Ilene E Hatch, MD – Fertility Center of Southern California

Dr Hatch is truly the best doctor that has ever come into my life. I have severe PCOS and have been told my whole life Id never be able to have kids, there was nothing I could do to control my weight, my migraines would never go away and there was no form of birth control Id ever be able to use that would help my hormones and use as a birth control. I had gone to multiple doctors for PCOS and finally my mom remembered working with Dr Hatch in Newport. So, we called and she said she would be able to help me out. I came in and I was there for a good 2 ½ — 3 hours. She asked so many questions and thought of every possible thing she could to help me out. The best part of the first visit was being told that I in fact would be able to have kids one day and even did an ultra sound and counted how many eggs I had to reassure me. Second visit we discussed my blood work and birth control method that we wanted to do. We found what would be best and she sent me to a specialist to have it done since she does not do it. Since then, I have had no migraines and its amazing. There was a bump in the road since I had my last appointment because I was scheduled for a glucose test and was also told I had to get my tonsils out in the same week and was out for a whole month. I now am going in for my next appointment to hopefully, finally be put on a medication to help with my glucose and weight control. I am so grateful for Dr Hatch and all that she has done for me. I am only 19 and being told what I was all my life was terrible because all I ever wanted was to be a mom. Now, I know when the time comes, Ill be able to and I am forever grateful for that. Thank you Dr. Hatch :)

Dr. Hatch makes being a parent reality!
She and her all female staff are wonderful, patient and thorough. She doesn’t sugar coat things, but works with you to achieve your goal. She is very passionate and is worth the wait! Best if you can make an early appointment, but the wait is absolutely worth it. She really does take her time with you and it’s truly sad to say goodbye once you’ve graduated onto seeing the regular OB.
Be your own advocate and ask lots of questions and call them if you’re unsure of anything. They are very busy, but there is a reason why.
Can’t thank Dr. Hatch and her staff enough for making me a mother of a beautiful girl that I almost gave up on having!

I too would highly recommend Dr. Hatch. She is very smart and compassionate. She will never rush you in an appointment. She tells it like it is. I know she has help so many besides me that had lost hope.
But, be prepared because «sometimes» wait time can be long. I used to think this was a negative until seeing her. I understand that she takes her time with each patient. Sometimes that causes delays. I just learned to bring a laptop or something to do.
Otherwise, she is the best and I have been to them all.

I went to my consult with doctor Hatch yesterday and I walked out of there 3 hours later. She spent more time with me in the consult answering questions than my previous doctor spent through all 3 of my IUI cycles. Not only that but I came out of there with an idea that she’s not just a great doctor but a great person. My husband said, «She’s a beast, she’s like, ‘f-​you nature I got this.’» I actually have hope for the first time in a long time. No matter what happens at least I know she cares. If you’re looking for a doctor please just at least try a consult, I have a feeling you won’t be sorry.

Would highly recommend Dr. Hatch! She is not only very knowledgable but also very compassionate. If you have been struggling or are impatient and want to get pregnant soon she has so many different options. She doesn’t push IVF like many other doctors and she genuinely cares for her patients! She spends her time going over your whole situation and trying to help you it could be as simple as miss calculating your ovulation or a simple hormonal issue. She has called me after hours and always took the time to explain any questions or concern.
After my appointment with her I felt so great like most of the pressure I had been feeling had been removed (we were careful not to have children for 10 years and when we decided to finally start a family it was taking longer than we had hoped/​and we started to get worried).
Her medical staff is also great from the wonderful P.A.s Andrea, Megan, and Evelyn to the great nurses Katie and M.A.s. If you have questions they will answer them (I would email or call and they were all very helpful). There were many times I didn’t have to wait but sometimes I did but it’s understandable everyone is on a different cycle and sometimes they need to squeeze people in for the ultrasounds/​blood work etc… They also are very understanding if your stuck in early morning traffic.
I am now pregnant and clearing my first trimester/​without currently having to take any medication or having to do IVF like some other doctors in Newport had said!
So happy we went to Dr. Hatch hands down the best ob/​gyn in O. C she is magnificent-​her knowledge, individual care, and honesty/​integrity are hard to find!

