Thomas A Herriges, MD

Dr, Herriges was absolutely wonderful with the birth of my son (who was also a week late and had to be induced — no complications whatsoever). I’m a little sad that we’ve since moved away from the Chicago area — I only wish I could have him as my doctor for my subsequent children! He is a little breezy about the whole «childbirth» experience, but for me that was actually comforting. Sort of a reminder that he’s done this thousands of times before and chances are it will be business as usual and everything will be fine (which it absolutely was). The whole process was absolutely wonderful thanks to him!

I agree with the previous poster, it IS weird to review your OBGYN, but Dr. Herriges completely deserves it.
He delivered my younger brother, who’s almost 21. Dr. Herriges first saw me when I was 14 and a CT scan showed I had ovarian cysts. He didn’t examine me then and said it’d be better to wait until I was 18. He stuck to ultrasounds since he could see everything he needed. He really put my mind at ease, and always does.
I never feel rushed with Dr. Herriges; his entire office staff is so warm, welcoming and friendly. They truly care about their patients. He’s the kind of doctor that goes home at night and calls you to see how medication or treatment is working.
I can’t speak for his services in the delivery room (I have no kids), but as far as his demeanor, it’s very clear to me that he has nothing but his patient’s best interest at heart. I wish that Dr. Herriges wouldn’t retire until I have any children! I don’t know what I’d do without him.

If you need a C-​Section, this doctor is the guy to go to. He stitched up my wife’s incision with great skill. The scar is barely noticeable. I imagine the skill comes from performing LOTS of C-​sections.
So we birthed our first two children with Dr Herriges. If you go with the flow and submit to the medical model of childbirth, He is the nicest OBGYN you’ll ever come across. That was the experience of the first birth. We were 1 week overdue, my wife was induced, induction failed (surprise!!) and she was sectioned. Thankfully he did say my wife could have a natural birth the next time around.
After this experience along with lots of reflection, my wife felt this experience just wasn’t right. Things didn’t add up. So, she educated herself on natural childbirth and VBAC and soon I jumped on board as well.
She designed a birth plan and wanted to take ownership of her birth experience. When she presented Dr Herriges with her plan, out came the red pen and many many requests were slashed off the list. His dismissive remarks of natural childbirth as being «granola» were many. He also employed his manipulative statements regarding possible risks factors: «there is a 1% chance of (insert complication) happening, but if it happens to you its 100%.»
So we carried on and foolishly & did not search for another provider.
On the day of birth as labor dragged on for hours and hours, Dr Herriges pushed to have us sign consent to C-​section forms. We refused and he was NOT pleased. He proceeded to engage in a yelling match with my wife (WHILE IN LABOR) explaining his disapproval or our own research on Vaginal Birth after C-​Section and he dismissed that being in a calm setting and focusing on the birth would have any positive influence on getting labor going.
Next he warned us that the risk of carrying on without intervention would lead to a baby born with palsy because the baby was tachycardic. Thankfully we educated ourselves on tachycardia and how to understand the medical instruments. The baby was fine.
He also explained that my wife’s pelvis was untested and probably unable to birth a baby.
After continued conflict with Dr Herriges, I took him outside and instructed him to stay away from our room and he was banned unless I requested his presence.
6 hours later… our baby was born vaginally. No Palsy, Healthy, 10 lb baby boy.
Funny thing… while waiting for the Placenta to pass, Dr Herriges looked up to the clock (it was 10pm) and unwittingly said, «well looks like I missed my daughter’s birthday party.»
Needless to say our next baby will not be born in a hospital or attended by an OBGYN. It will be at home with a Midwife.
Thanks Doc!

Dr. Herriges has been my OBGYN for the last 5 years. He delivered both of my children at St. Francis in a confident, competent, and comforting manner. He makes my husband feel at ease while in the delivery room talking about whatever it takes to calm my husband’s nerves but at the same time keeping him updated on the situation.
It is hard to get an appointment if it’s just for an annual check-​up, but you can get in within a week’s time if it’s for anything else. He lives right around the corner of his office, so he can be there within minutes.
Take my husband’s words as a recommendation «if he had a vagina, he would trust it with Dr. Herriges.»

It’s kind of weird reviewing my obgyn — but he definitely deserves it!
He’s been my one and only obgyn, recommended by my mom. He delivered my brother, who’s now 8, and will hopefully deliver my not yet conceived baby.
Dr. Herriges doesn’t rush through the visit with you and will talk to you about whatever you want. The waiting room is soothing and quiet. Norma, his wife, is always there and helps you in every single way she can.
The only negative thing about this practice is that the doctor is always so booked, that I have to make my appointments at least a month in advance. He delivers more babies than any other doctor at St. Francis.
If you don’t mind a man as your obgyn and can get an appointment with him, I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.