1. TEAMWORK OBSTETRICS: MIDWIFE CARE, COLLABORATIVE CARE AND PHYSICIAN CARE IN ONE PRACTICE
MIDWIFE CARE:
Midwives are independent practitioners. Studies have shown that midwifery care not only decreases the risk of c-sections but also improves both maternal and newborn outcomes and decreases maternal health disparities. This has been proven to be true in our practice. Our primary cesarean section rates decreased from 15% to 9% with the addition of midwifery services.
Midwives focus not only on maternity care, but are also trained in a full range of health care needs throughout life: general health care services, annual gyn exams, family planning needs, testing and treatment of STIs, teenage years, and menopausal care.
Most pregnant patients will be cared for by the midwives in our practice.
COLLABORATIVE CARE:
Some patients with higher risk medical conditions will be cared for by midwives in collaboration with the physicians. This allows us to work together as a team to meet your individualized needs.
PHYSICIAN CARE:
Some patients, such as those who desire repeat cesarean sections, will predominantly see the physicians in the practice.
There are always two providers on call for you: a midwife and a physician. And because both are in the same practice, the communication between the two providers is easy and seamless.
We have you covered for all of your pregnancy needs. We call that Teamwork Obstetrics!
2. ROBOTIC ASSISTED SURGERY: MYOMECTOMY AND HYSTERECTOMY
Dr. Katherine Cartwright and Dr. Thomas Cacciola are physicians in our office who are able to offer the benefits of the latest advancements in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. They have extensively trained in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques which provide significant benefits to our patients. Minimally invasive and robotic techniques generally allow for shorter hospitalizations, less pain, less blood loss, smaller scars, and faster recovery than traditional surgical techniques. They are also working with St. Peter’s Hospital to develop a Minimally Invasive Center of Excellence. Drs. Cartwright and Cacciola are also able to provide an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery experience to their surgical patients which is an international movement to provide better care to surgical patients through evidence-based techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to care.
3. EXTENDED HOURS (BEFORE 8AM AND AFTER 5PM)
For your convenience, we are offering early morning hours and evening hours most days of the week to accommodate for your busy schedules.
4. SAME-DAY OR NEXT-DAY APPOINTMENTS
We realize that sometimes issues may arise quickly. Instead of going to the ER or urgent care for non-emergent problems, you can now be seen in our office the same day or the next work day.
5. CHILDBIRTH CLASSES OFFERED BY OUR MIDWIVES
Do you have questions about an epidural? Or nitrous oxide? Or external version? Or natural childbirth? Designed to be taken in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, our midwives offer childbirth classes once a month to help answer any questions regarding labor and childbirth. The class is a favorite among many patients and fill up quickly. And as the class is led by our own midwives, the questions and answers are very specific to your needs and experiences.
6. BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION AND SUPPORT: CLASSES AND IN-OFFICE LACTATION COUNSELORS
For our patients who are interested, our midwife-led class will help prepare you for breastfeeding your baby. Our office also has three lactation counselors. Barb Fleck, CNM, Sarah Prior CNM and Jackie Nealon, RN, are all certified lactation counselors (CLC) . They have training to support and assist you and your baby to develop a successful breastfeeding (human milk) experience.
7. INFERTILITY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
Sometimes trying to conceive does not go as planned. When our patients encounter difficulty getting pregnant, we are able to complete most of the needed evaluation within our office. We even have the ability to perform in-office saline hysterosalpingogram, a test to evaluate the anatomy and function of the uterus and fallopian tubes. We have a variety of treatment options available, depending on the specific cause of infertility. If an infertility specialist becomes a necessary next step, we are able to seamlessly transition your prior work-up and care.
8. INCLUSIVE, NON-JUDGMENTAL CARE
Albany Obstetrics and Gynecology is committed to providing quality, compassionate, innovative care. Our patients are women, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and genderqueer people. Our patients are diverse in age, ethnicity, and social circumstance. We advocate for the improved health and healthcare of all people, especially the populations we serve. We understand that we must both provide health care today and shape the health care of tomorrow.
Albany OB/GYN is a safe, warm, welcoming environment. We are non-judgmental and down to earth. We recognize each person as unique and value their distinctive point of view. We believe good health means caring for both the body and the mind. We listen to our patients. Our promise is to meet people where they are. Our hope is to help them positively change their life experience.
We’re proud to offer comprehensive, culturally-competent care to our diverse community of members. At Albany OB/GYN, we can address all your health concerns with sensitivity and compassion in a judgment-free environment. We’ll ask your preferred pronouns, and let you lead the discussion around personal topics related to your health at your first wellness visit.
