When it’s time to choose where to welcome your baby, BMC is an excellent choice. We offer comprehensive obstetric care both at BMC and our [affiliated community health centers](/boston-healthnet-community-health-centers), where our team of fully trained practitioners—including OB/GYN physicians, family medicine specialists, and certified nurse midwives—provide expert prenatal care. In addition to standard prenatal care and care for complicated pregnancies, we also offer a wide variety of support, including the Birth Sisters doula program, Center Pregnancy groups, and much more. ### Obstetrics - [Contact Us](#contact-us) - [Specialty Clinics](#specialty-clinics) - [Programs and Services](#programs-and-services) - [Conditions We Treat](#conditions-we-treat) - [Diagnostics and Tests](#diagnostics-and-tests) - [Our Team](#our-team) - [Patient Resources](#patient-resources) - [Provider Resources](#provider-resources) ## Contact Us [617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000) Monday, Thursday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM ## Specialty Clinics [### Maternal-Fetal Medicine A program within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology where a perinatologist provides maternal fetal medicine care for high-risk pregnancies, offering specialized monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment to support the health of both parent and baby. ](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/maternal-fetal-medicine) [### Pregnancy Learn more about our pregnancy services including Midwives, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Centering Pregnancy, Addiction and Pregnancy and Pregnancy Ultrasound ](/obstetrics/pregnancy) [### Postpartum Care After you welcome your new baby, you’ll be moved to a single family room in BMC’s postpartum unit. This gives new moms the privacy they need during recovery and parents the chance to bond with their new baby. Our staff is committed to making every birth a memorable and special occasion. ](/obstetrics/postpartum-care) ## Programs and Services ## Conditions We Treat - [Preeclampsia](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/preeclampsia) ## Diagnostics and Tests ### Pregnancy Ultrasound The Antenatal Testing Unit (ATU) provides care to women in need of routine weekly and bi-weekly testing as well as specialized care for those experiencing complications during pregnancy. [Read more](/content/pregnancy-ultrasound) ## Our Team ### [Shannon L. Bell, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/shannon-l-bell-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist; Associate Clinical Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alan D. Solomont & Susan Lewis Solomont Clinical Simulation & Nursing Education Center ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c1ef943e-6109-43c3-b21c-1139ab7aa26e/Bell-Shannon?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Rachel Cannon, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/rachel-cannon-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/433a2318-5606-4786-9564-4ff457608c3f/Cannon-Rachel?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Brianna A. Casciello, MSN, CNM, RNC-OB, C-EFM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/brianna-casciello-msn-cnm-rnc-ob-c-efm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/54813e93-bbf5-4ee6-8b41-ba4ae2bee36b/Brianna-Casciello_347_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Somphit Chinkam, DNP, MPH, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/somphit-chinkam-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/788d0403-45e8-48ae-aa12-4080cdf02a7e/Chinkam_Somphit-2015-2-Oct?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Thamarah M. Crevecoeur, MSN, DrPH, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/thamarah-m-crevecoeur-msn-drph-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; OB/GYN Liaison to the Boston HealthNet Community Health Centers ![Headshot of Thamarah Crevecoeur, MSN, DrPH, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/bf5d761d-f7e0-45c9-8fc0-c41401a04e01/Thamarah-Crevecoeur-MSN-DrPH-CNM-2x3-crop-take-2?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Karen D. Cullen, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/karen-d-cullen-msn-whnp-bc-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Director of Education for Midwifery ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/27477d1a-13b7-45d3-a87e-d38db2a37caf/Karen-Cullen?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Radhika S. Datar, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/radhika-s-datar-md) Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![Placeholder image for doctor](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/headshoticon-v2.svg) ### [Alexa S. Dougherty, MSN, PHN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/alexa-s-dougherty-msn-phn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![Headshot of Alexa S. Dougherty, MSN, PHN, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/3a0306b0-37cb-42f8-b075-d5bc41a0a256/Alexa-S-Dougherty-MSN-PHN-CNM-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Jennifer A. Farraye, MSN, NP](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/jennifer-farraye-np) Nurse Practitioner (OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology) ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/8ef89d2c-e81a-49d0-956e-059f639c4112/Farraye_Jennifer-jpg?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Rosha N. Forman, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/rosha-n-forman-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Director of Midwifery Services ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/50ca5fe4-ee92-426f-9662-90a768dce334/Rosha-Forman_650_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Emily M. Fox, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/emily-m-fox-msn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![Headshot of Emily M. Fox, MSN, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a712ac56-f251-4ac6-8f44-148781086f23/Emily-M-Fox-MSN-CNM-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Cecilia Torres Girard, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/cecilia-t-girard-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![Headshot of Cecelia Torres