I would rather give birth alone in a barn than be abused by Kameron. I was lied to, drugged despite refusals, coerced, and threatened that I would die and my baby would be brain dead. All while in labor with my first, possibly only, child. I had read hours upon hours about my risks (low) she read the front page and none of the linked studies on vaginal birth after fibroid removal surgery then used fear mongering to scare my family. When I disagreed she made up a diagnosis without any labs, signs or symptoms and forced medication into my IV while I slept. I probably had toxicity based on symptoms, but no labs were checked for another 12 hours. They withheld significant information from me, making informed consent iffy at best. Because of the medications I was given I have almost no memory for 36 hours, including the birth and first day of my little one's life. It is devastating. Because of their interventions I had a massive hemorrhage a few hours after birth, where an emergency team was required to stop my bleeding (~2.7L between surgery, a small hemorrhage, and the severe hemo). I struggle with severe birth trauma, postpartum depression w/suicidal ideation, PTSD, and body dysmorphia (from the unwanted and completely unnecessary C-section). This practice does have some very kind people, but you don't get to choose who you get. I have heard a few reports of lovely births...follow your gut and hire a doula for added support/protection. read more

The business of birthing is a crazy arena. On one hand, you have the assembly-line production of a place like Baptist, which is set up to crank out babies regardless the costs to the mother. Sure, it has pretty rooms and massages, but it is all about the c-sections and interventions. On the other hand, you have a group like the Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives. Really the focus there is on the mother and child, and their safety, not making sure the baby comes out so the doctor can hit his tee time. And the really cool thing is that they are totally impartial and non-judgmental; no matter what way you choose to have your kid, they have your back. The rooms at Vandy may not have rich Corinthian leather recliners, but if something goes wrong, you're right there in one of the best hospitals in the country. With our first child, they were fantastic from an education and reassurance standpoint. I think one thing that is truly missing from medical professionals nowadays is the ability to empathize and frankly have a conversation. Not so here. Everyone that I have met through this practice has been amazing. My wife's primary nurse midwife is Linda Hughlett who has been a fantastic resource of advice and guidance for my wife. For the birth of our first child, my wife was in labor for 41 hours, so it was kind of a rollercoaster ride. It took so long that we went through two of the nurse midwives, Emma Gensert, who managed to be energetic, positive and supportive for over 12 hours, and Soheyl Asadsangabi who came in for the end with all new positive energy to help my wife get the job done. They were a great team, working with the nurses and our doula seamlessly and very flexible when the plans changed and my wife decided to get an epidural at hour 36. With our second kid, we had the amazing care of Melissa Allred and a nurse midwife in training, Sarah. While we were really only in their care for around four hours, it was wonderful how positive and supportive of us they were during the process. I can never thank them enough and with their help, my wife ended up delivering unmedicated! The Vanderbilt Nurse-Midwives were also recently featured in a new TLC series, "Baby's First Day". So, if you want a birthing experience without an agenda, centered around the needs of the mommy and baby, combined with a level of care that unusual in this day and age, this is the way to go. Oh yeah, and dads, get a doula, at least for your first one. It's the best thing you can do as an impending parent, short of buying scotch. read more

My wife used the Vanderbilt Nurse Midwifes for the birth our son and we would highly recommend anyone who is pregnant to at least look into it as an option for Child birth. really provides the best of both worlds. You get the personal attention and Calming effect of the Midwifes, but you are also at Vanderbilt Medical Center should anything go awry during delivery. They put absolutely no pressure on you to deliver one way or another, they truly seem motivated by whatever works best for the mother (and father I suppose). It may not be for everyone, but it provides a level of personal care that you just do not get much in any other health care situation. read more

