Midwife And/or Doula Recommendation to Work with Paoli Hospital?

Hi A.,
I don't know if Paoli Hospital allows midwives with births, but I know that Bryn Mawr hospital does. When I was researching this for my first pregnancy, I didn't have much luck finding any hospitals in this area that allowed midwives, but that was over 4 years ago and maybe things have changed. I had my 2 sons at The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr which is staffed by midwives. Should I have needed a transfer to a hospital during labor, they would have sent me over to Bryn Mawr Hospital which is across the street and the midwife would have come with me. Fortunately I was able to have both boys at The Birth Center and I had overwhelmingly positive experiences with TBC. For both births I also had a doula in attendance. I used the same person for both of my pregnancies and would recommend her services highly. Her name is Jennifer Mossholder and she's attended about 100 births and I know she has attended some at Paoli Hospital. Here is a link to her website where you can find contact information: http://www.doulamom.com/

Good luck!
Marsha

you should contact Jackie at Birthmark
http://familybirthmark.com/

she is a Doula and actually a trainer of doula's in the area.
Good luck!

My apologies for my vague answer in advance.

My best friend just had a baby at Paoli and I was the "Back Up Catcher" just in case. The woman who gives the birthing classes there is also a doula. I *think* her name is Theresa, and I think her service is "Gentle Beginnings" or something. Call about the class and I'm sure they can point you in the right direction.

Call soon though, she says some people call her as soon as the stick turns pink to book her as a doula. You really want someone who can follow along with you. She was very nice and knew what she was talking about. I learned stuff from her and I already have 2 kids!

Hello! I highly recommend the midwives at The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr.
Both of my children were born in birth centers with midwives and my experiences were amazing. When I attend births of friends who choose traditional hospital births, or hear their birth stories, I feel so sad for what they missed. I find if a woman does not have support in making a switch from hospital birth to midwife, her family may make her doubt her decision. I advise them to look up statistics related to both. It is much safer to have a birth with a midwife, and you will have beautiful, lasting memories of bringing your sweet little one into a gentle world.
The Birth Center has a large group of midwives, and is located directly across the street from the Bryn Mawr Hospital which has an acclaimed NeoNatal Unit where you can be easil transferred if there are problems (quite rare). The best of both worlds! Good luck with your decision and your growing family!