Seeking Other Pregnant Kaiser Members

I received prenatal care and delivered at Kaiser Oakland, and was really happy with the whole experience. My Ob-Gyn for prenatal care was Dr. Laura Minikel, who was excellent and very personable. When I delivered, an attending (not a resident) stayed with me for 2+ hours of pushing - she was excellent and very supportive of my desire to avoid using drugs - her name was Caryn Rybczynski. I imagine she'd be great for prenatal care as well. Thought the nurses and lactation consultants (who I saw ALOT after returning home and having breastfeeding difficulties) were very helpful and supportive as well. All depends on finding the right clinician for you. Switch if you don't click with your provider.

I delivered at Kaiser Walnut Creek and it was great! I have also toured the L&D at Kaiser - Antioch and it is wow! They have all the modern facilities there but it was very far for me, WCR was just fine. Usually they say a midwife will deliver unless there are any complications so I started seeing a midwife for my last few appointments and got lucky when she was the one who finally delivered my baby!

I was very happy with the prenatal care at Kaiser Pleasanton (I mostly saw midwives, but had a couple appts. w/ my OB, Cheong).

It depends where you live. Kaiser has delivery services in Antioch at the new hospital, as well as at Walnut Creek, Oakland and Hayward. I would try to go to the one closest to your home as driving a distance in labor is not fun.

I had my prenatal care through Pleasanton and was very happy. My OB was Dr. Todd Dillard. He was very thorough and also very straightforward. He provided my prenatal care through both of my pregnancies. I had midwives deliver at Kaiser Walnut Creek and was also more than happy with them. Good luck!

Steer clear of Hayward Kaiser. I had a VERY bad experience there. Be VERY clear about your birth plan ahead of time and have someone with you (like a doula) who knows your plan and will help carry out your wishes.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!!

I started at Oakland w/ my now 19 month old but transferred to Walnut Creek. I was not thrilled w/ any of the doctor's. It took time to find the right one after I had my daughter. I think that is the most important; your relationship w/ your provider. Each facility is almost the same. As far as delivery, Oakland has interns/residents on staff for delivery and WC has midmives and doctors.. The rooms were very nice and it was all very comfortable. I am pregnant again and though I finally found an ob/gyn I like in Richmond I will deliver again in W.C.

Hope that helps.