Amazing experience!…read more The birth of my daughter was an incredible experience, all thanks to Laurice! I began my care with Laurice later into my pregnancy after switching over from my original OB. To summarize a long story-I had a wonderful, complication-free pregnancy, but was feeling pressured by my OB to continue various testing, all of which yielded non-concerning results, and was causing so much stress for me. In an attempt to maintain an intervention-free birth, I reached out to Laurice and Bill, who graciously accepted me into their care. Bill spoke to me with compassion and empathy, as I shared my experience with my original OB office, and we promptly arranged a meeting, followed by a home visit to ensure we were prepared for a home birth. Laurice's knowledge and confidence in the body's design for birth brought so much comfort, and reassured me that we were, indeed, designed for birth! Birth was no longer a scary thought to me, it was something I knew I could do! During labor, Laurice was a calm, reassuring voice. She stayed on the phone as they drove to our home. She was gentle, yet steadfast in her guidance, as she allowed me to move and position as I pleased, while offering her expertise. I was not told how to labor or when to push, but instead, guided to listen to my body. I trusted her knowledge and suggestions which I knew allowed for such a positive outcome. After delivery, I didn't have to advocate for what I wanted (skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, etc) because I knew that I shared the same philosophies as Laurice. In my most vulnerable moments, I didn't have to fight an uphill battle for the birth experience that I wanted. Laurice stayed with us for several hours after delivery, and in the weeks following, called various times to check in on us. Laurice provided care that exceeded any and all of my expectations. She was professional, knowledgeable, and confident in her practice, and guided us with compassion and gentleness that made this birth experience possible. I would recommend Laurice to anyone seeking a birth experience free of unnecessary interventions, and will absolutely have her by my side for any future births!

There's a LOT I could say from expired urine dipsticks to ignoring a patient advocating strongly…read morefor themself but I won't say anything. I'll just leave my rating.

My wife and I hired Kate to be the doula for the birth of our daughter in March of 2013, and I…read morecannot recommend her enough. We first met with Kate during my wife's second trimester, still unsure if we wanted to hire a doula (and, for my part, unsure of what exactly a doula did!). Our doubts were completely put to rest from the very first meeting. Kate exudes a sense of calm and competence, and answered all of our (probably lame) questions respectfully and intelligently. From the beginning, Kate was most interested in helping us to have the kind of birth experience that we wanted, rather than imposing her views or preferences on us. From our experience, her approach is as hands-off or hands-on as the parents or partners want, though she was constantly supportive and encouraging, and full of resources. We took Kate's Healthy Childbirth classes as well, and I would highly recommend these. Over three weeks, Kate gave us a great sense of what to expect from the birth experience, as well as strategies for coping with unexpected contingencies. By the end, I felt I knew what we could ask of each other and the baby, as well as what to expect from the hospital birth experience. She helped us negotiate the fraught politics of childbirth in a non-judgmental, accepting, and highly-knowedgable way. As we approached the birth, I knew that Kate would be supportive no matter what we decided to do, and prepared to guide us through any crisis. My wife's labor and birth experience were difficult. She labored for over forty hours, and at the end the baby was delivered via emergency C-section. Although because of the surgery Kate wasn't able to be with us during the birth itself, she was a great source of support and calm during the labor and afterward, as my wife recovered from the surgery. It was immensely reassuring to know that we had someone present who could be our advocate, should we need it. Although we never needed Kate to act on our behalf, it was immensely calming to know that she was there, and to trust that our best interests were in good hands. If we have another baby, we will definitely hire Kate again.

I think it's safe to say that I (or my husband) wouldn't have made it through a natural labor…read morewithout Kate's calming presence. If and when baby #2 comes along, I will definitely give Kate a call.

I delivered my son naturally at the BirthCenter and I could not have done it…read morewithout care and attention of my nurse and midwife. I had a very intense and fast labor and they were with me every step of the way. My first birth experience was very long and horrible in a hospital setting. However, this time around I felt in control and empowered to deliver without medical intervention. I delivered my son on the toilet and into a room full of love. Thanks Lifecycle!

