Had SUCH a bad birth experience with Beth Hardiman. Loved the midwife i was with Thru her but dr hardiman was on call so did not have midwife at birth. She was SO judgemental and arrogant and it really turned the situation sour for me. Even networking with the anesthesiologist while performing the C section as if I was invisible and not even there. So unprofessional , I can't even believe it happened. After the birth, nurses on the maternity floor came in and shared information that was private with me that Dr Hardiman had absolutely no medical reason to share. I did complain to social service nurse but probably should have followed up with HIPPA filing. With infant there's too much going on, so never did, but I regret having to experience baby's birth with her. I read more

Super smart, skilled, thorough and, above all, a kind & caring human being. What more could you ask for in a doctor?

Beth and her team were not only fantastic when I had my babies (now 16 and 19) but are so wonderful in treating menopause symptoms! I appreciate her very clear recommendations and discussions of risks and her way of interacting with her patients. read more

I wanted to post about my experience because I don't think there is a balanced review here for Beth Hardiman. I did not have a 5 star experience with her. And I would not recommend her to new moms, especially first timers. Hardiman's reputation is almost mythic in Cambridge, and because she is so busy and you can only get in if your due date fits with her schedule, there is an air of exclusivity. But the practice does not live up to that standard. Here's why: 1. She is too busy. I had complications and a miscarriage and often had to wait for 45 minutes to an hour in the doctors room, even if I had an appointment. I had an emergency and even had to wait for an hour. Because there are no back up doctors, I often felt poorly cared for unless she was free. 2. Her young nurse practitioners are unprofessional and rushed. If you don't see the doctor, you will see a nurse. The one who saw me at my 10 week intake appointment did not hear a heartbeat. And neither could we. Instead of double checking with an internal Doppler or ultrasound, she said last minute that she thought she heard a heart beat. Even though she could not pick it up so we could hear. A week later I miscarried and found out the baby had been dead for over a week. The nurse took an easy shortcut to move on to the next appointment, rather than double and triple check for a heartbeat. If we had received the proper care, from Beth, we would have known that day, and avoided the traumatic situation a week later. Not ok. 3. The office is dirty and cluttered. As a new mom, you want to feel as if you are in a clean, happy, healthy environment. The office is not nice and Hardiman's staff is over worked, stressed, and messy. You will not have a tranquil or sanitary feeling from this office. Trust your gut! I wish I had trusted mine. 4. No check ups. You will not get calls to remind you of your appointment or check up on you if you had a problem. I had depression in my first trimester and it took them weeks to check in on me. I also received no follow up care or calls after I went home to pass my pregnancy, which was very painful. On a positive note, Beth is kind, smart and funny. She has great bed side manner and explained situations very well. I am sorry that because of the disorganized way her practice is run, she is not able to give her patients the level of care they deserve. She is better than that. I will be going elsewhere for my next pregnancy, and I hope you will sincerely check this practice out before signing on. The cons out weigh the pros. I wish I had looked around before committing. read more

I know that everybody has different needs, but you won't find a doctor like Dr. Beth Hardiman anywhere! She is the person you will see at your appointment. She is the person who you can call in the middle of the night and she will be at the hospital waiting for you when you arrive. She accommodates all birthing plans and doesn't rush you to get more patients in or schedule c-sections for convenience. I have delivered 2 babies with her already. She made the whole process smooth and easy for me. She helped me through two natural births. She has been doing this for so long that you can trust that your body and baby are in good hands. She now has a midwife working with her who is so pleasant and wonderful. I am really excited to be having another baby with Dr. Hardiman! But beware, if you are a new client, you will have to call her the moment you take that test because she books up fast and has a limited number of patients she will take a month to be sure that she can give proper care to all. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Hardiman as my GYN for over 10 years. I followed her from her previous practice and would follow her wherever she went. I have not had children but I have had several GYN issues that she has supported and guided me through with the most kindness, knowlege and expertise that I could have asked for. I have never been to a better doctor in my life, and I would recommend her hands down. The entire practice from her husband working there to Josephina one of the nurses is amazing. You don't find kindness, and expertise together like this very often! The only note of caution is be patient - sometimes a baby needs to be delivered and your appointment may get delayed or rescheduled. BUT they are FANTASTIC about comminicating that to you. I always just call ahead before I leave for my appointment. read more

