Need Help Choosing an Obgyn
Hi all,
I just found out we're having baby number two and need help deciding on what Kaiser Permanente hospital to choose and looking for obgyn recommendations in the Oakland area. Our first baby was born in SF but looking to stay in the east bay this time to avoid, by all means necessary, crossing the bridge again. I've seen some older reviews for KO and KSL but wondered if anyone gave birth recently - also understand that all births are different.
Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed, thanks everyone!
Jun 9, 2025
Parent Replies
Hi there! Rockridge resident here. A few nurse friends recommended San Leandro Kaiser and I couldn’t agree more. The nurses and midwives went above and beyond. I just had my first baby there about 4 months ago and was SO happy with my care. At first I was seeing different providers every visit but then we joined a program called Centering Pregnancy. You meet with 5 or so other expecting couples with the same midwife once a month and it’s such a wonderful way to connect. You get your checkup at the same time. There was a couple there expecting their second, so it’s not just for first time parents. The midwife that runs the class was at my birth because she was on call, but she was so wonderful that she voluntarily went in for a few other births. Please feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions!
I had a very positive experience giving birth at Kaiser Oakland (Mar. 2024), especially with the fantastic nursing staff. I have no experience with San Leandro, though.
My prenatal care was all at Kaiser Berkeley. However, before we moved further north, I used to have the best OB/GYN at Oakland and I still miss her so much! Her name is Dr. Shree Chanchani. If you can get her for your care in Oakland, you will not regret it! She is kind, funny, smart, and so attentive. When I showed up at Oakland for labor/delivery, I kept hoping I'd see her on shift there (alas, I didn't). Wishing you the best of luck!
Hi, I’m having my first baby and will be delivering at KSL. I switched from Oakland to SL because I’ve heard great things about the team there and their midwives do all the births unless you request an OB or need additional interventions. My OB at Oakland used to work at SL and highly recommended delivering there too. My mom was also a neonatologist at KSL and has great things to say about the team.
I gave birth to my first son at Kaiser Oakland in 2019. My experience was great! I received a lot of support and care. My needs were honored and my preferences as well. Fast forward 5 years and I gave birth to my second baby in late November '24 at Kaiser Oakland again. My experience was even better than last time!! The doctor was incredibly professional and implemented a holistic humane approach. I felt heard, respected and validated every step of the way. The nurses were also very kind and attentive. Overall both experiences were amazing. Dr. Carlson at Kaiser Oakland was my ObGYN in 2019 but I had to switch provider because I moved. I've been seeing Dr. Lee in Berkeley. I highly recommend both of them. Good luck to you and congrats!