Community of Hope - Family Health & Birth Center

Many times I feel helpless with their customer service. I always make appointments in advance to arrange my family doctor, which is more convenient for my childs other appointments, but this clinic can only make appointments within 4 days, which leads to me calling them every morning at 8am at the agreed time. But after two weeks, I still havent received help to give me an accurate time. They cant make an appointment one week later. For me, this system is the worst I have ever seen. This is a very important thing for a stay-at-home mother who has to work and live. But they cant help. I am very sad. They didnt help my child.

So far my experience with COH has been poor. The receptionist are doing a well job, but the nurses and doctors good lord, they leave you worried and anxious. I had my first appointment with them and had some lab work done and now it’s been about 2 weeks and they have not called to discuss the results with me. I saw them on the portal for myself. The original midwife was too nonchalant about my high risk pregnancy and has me on edge the entire time waiting for the appointment. So I asked the director for a new midwife. The next one Ebony Marcelle was not at the appointment and have not even called me yet. I assume the first midwife Tracie and Ebony are friends. At this point I don’t think I’m going to use their services because they do not care about pregnant mothers. Very sad because they gave a good game initially over the phone. Went to the appointment where I was supposed to have a hear at baby heart and they told me no because the heartbeat wouldn’t be heard. I insisted so they did and low and behold babies heartbeat was loud and strong. Then they asked me could a student perform my Pap smear. I said no. The nurse that did it pinched the inside of my bag with the clamp when removing the device. Not only that. Waited an hour after appointment to be seen. Lab lady was nice and that went without problem. Just an overall uneasy feeling with them assisting my delivery. Seems they are only in it for a check.

3 Natural childbirths later...the midwives, dulas and nurses at the FHBC- Community of Hope still have my gratitude 🙏🏾. My children are 13 & 8. I never experienced the horror of giving birth while being a Black Women 😔Many Black mothers described walking a tightrope: wanting to make providers aware of their knowledge or even their expertise as health care workers themselves, but also to avoid being labeled difficult.Black and Hispanic mothers need a safe place. That safe place is Community of Hope!

I thought about it many times if I should share my story but I finally came to the conclusion that I should in hopes others would share their stories. Every time I hear the name community of hope I cringe even after 3 year almost 4 years of giving birth. I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone!At the time I was 36 years old, no health conditions, prime candidate for a center birth. The day my water broke I called my midwife around 6pm she stated to meet her at the center at 8pm. As I’m leaking fluids all over the exam room floor with contractions close to two minutes apart the mid wife says the baby is sunny side up and we need to wait for her to turn. I was then told it was safe to go home, my child’s father was given instructions on how to massage my back through the labor pains, positions to use to help with the pain and to take a hot shower.After arriving home everything the midwife told us to do we did. Sometime after 10pm I told my child’s father I think the baby is coming so we called 911. With the ambulance on the way my child’s father called the midwife,while he was in the living room. I was in the bedroom on my back and the baby’s head popped out between my legs. I called to him, he was still on the phone with the midwife, he sat in front of me, instructed me to push to get the rest of the baby’s body out, and I did. A few moments later with the baby laying on my chest, the ambulance arrived to cut the cord and take our vitals.While I am greatful for delivering a healthy baby it was not in the ideal situation/environment. I’m telling my story because the next person might not be so lucky with the poor medical advice I was given. In hindsight I don’t understand why I was told it was safe to go home with the amount of fluid I was leaking also not barely being able to have a conversation with the midwife because my contractions were so close. Questions I’ll never know the answer to.I did not return to the facility for a check up nor did I bring my baby because I was so traumatized by the situation. Put you and your children’s health first❤️

My son got his physical done in June of 2023.. Apparently the Dr handwriting was not legible to DCIAA. I requested an updated form (literally adding a 3 to 2023) so my son could play basketball. I emphasized that it’s his first game and of course I didn’t get the paperwork back in time. He missed his first game today over a date that I called to have fixed over a week ago. I spent last week and all day yesterday calling and calling for an update. Literally ONE NUMBER needed to be changed. I guess the lesson for the 9 year old missing his first ball game today is “life is not fair” and people quick to mess up but take their time righting their wrongs. SHAME ON YALL.

Fantastic health services. Compassionate, friendly, committed, and qualified. They take care of all my health needs. I highly recommend. Lots of good programs.

I’ve been with them for over 6 years and I absolutely love it here! They have great Customer service and treat me and my 5 year old like family. Big shout out to the front desk team for always helping and being very resourceful. The techs are amazing and so understanding. They make my visits quick and easy EVERY single time I need help.

Love this place had my first child here I wish I could have my second here but I have Maryland insurance

The customer services here is just awful. I have called a million times today. There is literally only 3 cars in the parking lot yet no one answers the phone here. When I finally get a successful call back. The receptionist who takes my first name and day of birthday places me on hold to see if they are doing virtual appointments (honestly a yes or no question). I remained on hold for 10 then was disconnected with no call back. Very unprofessional, like most DC establishments in this city! Definitely makes me miss my hometown in Michigan and my PCP there smh.