Dr. Hardiman was my doctor for my second pregnancy in which I had twin boys. I wanted the best, and Dr. Hardiman was recommended to me by a midwife I had used for my first child as well as a friend of mine. After a few appointments with her, it was obvious that she was going to provide the level of care that I wanted. I never felt rushed at appointments. She came across extremely intelligent, caring, and most of all.. I trusted her. She helped me make the right choice for how my babies would be delivered without unnecessary pressure. Being very hands on, she prefers to deliver her own patient's babies. With her knowledge and skill, I thought it was amazing that I'd have her on the most important day. Many comments from hospital staff after delivery confirmed what was already clear; Beth is extremely detail oriented and perhaps one of the best doctors for delivery. I've since met several other people who had Beth deliver their babies, and they all had very positive experiences to share as well. Sam, Beth's nurse practitioner, is wonderful. She clearly knows what she's doing and compliments appointments with Beth nicely. Nurses, lactation consultants and pediatricians are all top notch in postpartum. I highly recommend Dr. Hardiman's team. read more

I know "fantastic" isn't a word normally associated with OB/GYNs, but Dr. Hardiman is pretty great. I mean, as fantastic as can be, natch. The whole practice is very friendly. A welcome change to the usual deal. read more

Dr. Hardiman is the best doctor I have ever had. She has phenomenal technical skills, down-to-earth attitude, respectful bedside manners, and a strong supporting team both in her office and on the delivery floor. First, she is always scientific-driven and pays much attention to her individual patients no matter how busy she is. It is true that sometimes patients have to wait for her in the office, but that is because she is busy delivering babies - something you'd like you ob to prioritize when you are the person in the labor and delivery room. For regular prenatal checkups, you always have the option to see Amy, the RN. And Amy is also very knowledgeable, welcoming, and professional! This leads to my second point: Dr. Hardiman has a strong supporting team in her practice. The receptionist Daniel is super efficient in setting up appointments and changing appointments even at last minute; Nurses Hosfina and Kate are efficient and great at their jobs. Josephina is very funny - makes your visits more enjoyable. Kate is also a resident LC and provides Doula services. Everyone else in the office is caring and extremely helpful. I only have great things to say about everybody! Third, only after my induced labor did I realize how awesome Dr. Hardiman is in her profession. Even the way she talks to her patients and their families is soothing and calming. I don't want to share too much details of my personal medical experience, but Dr. Hardiman made the 24 hour labor a good memory for my family. There are fundamental reasons why she has such a big fan club! Dr. Hardiman is the best OBGYN doctor I could ever ask for. And I hope to be able to get on her waitlist the next time around! read more

I am currently seeing Dr. Hardiman as baby girl was breech and was told by several providers (midwives and webster method practicing chiropractors) that she was simply the best. She IS! From the moment I met with her I was blown away by her down-to-earth nature, empathy and extensive knowledge of what I was hoping for in my pregnancy and labor. It was the warm embrace I had felt at birth centers and more natural practices. I saw her for my ECV and both my husband and I were blown away by how she approached the whole situation with such care, patience, expertise, and true grace. The entire, full turn lasted under 60 seconds and wasn't anything like what I had read of other experiences. (I recognize that this is due to many factors but I credit so much of it to her extensive experience.) I noticed the reviews on here talking about how busy she is. There is NO AIR of exclusivity as another person commenter. She was late for our appointment because she was in surgery - this is something she cannot plan and needs to prioritize and based on this experience know that she will prioritize my health if she is in surgery. She can take all the time she needs if a patient is in greater need - it is worth it. She IS busy and personally cares for as many of her patients as she's able - she performs all types of labors from c-sections to natural vaginal to induced to breech vaginal (which is why we are there). She doesn't take on new patients on at times because she doesn't have the bandwidth and we can all appreciate that. This was very clearly explained to me upon calling and wanting to switch at 37 weeks. When you go into the labor - she will be there. She's a superhero, breath of fresh air when it comes to my hospital experiences, and absolutely incredibly health provider. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in her care and that she is here in Boston/Cambridge. read more