I got moved from my OB to these midwives with the birth of my second daughter in 2003. I was mostly tired of impersonal stuff and I wanted a natural birth in a hospital and I wanted support on my quest. Alas, these ladies made it happen for me. I want to be clear, they advocate giving a woman very personalized care and treating pregnancy as a natural condition and not a diagnosis. They will not force a birth plan on you. They simply will give you the information and support you in whatever way you feel most comfortable with. I had two amazing unmedicated births with them and they even let my husband catch. I was able to nurse immediately, bath my baby myself and warm them afterwards instead of having them whisked off to the nursery and put under the heating lamp. I also use the midwives for all of my female care annually and I feel very comfortable with them. They are friendly, thorough, and easy to talk to. If you are kind of tired of the OB/GYN experience and feel you want something a little more personal, I think Midwives rock!! read more

I switched to the Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives halfway through my pregnancy from a traditional OB practice. It wasn't that anything bad happened with the OB practice, but I was looking for a different pre-natal and delivery experience (without doing a home birth) and had heard great things about Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives. So after about week 20 I made my first appointment there and my husband and I met one of the full time midwives, Lori Cabbage. They try to get you to meet with a different midwife each time you have an appointment and when you actually go in to deliver you will be with whomever happens to be on call at that time. I believe there are 8 midwives and not all of them are full time. I think I ended up meeting about four, but I switched halfway through my pregnancy too so there was less time to meet them all. I had a VERY good experience with all of my pre-natal appointments. Each midwife was more than happy to take the time to answer any of my questions and I felt that they genuinely cared about me and my growing baby. The office and clinic staff are great and very down to earth. They were also very attentive and willing to answer questions. The pre-natal care I received was very non-invasive and they would only do what was actually necessary to make sure I continued to have a healthy pregnancy. I ended up going into labor 8 days before my due date. After talking to the midwife on call at the time, I was able to labor at home for 7 hours before going to Vanderbilt Hospital. My goal was to labor at home as long as possible as I didn't want to be in the hospital setting for all of my labor. We decided to go in after 7 hours at home and things progressed quickly upon arriving. The midwife on duty, Linda Hughlett, was amazing and the two nurses who assisted were also great. They followed my birth plan exactly (this is scanned into their system so they all have access to read it) and I was able to get the room with the labor tub. This was AWESOME! From the time I entered the labor and delivery room until our son was born was a grand total of three hours. Linda was with me the entire time, unlike a traditional OB physician. I don't think our experience could have been any better. I was able to have the natural, drug-free birth I wanted and they were entirely supportive and encouraging throughout. My post-natal care at the hospital isn't really related to the midwives, but that was also excellent. We were only there one night, but I felt that the care I received by the Vanderbilt Hospital staff was impeccable. I would recommend the Vanderbilt Nurse Midwives to anyone looking for an alternative to the traditional hospital birthing experience. I'm actually nervous to have a baby with any other practice or hospital now! read more

So far so wonderful! I'm to deliver my second child with a midwife. My husband and I were in Rockford IL and delivered there with a midwife, we LOVED her. I was a bit worried when we moved to Nashville that i wouldn't be able to find that connection or care that I had with our first. I was wrong. All the midwives I've met thus far share the same ideals when it comes to birth and I feel so good and ready to have another natural birth. 11 more weeks to go! read more

I highly recommend Vanderbilt Midwives. My husband and I were pleased with their service. Each appointment was enjoyable. Lori, Bethany, Linda, and Erin were all skilled and knowledgeable midwives. At every appointment we were given plenty of time to ask questions and never felt rushed. They operate under the philosophy that the female body IS made for birthing, with medical interventions only used when absolutely necessary. You would think all practices would operate under that philosophy, but they don't. The midwives focus on education and empowering fearless birth. This practice is designed for healthy women who are having a low risk pregnancy. I was able to have a natural birth experience at Vanderbilt. I requested (and received) a room with labor tub, birthing ball, and squat bars. Lori or Erin, the two midwives I had for labor & delivery, were with me the entire time. I also had a wonderful labor nurse and doula. Other births I witnessed had an OB Dr come in at the very end of labor to deliver baby, leaving everything else up to nurses. If hands on quality care is what you are looking for, you will find it here. I had a wonderful pregnancy and birthing day with the help of Vandy Midwives. read more