I transferred my care from an ob to Lifecycle because I knew people who had delivered here. I…read moredidn't want to feel like my pregnancy/birth was just something that happened to me. Throughout my journey I appreciated their patient education, empowerment, and support so I could make informed decisions about my care. I like that my prenatal visits were longer than I could expect with an ob and that they provided a binder for me to bring with assigned homework each visit. Rather than having a "birth plan" (because they usually don't go as planned anyway) we were encouraged to think about our hopes and dreams. Everyone I've met here from the nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, lactation consultants, the clinical director, etc. have all been wonderful to me and if I could do it all over again I would have become a patient here sooner. I had many questions along the way so I'm going to be detailed here so others may know what to expect. Before you can become a patient here you have to attend a seminar to learn more about their midwifery model of care, the differences between a birth in their suites vs. at Bryn Mawr Hospital nearby (you can plan to deliver there or there may be reasons you are transferred there the day of, the nurse midwife on call has the clearance to deliver there), postpartum care, and next steps to become a patient. After attending the seminar, I had to sign a medical release forms to have my records transferred from my previous provider before I could schedule any appointments. They have two locations (Bryn Mawr and South Philly) and prenatal visits could be with the same provider or different providers. The first prenatal visit is longer and billed separately while the rest of the appointments are billed to insurance together under their global plan after delivery (not after each appointment). During my regular prenatal visits they measured my fundal height and would feel my bump for the baby's position while estimating weight (they were pretty good at that)! I had to pay for lab tests and non-stress tests separately. While I had to do my formal ultrasounds elsewhere, they had the equipment to do informal ultrasounds just to check on the health of the baby and seemed to be training their staff to do these more. I was required to schedule several classes to prepare for childbirth (series of 4 classes), about lactation essentials, and about navigating your first days at home after birth. The instructors really encourage asking questions and participation, so it was helpful to have this intimate space for that. The dates and cost of these classes are available on their site but you can't schedule them until you're confirmed as a patient. After your delivery they will follow up with you (home visit if you delivered at the birth center or phone call if you delivered at the hospital). There will be a 6-weeks postpartum visit to examine you and make sure your body is recovering but also to check on your mental health (so necessary and important)! They also have weekly lactation support and new parent support groups that were happening on Zoom, I think they are also now offering in-person options too. I could tell from the session I went to that the other families really found this space helpful and were wanting to offer encouragement to newer parents like me while sharing about their knowledge/experience. Cara, one of the lactation consultants, facilitates the virtual groups and is amazing! I hope all this information helps anyone who is considering becoming a Lifecycle patient because the last thing a pregnant woman should have to worry about is the quality of care she is receiving.

Kathy Hindle delivered my last two children. She is extremely nice, gentle and patient. She…read moreunderstood that I wanted to have my kids naturally, but still at the hospital and she didn't push for a homebirth. Although she definitely believes less is more, in regards to tests and medication, she did not push her beliefs on me. Luckily, we both agreed on this. During the 1st delivery, she was there 100% and helped me through a terribly painful backlabor without the use of drugs. Her follow up care was great. All my kids found her to be nice and felt comfortable with her, as did I. If I were to have another child, I'd definitely go back to Kathy.

I asked Kathy how many babies she has delivered in her 30+ years practicing as a nurse midwife…read more Her answer is thousands. That's enough to populate my entire town That experience was very obvious in her care of my wife. She made my wife very comfortable during the home birth and throughout our periodic visits to her office. The level of care and encouragement through labor was exceptional. We have the utmost confidence in her midwife skills and will use her again if we have more kids. Her nursing assistant, Allison, was equally as exceptional during labor. If anyone wants more feedback on Kathy, please message me through Yelp.