Dr Beth Hardiman is the best OB/GYN a woman could ask for. I know that sounds so crazy, but I'm in love with her. Okay, that sounds even crazier. I'm not really in love with her, I'm in love with my husband. But Dr H is phenomenal. I love how she explains everything, is fascinated and excited about it all, reassures you and takes time through all the worries and emotions of pregnancy, delivery, and aftermath, and still knows how to crack a few jokes. She loves her job, her patients, and you feel it. I've yet to meet anyone in the office waiting room that was less then satisfied. Sometimes you wait a bit, but that's because she's giving everyone the time they need, and your turn will come and she'll give you all the time you need. I was able to deliver a baby, drug free, and have no stitches thanks to my amazing husband's coaching, and Dr Hardiman's awesome encouragement, not to mention perineum massages and push-coaching techniques. Who could ask for anything more? (sorry for those that didn't need to know about the perineum!) My husband and I are Bradley Method, all natural sorta people, who also believe that the doctors know what they are doing. A strange combo of beliefs. However, Dr Hardiman was all this, we were able to walk into the hospital (Mount Auburn) and not even pull out our birth sheets. Nope. She even told us she wouldn't cut the umbilical cord until it stopped throbbing. She also gave me the option of having my water broken or having the baby with it unbroken. (which who knew you could do that and still have a safe delivery?!)... All that too say she's right on track for Bradley Method lovers, and yet I know she still is loved by epidural mama's since the morning I delivered she delivered 3 others all who were doing it the drug way. She's versatile like that. And that's just another reason why I think she's the greatest. If you can get in to be her patient, do it! read more

Dr. Hardiman is by far the best OB/GYN I have ever had. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am by her. She delivered my daughter via c-section this past January and it was the most pleasant experience - she even held my hand while anesthesia placed the spinal. I have a history of previous c-sections with different doctors and none of them came close to the quality, care and compassion Dr. Hardiman has. She truly has magic hands, I had very little post-op discomfort and my incision scar looks great. read more

This woman is the best doctor I have ever come across ever. We switched to her after a very impersonal experience going through a miscarriage with our other OB practice, and she saw us through the birth of our beautiful daughter. She is smart and knowledgeable but what was more important to me is that she is caring and warm and compassionate and listens to everything that you say. She supported me in having a natural childbirth which I very much wanted. It got pretty intense at the end and the only way I got through it was because of her constant support and encouragement. I was completely in her hands and she stayed with me -- what other OB does that -- and helped me through it all. **Previous All that you've heard and more. Best bedside manner we've ever seen in a doctor. She's warm, personable, caring, competent, expert. Amazing. We love her. Can't believe we got in, though, it is hard to get in to see her because she's so popular. Worth it though. The minute you get the positive pregnancy test, get on her waiting list. She's that good read more

I was so pleased with my experience with Dr. Beth Hardiman and her team at her practice. She delivered my first child, and from the very first appointment with her to the last follow up appointment, I felt very well cared for. A friend of mine, an L&D nurse at Mount Auburn whose opinion I highly trust, recommended Dr. Hardiman to me, and I am so glad she did. She and Sam, Dr. Hardiman's nurse practitioner, always answered any questions I had thoroughly, never made me feel rushed, and made me feel very much at ease. Everyone in the office is incredibly friendly, so much so that I was sad to leave my last appointment knowing I would no longer be seeing these people regularly! While in the hospital, nurses who worked with me always spoke very highly of Dr. Hardiman as well. I would go back to her in a heartbeat! read more