Girard, MSN, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/120ae991-1f17-49ee-be38-bb8b9eed6377/Cecelia-Torres-Girard-MSN-CNM-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [David C. Harrison, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/david-c-harrison-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![Placeholder image for doctor](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/headshoticon-v2.svg) ### [Kathryn M. Hartshorne, MSN, CNM, IBCLC](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kathryn-m-hartshorne-msn-cnm-ibclc) Certified Nurse-Midwife and Lactation Consultant ![Headshot of Kathryn M. Hartshorne, MSN, CNM, IBCLC, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1bf44ea2-9dcb-441e-ad24-0db9dbf5167c/Kathryn-M-Hartshorne-MSN-CNM-IBCLC-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Matilde V. Hoffman, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/matilde-v-hoffman-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/85933bba-8eff-4b34-a3eb-230cf2a86684/Matilde-Hoffman-2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Erica Holland, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/erica-holland-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a6148889-88a0-41b2-889b-f5470ce1c4fa/Holland_Erica?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Katharine B. Hutchinson, MSN, DrPH, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/katharine-b-hutchinson-msn-drph-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/5ad76549-a545-4d08-ac61-88365e48b79d/Hutchinson_Katharine?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Samantha E Kaplan, MD, MPH](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/samantha-e-kaplan-md-mph) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4ecdbac4-082f-4327-9d7f-8c50d8bbae33/Kaplan-Samantha?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Kristin L. Koo, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kristin-l-koo-msn-whnp-bc-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Director, CenteringPregnancy Prenatal Education Program ![Headshot of Kristin Koo, MS, CNM, WHNP-BC, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/06d16180-a369-4b83-ba1a-642363f25ab0/Kristin-Koo-MS-CNM-WHNP-BC-2x3-crop-low-res?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Luca A. Koritsanszky, MSN, MPH, WHNP-BC, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/luca-koritsanszky-msn-mph-whnp-bc-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/eb46eed9-d541-4dd5-a74e-6d20d9502c7f/Luca-Koritsanszky_426_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Marie S. Kourtelidis, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/marie-s-kourtelidis-msn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Primary Postpartum Rounder, Midwifery and Low-Risk Obstetrics Services ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/63036926-cd54-4535-b1e4-e305e046f13d/Marie-Kourtelidis_130_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Kathleen Lapommeray, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kathleen-lapommeray-msn-whnp-bc-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![Headshot of Kathleen Lapommeray, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/650046c0-2821-488c-a617-8ebf9a32e980/Kathleen-Lapommeray-MSN-WHNP-BC-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Kettie R. Louis, DNP, WHNP-BC, ANP-BC](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kettie-r-louis-np) Nurse Practitioner; Director, Refugee Women’s Health Clinic ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/898d7adf-4d6e-41a7-9454-670e9cf79c23/Louis-Kettie?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Glenn R. Markenson, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/glenn-r-markenson-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/eaa12bbd-20a1-48df-a78c-c57b6ed007f7/Markenson_Glenn-2016-1?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Matthew W. Medina, MSN, CNM, RNC (OBE/EFM)](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/matthew-w-medina-msn-cnm-rnc-obeefm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![Headshot of Matthew W. Medina, MSN, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e14bc72c-ccfc-4bb9-8a86-991b6be10efb/Matthew-W-Medina-MSN-CNM-2x3-closer-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Julie G. Mottl-Santiago, DrPH, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/julie-g-mottl-santiago-drph-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e97f6ff4-7db5-4543-a13e-a43424046f79/Mottl-Santiago_Julie-2022?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Cesylee Q. Nguyen, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/cesylee-q-nguyen-msn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Director of Childbirth Education ![Headshot of Cesylee Q. Nguyen, MSN, CNM, certified nurse-midwife and Director of Childbirth Education at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/8dad236f-ac6d-4f28-8eb2-26acd22cae80/Cesylee-Q-Nguyen-MSN-CNM-2x3-crop-low-res?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Onyemaechi C. Onyekwu, MSN, APRN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/onyemaechi-c-onyekwu-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Clinical Director, Birth Sisters Doula Service ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/6eba884a-861e-4f6b-8eb6-2c971405cb99/Onyekwu_Onyemaechi-2020_BMC_large?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [LaKedra S. Pam, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/lakedra-s-pam-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a83f4f68-1cc3-41dd-8165-29db717ca588/Pam_LaKedra-2020-_BMC?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Julie P. Thakkar, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/julie-p-thakkar-msn-whnp-bc-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Co-PI, Parents Under 25 Program ![Headshot of Julie P. Thakkar, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a7ff7f83-3cdf-40db-b475-2d8ecebb44b1/Julie-P-Thakkar-MSN-WHNP-BC-CNM-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Elizabeth W. Patton, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/elizabeth-w-patton-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/3001ec34-8c80-41a1-8094-15d017d265a7/Patton_Elizabeth-2-5x3-5?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Kari A. Radoff, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kari-radoff-msn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Associate Director of Midwifery Services ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/0db45056-57b2-46ba-acdc-0d8a0c82af9c/Kari-Radoff?