Great experience with them for VBAC! So happy that I had Amanda and Peg for my baby's delivery. I'm so greatful for the support that I received and personal attention that I got. It was the easiest delivery of 3 kids that I had. I almost had to have c section with another doctor and so happy that I didn't! The recover and delivery was so much easier. Probably not the best place if you have complications for your delivery but great place to have babies with less medical involvement. read more

The West End Midwives were my well-woman care providers for three years, and cared for me during my pregnancy until I had to transfer out because I am having twins. I didn't know how good I had it until I went somewhere else. My primary praise of the midwives is that they listen very well. No matter who I talked to (including my many, many after hours nervous phone calls), they all seemed aware of my chart, never contradicted each other/provided cohesive care, and offered practical supportive advice. One even followed up and called me just because she thought it might be a good idea to run extra tests after having spoken with me. Most importantly, they all have an excellent bedside manner, especially Marilee. They really seem to care, and won't let you fall through the cracks. I highly recommend the practice. read more

I love love loved my experience with West End Women's Health (the Vanderbilt Midwives) and highly recommend them. You can't have any significant risk factors to use their practice (but I was able to use them while I had gestational diabetes as long as it was under control, so their definition of risk factors is not as stringent as, for example, a birth center outside of a hospital may be). It is small enough that they were familiar with me -- the receptionists knew me and everyone there was generally kind and helpful to work with and very empathetic. In general I found it to be such an empowering place for women. You see a different midwife every time you go generally, which seemed odd and not what I wanted when I first heard that. But the reason is because you have no idea who will be on call when it's time for your baby to arrive and they want to try to ensure you've met with the midwives who may be there when you give birth at least once or so. And while every time I went I saw someone different, I was struck by how empathetic they all were and how focused they were on you as your own, unique person with your own, unique experience. The day after my son was born when the midwife on call came to check on me in the hospital, I actually got teary telling her what an amazing experience it had been to work with their practice, and I told her they provided what I consider to be the gold standard in care, and that I wish all women could have that experience. Overall, I just loved them. The midwife who attended my son's birth I had only met briefly in the office the night before, when I'd gone in thinking I might be in labor, and she was spectacular and I had a wonderful experience giving birth under her care. Even though you have someone new at all or most appointments, I found that every single one of them were so user-centered and so empathetic; it is definitely a different experience than going to a traditional doctor who lacks any bedside manner. I loved it. I also appreciated that (while this wasn't what I personally wanted) I gathered that they were also very open to the idea of having an epidural at birth if that's what you want as well as of course to supporting you if you end up needing a C-section; in other words, even if it wasn't what I was hoping for for my own experience, I loved that their approach is to empower women and families with information and great care, and then support whatever decision the woman thinks is best for her. read more

Although this practice may be great for those with low-risk pregnancies and no previous miscarriages, my experience here was terrible. I had previously experienced 2 miscarriages, but am very healthy, and no cause was found for either. When I came in for my first visit early in my pregnancy, I specifically asked if I needed to be tested or take anything to decrease chances of another miscarriage. I was told I did not need to do anything. When my first ultrasound revealed a slower-than-normal heartbeat for my baby at 8 weeks, they offered no help of anything that I should do, other than come back for a followup in a week. The next week's ultrasound revealed that my baby had died. I requested a D&C, so they could do testing on the baby to determine if there were any chromosomal abnormalities. They told me they weren't familiar with doing that and would find out if they could and get back to me. 2 days later, they hadn't called me back, so I called and they still didn't know anything. 2 days after that, in response to my calls, they told me they had me scheduled for the end of the following week. So, my appointment was to be a week and a half after the ultrasound revealed that my baby had died. My miscarriage occurred naturally over that weekend, while I was traveling on the interstate. It was horrible, I lost a lot of blood and we weren't near a hospital. Obviously, there was then no way to test for chromosomal problems with the baby, so we will never know. I let Vanderbilt know that it had occurred. My experience was that of being very low priority, and "just a number", to say the least. Other friends who have gone to other Doctors not in the Vanderbilt system have gotten prompt response and care. I would not recommend Vanderbilt ob/gyn's or nurse midwives. read more

