Birth at NYP Alexandra Cohen

When I was pregnant I was searching for this information and was having such a hard time finding it. I just had my baby and figured I would list as much info as possible in case anyone finds it helpful while everything is still fresh in my mind.

Overall would I recommend it? YES!!! The doctors, nurses, and all staff are wonderful and I had a really positive experience despite some complications during labor.

How to deliver there? As soon as I got a positive pregnancy test I started researching hospitals. First I checked with my insurance that the hospital was in network. Once that was confirmed I started researching doctors affiliated with the hospital. I called several with great reviews but many of them were not seeing new patients. Around 6 weeks pregnant I ended up getting an appointment with Dr. Julia Meisler set up for when I was around 9 weeks pregnant.

Info about Dr. Meisler I was hesitant at first because we live in Astoria and her office is on the upper west side so commuting there wasn’t super convenient, especially toward the end of pregnancy. But ultimately I was so happy that I did because she was wonderful. She’s direct but also very empathetic and definitely supportive of your preferences and decisions. I really liked her bedside manner and the care that she provided. It was a great mix of evidence based care + totally encouraging of holistic approaches too. Everything is presented as optional, but she explains why certain things are recommended. I had a mixed approach - I did things like NIPT testing, all vaccinations, etc but also did things like raspberry leaf tea, eating dates, etc and she supported working with a doula.

Info about the hospital They offer birth and CPR zoom classes that were super helpful for my husband and I to fit into our schedule and found them so helpful. They do have parking, for a fee. The food is ok, not bad for hospital food but I would suggest ordering delivery if you can. The meals provided are only for the mother, so partners will need to sort out other options for food. The options within the hospital are not great and neither are the restaurants nearby, so I’d again plan on getting delivery if you can. All rooms are private. The room I labored in was huge and had a beautiful view. The recovery rooms are pretty small but have almost everything you need. The beds for partners are very small and not comfortable.

What to pack/what’s provided? They provide a basic toiletry bag, basic postpartum essentials, grippy socks, baby tops and hats, swaddle blankets, diapers, wipes, and basic baby toiletries. And you do get a Chanel gift bag at the end. The labor room had birth balls, peanut balls, and showers. Recovery rooms have a mini refrigerator and a mini blow dryer. I would recommend bringing a pillow/blankets for partners. The bed for partners was not great, and the hospital provided pillows and sheets are not great either. I was really glad my husband packed his own. I would also recommend bringing some snacks, it was hard to have time for my husband to run out for food, and snacks in the hospital were limited. I was so glad we brought our own. I would probably skip bringing any “upgrade” items and just use what the hospital provides. I brought my own postpartum products but ended up just using the ones provided. I brought a labor gown that I never used. I brought comfy PJs but ended up just wearing the hospital gown, etc. The only essential things to bring is an extra long phone charger, clean clothes to go home in, and a car seat if you will be leaving in a car.

EDIT: I just got my bill and sharing the total cost for transparency! Of course this will vary based on your insurance and your labor. I have Aetna insurance. I had an induced vaginal delivery with an epidural. They charged $10,000 even to my insurance. My balance due was $1,207. Insurance covered the rest. I did hit my deductible prior to this with all of the prenatal appointments and various other medical things we did this year, so this amount was after my deductible was hit for the year, but also before my out of pocket maximum.

Overall the birth experience was great, I had some complications but they were handled really well and I felt safe and happy during labor and recovery. The nurses are next level and experts at giving a crash course in labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and baby care. The doctors were all kind and supportive of my birth plan. Not everything on my birth plan worked out, but I did feel very supported.

Happy to answer any questions if anyone wants any more information.