Congratulations! Whether you’re planning for the future, are actively trying for a baby, or are currently pregnant, this is a very exciting moment on your journey. By starting your search for the perfect OBGYN, you are taking an active step toward your plans for tomorrow. Here, I’d like to offer some advice on what to look for in an OBGYN and recommendations for the top Terre Haute local OBs. Let this post be your guide to all things Terre Haute OBGYN.
What to Look For:
Narrowing down your choices for OB care can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time searching for a physician. There are so many different options for where and how you can bring your little one into this world, and it seems like there are just as many options for who can help you do it. Midwives, doulas, and traditional OBGYNs can all be a vital part of your care team, so it’s important to choose the right people.
When looking for your primary OB, it’s important to evaluate each potential care provider by asking yourself a few questions.
Are they close to home? If you are currently pregnant or hope to be soon, you’ll want to make sure you choose an OBGYN who practices in the city you live in or a closely neighboring town. There are so many doctor’s appointments throughout pregnancy. When you’re towards the end of your pregnancy and going to see your OB multiple times a month, you’ll be glad you didn’t opt for that doc whose office is an hour or more away from home.
Do they practice at the hospital where you’d like to deliver? If you really have your heart set on delivering your baby at one specific hospital, make sure your OB has privileges there. Not every doc can provide care at every hospital, so ask the question as early as possible.
Do they have experience related to your health needs and birth goals? If you have any pre-existing health concerns, a family history of pregnancy complications, or any other health conditions that your OBGYN will need to monitor, make sure they have previous experience doing so. If you have a specific birth plan or philosophy, ask if your provider is confident and comfortable supporting you in those plans.
Are they recommended by people you know? Have you asked around about the OB you’re interested in? Do they have a good reputation and a lot of happy former patients? Reputation can’t tell you everything about a doctor’s competence or outcomes, but it can help you determine if they are likely to be a good fit for you.
Do you like their bedside manner? Your OB’s personality, communication style, attentiveness, and compassion are all important to your overall experience as their patient. Make sure you get along with your care provider, trust their judgment, understand their explanations, and feel understood when speaking to them. If these things aren’t falling into place for you, keep looking for care elsewhere.
Top 8 Options for Your Terre Haute OBGYN
All of the doctors on this list come highly recommended and are highly qualified. Read through each of their bios to find out if they could be the right fit for you.
Dr. Stanley Drake, MD has been practicing since 1985. He works with Regional Health Group and has privileges at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Dr. Drake is well-loved by his patients. He’s known for clearly explaining conditions, taking his time with each patient, listening to patient concerns, being willing to answer questions, and making trusted decisions. He is described as friendly, warm, and down-to-earth. Click here to learn more information.
Dr. Vannara Sakbun, MD, PhD, FACOG has been practicing since 1991. The letters FACOG at the end of his title tell you that he is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. That means he is being kept up-to-date on the latest standards of care, treatments, and other developments in OB-GYN healthcare. He has his own offices and works alongside Ashley Rollins, NP. The core values of his practice are Care, Compassion, and Commitment. Dr. Sakbun has privileges at both Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He is known for his trusted decisions, clarity of instruction, and clear explanation of conditions. His patients have described him as a good listener who takes the time to hear their concerns and answer their questions. Click here to learn more information.
Dr. Grant Hammons III, MD has been practicing since 1997. He works with Union Health and has privileges at Union Hospital. Dr. Hammons is described by his patients as caring, polite, and compassionate with an excellent attitude. He’s known for giving thorough examinations, clearly communicating instructions, providing appropriate follow-up care, and taking the right amount of time with each of his patients. Click here to learn more information.
Dr. Mary Abernathy, MD (Maternal Fetal Medicine) has been practicing since 1990. She works with Union Health and has privileges at Union Hospital. Dr. Abernathy is a specialist in high-risk pregnancies. If you are found to have a high-risk pregnancy and you live in the Terre Haute area, you are likely to be referred to Dr. Abernathy for follow-up care, monitoring, and any special treatment you or your baby may need. Patients of Dr. Abernathy describe her as caring and professional. They also remark on how much she cares about understanding her patients’ goals and doing whatever she can to support them. She is known for her trusted outcomes and for spending just the right amount of time with each of her patients. Click here for more information.
Dr. Thomas John Yeagley, MD has been practicing since 1994. He works with Union Health and has privileges at Union Hospital. Dr. Yeagley comes highly recommended by his current and former patients. He also has a higher than average patient loyalty rating. Dr. Yeagley is known for providing thorough examinations, being kind and patient, and taking time to clearly answer questions. Click here for more information.
Dr. Rajalakshmi Venkatesh Shantharam, MD, FACOG has been practicing since 2008. She has been affiliated with Providence Medical Group and Union Health over the last few years. She currently has privileges at Union Hospital. Being a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Shantharam is aware of all the latest developments in the OB-GYN healthcare community. Her patients have described her as having a caring and compassionate attitude. She is known for providing clear instruction and thorough exams. Click here for more information.
Dr. Charles Sides, MD has been practicing for about 11 years. He works with Union Health and has privileges at Union Hospital. Dr. Sides has a solid reputation with his current and former patients. He is known for clearly explaining conditions and treatment options, listening to his patients’ concerns, and for his thoughtful and caring bedside manner. Click here for more information.
Dr. Robert Lalouche, MD has been practicing since 1991. He works with Union Health and has privileges at Union Hospital. Dr. Lalouche comes highly recommended. His patients describe him as understanding and willing to answer all of their questions. Dr. Lalouche is known for his clear instructions, patient loyalty, and the way he includes his patients in their healthcare decisions. Click here for more information.
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This is not a definitive list of the only good OBs in the Terre Haute area! There is other great OB care to be found, but there just isn’t room on this list for everyone. I do hope this list of recommendations helps to guide you on the search for your Terre Haute OBGYN. Whether you chose one of the doctors listed above, a different physician, or choose to go the midwifery route, I wish you the best of luck on your journey to motherhood. When you’re ready to start looking for a great pediatrician for your new bundle of love, check out my blog on your options for Terre Haute local pediatricians. While you’re here, check out Toddler-Friendly Things to Do in Terre Haute, IN.