My initial consultation with Dr. Hatch was pretty great. She was very warm, optimistic, and thorough, and she didn’t give me a hard time for educating myself, as some doctors tend to do. She appreciated that I’d done my research, and she even suggested some tests for my husband that neither our previous RE or my husband’s doctor had ever mentioned. I had an awesome OB who I’d seen for a long time, and I’d explained that I planned to go back to her if I got pregnant, as she manages one of my less common medications and would need to be able to monitor my pregnancy to continue managing that, as Dr. Hatch did not have experience with that medication. Dr. Hatch said that she was impressed with this doctor’s knowledge and seemed to have no problem with my seeing her if pregnancy was achieved. She also expressed that she was open to our input on how aggressive we wanted to be. However, when it came time to make those decisions she still prescribed medications when we’d wanted to do an unmedicated cycle, and she insisted on back to back IUIs.
I was surprised to find that I never saw her again for my appointments, and I was given no phone number or email for a nurses line. This was our first IUI, and I felt as though I had to explain certain things we’d discussed to a new person at each visit. I did conceive, but I tested before my missed period, and when I called to ask if we could move the hcg test up so that I could adjust some of my medications, I was told they would not do my test early even though I hadn’t used the hcg shot. So, I called my regular OB to get the testing done and politely let Dr. Hatch’s office know that I would be continuing my care with the OB at that point so that I’d have continuity of care. The receptionist turned on some major attitude, which was unnecessary and unprofessional, and I was told Dr. Hatch would call me to discuss. I got a message that night from Dr. Hatch that I needed to let her manage my care so that she could help prevent a miscarriage and watch out for an ectopic pregnancy. While I know she likely meant well, I was disappointed that she didn’t seem to remember anything we’d talked about at the consultation regarding my plans to go back to this doctor, that it sounded as though I was taking huge risks with my pregnancy despite the OB being excellent at managing progesterone and thyroid levels as well as my medications, and that it implied that she could do anything beyond those things to prevent a miscarriage.
In summary, I think Dr. Hatch is generally smart, caring, and thorough. However, I think the way the clinic is run is pretty inefficient and often frustrating — especially when it’s unclear who you can go to with questions or concerns and no one seems to remember the specifics of your case or have it in your file.

I hate to write negative reviews, but I feel like I owe it to Unilocalers to be honest. I was referred to Dr. Hatch by my wonderful ob/​gyn. I came to see Dr. Hatch for a consultation. She was on time, warm, friendly, and understanding regarding my situation. I felt positive about her after the first meeting. She requested I come back for ultrasounds at varying points of my cycle and various blood tests for hormone levels.
I began coming for the testing, all the while struggling to get answers from the front office about questions I had about the procedure and pricing. I was always told I would get a call from Dr. Hatch on x day, which wouldn’t happen. I called and emailed, but all the while kept coming in for the testing she requested I do with one of her assistants. I was told everything had to be done at certain times of the cycle for proper readings and measurement so I felt trapped in continuing to come (and spend even more money each time) even though I still had not received answers to my questions. I had a bad feeling from the beginning when I first didn’t get a call back, but I chose to ignore it because Dr. Hatch appeared to be so sweet and I already felt invested due to time and money. I feel like I wasted so much of my time, energy, and money here.
Please do yourself a favor and choose another fertility doctor that will give you the respect you deserve. There are many to choose from in Southern California.

Hands down the best doctor I’ve ever had for anything!!! She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, yet so genuinely caring and empathetic with the heartache and stress that comes with infertility. Best bedside manner ever. Her nurses were equally amazing. I never once felt like she wanted to just jump to IVF for the money like a lot of fertility doctors do even if you don’t need to. She believed in us and that we could conceive and have a successful pregnancy. After several failed cycles with Dr Jane Frederick, (worst dr and bedside manner EVER) at Huntington Reproductive Center, Dr Hatch cared enough to actually find the root of our problem and we actually conceived on our own twice! And after 3 miscarriages with our previous cycles, she miraculously helped us keep those 2 natural pregnancies by following us closely for the first 17 weeks of the pregnancies. Love!!! Thank you Dr. Hatch! We will forever be thankful for you!!!

Beautiful Twin Girls, perfect in every way! Now three months old, very strong and healthy. Thank you again Dr. Hatch!

I have nothing but positive things to say about Doctor Hatch and her staff. The PA Evelyn, both nurses and the receptionist Tash are so sweet and caring. I always leave here feeling like they are looking out for me and really want me to succeed. I have been going since January and am currently on my 4^th attempt at making a baby. I really feel like Doctor Hatch and her team are my best chance at realizing my dream of being a mother. The wait time can be long but its only because everyone takes the time to make sure you are comfortable, you understand what is happening and to answer any questions you may have. Fertility waits for no one so If people have to get squeezed in between appointments, so be it. Chances are you will get squeezed in at some point too but that’s ok. Its better than missing your crucial fertility window.

After trying to start a family for 5 years we turned to Dr. Hatch. She gave us so much hope and we got pregnant with our twin boys on the first round of IVF. She is very personable and has a very positive outlook on the very difficult walk through infertility. Expect to have some wait time because she does spend a lot of time with each of her patients.