Stay away. Having had 4 children previously, 3 with the most amazing midwives and 1 with a great OB/GYN, I was hoping for another wonderful experience with VNM. I was highly disappointed. Several times I was kept waiting and waiting for scheduled appointments (the longest being over an hour of waiting in the waiting room plus an additional half hour in the exam room). They seem to be highly understaffed for the population they are attempting to serve. They seem to cater more to the uneducated and uninformed. A couple of the midwives took offense to my level of knowledge on pregnancy, labor and delivery. While some were very nice, their niceness was dwarfed by the "I know better than you" midwives who didn't even seem to care that I was a person, and not a number. Fact is, midwives are supposed to care for the whole woman and the baby, and I did not get that from VNM. VNM is very much like an OB. If you are looking for a more natural experience, you will not get that with VNM. They are just like an OB but without the MD after their names. It was the worst labor and delivery I have ever had. While I am happy that my baby was born healthy (that is due more to my taking care of myself than anything VNM did), I know what a good delivery can be (thanks to my previous 4 children) and I did not get that with my fifth child. Afterwards, though I was sorely disappointed with the prenatal care and delivery, I hoped that for simple GYN services they would be better. They were not. When I went back for an IUD, the paraguard (10 year, non-hormonal) was improperly placed and had to be removed (it was noticed immediately upon insertion and immediately removed). It was the last paraguard they had. I could either go back home and come back after they got another one (and go through the pain of the insertion again) or get the mirena (5 year, hormonal) IUD. Having already been in there, feet up, all the equipment attached for 20 minutes already, experiencing awful pain and cramping already, I was not looking forward to going through that part again. I opted to get the mirena (note, the choice was given while I was laying there, having just had a paraguard inserted improperly... and if you've ever had an IUD placed it is not a pain free procedure... but it also should not hurt as much as this one did). Going back for an IUD check (after a month of problems with the mirena) I was left in the exam room for 10 minutes, half naked, waiting in the cold for someone to do the check. After 10 minutes I got dressed and walked out to see 3 people sitting at the nurses station. I told them I could not just sit in there, naked and waiting with no indication as to how low I was expected to remain there, undressed. I walked out. A call to the office manager was also not helpful. While it did help me to vent my frustrations, I did not feel as if anything in the management of the office would change. If I were to get pregnant again, VNM would be my last choice. read more

Stay far away if you want to have a natural birth. Linda Hughlett was my midwife. The first couple of visits was great, but further into my pregnancy I was bullied. I ended up getting a cesarean, and was in excruciating pain. Linda reassured me I was fine, and it was just gas. She then proceeds to tell me of her pain from her cesarean, and it was just gas. I was not ok, I was made to suffer three days. My intestines was shut down, and the only reason I got help was, everything had backed up. I never even got a sorry, or a follow up visit. Please save yourself some pain, and stay far away!!! read more

I highly recommend the Vanderbilt Nurse midwives. Their approach to pregnancy, labor, and delivery is completely focused on the needs of the mother and baby....and if your baby needs specialized care during the process you have the best Children's Hospital in the region there for backup. You really can't have it better than that! read more

