Choosing an OBGYN at RVH: The Barrie Birth Guide

Labour & Delivery at RVH Reviews Dr. Adare

1. Dr. Kaitlyn Adare (Chief of Obstetrics)

As the Chief of the department, Dr. Adare is highly respected for her leadership and clinical skill.

  • Community Sentiment: She is often described as "straightforward," "efficient," and "highly competent."

  • Facebook Feedback: Local moms frequently comment on her professionalism. One review noted, "She doesn't sugarcoat things, which I appreciated. I felt like I was in the safest possible hands during my emergency C-section."

  • Doula Tip: She is great for those who want a doctor who takes charge and stays calm under pressure.

Reviews of Barrie's RVH Obstetricians Dr. Adare, Dr. Lavoie, Dr. Kilani

2. Dr. Jenny Fefelova

Dr. Fefelova is a favorite for those seeking a more holistic or "wellness-focused" approach within the medical model. She even runs her own wellness brand, Foxxy Momma.

  • Community Sentiment: Known for being very passionate about women’s health and empowering her patients.

  • Facebook Feedback: Moms often rave about her energy. "Dr. Fefelova is a powerhouse! She made me feel so empowered and actually listened to my birth preferences," one Barrie mom shared.

  • Doula Tip: She is a strong advocate for vaginal births and often supports more physiological birth choices when safe.

3. Dr. Mehrak Kilani

Dr. Kilani is often praised for her gentle bedside manner and her willingness to explain complex medical situations.

  • Community Sentiment: "Patient," "Kind," and "Thorough."

  • Facebook Feedback: A common theme in reviews is her soft-spoken nature. One local parent mentioned, "She has a very calming voice and never made me feel rushed, even when the clinic was packed."

  • Doula Tip: Excellent for first-time parents or those who struggle with "white coat hypertension."

4. Dr. Maryse Lavoie

Dr. Lavoie is a long-standing member of the Barrie medical community and is known for vast experience, surgical expertise and genuine desire to help women and families.

  • Community Sentiment: Experienced and reliable. She is seen as a "veteran" of the RVH birthing unit.

  • Facebook Feedback: Moms often mention her efficiency. "She’s been doing this a long time and it shows. She knows exactly what to do and gets it done," says one community post. Another local mom shared: "I was nervous about my scheduled C-section, but Dr. Lavoie was so fast and professional. My recovery was amazing, and you can barely even see the scar."

  • Doula Tip: She highly values an evidence-based approach, which provides a lot of security for families worried about medical complications. In my experience, she deeply respects patients who are engaged in their own care. If you have a birth plan, senior doctors like Dr. Lavoie are much more likely to read and respect a concise "Top 5 Preferences" list than a three-page essay.

5. Dr. Avi Vandersluis

Dr. Vandersluis is often cited as a "breath of fresh air" in the Barrie medical community. Having trained in high-volume environments (including time at McMaster), he is exceptionally comfortable with the fast-paced nature of the RVH birthing unit.

  • The Reviewer Sentiment: He is widely regarded as "the doctor who doesn't reject anyone." Local Barrie groups often suggest him to families who have struggled to find an OB due to the city's "baby boom."

  • Facebook & Community Feedback: Parents describe him as "fantastic" and "down-to-earth." One review shared: "He made a point to explain every step of my care, even when the unit was slammed. He’s incredibly patient."

  • Doula Tip: He is known for being very inclusive of partners. If your partner wants to be highly involved in the birth process, Dr. Vandersluis is excellent at facilitating that connection and making them feel like a valued part of the team.

6. Dr. Vincent Wu

Dr. Wu is a specialist who balances a busy clinical practice with a strong presence in the RVH delivery rooms. He is often the doctor who steps in when a delivery becomes "tricky."

  • The Reviewer Sentiment: His bedside manner is often described as "quiet" or "clinical," but his competence is never in question. Moms who have had difficult deliveries often credit his calm focus for their positive outcomes.

  • Facebook & Community Feedback: Patients appreciate his honesty and gentleness. One mom noted: "He wasn't my original OB, but he delivered my baby during a complicated labor. He was so calm and gentle—exactly what I needed in that moment." Another mention highlighted his receptionist, Krista, as being "beyond amazing," which is a huge plus for your prenatal experience.

  • Doula Tip: Don't mistake his "flat affect" or quiet nature for a lack of care. He is simply "in the zone." If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask them—he is known to be very thorough in his explanations once prompted, especially when involving the partner in the conversation.

RVH Barrie OBGYN Reviews, Dr. Avi Vanderlsuis, Dr. Maryse Lavoie, Dr. Adare

When it comes to birthing in Barrie, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is the regional powerhouse. Because it is a much larger facility than Collingwood, the OBGYN team is more extensive, and the experience can feel a bit faster-paced.

As a doula in Collingwood and Barrie, I help families bridge the gap between high-tech medical care and the personal, intimate birth experience they desire. Here is your guide to the RVH OBGYN team with local community insights.

The RVH OBGYN Team: Local Reviews & Vibes

The OBGYNs at RVH are known for their efficiency and expertise in handling both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. Here are some of the most frequently discussed doctors in Barrie community groups:

Navigating Birth at RVH: What You Need to Know

RVH is a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), meaning they can care for babies born as early as 30 weeks. This makes it the primary destination for many families in Simcoe County.

The Triage Experience

Unlike smaller hospitals, RVH has a dedicated Obstetrical Triage. When you arrive in labor, you’ll be assessed there first before being moved to a birthing room.

  • Doula Tip: Triage can sometimes feel busy. This is where having a doula helps—we keep you focused and comfortable while the medical team handles the paperwork and initial checks.

The "Call" Schedule

With over a dozen OBGYNs and several Family Medicine Obstetricians on staff, the chances of having your specific doctor deliver your baby are slim.

  • Doula Tip: Since the team is large, I recommend asking your doctor at your 32-week appointment: "Which of your colleagues has a similar philosophy to yours?" This helps you prepare for whoever walks through the door.

Support Person Limits

While policies change, RVH generally allows two support people (e.g., a partner and a doula). This is a huge benefit for families who want both emotional support and medical advocacy.

Why Use a Doula for Your RVH Birth?

RVH is a busy regional hub. While the nurses and doctors are incredible, they are often monitoring multiple patients at once.

As your Barrie doula, I provide:

  • Continuous Support: I am a constant for you, even during shift changes.

  • Navigating the System: I help you understand the "RVH way" so you never feel like just another chart number.

  • Comfort Measures: From hip squeezes to position changes, I help you manage labour in a way that aligns with your birth plan.

Ready to start your journey at RVH? Whether you’re seeing Dr. Fefelova, Dr. Adare, or any of the wonderful Barrie team, I’m here to support you. Contact Doula by the Bay to chat about birth support in Barrie and Simcoe County.