Doulas Recommend: Best OB/GYNs in Austin
Recently, a client of mine, whom I have the pleasure of working with for the second time, reached out to inform me that the practice that her OB/GYN is currently with will be dissolving by the end of the year. Once this shift takes place, her OB will be delivering babies at a totally different hospital, one that she doesn’t want to deliver her baby in!
So, to help her out, I took to the birth community searching for recommendations for the very best obstetricians in Austin. The birth community, and in particular the doula community, always has the most up-to-date information about what’s happening in the hospitals. When I asked for recommendations, I was only looking for a doctor that is supportive of unmedicated birth, but I have no doubt that most of those that make this list are also evidence-based practitioners who offer collaborative patient care.
Best OB/GYNs: St. David’s North Austin Medical Center
ARC North Austin OB/GYN
Unsurprisingly, the providers at ARC North Austin OB/GYN, located on Renfert Way, were recommended by almost every doula that responded, including Sarah Parente, owner of Sacred Work Doula Services. In particular, Dr. Romy Ghosh, M.D. and Dr. Carrie Kaufman, M.D. were repeatedly named, as well as Dr. Anita Sandhu, M.D. It is worth noting that Dr. Kaufman also made my list of Trans-Competent Medical Providers, and is a top recommendation for the queer & trans community.
Dr. Catherine Browne, D.O.
Although she’s the only provider from the practice recommended, there was no shortage of love for Dr. Browne. Recommended initially by Jamie Crouse Gwynn, doula, birth photographer, and childbirth educator at Empowered Birthing Services, her recommendation was quickly echoed by two other people. Dr. Browne is currently with Lone Star Circle of Care, located on Renfert Way.
Best OB/GYNs: St. David’s Medical Center (E 32nd)
Dr. Courtney Wiener, M.D.
Recommended by four separate doulas, Dr. Wiener specifically is a top recommendation! Brandee Martinelli, owner and doula at Austin Birth Company, describes her as “VERY evidence based and also family centered.” She indicated that most of the births she has attended with Dr. Wiener were “intermittently monitored, hands off, unmedicated births.” As an added bonus, Brandee says that she is “super LBGTQIA inclusive and VBAC supportive.” She is currently with Gynics Associates located on E. 41st St.
Dr. Delia Gonzalez DeLeon, M.D.
Currently practicing with Austin ObGyn Associates, Dr. DeLeon was recommended by 3 doulas, not including myself. I first met her when our kids were learning ballet together, and since then, I have had the pleasure of working with her once, during a cesarean birth. While I have not had an opportunity yet to work with her on any other occasions, I continue to hear high praise for her, from both the birth community, and birthing people that have seen her for one reason or another. Liz Lake, Austin birth doula at Push Sister, describes Dr. DeLeon as “the most thoughtful, sweet, evidence based doc I’ve ever come across.” Kim Borchert, founding partner at Austin Doula Care, recommends her as well, saying “I do love Dr. DeLeon… she’s a gem.”
Wildflower OB/GYN
Samantha Kelly, doula and childbirth educator in Buda, TX, recommended the entire practice of Wildflower OB/GYN. In total, there were three doulas that recommended Dr. Caroline Cohen, M.D., and one mention of Dr. Erica C. Garza, M.D. as well.