In my opinion, the best doctor in the entire history of the universe :) She's insanely busy, but the second she comes into the room, she sits down as if she had nothing else to do the entire day except hear how things are going, and make sure you get answers to any questions or concerns. She's 1000% open to hearing about what kind of birth you're looking for, and will support you completely, no matter what it is. I don't think it would be possible to find anyone better when it comes to going the natural route - as I had requested, she didn't suggest any interventions, and suggested birthing positions I had never even heard of when it came to actually pushing. She was willing to wait endlessly for things to take their natural course, and there was never the slightest hint that I should go for an intervention just to speed things up. But I've heard her be just as supportive of people who prefer epidurals. I overheard her speaking with an anesthesiologist who said something like, "Oh, we just did the epidurals for the two you have in rooms 4 and 6, so I guess we'll be seeing them in here for c-sections in a while." Dr. Hardiman came right back and said that no, not necessarily; that she was very confident that epidural didn't automatically mean c-section. I thought it was particularly good proof that she really meant what she was saying, since the other two ladies weren't even in the room! She is so kind, enthusiastic, and genuine; I looked forward to every visit with her just because she's so nice, even besides getting to hear the baby! Her follow-up care was just as wonderful. Overall, I can't imagine a better OB in any way. She's really really busy, so call the instant you get a positive test if you're interested in having her as your OB. And if she's full, keep calling - I didn't get a spot until I was 14 weeks. I think the reason she's so busy is yet another point in her favor: she works in a two-person practice, just herself and one midwife, and she *guarantees* that she'll be there for your birth. Therefore, she only takes a certain number of people due each month, to be able to keep that promise. I've never heard of any other doctor offering such a commitment. She's amazing. read more

she is a wonderful person as well as MD always there for you. EA i think there is more to your story than you are telling. if they don't give you the baby right away it is because there is something they need to tend too to make sure the baby is all right. i had two c sections they do hurt for a while they do have to cut through muscle and it takes a while to heal. read more

Dr. Hardiman didn't deliver a baby or address a miscarriage, but she did save my life. Fortunately, she was the OB/GYN on call for the ER when I arrived bleeding profusely. She was kind, informative and gentle. She answered every question...and then some I hadn't thought to ask. She graciously arranged, scheduled, participated and monitored the wide array of surgeries and treatment protocols. She provided a sounding board, sound advice and counsel. She was also very gentle and kind to family members. read more

Dr. Hardiman was AMAZING! She is not part of an OB/GYN "team" so she delivers almost all of her patients. And the patients that she doesn't deliver are passed on to her midwife, Arianna. Who you get to know very well during pregnancy appts. Arianna is so kind and gentle and I"m sure she gives a great birth. KNowing who was going to deliver my child was so comforting for me. Dr. Hardiman was supportive and present from the beginning of my induction until the actual delivery of the baby. She made me feel comfortable and supported my birth plan. I totally agree with one of the other writers who said "she was in love" with Dr. Hardiman. I am too!!!! She supported me medically and emotionally, which is very rare for medical doctors. I know one of the writers had a bad experience (kind of hard to believe), but if you are able to get Dr. Hardiman as an OB/GYN grab her. You won't be sorry!!!! read more

Dr. Hardiman is the best it gets. She delivered my daughter recently. It was my 2nd pregnancy and I really wanted a VBAC. Dr. Hardiman knew a vaginal birth was important to me, and she made my dream come true in the safest possible way. You ultimately can't control your births, but it is so clear that Dr. Hardiman really listens to what her patients want and tries her best to get that for you. After a traumatic first birth in another city, I had the exact opposite experience with Dr. Hardiman. She felt like a true advocate for me. I did end up having some similar complications with my 2nd pregnancy as with my first, but because Dr. Hardiman knew me and what I wanted, and was monitoring me very carefully, I was still able to have the VBAC I wanted. I realize now that with any other doctor I would have had to have another c-section. Yes, you might have to wait sometimes for your appointments. But that is because she tries her best to deliver all of her patients! If she's running behind, it's because she's attending to a birth. Next time it might be your birth that she's choosing over her office visits. I was always happy to wait knowing that she was working hard for all of us. I feel so lucky to have found Dr. Hardiman and am so grateful that she was able to bring my daughter into this world in such a peaceful way despite tricky circumstances. read more

I had a WILDLY different experience from E.A. this past April 2013 when Dr. Hardiman delivered my first child. I don't even know where to begin about what a good experience it was. Let me start by saying that my situation was entirely complicated. Breech baby that would. not. turn. I had been working with the midwives at Mount Auburn and was very happy with their care. When my baby wouldn't turn we ended up switching to Dr. Hardiman since she has delivered hundreds of breech babies vaginally. (no, that is not a typo. hundreds. Given that most OB's have never even seen it done... we felt so incredibly lucky to have a doctor with that kind of experience -- and that worked out of the same hospital as our midwife group so the transition and record sharing was easy. bonus!) So I can't speak to much in terms of prenatal care since my first appointment with her was a week after my due date. But all the experience I did have with her was great! First off, she made time for me to have a consultation with her before I was even a patient. She has expertise in the area I needed it and was very understanding of the tough position I was in. We were so grateful. During the consultation (and the rest of our time working with her) she had a great presence: calm, professional, warm/kind, funny at appropriate times which helped since we were feeling so much stress, but also serious in that way you want your doctor to be when you have a complicated situation. She answered many questions for us and it was because of the knowledge and experience she demonstrated in answering these questions about breech deliveries, along with the instant rapport that my husband and I both felt with her, that we decided to switch over to her care. When we next met with her we again had a multitude of questions related to our trying to weigh out what kind of birth we wanted for our breech baby and she again took the time to answer them all -- Warmly and patiently, showing a real understanding of the kind of stress we were under in making such a decision. Also, she was supportive of either route we wanted to take (never a hint of pressure one way or the other, which we appreciated) and we knew that if we decided to do a c-section she also had way more experience delivering breech babies by c-section than most doctors do. During delivery she was awesome. During labor all sorts of things can happen that aren't according to plan and my labor was no exception to that. She had a calming presence and my husband and I both trusted her completely which made a big difference. I knew that if I ended up with an intervention it would be because it was medically necessary. And, likewise, we also knew that if she had concerns for the baby's well-being she would not hesitate to do any of those interventions. I cannot stress how important it is for a woman to have this kind of faith in the person delivering their baby. After the delivery you go to the same post partum recovery rooms as anyone else at Mount Auburn and get the same care. And I was really happy with the care and attention we got. I got TONS of help breastfeeding. I had visits from two different lactation consultants (depending on which day it was a different one was there). And I got help from the nurses at the call of a button when i had BF difficulty during hours when the lactation consultants weren't there. My daughter and I had a little bit of trouble with it at first but they really worked with us and gave me as much help as I asked for. There is also a breast feeding class that all the new mom's are invited to where they go over basic stuff and give you another opportunity to meet with the lactation consultants and ask questions. They mentioned to us on more than one occasion that all three of these opportunities for BF help were available (LC room visits, the class, and help from nurses). We even had someone come by to remind us about the class since we'd expressed interest in going but they'd noted we hadn't left the room to head there as the time was getting closer. Wanna know why were were so slow leaving the room? We couldn't drag ourselves away front the wonderful conversation we were having with Dr. Hardiman. She came by to check in twice as I recall. And since I'm running out of review space I'll also quickly add that I had no trouble getting in for follow up visits. At all. If we have a second baby I will again go for a natural birth. And despite the great experience we had with the Midwives at Mount Auburn prior to switching over to Dr. Hardiman's care, my husband and I both agree that we would not hesitate in choosing Dr. Hardiman for the next baby as well. read more

We just had our second baby with Dr. Hardiman and have to say that she is the best doctor we have every had (ever!). She stayed in the hospital for 3 days (sleeping in the hospital at nights) until we had our baby with a successful VBAC. We couldn't have done it without her! She is absolutely amazing in every possible way and we are so very lucky to have been able to get into her office! The whole stuff at the Mt. Auburn hospital was great as well as the stuff at Dr. Hardiman's office. We had our first baby at the Beth Israel and this was such a different experience for us. If we ever decide to have another baby we will not even think twice to go back to Dr. Hardiman. She is the best! read more

I don't really want to spend the rest of my life in Boston, but I told my husband I could consider living here if I could have all my babies born with Dr. Hardiman at Mount Auburn. She was so fantastic from start to finish. She was there when I arrived at the hospital and came in to check on me frequently (from what I hear, most doctors don't show until you are about to deliver). She was so empowering during the pain and considered my wishes concerning everything. I know she delivers so many babies and I was just another patient, but I didn't feel that way- having a baby is a very special event and I felt like she was MY doctor, not everyone else's (especially important with this being my first birth). I did have to wait about a month to get into her, but it was worth it! read more