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Jo-Anna L. Rorie, MSN, MPH, PhD, CNM, FACNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/jo-anna-l-rorie-msn-mph-phd-cnm-facnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/951732a3-a1a9-4922-b534-e88d8da184db/Joanna-Rorie_594_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Emily W Rosenthal, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/emily-w-rosenthal-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/9a0dad8e-db07-427f-896f-7263f8cf06ff/Rosenthal_Emily-2020?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Kelley A. Saia, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kelley-saia-md) Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/f9df9fd1-eb28-485d-b117-96bb5f057268/Kelley-Saia_634_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Lillian B. Siegel, MSN, CNM](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/lillian-b-siegel-msn-cnm) Certified Nurse-Midwife ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/fc8a7d7c-00b5-430b-94ce-d8ccb4090bb7/Lillian-Siegel?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Emily C. Swisher-Rosa, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM, IBCLC](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/emily-c-swisher-rosa-msn-whnp-bc-cnm-ibclc) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Co-Director, Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Center ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/fb56aa46-376c-445a-adce-bf7a1f8bfc07/2363x3542?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Samantha Truong, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/samantha-truong-md) Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/6f9f031c-e00e-413f-813e-d1a9c12d1cf3/Samantha-Truong-_162_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ## Patient Resources [### Hey Mama You probably have many questions, thoughts, and feelings about pregnancy. The Hey Mama website has a lot of great information to help you during your pregnancy. ](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/patient-resources/heymama) [### Cervical Ripening the Morning of a Scheduled Induction Learn all about cervical ripening, as well as other tests and checks you can expect to have the morning of your scheduled labor induction. ](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/patient-resources/cervical-ripening) Sterilization is a safe form of birth control. It is permanent, meaning it cannot be undone. When you have the surgery (sterilization) after having your baby, both of the fallopian tubes are taken out. The tubes cannot be put back in the future. ### What will happen if I have a post-partum sterilization surgery? #### If you have a vaginal birth: - You can have the surgery after the birth of your baby, sometimes the same day or up to two days after the baby is born. - The surgery is done in the operating room. - A 3-4cm cut (incision) is made above or below the belly button. - Both fallopian tubes are removed. - The incision is closed with stiches that dissolve on their own. - The surgery will take about 30 minutes. #### If you have a c-section (cesarean): - The tubes can be removed after the baby is born. - You do not need a different surgery (incision). - The surgery will be about 10 minutes longer when the fallopian tubes are taken out. ### What is used for pain if I have a post-partum sterilization? - Epidural or spinal anesthesia is used. This is an injection in the back. - You are awake for the surgery. - You might feel pulling or pressure, but should not feel pain. - Sometimes, we need to use general anesthesia which means you are asleep with a tube to help you breath, but that is less common. - You can take Ibuprofen and Tylenol for pain. Some people need something stronger and can take a narcotic medicine. ### What are the benefits of post-partum sterilization when both of the fallopian tubes are removed (salpingectomy)? - Sterilization by removing the fallopian tubes can prevent pregnancy almost 100% of the time. - Removing both the tubes is better to prevent pregnancy than old methods like cutting out a piece of the tube or placing clips or bands on the tubes. - It can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer in the future. ### What are the risks of sterilization with salpingectomy? - There is a very small risk of bleeding, infection, and other surgical complications. - There is a small chance that the surgeon cannot safely remove both tubes. If this happens a portion of each tube may be removed or the surgery may not be done. - The surgeon will explain exactly what happened and if you need to use something else for birth control. ### Will removing the fallopian tubes change my periods? - Removing the tubes does not change your periods. - If you have been using hormonal birth control and then stop after removing the tubes, you may notice changes in your periods. ### What if I decide I want to get pregnant after I have my fallopian tubes removed? - This surgery is not reversible. You would need to use IVF (in vitro fertilization) to get pregnant. It costs around $10,000 and is invasive. - You should only have sterilization surgery if you are sure you do not want to have more children. ### What are other birth control choices if I don’t want post-partum sterilization? - There are lots of birth control options! - Some birth controls are almost as effective at preventing pregnancy as sterilization. - There is also a permanent sterilization procedure for men called a vasectomy. Your doctor or midwife can talk to you more about these options at any time. ### What should I do if I want to have post-partum sterilization? - Talk to your provider! - You may need to sign papers before your due date. Your provider will help you with this. ## Explore Departments [Obstetrics](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics) [Obstetrics and Gynecology](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology) [### Child Passenger Safety BMC requires all newborns leaving the hospital to have an appropriate car seat prior to discharge home. We provide child safety seat installation and inspection free of charge. ](/programs/child-passenger-safety) ## Provider Resources [### Provider Resources BU's OBGYN website for provider resources ](/provider-resources)