I was enthusiastic and excited to be with the midwives as I did not feel my previous 2 births were as I wanted. (Healthy babies and delivery, but I was not in control.) I was convinced that one of the midwives I seemed to see a lot at my prenatal visits was great, and I hoped she would be on call when I went into labor. (She was pregnant with her 3rd as well and said she always wanted natural births, but just never could have them because of complications.) Shortly after 38 weeks my water broke at home. Almost immediately my contractions became intense. Within a few hours they were 2-3 minutes apart. At this point I called, and the midwife I had wanted was on call. She asked me how did I know my water had broken. I told her because there were buckets and buckets of it continually coming, and this is my 3rd deliver, I knew what was going on. She told me since I could speak through the contractions I was probably not progressed enough to come in. (I had study hypnobabies and was practicing control through my waves.) Finally she said if I wanted to I could come in in about an hour and a half and she would check me. When I got to the hospital the midwife said, "Don't get too comfortable we probably won't admit you." She then checked me and I was only 2 cm (according to her... I was 3-4 at my last appointment with a different midwife!) She kept asking me how did I know my water broke. I was so frustrated and felt belittled. All she had to do was a quick test for amniotic fluid but she waited to do this until things got complicated. Once hooked up to the monitor the baby's heart rate would slightly decel at the end of a contraction. I had learned from research, and previous births, that while this should be watched, it did not mean the baby was in distress. The midwife said, "well you are not leaving without this baby now that I have seen this. We may need to do pitocin, and a C Section might be something to consider if this doesn't stop." I burst into tears. She was SO negative and hostile and just mean, in my opinion. I had a doula with me who was also a labor and delivery nurse, and she assured me this was all overreaction and ridiculous. Trying to go naturally, I felt best laboring standing up. My husband would hold me in the bathroom standing against the wall. The midwife kept saying she needed me to stay on the monitor and confined me to the bed. I was so stressed. I feel, greatly, that my labor was stalled because of the stress this midwife was causing. I was SO disappointed in her attitude and behavior. She kept suggesting an epidural. Something in my birth plan I had written I did not want offered. I finally gave in after 5 hours in the hospital with no progression. My body relaxed after the epidural. A few hours later around 6:30am I told the midwife I was feeling a lot of pressure like I needed to push. "You were just 5 cm when I checked you last, there is no way you are fully dilated. When the other midwife comes in at 7 she can check you, but you are probably just at a 6 or so." When the new midwife came in at 7 and checked me she didn't even have to- she could SEE the baby coming. Thankfully this midwife was very positive and let me push how I wanted. My son did not cry when he came out which caused NICU to rush in. The entire time the midwife was calm and assured me everything was fine. She put me at ease. I wish she would have been there for my labor! I have a history with PPD after every birth. I greatly feel my depression was heightened by the disappointment and stress I experienced during my labor. If anyone ever mentioned this midwife to me I would HIGHLY discourage them from seeing her. I am pregnant with my fourth and am having a home birth with a wonderful midwife not associated with the midwives of Vandy. read more

I didn't like that she told me I must be having a girl based on my symptoms at my very first consult. Does it occur to them that some people don't want to know or even have their provider suggest it?! It's annoying enough to hear it from coworkers, friends and family, but from the provider too is just too much. read more

I had my first baby at Baptist, and was so disappointed with the staff, and my OB, Dr. Presley. When I was pregnant with my second, I told Dr. Presley that I wanted to have a drug free natural birth. He looked at me like I had 3 eyes, and told me that he would be standing by with the drugs when I changed my mind. He offered no support. I wanted a more personal experience with my second, where I was the one who made the decisions, not the doctors. I researched all my options and interviewed several midwives and doctors. Vandy midwives was the best decision for us. It was a wonderful experience. Lori Cabbage was my midwife, and she was awesome!! I can not say enough about the staff and the care that I received. I wanted to go home from the hospital ASAP, and Vandy let me go within 24 hours. AND....fyi...I was in labor for 4 hours, pushed twice, and never wanted any drugs. It was the best experience every woman should go through. I highly recommend vandy midwives! read more

While the midwives may be wonderful if everything goes according to plan, if there are any complications while delivering they are not prepared. I had a prolonged labor and they didn't know what to do with me. After almost 2 days, they finally brought in actual doctors who gave me adequate care. It was also very frustrating because several of the complications, such as baby positioning and size, could have been know beforehand if they had just done an ultrasound. After I delivered, the midwife never talked to me and the next time I saw a midwife was for five minutes the day I was discharged. Everyone else from the doctors to the nurses were amazing but I was incredibly disappointed in the midwives care. Again, maybe if everything had followed my ideal birth plan it would have been a different situation. But if there are any complications, they are inadequately prepared to deal with them and to support you while dealing with them. Both my daughter and I are still dealing with serious health issues now as a consequence of the birthing process, issues that could have easily been avoided with proper care during the delivery. read more