Are there any Moms that can recommend a good OB GYN doctor and a good pediatrician that is affiliated with kaiser hospital in long beach? My employer just recently changed from Aetna to Kaiser and although it is less in price I don't want to deprive myself of having the best OBGYN doctor available. Someone that makes you comfortable and of course is gentle (lol)...please help. I also need a recommendation for a great pediatrician for my 8 year old.
Thanks so much,
C.
I know you said Long Beach... I'm not familiar with Kaiser Long Beach but if you don't mind driving to Gardena (Western and Redondo Beach Blvd right off the 110), Dr. Maria Capaldo is the best ob/gyn ever. She is no nonsense and great at what she does. She delivered both of my boys. She is at the Gardena Kaiser and delivers at Kaiser South Bay Hospital (Harbor City).
My girls both see Janice Boyk - by request. Billy Moore was their primary pedi, but I believe she is retiring soon and not taking new patients. Boyk is fantastic!
My OB is not taking new patients either, but Henry is good too.
And on a side note, I was initially worried about using Kaiser, but I've had a really good experience so far. Best of luck!
I am a doula and a mom with 2 boys that has learned the Kaiser system. Though I live in Bellflower, I go with the O.C. Kaiser. Which means, I take my boys to their ped at the La Palma office (love Dr. Castillo). And I see my midwife at the La Palma office (Cheryl Pearce). There are also OBs at the La Palma office (just off the 91/valley view). As far my experience go when doula-ing at the Kaiser Anaheim hospital, I have had excellent birth experience...not 1 negative! Mostly the midwives handled the births, with the exception of the OBs handling the high-risk ones. Kaiser Anaheim has an 11% c-section rate...WHICH IS AMAZING!!!
I was very happy with Dr. William Wallace (no relation to the movie Braveheart!) He was very realistic with his responses to any questions I had and wasn't too strict about what I could or shouldn't be doing. I was very comfortable with him and my husband really liked him as well. Unfortunately, he wasn't at the hospital the Morning we delivered at South Bay, but I was also happy with that doctor.
Good luck and if you have any specific questions feel free to email me!
-W.
C.,
I don't know what part of Long Beach you live in but if it is closer to the Orange County side you should try the La Palma offices. Both of my boys see Dr. Geman Cheng. He is awesome. He takes the time, all the time in the world, to answer any of your questions and concerns. He is very soft spoken when it comes to the kids and he really know what he is talking about. If you ask a question he always has a suggestion he doesn't just tell you to figure it out yourself. I have had that problem with other doctors. As for an OB GYN Dr. Gary Edwards is great. He is very gentle. He is very good about telling you what he about to do if that is the way you would like him to be or he will just do what he needs to do without the play by play. His nurse is wonderful too. Her name is Cinnamon and she is very good about putting you at ease. Both of these doctors are pretty punctual. Sometimes it is hard for doctors to be on time but they usually are. I hope this helps!!
S.
I have heard great things about Niall Cullen in the Costa Mesa area, though I've never seen him. A commenter here mentioned Gary Edwards, but I would strongly advise against seeing him. He had a dismissive attitude, and gave bad medical advice.
C.,
I can not give a specific recommendation for a OB GYN or peds, but I have had Kaiser over thirty years. I have been going to the LB office since it opened. All MD's and staff are exceptionally competent and kind. No problems there. Looking for a primary? I recommend Amy Whittaker. She is an osteopath on staff....awesome. Nice communication available by e-mail. I set up appts that way. I have NO complaints with this facility. I hope you are referring to the clinic on PCH as there is no hospital in LB. if asking about Bellflower hospital.....I go to Harbor City.
Hope this was helpful. Again I've NEVER had bad care at any Kaiser..had babies there, pediatric care, surgeries, ER care and general well-being care. No complaints. Good luck.
P.
I love Marlene Henry. She is a wonderful nurse practitioner. She is a genuine person, kind, gentle, and she will open and honest about your feminine issues. I have seen see her for at least a three years now.
I have three girls, so for a pediatrician, I feel very comfortable with Dr. Billy Moore (woman); we've seen her off and on for 10 years, but I am not sure if she is seeing any new clients. Dr. Schaar (male) is also good, he explains everything.
-L.
