Medical... Well... I had a few really bad experiences at Portsmouth and also at the base clinic so we decided to pay extra for Tricare Standard so we could see any doctor we chose and that works better for our family. I've heard several good things about many doctors on base and at a few of the clinics since we dedided to go out in town. If you do decide to stay within the military medical system - make sure you remind everyone to wash their hands and put gloves on before they touch you or your child.

One thing that you are never told at Portsmouth is that if you are in active labor you can go to ANY hospital you want instead of going to Portsmouth especially if its during rush hour. It is considered an emergency and if you are far enough along in your labor (greater tha 4 cm) then they will keep you at that hospital. If not Portsmouth has the first right of refusal and they can transfer you there if you aren't progressing and they have room for you. (I had great prenatal care there but a not so great post delievery expereince with my second child.)  Anyway for hospitals I highly recommend the midwifery center at DePaul. (Womancare Center is the Drs office that the midwives work through. 757-451-0929.) I had my thrid child there and had a fantastic experience although my son was born 12 minutes after we got there so there wasn't really time for a bad experience. :) My post delievery experience was pretty fantastic too.