If you want a natural, drug-free birth, if you want to avoid a C section unless absolutely…read morenecessary, if you want to get to know your midwife before your birth, if you want 45 minute appointments where you can discuss every issue under the sun, if you want your labor and delivery to be a beautiful, happy event with your midwife sitting right next to you the entire time, this is the practice for you. Midwifery Care Associates is the model for what obstetric care should be. There are three midwives in this practice: Louise Aucott, who founded it, Pam Rosser, who's been working with Louise forever, and a third midwife who recently joined. I don't know her. The office manager is Linda, who is just a wonderful person and mother of four. Pam delivered our baby, my first pregnancy. It was a natural birth thanks to Pam's expert management. I didn't even tear! I felt pretty much back to normal two days later. We delivered at Capital Health. It's clear that the hospital staff there really respect Pam and Louise as very skilled midwives. I never had to see a doc the whole time I was there. Pam was completely in control. We will definitely be going back to deliver #2. One note: their office is a bit rundown. I was almost scared off when I first visited. Don't be worried! These ladies are absolute pros. You will have to go out-of-network to see them, but it is so worth it. I am thrilled they have brought on board a third midwife and will be able to see more patients. I wish every mom-to-be could get the same fabulous care I got.

Pam and another midwife delivered my baby on Christmas Eve, I felt so bad for them! At least I…read moredidn't take that long. I thought the baby was going to come out in the car ride over but luckily that didn't happen. When we arrived at the hospital, the setting was so very calm and the midwives were calm and relaxing. They talked to me while I labored in the jacuzzi tub to get me in a relaxed mood. I didn't really feel any pain in the water it was amazing. My tub labor lasted a few hours. Then I got out of the tub and my baby was out in 12 minutes. No stitches, I felt back to normal almost immediately after and this was a VBAC. These people are miracle workers. Definitely night and day from my first birth at Pennsylvania Hospital. I highly recommend you check these ladies out. :) P.S. When you are with this practice, you can only get a midwife for your labor and delivery. This is why I chose this practice. I didn't even want the remote possibility of having a doctor who was used to cutting people open at my bedside for the birth of my baby.

Dr Grove is absolutely the best. Competent, knowledgable and caring…read more I am sure I receive the same treatment as if I was a family member.

I strongly recommend asking about hidden fees before your visit. I went in for my annual…read moreappointment with Dr. Gamburg, assuming it would be fully covered, but later received a copay. I was told--after the fact--that part of the visit was billed as an additional service. It seems that simply discussing concerns during what's supposed to be a routine exam can trigger extra charges. If that's the case, patients deserve to be clearly informed before those questions are asked. When Dr. Gamburg asked if I had any concerns since my last visit, there should have been transparency that addressing them might not be covered under the annual exam. Without that disclosure, it feels misleading. Given this experience--and the broader issues surrounding the office since the scandal involving Dr. Pierce--I've decided to look for a new OB-GYN. Patients should feel informed and respected, not surprised by unexpected bills afterward.

I have been going to Dr. Dicker for years now. I am a bad PCOS case and he was able to help me…read moremaintain a normal period without pain. Dr. Dicker takes his time with me and goes over any and every question I may have. Dr. Dicker also has an incredible sense of humor and knows how to make his patients comfortable. I am never intimidated by going to his office.

I love Dr. Dicker! He delivered both of my boys and was very friendly. I think some people may find…read morehis humor dry but I thought he was great. I also really liked Ashley Wickert; she was very helpful and kind during my appointments. The last time I called the office however I was taken back by this very aggressive receptionist. She must be new because the older woman at the front desk was always so lovely! This newer receptionist was complaining that I did not answer my phone, that I needed a refill for a medication from a doctor who no longer works in the office and belittle me over making my yearly appointment. Besides the very unfriendly and miserable new receptionist, I'd recommend Dr. Dicker to anyone!

