Clinicians Who Care

Dr. A, as she is referred to by her patients, pretty much changed my life. After a traumatic (albeit uncomplicated) first birth which involved very little bodily autonomy and an unnecessary episiotomy, I was apprehensive about becoming pregnant again. When I found Dr. A, I really could not believe she was real. She sat with me for 45 minutes during our first visit, asking me what I wanted, my birth to look like and allow allowing me to trauma dump about my first birth, while providing more empathy than I have ever received from a medical provider. I couldn’t believe that I was looking forward to each appointment because every single person at her office was so lovely (and I loved how the office was specifically designed not to induce that clinical, cold feeling I always get at a medical office.) I discovered Hypnobirthing at her practice, and although I was extremely skeptical about its efficacy, it absolutely worked. My birth was the most beautiful experience I could’ve ever hoped for. All the staff at the hospital had such clear respect for Dr. A. and her polices (for example, she allows low risk patients to eat and drink as they wish during labor, which is different from the hospital policy, but the nurses backed off when hearing I’m Dr. A’s patient. I had a beautiful Hypnobirth and although my daughter was a compound hand presentation, I was never aware of any sense of urgency (even though this is often an urgent situation). Dr. A is just so attuned to the mental/emotional state of her patients and really does everything she can to make sure they stay in a calm state, which helps labor progress smoothly. Cathie (Dr. A’s mother, and then office manager of Wombkeepers) was the most incredible Doula. My third birth, and second birthing experience with Dr. A, was somehow even better than the first. Although my pregnancy was similar complicated by gestational diabetes (Dr. A personally broke the news of the diagnosis to me, and even though I was in denial, she held my hand through it in the kindest way possible with so much empathy and support!) I gave birth in a different hospital. Despite my GDM status, once again, beautiful Hypnobirth. Another compound hand presentation! Dr. A was cool as a cucumber in her wonderful, soothing way and I never even knew anything was remotely awry until after baby was on my chest. The best part of this experience is that Dr. A made sure that I got my own room, and my husband got a real bed next to me, because Dr. A firmly believes that dad needs to get good sleep in order to support mom! Dr. A has since moved to Arizona, which is a major loss for New Jersey. Although she is no longer my OB/GYN, I want others to benefit from what she has to offer. So sorry for the long comment and thanks for doing what you do!