This place has gone downhill!! I can never get seen anymore and appointments are so far out. I called twice to make sure I was within the hours they were doing walk ins and once I got to the place she dismissed me at the door over the intercom.this happen today around 12:50pm and it’s very unprofessional. I’ve tried to reach out to my doctor on many occasions because I need paperwork done and I can not get in contact with her. I’m at the point that I want to change locations.! I’ve been goin here for almost ten yrs. And this is by far the worst experience for the second time. Please do better

Sooooo disappointing. After reading the reviews I thought this would be a great place to have a water birth experience with my first child. So wrong. August 26; The midwife sent me a text msg about a zoom call and then called me immediately via phone instead. We chatted for a while she said that I would be coming in to be seen within 2 weeks. Well it is now September 28th and I have heard NOTHING from anyone. Very disappointing, I now have to go to the hospital just to stay updated..... I guess I’ll be having a hospital birth for my first child. Maybe I’ll try this again with my second child but definitely with a different birthing center who actually communicates with patients.

I absolutely love COH! I received prenatal care here and delivered my daughter at the birthing center. I loved all the midwives (you meet each one at some point or another) and the front desk staff. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed the Centering program they have because you get to interact with other expectant moms who all have due dates near yours. The group visits were encouraging and informative! COH offers support in various areas with access to a lactation consultant, healthy start program, and behavioral health specialist, if you have any mental health issues or concerns such as post-partum depression. I would definitely choose and recommend COH again!

Love this center. Had an amazing experience birthing my second child at their birthing center and I love all the midwives and staff! I have never had an issue here. I’ve been to some of the best practices, but this place far exceeds them all.

I’ve attended COH midwifery my entire pregnancy from my positive pregnancy test all the way until now (39wks). Overall it wasn’t a bad experience until the end this entire time we’ve addressed nothing but a birthing center birth and I’ve seen several of their midwives even attended birthing center 101. Then about week 35 my appointments begin to get rescheduled and once i was supposed to be seen every two weeks but haven’t been seen for a month; I voice my issues. Spoke with the head lady she basically stated they have a heavy work load and I’m not displaying any warning symptoms so I’m good. Had a whole convo then peacefully ended the call. All for me to go to my appointment the next day to be told she put a note in my chart stating due to my BMI i can’t have a center birth. Remind you I’m 39weeks and at no point has any other one of her midwives brought it up. Even when i seen the head lady in March now all of a sudden i don’t qualify. Which is foolery my BMI was over 30 from the beginning and nothing was ever said. They know another center won’t pick up you to birth there if you’re passed 37 wks and so this is a complete bs thing. I spoke with 3 other centers that stated my BMI wouldn’t disqualify me as long as that the only factor everything else had been healthy.With all this being said make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s so you won’t be blindsided by the last minute foolery a week before your baby is due. Be careful because no one excepts you after 37wks except for a hospital birth so you’ll be stuck with them.

Dont recommend. Not reliable and nearly impossible to get in touch with. Wouldnt refill a recurring prescription because they havent seen me in x amount of time, punch line is no one ever tried to contact me during that time period and no one answers the phone or calls you back. Only reason I got a response this time is because my insurance kept calling until they got an answer.

I really like community of hope experience 💕 I use NW and NE branches. At NW, Laura Worby is my physician she is the best 👌. When I get pregnant 🤰 I start follow up at NE and Tracy Brown was my physician. She is so helpful.I gave birth at November 1 2018 , at Medstar Washington Hospital. Viris (from community of hope) she is professional and experienced midwife, thanks for your help. Coly ( a dulla from COH) the most helpful girl. Lexy or Alexandra (RN from MedStar Washington Hospital) really I wanna thanks for your kindness. Melissa (RN from MWH) thanks also for your kindness treating.In general I recommend COH ❤️ Thanks again everyone.

I Love the service of everyone there. Everyone is very nice and friendly. However, it is very hard to get some one on the phone. You have to pray before you call that you are able to get an appointment with in the year. LoL. Maybe this is due to Covid 19, but it is ridiculous how the phone is NOT being answered. :-(

I love this COH and the people that work here. They are sooo awesome and nice!!! And absolutely love all of the midwives, ex specially Leslie and ebony made my pregnancy easy and natural.

Gave Birth here to my now 14yr son Dylan! The only way to give birth in my book. Gave birth and 6hr later back in my home with my healthy baby. With all the support from my Amazing Midwives and Doula!

The best place i ever visit, they helped me a a lot since i was pregnant, and until i have my baby. Staff very friendly and they care a lot.

The staff both medical and non-medical are personable and professional. There are times and just engaging them in conversation makes one feel better.

My children have been going here all of their lives. The staff is so friendly!! I never want to take my children anywhere else. ❤❤❤❤

Fantastic community-based OBGYN, prenatal, and family health care. I come from near Silver Spring because I love them so much.

I come here for the prompt service, caring providers and wonderful staff. Best treatment Ive ever received.

The midwives and the doctors are great. The only issues I’ve had are with billing.

Wonderful place that helps ladys bring life into the world and takes care of families.

I love the way they treat and service you.

My best doctor team is here. Thank you!

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All the staff are polite and professional.

I love this place