Discussions

I had Dr. Helms. I found him to be awesome. He's very straight to the point but it's in a good way. I'd recommend him to anyone!

There are three OBGyn's taking new clients: Drs Helms, Akintola, and Shunmugam. If you search previous discussions, there have been a number of them regarding these three men. As a health care professional, I can tell you that they are all excellent, although they do have different styles. When you go into labor, you will get whichever doctor is on call, it may not be the one that you have seen before. Another option is to see a GP or NP for your routine care until you are farther along. There are also a couple of GPs who do deliveries, as well as the midwives who are all excellent.

You will need to see a regular doctor before you can see your ob/gyn. They don't see you until after your first ultrasound (around 20 weeks). You will also need to get referred to an ob, you cannot just call and make an appointment. I had Akintola my whole pregnancy, but Shumngan ended up delivering me as he was on call. I absolutely adore Akintola though!

You will have to get a referral from your family doctor since it is your first pregnancy. And you do not have to wait until after your first ultrasound to see an ob/gyn. You can stay with your family Dr. until 28 weeks, and then see the Ob/gyn, or you can just go to the ob/gyn right away. The other option you have is to just remain under your family dr. care if they deliver babies.  
Personally I would recommend Dr. Helms. He looked after me for all 4 of my kids, but only ended up delivering 1 of them. He is a great doctor!

Call around to the clinics and see which family doctors are accepting patients. You will see them until after 20 or so weeks and they can refer you to an OB. I've been seeing Dr. Akintola for 18 weeks now and love him. He's so patient and soft spoken in a way that makes you comfortable. I've heard great things about all of them with the differences coming down to personality. I've heard Dr.Helms tells it like it is and Dr. Shumagum is a kind man. They seem to all be very experienced and good at what they do.

I recommend applying for a midwife. They are fantastic. I have one. They are a great great support system. I have heard from someone that finally got one after being on the waiting list for 5 months that she learned so much more through them as her doctor just didn't have that much time. If u are considering a midwife apply as soon as u find out that u are pregnant as they fill up fast!  
 
Edited by april, 2015-06-28 09:46:49

If you might be interested in a Midwife I would apply ASAP. I recently inquired when 4months pregnant and found out I was already too late! I however am seeing Dr Helms an OB who I really like. He makes me feel relaxed when I've come in worried, he has a great laid back attitude but yet very smart and informative. I also get right in for all my appointments- no waiting around wasting your day. From what I've seen Dr Sutters patients tend to do a lot of waiting- although her patients seem to like her too.

You do need a doctors referral to see an OBGYN