Genesis Clinic

Dinky, you're welcome to email me. Do you have my address? When is your due date?

Don't worry, I just saw your ticker, so I know your due date...

Thank you for all your replies.

Hasie I am in Randburg so Genesis is really convenient for me. (PS I am still going to email you)

I think I am going to go to Genesis and see if I get the right "vibe" and take it from there.

You've got some great advice here - I was the same as you wanted Genesis but due to unknown (and mya ge - 38) I was encouraged to go traditional route...ended up having a planned c-section (WONDERFUL experience, quick recovery etc etc) and as an aside our lo's umbilical chord was wrapped twice round his neck I don't know if that would've been picked up etc but for me I'm glad I went the conservative ruote with a well known gynae, planned and found the hospital (Sandton Medi Clinic) just brilliant! Will do the same again!!!
xxx

Dinky, I think you are on the right track here!

Genisis is a great clinic and is totally geared for natural birth. Like Jeanine said, you have to have a gyni as well, and they obviously prefer if you use one of theirs. If you use one of their gynies as back up, and you have complications like Jeanine, then your gynie is there to come in and give you a c-sec if necessary.

I can't remember where you said you lived, but if you are closer to Pretoria, Femina clinic has a similar set up called Midwifes-exclusive. What I like about their set up is that they are part of the Femina netcare hospital, so if you have an early birth, you stay with them and your baby can go to their neonatal unit. So you don't change hospitals if you need a planned c-section or if your baby decides to come early.

Remember to also look at what antenatal classes you are going to do and whether you want a doula or not. If you are wanting a doula, the earlier you book one the better as they tend to get full and she obviously has to keep your due date and the weeks surrounding it open. Antenatal classes are a bit easier to book, you would want to start classes somewhere between 20 and 30 weeks. Most classes are a course of 4 to 6.

Thank you so much Jeanine, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your feedback!

I know I was so disappointed yesterday when I saw that I had just missed the open day but I am going to phone and find out if I can view the facilities at any other time.

I will be 8 weeks on Saturday. Going to my current gynae on Monday so at least I have a little bit of time to sort things out on the Genesis side.

I chatted to DH about it this morning and he is so excited about this option which makes me feel like it is definately the right way to go.

Might just add a bit regarding the midwife/gynae:

(I can't see tickers, so not sure how far you are)

You will have to choose a gynae as well as a midwife. The gynae will be your backup, in case you end up needing a c-section.
Initially you will see the gynae, and then the midwife from about 20-24 weeks onwards (different ones might work differently).
All the scans will be done by the gynae.
I went at 13 weeks, 20 weeks and 36 weeks. The 2 assessment scans, and one last visit to make sure everything is fine for natural birth.

The midwives don't do scans - They will do things like check your urine, measure your stomach to see if the growth is on track, and feel the baby to determine the position.

Dinky,

I had my LB there in August 2010.

Environment: In one word YES YES YES!!! The clinic itself is great, all the rooms are private and 5 star quality. They each have their own private garden, and bathroom. They also have HUGH baths for water births if you want one. And DH gets to sleep with you at no extra charge after the birth. Baby also rooms with you.

Complications: Well, I ended up with a failed induction, ending in a C-section. They have a theatre on site, so emergency C-sections are done there, no need to transfer. If there is complications with baby, they will stabilize, and then transfer to the nearest hospital (they have all the equipment, but not the facilities for long term care).
Might add, they only do births after 36 weeks (I think, might need to confirm that), if prem, you must go straight to the hospital...

Midwife: 3 of my friends had their babies there (genesis came HIGHLY recommended from them) - 2 of them went back a second time . I ended up just using the midwifes they recommended - Marilyn and Veronica, who was great - and I’ve heard good things about some of the other midwives as well.

Gynae: I used Dr Mia (since he practises at genesis, so convenient - also read good review on the net). Good gynea, but he was a bit overbooked - took 8 weeks for an appointment (not sure if that still an issue), and they also have female gyneas.
Also, as far as I know, most of the gynae’s practise at surrounding hospitals as well, so if you need to have a planned c-sec, you can just move facilities, not gynae’s - just check with whomever you choose...

Staff midwifes: The staff is another great thing about genesis, they were really good to me (and I got to spend 3 days there). Nothing was too much to ask them, they were friendly and helpfull.

Would I recommend the clinic - absolutely!
In fact, I’m planning a VBAC for no 2 (someday ) JUST so that I can go back there!

You can also check out their facebook page - they have regular open days. (just checked - the last one was 10 Dec - but if you phone them, I’m sure you can go look at any time)

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions