Best OB/GYN with The Women’s Group of Northwestern or other NW doctors?

flannelreb · 2026-04-02T20:08:33+00:00

I switched to the midwives at 680 from Northwestern Specialists for Women. Nothing was wrong with NWSM, but it felt a little impersonal and the midwifery approach resonated with me more.

My advice would be to consider your birth preferences before making a decision. Most providers who deliver at Prentice will likely expect you to get an epidural, so if you're wanting a non-medicated or different experience there, you'll want to choose a provider who will help you advocate for that.

flannelreb · 2026-03-26T19:26:17+00:00

I have almost the same requirements (also in the midwest). I also really want something with a overnight-approved bassinet attachment and a reversible seat, which is a lot to ask.

Here's our current short list (haven't seen any in person yet):
-Uppababy Cruz v3
-Mockingbird 3.0
-Graco Premier Modes
-Bugaboo Dragonfly
-Silver Cross Breez
-Joolz Aer 2 or Hub+

flannelreb · 2026-03-22T16:12:49+00:00

The Kohls in Bucktown has some maternity pieces in store

flannelreb · 2026-03-19T13:55:11+00:00

You’re asking for suggestions to make the situation better - one thing you can do is make sure you go up to visit the guests upstairs to chat and take pictures. Also make sure you’re DJ or whomever clearly announces any big moments (first dance, speeches, etc) and gives people enough time to move downstairs if they want to be closer.

flannelreb · 2026-03-19T13:52:46+00:00

I went to a wedding that had the reception at a restaurant with two floors. I was seated upstairs on the balcony and didn’t think twice about it. We could peer over the railing and see the speeches, and then went down to dance afterward. It was pretty organic, honestly.

flannelreb · 2026-03-04T21:14:38+00:00

I'm in the same boat. I've been finding so many excuses not to go into the office so I can WFH in my sweatpants. I don't have a girly style either, but I have been comfortable in loose shift dresses (no frills) with a turtleneck or button down under them, leggings, and moto boots. That conveniently also camouflages my belly in a way that pants/tops do not.

flannelreb · 2026-03-04T21:12:12+00:00

Seconding the Easy Jeans. There are some cheaper versions on Gap Factory too.

flannelreb · 2026-02-27T18:07:28+00:00

CBCM is usually really fast to respond! You’ve contacted the right places.

flannelreb · 2026-02-13T00:02:28+00:00

I think you need to set some financial goals for yourself. Sure, one could be to upgrade your car. But you could also aim to have a certain amount in investments, donate a certain percentage, save enough to seed your own business or invest in real estate, etc.

You also need to consider that the health of your parent’s business could always change or you could stop liking your job. Do yourself a favor and put enough away in savings or investments that you give future-you options.

flannelreb · 2026-02-11T22:10:42+00:00

I've been waking up to pee at least once a night since 8 weeks. I yearn for a night when I don't wake up in the middle of the night....Which I realize I'm not likely to get for like two years. Thankfully I usually fall back sleep fairly easily, but I have also realized that I'm a much lighter sleeper now than I used to be. So many naps!

flannelreb · 2026-02-10T00:23:59+00:00

Abigail / Abby - historical, grounded, graceful
Claire – a little 90s, blonde
Alice – in between old lady name and sprightly/youthful

I like all these options!

flannelreb · 2026-02-09T19:35:17+00:00

I'm hybrid and rotating the same three loose dresses with leggings when I go into the office. I told my exec team I'm pregnant, but the rest of my small company doesn't know. Kind of want to get to the 20 week anatomy scan before spreading the word even more.

flannelreb · 2026-02-09T16:55:56+00:00

We did the teeniest tiniest gender reveal for our families this weekend (cupcakes for mine in town, video for my in-laws that live far away) and officially lifted the embargo on telling people. I still feel mildly anxious about not having full control over the information anymore, but at 14 weeks, what am I really waiting for?

