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Iowa Health in Ankeny
Hello!
We just found out we are pregnant with # 2 and I am about 6 weeks along! I went to WHS for my OB/GYN with my last pregnancy, but have decided that I would like to deliver at Methodist this time so they are not an option for me again. I am just wondering if anybody has any experience with the Iowa Health clinic in Ankeny. I've read quite a bit about Lakeview and the downtown office, but have not heard anything about the Ankeny office. I don't really have much of a preference as to which office I go to because I work downtown and my husband works in West Des Moines, but we live near Ankeny so this would be convenient.
If it makes a difference, I will be trying for a VBAC with this pregnancy so a supportive Dr. is going to be extremely important. I've been pretty discouraged from reading the local ICAN forums as there do not seem to be many Dr's in the area that are completely supportive of VBAC's.
I mostly lurk on this board, but am looking forward to posting more as this pregnancy progresses! Our kids will be about 21 months apart and although it's a bit sooner that we had planned, we are super excited! But, I'm sure I will have lots of questions and I've noticed that many of you have kids in that age range so I know you will be super helpful!
Re: Iowa Health in Ankeny
Congrats!
Two of the doctors who practice there used to practice at the downtown office (Hoegh and Brink) and I saw them a number of times. They're both fantastic. Hoegh delivered my first son and he's my favorite doctor in the world. The other two are newer and I have no experience with them.
I will say this. My friend was very committed to having a VBAC and Hoegh wasn't overly supportive of her wishes, which I don't get at all. It seems like women ob/gyns are generally more supportive and understanding of mother's wishes, so hopefully the other three Ankeny docs will support you.
When it's time to deliver, I'm pretty sure these physicians are in the on call rotation with the docs at the other two locations. So even if you establish a great relationship with this group, it's luck of the draw if one of them will deliver your baby. I was always encouraged to see practitioners from the other locations during my pregnancy, just to build that rapport.
Anyway, good luck!
I don't have much experence at the Ankeny office, but a co-worker LOVES Dr. Hoegh, too!
I LOVED going to the downtown office! When my office was downtown, it was very easy to leave work and pop over for my appointments. Dr. Gisi is awesome! I wasn't a big fan of Dr. De Jong. My H didn't like him either. I have always felt very comfortable going there, even the NP, Rene Bamhover, is great! She's super supportive and easy to talk to.
Good Luck! And Congrats! Hope to hear from you more often!
I go to the Ankeny branch and see Dr.Hoegh. He did my c section when I had the twins. He has already told me that if/when I have more kids he thinks I would be a great candidate for a VBAC and encouraged it. Given that, I know he is supportive of VBAC as long as he thinks you are a good candidate.
I love him. He is an awesome doctor and I know he will tell me what is best for my situation. Like for example, I have asked about IUD in the past and I am not a good candidate and while he is a fan of IUD he would not do it for me knowing that there is a good chance I wouldn't have an ideal experience. I appreciate that kind of honesty and I know he actually knows my history and I'm not just another patient.
I have also seen Dr.Brink a few times and really liked her as well but don't have the extensive experience with her that I do Dr.Hoegh.
Congratulations!
I saw several of the Iowa Health docs throughout my first pregnancy. Since we live in Des Moines & I work in Ames, I had appointments at all of their locations - including Ankeny. Dr. Brink ended up being the doc on-call when I delivered, and I have nothing but positive things to say about her. I also saw D. Sposato (ARNP) for one of my appointments in Ankeny, and she was great.
I have no experience with VBAC, but I hope that you are able to have helpful conversations with whichever doctors you see and that they are supportive.
Best wishes!