My experience with Dr. Nora Graham was a horrendous one.
At the time I was entering my 7th month of pregnancy, Saturday 8/12/17 my 4 year old baby cousin accidently punched me in the stomach. I didn't think anything of it until I woke up the next day with some very mild cramping. After doing some research online, from stories of mothers concluding that they were just fine after being kicked, punched and pounced on from their own toddlers while pregnant, I concluded I was over reacting. That Monday morning I woke up with the same mild cramping and as any FIRST time mother, I became very concerned. I wasn't sure if I was over reacting or not so I called Physicians and Midwives, explained the situation and how I was feeling - I asked if I should go to the ER, and the receptionist advised that I should just come in to make sure everything is OK. They took me in as soon as a doctor was available.
As soon as Dr Nora Graham walked into the room her demeanor was very cold she greeted me while staring at her laptop - this usually wouldn't have bothered me, but the fact that I was already on edge, in tears (that morning) and in for a very serious matter (possible trauma to my fetus) I found that insensitive.
Any questions I had, to make sense in my head of what I should do next, her answer: "I can't tell you" "I wouldn't know"
After checking my baby's heartbeat, she said it sounded good/strong. I asked her based on the heart beat is it safe to say the punch didn't disrupt anything - she said I couldn't tell you. At this point I was in tears, so frustrated with no answers. Not to mention I felt as though I was working against time (should I go to the ER, if my doctor doesn't know if my baby is OK, how should I??!!
She told me there was nothing she could do "since I was outside of the 48 hour time frame of the incident" which is fine if that were accurate. I was so overwhelmed with emotions, and thoughts it wasn't until I left the office that I realized that the "48 hour time" frame Nora Graham kept referring that I was outside of, was a lie!! I wouldn't have been outside of the time frame until later that evening. I called Physicians and Midwives and told them that Norah Graham was inaccurate & coming to think of it, she never even asked what time the incident took place to get an accurate time line. I'm not sure what part she didn't understand as i was explaining that HER practice is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so the only day for me to address this was on Monday - the day that I was deeply concerned because my cramps hadn't subsided.
I am not the one who went to Medical School for 10 plus years, she did. She took no initiative to let me know what steps I should take. In the midst of all of these emotions and worries I was having - I had to ask all of the questions she asked none. She literally was just staring at me with a confused/annoyed look. Took no initiative to advise me on what should do, possible scenarios, I ASKED IF I SHOULD GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM - her response "I don't know, if you want" to make matters worse, she is pregnant herself looked to be around the same time frame as me for her to not understand why I was worried was appalling. Her attitude was disgusting and her lack of professionalism, compassion was shocking. As a decent human being how could you treat a patient this way? You were content with allowing me to leave the office not knowing if my child was in harm's way. This experience has lead me to terminate my relationship with this practice - because God forbid there were to be an emergency while I was delivering and I get this type of treatment (it is a collaborative practice, so you see a different Physician each time you visit to get 'acquainted with each one' because you don't know who'll be delivering your child/on call at the hospital when you go into labor)
The only good thing that came out of this was the fact that her incompetency prompted me to search for a new OBGYN, whom will delivering my current (Due in November 2017) my friends, as well as future children. He is personable, patient and overall wonderful - huge relief to find him after my experience with Physicians & Midwives.
PS: went to the ER and everything was fine, they advised that I did the right thing and were in shock of the treatment I received. The nurses at the ER advised that small trauma, such as a punch could result in a tear in the placenta wall, which could lead to grave conditions for your baby. Please think twice before coming here, I seen the red flags in the beginning of my pregnancy with the nonchalant attitudes of the physicians at this practice, they will make you feel like a number. The answers to any questions I had, were very generic maybe it's just me but I want my doctors to actually know me, recommend things and take initiative to ask questions during our visits. I never made a big deal of these things because I adjust to any circumstances. I've learned my lesson and am very gra read more