Newly Preggars and Looking for a New Gynee...

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Palos Hospital. I ended up finding a dr whose office was connected to the hospital in the back. She delivers all her own patients and was just wonderful. Dr. Masoon Al- Naqueeb on the 2nd floor.

Just FYI, Palos is not a locked maternity unit. During visiting hours a friend that had her daughter there said they put the babies in the nursery during those times. She also had a horrible experience there. Aside from that there is no neonatal ICU, so if there are complications they airlift the baby to another hospital and you would have to stay at Palos until you were discharged. Another friend had preclampsia and needed an emergency C-section early. Her baby went to Christ, but she had to stay at Palos until they could get her blood pressure under control. She was a wreck, and was especially stressed b/c she wanted to nurse. I delivered at Hinsdale and loved it. I used West Suburban Women's Health in Willowbrook where they have 3-4 nurse midwives and 4 MD's, all women. A great group. Good luck, and congrats. Interview a few docs if you can and be sure that they share your beliefs and thoughts on your birth plan too.

I could probley write a book on both topics ;). First of all palos hospital is great. I have never delivered there but I worked on the floor. All of the nurses are really nice. Like said before they are VERY strict when it cames to visitors. I however didn't like the idea of my baby. Being taken away for two hours even if I had no one visiting me! It maybe something that you might want to think about especially if you plan to breastfeed. Second Dr Risser (in my eyes) isn't exactly the best! I used to be a member of the group. I actually saw Dr Yen but I had to see all of the doctors in the pratice. I had a few times that I had no choice but to see her including when I had my misscariage. Just then alone she couldn't have been colder to me! She was mean and heartless. It was one of the hardest things I have went through and she really could care less! On another occasion Dr yen wanted me to come back in a week for a weight and BP check and I could hear her shouting to the nurse through the door "she was just here last week why is she here again!". When she came into the room she was VERY rude asking why I was there! I feel that she has NO bedside mannor or sympathy. And there is still more! If you have any more questions please contact me. I know not every on will have had such a bad experience as I have but just thought I would give you a heads up :)

I can't offer advice on the doctor but I did deliver my daughter at Palos in 2005. I had a son last year at Christ. I thought Palos was far better then Christ when it came to nurses and room comfort. At Palos I labored, delivered and recovered in the same room. Christ I was in about 3 different rooms before it was all said and done. My labor at Palos was 23 hours long and like another poster, as I got very near delivery I had my favorite nurse there and her shift was up but she stayed by me until I delivered. Very kind and attentive. I never experienced them taking the baby from me for any period of time unless I requested it.

I felt more comfortable at Christ because it's a childrens hospital with everything needed in the event of an emergency but for an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery I'd choose Palos.

Congrats and good luck!

I delivered my twins at Palos Hospital with Dr. Bray. The nursing staff there is wonderful and the rooms are very large and comfortable. Looks for classes held there that include a tour of maternity area. They also have sessions that you could bring your little boy to to help introduce a new brother or sister into the family. Good luck to you.

I had a really nice experience at Palos Hospital. My nurse stayed past her shift to see through the delivery of my daughter. Very attentive and courteous nurses, for sure. The lactation specialists were awesome (well 2 of them were, the other was so-so). I think you will be very pleased with your care at Palos. As a matter of fact, my dr. is affiliated with a different hospital for my insurance now, and I am considering switching back to a PPO so I can go back to Palos in the future. They are a little strict on their visitation policy (only spouse, grandparents and children can visit during the day, and visiting hours are from like 6-8 p.m. while the baby is in the nursery), but this may be common around here, I don't know for sure. Congrats and best wishes.

I just wanted to add that the maternity ward may not be locked, but there is only one entrance. You have to stop by the nurses desk to be admitted. Family members get wrist bands to visit. The nursery itself is locked. The hospital will give you a tour of the ward and it is part of the childbirth class there. Not all complications end up at Christ. It would depend on the severity. My baby's leg was turned out at the knee and she wasn't breathing well upon delivery. The neonatologist and an orthopaedic dr. both came in to do consults. We both stayed at Palos and I felt the care was excellent.

I have had all my children at Palos - 1990, 2000, 2002. I used Dr. Maysoon Al-Naqeeb. Her office is right in the hospital...which makes it nice when she has an emergency delivery. She is at your fingertips if you are the one delivering, and if you have an office visit and someone else has a delivery, she walks across the hall and the wait time for her to return is minimal depending on the delivery.

C. T.