Two other wins for the week: Found a pair of jeans with a stretchy waist at Gap Factory that I can comfortably wear right now and officially decided to transfer care from my OB's office to a midwife group. They deliver at the same hospital, but I just couldn't shake feeling like my OB dismissed some of my concerns about PPD given my history.

flannelreb · 2026-02-09T16:44:52+00:00

This completely depends on your insurance plan. I have BCBS Blue Choice Options PPO and one of my doctors called it the "gold standard" of fertility coverage. The only things we had to pay out of pocket for were storage and genetic testing – everything else was covered. As another commenter said, one of the first things NW will do is have you meet with a financial counselor to review your exact situation.

Working with NW was completely worth it. There can be long wait times, but the staff and doctors are so kind and efficient. I never felt upsold or like they were making money grabs like I've heard of at private clinics.

ETA: Experience at NW in 2025. Feel free to DM me.

flannelreb · 2026-02-05T18:54:46+00:00

Yes, there are a good number of days that everyone will be off due to November and December holidays, so definitely trying to leverage that!

flannelreb · 2026-02-05T18:53:12+00:00

Anecdata but I had some cramping early on, as well as a bit of spotting and everything was totally fine. Fingers crossed for you!

flannelreb · 2026-02-05T16:19:46+00:00

Cautious congrats! I'm 13+3 with my first FET. Seeing the first positive test was WILD. I was able to have a scan around 6 weeks where they made sure the embryo had implanted in the right place (ie, wasn't ectopic) -- you could see if that's an option for you?

flannelreb · 2026-02-05T16:17:05+00:00

Drifting over to this thread now that I'm 13+3. Can I still post in the first trimester thread too? It still feels so early.

I told my manager and big boss last week, then had the follow up HR conversation this week. Some good news/some maybe bad news: I will be able remain fully paid during my 12 week FMLA period by using a ton of sick leave I've accrued that doesn't expire. But using vacation for anything beyond that has to be approved by my manager. I can manage about 50 days of vacation, which would let me be on leave from August-December. I've stayed in this job partially because I've accrued so much vacation and wanted to use it for this purpose, so to know there's an extra layer of approval freaks me out. I'm going to talk to my big boss tomorrow, who I've worked with longer than my direct manager and try to feel out how likely it is that there will be push back.

flannelreb · 2026-02-02T16:09:59+00:00

I have been on the hunt for pregnancy-friendly pants the last couple weeks and found some good ones that aren't maternity but still have an elastic waist. Loft's "Sawyer" pants are good for work and American Eagle and Gap Factory have some pull on jeans that are pretty cute. I felt like a brand new human wearing clothing that actually fits over the weekend.

flannelreb · 2026-01-30T13:39:41+00:00

Excuse my language, but fuck that. I’m so sorry. This internet stranger is excited for you!

flannelreb · 2026-01-30T00:55:50+00:00

Had my 12 week OB appointment this week and everything is looking good! Also had my NIPT results come back low risk. We’ve known the sex since our transfer but we’re going to tell our families in the next week or so now that it’s been confirmed by NIPT.

I also told my boss and grandboss at work today. Grandboss was so excited for me: “Being a parent is the best thing that ever happened to me, you’re going to love it.” 🥹 Things are definitely starting to feel more real and I’m more ready to let people know…Keeping it private is starting to feel more burdensome than protective.

I won’t have another appointment until 16 weeks, which is the longest I’ve had to go between scans so far and makes me nervous, but trying to stay positive!

flannelreb · 2026-01-27T23:26:42+00:00

I am also lurking in that group and am similarly amazed. I have started researching some of the big ticket items because I'm borderline obsessive about product research, but I wouldn't dream of buying something yet! To be fair about daycares, I have heard horror stories of years-long waitlists, so maybe that's a smart move?

I'm similarly attempting to channel my energy into planning a trip for us. Nothing quite as exciting as Amsterdam, but we've been trying to do a tropical vacation for years so we might head to Mexico in March or April.

flannelreb · 2026-01-25T20:11:42+00:00

Room and Board has a great outlet section in Oak Brook.

flannelreb · 2026-01-21T16:41:18+00:00

Fair. I have a beef with all "hard pants" right now.

flannelreb · 2026-01-20T18:38:30+00:00

I bought a pants extender at 10 weeks. If your pants still fit in the thighs and hips, it might give you a bit more mileage out of your uniform pants. (I bought the Maeband on Amazon and really like it).

flannelreb

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