What san antonio,tx hospital should I give birth at?

What is the best hospital to give birth at in San Francisco if ones want as natural of a birth as possible?

• We have a baby due in February and our current Ob/gyn delivers at CPMC. We'd like to have as natural of a birth as possible (not against induction, C-section, etc. but would prefer those to be used only if necessary) and CPMC doesn't allow doulas. What is the best hospital in SF to deliver at if a more natural birth with a doula is what is desired?

• Answer:

  This information that I gathered, (mainly anecdotal), when I found I was going to deliver in SF, and afterwards when I knew a variety of mothers who had also given birth there: UCSF - I gave birth here, the birth was medication/intervention free - due mainly to the fact that I came in at 10cm dilated and ready to push. They did not let me deliver in my preferred position (on all fours) and made me lie kind of propped up on the bed. They also took my baby off me directly after delivery (she was a meconium baby) wiped and wrapped her and then gave her to my partner while they proceeded to put a cannula in my arm for no reason (other than so they could have quick access to my veins in case of emergency). I didn't get to have skin to skin contact with my baby until nearly an hour after delivery, and all the time she had been crying for milk. Based on my own experience I don't recommend them, but others have had different experiences. They are the only hospital to offer Nitrous Oxide, and they have the best neonatal care for babies that are in a lot of trouble. they also offer midwife led care, which is generally thought to be less interventionist. They do allow doulas. St Lukes From everyone I talked to this seems to be the hospital most dedicated to helping you have an intervention free birth, both people I know who gave birth there were having their first, they were both happy with the place, though they both had an epidural (after a very long time labouring without) and one ended in C-section. CPMC These seem to be the most gung ho about interventions. The two people I know who gave birth there (One had 3 there) were very happy with the care. They were both advised to have the epidural early and did. One of my friends was told to wait an hour while her consultant was in a meeting and then push, another was told her doctor was going on holiday so they would induce her at 38 weeks, as it was her third they though scheduling it would be more convenient! Kaiser I know two women who gave birth at Kaiser, it wasn't an option for me so I didn't investigate much. They were both happy with it. Home Birth - Least intervention here! Good luck, and congratulations :)