The midwives at St. Joe's are so great!!!
Before choosing how and where my son would be born, we visited Denver hospitals. We chose the midwives at St. Joe's because I could have a natural birth with a midwife, but in a hospital setting in case of any complications. We just dropped in for a tour one day and both the midwives and the hospital were very accommodating, answering all our questions on the spot and giving us a tour of the facility.
To start, the office is easy to get to with free covered parking. You can park on the third floor and walk right around the corner to their office. (This is really nice when you are 9 months pregnant in the middle of winter but also when you are 9 months pregnant in the heat of the summer.)
The office staff are always so friendly. They knew me by name right away and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. After learning the gender of our baby and after seeing my husband's crazy excitement about having a boy (he was yelling, "Where's my cigar?! Where's my cigar!?") , the office staff gave us an "It's a boy" picture frame and even chocolate cigars on our next visit!
The midwives are absolutely great! I met several of them and would say that nearly all were women who I could be friends with--really nice for the special experience of childbirth. They were so comfortable, caring yet very knowledgeable. They all have a humble demeanor when it comes to seeing you for a clinic visit--never at all arrogant or condescending--but instead just as excited for your pregnancy as you are. I really appreciated that.
I participated in centering pregnancy (sort of a group style doctor visit/class for a cohort of fellow mamas matching your same timeline) that was led by Alison and Brenda. While at first my obsession with all things baby wanted a little more information from the class (like an intense, here's everything you'll ever need to know class), in hindsight, the laid back style of the class was perfect. My friends were amazed at how well my husband and I were prepared and how knowledgeable we were about the pregnancy and childbirth process. Both the format and ease of the class allowed us all to go to town with any and every question or worry we had. You don't get that sort of time with a normal ob/gyn. The only downside of the class was the difficulty juggling work schedules in order for both my husband and I to attend. For first time parents, though, it was totally worth it. I never missed a class; my husband only missed two and both of us really looked forward to going each time.
Twice I had after hours calls to the clinic for questions and comfort to my crazy pregnancy worries. The clinic has a system where you call in to an operator and a midwife calls you back. My calls were both returned within a half hour and the midwife was very helpful and patient--and encouraging about my calling. This sort of comfort is a must when you are pregnant.
Connie was the midwife who handled my delivery. I can't say enough good things about Connie.( The midwives rotate who is on call for delivery and having Connie, I won the midwife lottery for the delivery of my little boy.) I had a long labor and she was so incredibly patient and caring but able to push me forward just as was needed. She was with my husband and I the entire time (from 4 pm to 4 am).She did not rush me at all and was able to deliver my baby in the best way for both myself and the little guy with few problems for me to recover from afterward--which would not have happened with an ob/gyn. She was amazing and I highly recommend her. If another baby is in my future, I will go back to the midwives at St. Joe's and hope for Connie without a doubt!
If you are deciding where to have your baby, check out the certified midwives at St. Joe's. You can call ahead and set up an appointment to visit and tour their clinic and the hospital. I had the best experience both in the office and during delivery. The staff and nurses here are professional and caring and will genuinely make you feel welcome. Just the best! read more