these two site since they are more focused on what you are looking for than this website can tell you:

Childbirth Collective
MinnesotaBirthNetwork.com

IMHO, if you really want a natural childbirth, HCMC is the best place to go.

[SWagner]

Thanks for your input! Since we're only 5 weeks from estimated D-day we have made our decision. We're happy about choosing HCMC and their midwife service. I'm sure there are other options, but we're pretty happy with our decision so far. Hope it works out!

S

[JenLee]

I'm glad you made a decision!

Congratulations, Good Luck and Best Wishes to the future new parents!!