Triangle Moms: Where Did You Give Birth?

That seems to be the major question these days among the many pregnant women in the Triangle.  Followed closely by what doctor you are using.  I moved to Cary in April, three months into my second pregnancy with no idea where I should start.  Originally, I wanted to go to one of the big university hospitals, both 40 minutes away. But we lived within walking distance from the regional hospital.  I was interested, but not set on a VBAC (and ultimately I did, in fact, have a second c-section).  During my research into hospitals and through talking to many women who delivered around the same time, I uncovered a few tidbits about the birthing options in the triangle.  Thus, I have created this completely unprofessional and somewhat random hospital rundown:

• Duke Birthing Center at Duke University: I must say, I know some Duke grads that admit they preferred NC Women’s Hospital (a branch of UNC). Nonetheless, Duke does get a good report.  They have a midwife program, lovely rooms, and a good variety of classes available.  They also have a level IV NICU.
• Durham Regional Hospital: I have heard the least about Durham Regional.  Largely because I live furthest away from here.  My knowledge of the hospital is that it offers some classes, has a level II nursery and is part of the Duke Health System.  Many, if not all, the doctors who deliver at Duke deliver here as well.
• Rex Hospital: Rex gets top points in terms of food, though I don’t know if they are comparing this to other hospital food or just food in general.  It has a good reputation, and is affiliated with UNC.  They offer a wide variety of classes and Inches Adelson states he’s more worried that gambling online would result in the “eventual demise” of tribal Casinos , racetracks and commercial casino operators who lack Sands’ lucrative Asian presence, that “almost all [Sands] casino profits come” and “where gambling online doesn’t exist and will not be legalized soon, when. a postpartum support group.  I believe they have online casino reviews a level III nursery.
• NC Women’s Hospital: Generally considered the best place to go for VBAC, NC Women’s Hospital provides exceptional midwifery, obstetric and MFM care.  This is the Labor and Delivery branch of UNC hospital, and is considered among the best in the area.  My understanding is that it does have a level IV NICU.
• WakeMed Cary: WakeMed Cary was where I delivered, in large part because I could have walked to the hospital if I had to.  So, I can vouch for their nice large rooms, acceptable food (do not get the daily specials), and absolutely exceptional staff.  It has a level III nursery.  They do not, however, have a means to donate cord blood, which I was disappointed to learn.
• WakeMed Raleigh; WakeMed Raleigh does not get nearly as good reviews of staff and rooms as the Cary location, but it does have a level IV NICU.  It is also home to the milk bank, and offers many, if not all, of the same ‘extras’ as WakeMed Cary.
• Women’s Birth and Wellness Center: For an alternative to a traditional hospital birth, the Women’s Birth and Wellness Center is the place for you.  Minutes away from UNC and affiliated with UNC Family Medicine, this Certified Nurse Midwife-run center provide a non-hospital setting for low risk pregnancies.  I was not comfortable with this option after my first pregnancy, but I have heard many great things about the center.

Did you give birth in the Triangle?  Share your hospital experience here!

I must throw in a plug for the folks at the former Physicians For Women, now becoming part of Triangle Physicians for Women, Dr. Vijay Sheshadri, obstetrician extrodinaire; Katie Calvillo, CNM, best midwife in the world; and their awesome staff.  Thank you for giving me a safe and happy birth!