My husband and I had the best experience here! After going to another fertility clinic first which was awful. The doctor at the other clinic acted heartless and completely business like about our concerns about infertility. I was pretty sure there wasn’t anything major wrong– just a hormonal in-​balance but instead she wanted to do all of these invasive procedures on me right away (to get money most likely) without looking at the specifics of my problem and testing me first for other issues. She also made our consultation feel rushed and displayed no emotion or sympathy for our situation.
Going to Dr. Hatch after that was like a breath of fresh air!!! I felt like she truly cared about us and our situation and was listening to everything we said during our consultation to make sure she knew what to do that would be right for us as individual patients– not some cookie cutter approach that some doctors require all patients to do so that they can get money for expensive procedures. It was clear to me that Dr. Hatch was not in this for the money– but to help people achieve their dreams of starting a family. When I told her what the other doctor wanted to make me do, she was shocked and disagreed with being so invasive until I had had further testing. She gave us plenty of time during the consultation to give her all info we thought was necessary and to address all concerns and questions.
That month, my husband and I were lucky to conceive naturally but as I had assumed the problem was only a hormonal one, the staff were monitoring my hormones so closely, they discovered that both my progesterone and estrogen were too low. They tested me and I was positive for pregnancy but I would have lost the baby if they hadn’t monitored my hormones. They had me on oral progesterone already and then patches for estrogen but continued to monitor my hormones and determined that these other hormonal methods were not sufficient. I would need to have a shot of progesterone daily and estrogen every other day. I was so scared about having to do a shot but they arranged for my husband and I to come in immediately and we worked with Cindy, the nurse who spent an entire hour training my husband how to properly administer the shot. She had him practice a couple times till he was confident. When we tried it at home, it was a piece of cake.
The staff there continued to monitor my hormones and give us weekly ultrasound visits to make sure everything was okay. Due to the frequent blood tests to monitor my hormones, I was really impressed that they would call me on what ever day I took the blood test, no matter how late (sometimes at 8pm) just to make sure I knew the hormone results so that I could rest easy about the whole thing. They always called same day. The day I gave them a blood sample to determine pregnancy, I will never forget when Dr. Hatch called me directly in the late afternoon on a Sunday to notify me that I was indeed pregnant!
I always felt like the staff put our individual needs first and gave us so much support. One small down side is that sometimes the wait was a really long time. So bring something to do but honestly, it was truly worth every minute of waiting. The entire staff is so well trained and give such individualized attention.
They monitored us through our whole first trimester and once we reached 12 weeks we officially «graduated» from the clinic. The doctor even gave us a special little keepsake for our baby that was from the staff. I won’t say what it was so that it will be a surprise for any of you. I am due in a few days and soon my precious miracle baby boy will be in my arms. I have all of these women to thank for all of their support and hard work!

I could not be more pleased with Dr. Hatch, Evelyn & Cindy (NPs), and all the nurses & front AND back office folks at Southern California Fertility Center.
Our consultation appointment went so well we knew we found the doc we wanted on our first interview. Before Dr. Hatch asked to «look under the hood» to see what she was working with, she had agreed to do singleton transfers which was a big deal for me. She also educated us on the process and was totally game for birth mom to carry bio mom’s eggs. She had at the time an 80% success rate doing a frozen/​thawed embryo transfer, which made us feel confident.
She also has an all female staff which made my wife and I very comfortable. More than that, she expressed how pro-​woman she is — wanting to empower women everywhere. She had some really helpful advice when it came to deciding on known-​donor vs anonymous when we approached her with our questions regarding sperm options. Their staff never made us feel different for being a same-​sex couple, although the waiting room could turn into a fun social experiment with some of her clientele — it is The OC. We live in Long Beach & would make the drive to see her even if we were in LA — oh & I met a number of her patients who DO live in LA.
Anyway, this doctor knows her stuff. I’ve discussed fertility doctors with our friends who have gone through the process & the more I hear about other doctors, the more my confidence in Dr Hatch grows. I was so grateful that she caught a uterine polyp I had prior to our first IVF transfer. She took really good care of me. I’m terrified of hospitals but the Newport Surgery Center didn’t have that hospitaly feeling. The day of our transfer she seemed as excited as we were & gave us hugs & encouragement. Our luck was amazing (or was it her expertise) & our very first singleton took & we were cared for weekly with blood work & vaginal ultrasounds.
We had to do early 6am appts since the traffic would be an issue otherwise, and we were pretty lucky with wait times. Listen — every so often you’re gonna hit a long wait in a doctor’s office. Try to be understanding. You have no idea who may be having a breakdown as they struggle through emotional fertility issues. We were lucky that we didn’t walk into the office with all that stress — probably part of why we were so «lucky» it took so easily. But most women there I imagine are there because they are frustrated, exhausted, etc, so just find your gratitude & empathy & be flexible.
What a happy/​sad day when we graduated from her office after our first trimester. They gave us a graduation gift for baby. So sweet. We remain friends with one of our favorite nurses, and can’t wait to visit with the baby. You know when the nurses respect the doctor that you’ve got a winner. The office is generally a cheery lot because Dr Hatch is amazing, caring, direct, and funny — her laugh can be heard through the walls and will inevitably make you smile.
See you for #2 !!!
XO

Dr. Hatch is simply the BEST!!! She is postive caring and a great surgeon. She thinks ahead and wants the best for you! When she a recent surgery for me, she was there everyday and calling while I was in the hospital. Although, we didn’t end up having to use her for Fertility, afterall, she was knowledable. You can’t get better. You really can’t