Need a Good OBGYN and Pediatrician

Updated on April 28, 2008
V.E. asks from Waconia, MN
15 answers

Hi there!
We will be moving from Boise, Idaho to Waconia, Minnesota in a couple of weeks. My husband and I are expecting at the end of June. I am hoping that maybe someone can give me a good recommendation on a hospital to deliver, OBGYN and a pediatrician for my 2 year-old son and his little sister that is on the way. Right now I have a few appointments made in the Waconia area, but don't know much about them. Does anyone know if Ridgeview is a good place to deliver? Or is it better to drive a little and go to one of the hospitals closer to the city? I have heard good things about Abbott hospital, but that is the only one that I have heard anything on yet.

The Doctor that I am scheduled to see is Dr. Frietas for OBGYN and Dr. Schulenberg for a pediatrician/ family doctor. I kind of picked them with distant references. I wasn't sure where to start and just want the best care. It is a little nerve racking trying to know where to start when moving somewhere new. Any ideas or recommendations will be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

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N.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

You are moving to a great area. I delivered number three at Ridgeview about 15 months ago and it is very nice. My other two were delivered in another state. As luck would have it, Dr. Frietas delivered her. I had seen mostly Dr. Weinrich for my pregnancy. I think they are all great. Good luck to you.

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S.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi V. and welcome (almost) to MN! I have to agree with what everyone has said so far about Ridgeview. I've used them for several years as our family physician and anytime we have an "emergency" (thankfully, not that often), we make the drive to Waconia! I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I was in your shoes when pregnant with my daughter...5 months pregnant and moving several states away! It's so hard to find a good OB/GYN. Mine was not, but the great thing was that she wasn't on call the night I delivered. Whew! My Nurse Practitioner was awesome, so that helped a ton...never saw the doc after that first appointment. Thank goodness! (BTW, she was not at Waconia.)

Several of my friends delivered at Waconia and love it!

I take my kids to Partners in Pediatrics in Plymouth. After a few bad experiences with some of the more local clinics, I headed somewhere that "specialized" in little ones. It's a 40 minute drive for me, but I love Dr. Jennings and can't bear to go elsewhere. We only go once or twice a year, so that makes the drive bearable. If they're sick with a 'bug' we go to Ridgeview since it's closer.

Welcome! If you'd like to meet some people locally, shoot me a message. I'd love to help out and maybe get together for a playdate at the park (my little guy is 2 also).

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T.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hey, this is the first time I've responded, but thought I'd jump on, since you're new to the area. Ridgeview is a great place to deliver, I have heard amazing things about the birthing area, feels more like a home than a hospital. My husband is a Doc, so I know a little bit about the systems. I think it will be a great place to deliver, unless you suspect any complications with babe or yourself. As far as pediatricians, the Wayzata Childrens clinic is very highly recommended, by me, and others with in the medical community. There phone number is ###-###-####, they have a clinic in Chaska. I delivered at Methodist Hospital, just because that is where my doc primarily delivers. Enjoy the move and I hope that you meet great people when you get into town. Minnesotans are wonderful! Westwood Community Church is also not far from you and has a great community and great opportunity's with Mothers of Preschoolers. (MOP's) Take care, enjoy the journey! Barb

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

V.,

I am an RN at the hospital in Waconia...What lead me to work there was the wonderful care I received with the birth of my first child eight years ago, and it has continued with my second child and now with my third (which I am hoping to be able to deliver in Waconia as well.) I am currently on bedrest with my third pregnancy and need to get about 2 more weeks before the baby would be big enough to be born in Waconia. Ridgeview has a level 2 nursery for babies who are born after the 34th week. Abbott is a fine specialty hospital, however, other people have told me that the care is not as personal. Also, the commute from Waconia to Abbott can be a bit of a distance in traffic depending on the time of day. The staff in the birthing center is very wonderful and caring. Dr. Freitas is a very nice and competent physcian. She also has partners that practice in Waconia as well. Lakeview Clinic in Waconia also has some wonderful OB/GYNs, Dr. LaRose and Dr. Meath. That same clinic also has some wonderful pediatricians and family practice physcians also. Wayzata Children's Clinic has an office in nearby Chaska MN as well. Let me know if you have other questions. As I said, I have an 8 year old, a 4 year old and am due May 1st with my third. I live south of Waconia about 11 miles.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

You are very lucky to be moving to an area with a wonderful hospital and clinics, I delivered both of my children at Ridgeview in Waconia, it has a great reputation and it's maternity ward is great. Lakeview clinic is right next door to the hospital and it has many wonderful pediatricians, my children see Dr Rutherford, and Dr Sernovassen (sp?) Dr Wentling and Dr Ericson have also been good.
Welcome to the area and good luck

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K.L.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hi V.,

I was in your shoes 15 months ago. I moved to Victoria, MN from Eagle, ID. I was 7 months pregnant & had an 18 month old. All of the doctors at Western OBGYN seem very good. I have only talked to DR. Frietas on the phone but she seemed really nice. I had a great experience at the hospital in Waconia also.

For a Pediatrician - I take my boys to Wayzata Children's Clinic. They are great. They have 3 locations and are open 7 days a week at one of the 3 locations. We see Dr. Lemieux at the Spring Park location but everyone we have met there is great. I would recommend them to anyone.

Hope this helps!

