OB or midwife in West Michigan

[Kaden's mom]

I'm looking for a new OB/Gyn or midwife in the Grand Rapids/Holland area. I'd like someone that takes time with you and doesn't seem rushed. I had PPD with DS and I'm looking for someone that is understanding and compassionate about that. I would like to deliver in the hospital.
Thanks

[Mom2TJ]

Hmmm...my co-worker has a very crunchy daughter-in-law who just delivered at home using a midwife. I'll have to see if I can get a name/number. The DIL lives in Newaygo, but I don't know where the midwife lives. I'll ask!

[Kaden's mom]

Thanks mama

[Rachaelbee]

Vanwingen, Thomas L MD - Birth & Beyond
(616) 842-7406
109 S Jackson St, Spring Lake, MI 49456

he has a large staff and you can choose to see him or the midwives. He was more "lets let things progress naturally unless it's a medical necessity" He delivered my 1st, and I saw him w/ #2 but moved before I delivered. Did I mention great staff never too busy for a nervous mama with a silly question Really took the time to make a personal relationship w/ me.
If I have more I wouldn't go anywhere else, but I'd go with a midwife only b/c I want to look into avoiding p/t labor naturally if possible.

[rachaeljohnson]

kalamazoo is pretty far...but Trinie VanderPloug is fantastic...she is with borgess women's health and is the most compassionate person i have ever dealt with. I went for a natural bradley birth and had a video crew and everything. I broke down and begged for an epi around 7-8 cm and after she made sure i really wanted it she got it for me and then helped me still have a fantastic birth and avoid any other intervention. She had me on the squat bar, the birth ball, hands and knees, had dh doing nipple stimulation...all to avoid pitocin. She let me eat with the epi, stay home after my water broke, and was just sweet as can be when i cried and felt terrible after the birth for getting the epi. She is very supportive of us not getting vitamin k, eye drops, or hep b. She is just fantastic!!!

[Lisa-Rachelle]

Definately check out

www.birthpartners.com

It lists all the Midwives/Birth Centers in the surrounding area based on your zipcode.

[Kaden's mom]

Thanks mamas. Anybody else know of anyone closer?

[kymdenise]

If you're looking for a hospital birth, I would HIGHLY reccomend Holland Hospital.. I visited their birthing unit a few months back and it was WONDERFUL! The OB I'd reccomend (that delivers there) is Dana Kracker (Cracker?)... She delivered many of my friends babies, and she is very personable, but knows her stuff. The birth unit where she delivers is awesome. I stepped off the elevator to a dark warm hallway. It is actually kept warmer on that floor, and darker. The nurses seemed very kind, and it would be a beautiful place to deliver. (I have fast labors, so an hour is too far for me!)... Good luck mama!

[jennsmile]

My friend just delivered a baby in Grand Rapids, I am in the process of finding out here info. She liked her birth but hated the aftercare.

Jenn

[Mom2TJ]

I just pm'd you with a couple recommendations.