We had an exceptional birth experience for our second child at Our Birthing Center. The design,…read moredécor, and amazing staff create a tranquil, secure environment. At our first visit, I knew I wanted my child to be born in this peaceful place - it had none of the sterile, mechanical & "busy" feeling of the hospital where our first child was born. The orientation class held by Beth Ann was very informative, and created a sense of familiarity, especially when we ended up having Beth Ann as our nurse. I was well into active labor when we arrived at the birth center, but as soon as I walked into the birthing suite, I felt a complete sense of security & confidence. We immediately got into the shower for hydrotherapy while Beth Ann prepared the bathtub. The room & bathroom were impeccably clean, and somehow everything we needed was concealed but close at hand - from a birthing ball to towels to a puke bag from the dresser drawer! The best part of the experience for us was the intimacy - my spouse, doula, nurse, and midwife were right there, focusing only on caring for me. There was no in & out of nurses, or additional personnel in the room. I felt completely safe and protected, even through the intensity of the delivery. My daughter was born in the birthing tub and I was the one to pull her out of the water and into my arms. Once she was born, everything was so relaxed and we could truly enjoy those first few moments. Beth Ann & our birthing team took such wonderful care of me after the birth, ensuring that my husband knew exactly how to care for me & my daughter at home. We left the birth center about 4 hrs after the birth and it was so comforting to sleep in our own bed that night! My recovery was much quicker than with my first birth, and I contribute that in part to the unmedicated, gentle waterbirth I was able to achieve at Our Birthing Center. Knowing now the extraordinary level of care, encouragement, and medical expertise available at the birthing center, I wouldn't give birth any other way!

the receptionist in the matronly center was very rude and unfriendly not helpful not go backread more

Katie is amazing! I wish every mother had access to her. She helped me with both my sons and also…read morecountless other women I know found her as indispensable as I have. Even if you think things are going fine she is a great resource. And if they are not contact her ASAP! There are so many things about Breastfeeding that you may not know and there are also a lot of myths. Most importantly she will help you do what's best for you and your baby no matter what your situation may be.

I recommend Katie to all of my pregnant friends, they usually don't know that a lactation…read moreconsultant is a thing. Her breastfeeding class and pre-natal consultation were super helpful, I took the pumping mamas blueprint e-course she offers and honestly, that knowledge gained was the key to my success. Katie is really intense in her support and you can tell she has been a force for good for women during their breastfeeding low-points. If you're a new mom check out her breastfeeding support group at the Birth Center.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with Dr. Wolfson. From the moment I walked…read morein, she was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive. We spent over 30 minutes simply talking before any testing was even done, which meant so much to me. It's rare to find a doctor who truly listens to your concerns and wants to understand the full picture rather than rushing through the appointment as though I am cattle. What I appreciated most was that she focused on finding the root cause of my issues instead of immediately prescribing antibiotics, which have repeatedly failed me in the past. She offered thoughtful at-home remedies and approaches that made me feel genuinely cared for and supported. Something that was super important to me is that the vitamins/supplements she suggested were ones without additives, just clean ingredients which I have at times spent hours searching the web for. It's comforting to know she gets it and I can fully trust her recommendations. On top of that, the annual exam was the most gentle, thorough, and comfortable I've ever had. As soon as I left the office, I called my sister and two of my closest girlfriends to tell them about my experience because I was that happy! They thought I was crazy for going to someones home but I knew in my gut it was what I've been looking for. Glad to share that I was right again :) If you have any reservations, let me negate them, her home was one of the most comforting places I've been, it feels healing, inviting, and warm. It's like your moms artsy friends house you went to as a kid who you just knew was the coolest in the 70s, and probably has killer stories you hope to hear when you're a little older. I'm beyond grateful to have found her and will always go back!

Iris Wolfson is kind, patient and professional, and her office is warm and inviting. Her care…read moreencompasses the whole person--mind, body and spirit. She is a wealth of information on alternative methods of healing. She takes her time during each visit and cares deeply for her patients. If you're looking for a holsitic OB/GYN, Iris is the one to see!