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A.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you're willing to travel St. Francis Medical Center in Shakopee, MN is an awesome place to deliver. I delivered my daughter who passed away at 16 weeks and the nurses were phenomenal!!! I delivered my 1st daughter at Fairview Southdale in Edina, MN and I thought that went well but after doing it at St. Francis... it was a MILLION times better. I had the most caring and compassionate nurses! As for an OB, Dr. Druckman at Park Nicollet (which is inside St. Francis) is absolutely wonderful!!! If you wanted a female.. Dr. Mueller in the same office is great but she doesn't do night deliveries anymore. Hope this helps and if you're not pleased with anyone closer to home, I would definitely try St. Francis. Good luck!

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H.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi V.,
We live in Minnetonka - a little closer to the city than Waconia - but still in the western suburbs. My OB is in Edina - I love my clinic there but I doubt that you would want to drive that far - but Ridgeview in Excelsior is my primary clinic - I have had good experiences with them but didn't see them them at all during my pregnancy. My main reason for responding to your request is to tell you that I delievered at Abbott and had a WONDERFUL experience. I had some complications with my pregnancy and was induced at 36 weeks. Besides the wonderful staff at Abbott I loved the fact that Children's was right next door if we needed anything (we didn't thank God!)- I think Abbott is worth the drive! Good luck with your move - Minnesota is a great place to live! Welcome!

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D.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hey I also came from Kuna ID in Aug- what company is your husband with. I just took my daughter to the hospital in Waconia and they were so nice there- I would recommend it. I also take them to Ridgeview. The weather is getting better so it won't be too bad. I live in Chanhassen.
Welcome!

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A.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Well, right in Waconia is a great hospital called Ridgeview Medical Center. I delivered there a year ago and had no complaints! I worked with the midwives for my pregnancy, so I can't recommend an OB/GYN...but if you are looking for a midwife I would say to call Jamie A. Otremba, CNM, or Cheryl A. Heitkamp, CNM at Western OB/GYN ###-###-####. They are so fantastic throughout my pregnancy and I still call then when I have questions!!!

For a pediatrician, I would go to Lakeview Clinic in Chaska(they also are in Waconia). I have been through 3 pediatricians(I'm not neurotic, I promise) and have just found the perfect one. His name is Dr. Murali V. Srinivasan. Very thorough, but great bedside manner! Good luck, and if you have more questions about the area, let me know!

Ally, SAHM, mother of a fabulous 1 year old boy!!!

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E.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I delivered both of my girls at St Francis Hospital in Shakopee. I absolutely loved it there! The rooms are very large and cozy with thier own full bathroom. You also deliver in the same room your recover in so no moving around. You're also able to use the tub in your room while in labor. I used the midwives at the hospital (they go through Park Nicollet Clinic which is located in the hospital) They were amazing!! I didn't enjoy my doctor with my first pregnancy so I switched to them so I could have a more personal relationship with who would be delivering my baby. I will never go anywhere else for my future children. Also, just because they are midwives does not mean you have to go natural either. Their goal is for you to have your best birth experience possible. IT would probably be about a 30 min drive for you but WELL WORTH IT!! Hope this helps!

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R.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi V..
I have 3 boys and 2 of them were delivered at Ridgeview in Waconia. I think that they are a great hospital to deliver at. The nurses and doctors are all really great. I have used two of their OB/GYN's- Dr. LaRose and Dr. Meath they are with Lakeview Clinics in Waconia. And as far as a pediatrician. We use Dr Wentling with Lakeview Clinic. I highly recommend him as a pediatrician, he is wonderful with kids and really cares. He cares about how the parents feel as well. Please let me know if you would like to talk any more about it. I would be more than happy to help you. I know alot of the nurses at the hospital and clinic so feel free to ask questions and i will help you out.

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M.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi there, this is the first question I have ever responded to (yay). I actually work at Ridgeview hospital so maybe Im biased, but it is a great place to deliver (I just did in November with my first). I went to Western OB/GYN for my prenatal care and saw the midwives there. They are great!!! When it came time to deliver, the one I had treated me like her own daughter! (It was Cheryl Heitkamp, as another woman who responded to you had, and my daughter also see's Dr. Srinivasan, same as her, he's great! Have had him as my own doc since I was 13). I dont remember much because I was exhausted from 2 days no sleep prior to the big day, but everyone was great! Quiet, catering to me, helpful, and concerned. You get back to me if you have any other questions, I live 10min from Waconia in Norwood. The doc's you mentioned in your request are also very nice, and very good.

M :)

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K.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

My 16 month old daughter goes to Lakeview Clinic in Waconia and sees Dr. Srinivasan. He was highly recommended to us and we have been very happy. We have also heard that Dr. Hackett is excellent. We chose to deliver at Abbott Northwestern and were very happy with everything. However, I also know several people who delivered at Ridgeview and were very pleased with their experience. Hope this helps!

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Welcome to the area! I went to Western OB right in Waconia (Dr. Hansen) during my pregnancy. I saw Dr. Freitas once and one of the midwives once during my visits. Everyone there is really great and they strive to make it a "personal" visit! I delivered my little girl at Ridgeview (across the parking lot from Western) and have no complaints at all! The entire staff was great and they did everything to ensure that my doctor would be able to be there to deliver (That was important to me).

As for a Ped... I also take my 6 month old to Wayzata Children's. We see Dr. Benolken, but have also visited with Dr. Cavendar and Maddie Clem (CPNP). That entire staff is warm and welcoming! The offices are located in Wayzata, Spring Park (Mound) and Chaska! You won't be disappointed!!

Again, welcome to the area and if you need a "friend" shoot me a message! I could always use some "big" people friends!!!!

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