Advice about Sutter Health ObGyn Practices
Parent Q&A
I would try to go to Alta Bates or UCSF.
I have had two high risk pregnancies. (One GD and one diabetes). The second time, I was happy with the care I received from the Sutter East Bay OBGYN group (with privileges at Alta Bates). I see a regular OBGYN, and also a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, and I feel the MFM is much better than my previous MFMs. And my previous experience at Alta Bates delivering was pretty good.
That said, unless you have a scheduled c-section, I think you’re going to get whomever is on-call as your doctor for delivery with any practice. There aren’t really any drs that run a small practice who go on call for each patient anymore, I don’t think. At Alta Bates, the on-call OBs seem to have an MFM they can consult with remotely.
Hi, I had a high risk pregnancy that was uneventful until labor. Then a lot of things went wrong: emergency C-section, NICU. (Baby got out within three days and is completely healthy now.) OBs at Sutter's Milvia practice were great throughout pregnancy, during the nightmarish delivery, and afterwards in follow-up. Yes, Alta Bates' rooms are older but they are also big and you get one to yourself, with a separate bed for your partner or loved one. All this to say, if you can get in with the Sutter OBs, Alta Bates might be worth considering
My pregnancy was uncomplicated, so can’t speak to the specifics of high-risk care (tho I was technically high risk bc delivering at age 38) but I had a great experience with the OB team at Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation and have known several others who had good experiences with them, including one friend who is pregnant now while managing an autoimmune disorder. They are also a group practice but more like a dozen OBs than 50. My primary OB was Rebecca Taub who trained at UCSF, but I had positive experiences with everyone I saw in the practice. My friend with the more complex pregnancy sees Dr. Pahlavan who I’ve heard great things about. The group does all their deliveries at Alta Bates, they are midwife-led but you can request an OB attend your delivery.
I have a cousin who switched from Sutter to a new clinic in Berkeley called Millie clinic (https://www.millieclinic.com/) and she has been very happy with their care, commenting that she wished she had seen them from the beginning. I called them today for a consultation and they were able to book me for tomorrow, I think that is a hopeful sign they are not overwhelmed and are also responsive. Good luck and congratulations!
i’m a happy sutter patient but i just saw this practice get recommended in another parents group, might be worth checking them out! don’t have personal experience with them but another mom said she would recommend https://www.obgyn-eastbay.com/
Very much hear you about Sutter; when we were finally able to have our initial intake at week 10 (! —they were “booked”) we heard of such gems as the 10-minute cap on subsequent appointments. The words that came to mind were “factory farm.” I used to have an amazing OB who delivered at Alta Bates, but she retired in 2018 unfortunately. My attempts yo find another good, independent OB in the East Bay were not successful, unfortunately, and we ended up at John Muir in Orinda. So far, we’re pretty happy. The nurses are fantastic (key!) and the doctors so far have been very good. I really dislike dealing with massive medical conglomerates, but it seems like all that’s left. Note that they exclusively deliver in Walnut Creek, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, then they’re not the right choice. Good luck!
I had the same experience with Sutter (though I liked my OB, but I couldn't handle the late appointments, etc.). I ended up going to Millie in Berkeley. I've been seeing a midwife there (Talia Borgo) but I believe they have an MD on staff too. So far very professional, responsive, easy to schedule, etc.
If you don’t mind the commute across the bridge..UCSF Mission Bay was wonderful with my first pregnancy. I am using them again with my 2nd. I do see both a maternal fetal medicine specialist as well as regular midwife in their clinic. Good experience with both types of doctors. Any other questions, I’m happy to answer.
Millie Clinic is fantastic. Small, personal clinic. Focus on low-risk pregnancies. There may be a waitlist now but believe the just hired another midwife. They do deliveries at Alta Bates in Berkeley.
Thank you, all! Super helpful