ObGyn for C-Section

Hi Abbie,

I had Dr. Schleuning for a post-birth surgery involving removal of fibroids and would be very comfortable recommending her for her precision, care, attention, and skills.

I also had a C-Section but not with any of the doctors you mention at Alta Bates, and the only non-generic advice I have is if you intend to have a partner stay with you, bring a small camping mattress or airbed for him/her - the "cot" provided for non-patients is pretty uncomfortable.

I've seen Dr. Schleuning in the past and she had one of the worst bed side manners I've ever encountered. She was very blunt in her communication, to the point that it was hurtful in a couple of instances. I would avoid her if communication style is important to you. Her medical care was always competent though. I saw her for routine prenatal appointments and one outpatient procedure.

Hi - 

It sounds like you're a patient at Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation. My primary OB was Dr. Pahlavan (scheduled C for twins), and I loved, loved, loved her. She's got fantastic energy, is compassionate, hears her patients and has a sense of humor. Dr. Pahlavan performed my C section, and Dr. Mehandru assisted. Dr. Mehandru was also on call while I was recovering in the hospital and I saw her for my 2-week checkup. Also highly recommend her as well. Great bedside manner, friendly & knowledgeable. 

My friend's OB was Dr. Kondrashov; I haven't worked with her personally, but do know that my friend enjoyed her as well. 

Hope this helps & good luck

Hello!

I gave birth last August and Dr. Schleuning was the one at the hospital. I gave birth vaginally.

Short version: She did an excellent job. She was calm, positive, and encouraging when I was pushing, very clear in her instructions, and seemed very gentle with my baby in every interaction. My baby had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice which restricted his oxygen levels somewhat and she acted quickly and calmly to remove it so he could get breathing assistance. He recovered quickly. She quickly performed my stitches. I would say she strikes me as what I have always imagined surgeons to be like (I'm sure this is a vast overgeneralization). Precise, focused, competent, and not perfect in bedside manner, though pretty good (more details on that below). I trusted her completely, respected her, and also had one interaction outside the hospital (postpartum checkup) that was awkward and a little surprising given my other positive experiences.

Post birth: 6 weeks later, I saw her for a followup appointment to address ongoing pain in stitches area. She prescribed a topical medicine and gave advice that worked. She also made a flippant, insensitive comment and laughed about it. When I told my regular OBGYN, she examined me and said "that's not even true. I don't know why she said that." Happy to share details about the comment but would rather not post it publicly.

Dr. Kondrashov

I interacted with her only briefly at the hospital. She wanted to induce me and I asked for more time (my water broke right before coming to the hospital) and I don't remember much except she the conversations were brief and to-the-point, whereas some other doctors after her took more time to answer my questions.

Dr. Mehandru. I've never met her at all!

Good luck with the decision! 

Dr. Kondrashov was my ob for entire pregnancy and I was pleased with my prenatal care. She happen to be on when I was in labor recently and performed my emergency c section for fetal distress. She remained calm, in control, and had my baby out in what seemed like less than a minute. I'm a physician myself and was super impressed with her surgical skills and with the entire team that day, all of whom I credit for saving my son's life. Now I have healthy 10 day old and my incision is healing well. 

I dont know the other doctors you mentioned.  If you have any other questions feel free to message me.

I hope that's helpful!

Jennifer