Jaqueline Worth, MD and George Mussalli, MD - Village Obstetrics
- Upper East Side
1225 Park Avenue, New York 10128, New York, New York County
See Map | Get Directions - www.villageobstetrics.com
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Description
Village Obstetrics is a private practice in Manhattan dedicated to low and high-risk obstetrical pregnancy care. The former Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dr. George Mussalli is one of the few maternal-fetal medicine specialists who still delivers babies. Dr. Jaqueline Worth brings more than a decade’s experience as an obstetrician. Together, they have delivered thousands of babies in New York City and share a genuine love of obstetrics. Enjoy unhurried compassionate pregnancy care by top award-winning Doctors with 24/7 availability, lovely offices with two locations, and Labor & Delivery at a nationally ranked hospital. Drs. Mussalli and Worth are specialists in birth following IVF or VBAC and the Gentle Cesarean technique. They are experts at vaginal birth, both with and without an epidural. Doulas are always welcome, and late transfers are accepted.
Reviews (29)
Seeking recommendations after postpartum preeclampsia
For my second pregnancy, I decided to go with a small, out-of-network practice called Village OB. Drs Worth and Mussalli are excellent — and Dr Mussalli is MFM — and it was worth the expense for us to have more access to my doctors throughout the pregnancy. I did ultimately develop severe hypertension after my son was born but it was an entirely different experience this time around and I didn’t experience it as a trauma the way I did the first time. Having immediate, near-constant access to my doctors helped. I met with them before I even got pregnant for a free consult about their practice, and it was reassuring to hear that they had experience managing cases like mine and would have a plan for monitoring and treating me.Looking for OB / MFM Recommendations after IVF
I highly recommend Dr. Worth and Mussalli of Village Obstetrics, although they are uptown as well. They work with a lot of fertility parents, but are highly attuned to keeping medical interventions as low as possible and are sensitive and highly experienced. I have been a doula and childbirth educator for 18 years here and worked with many OBs and they would definitely be worth meeting to see if they are a right fit for you.Review from the 2020 Birthing Experience Survey
An incredibly caring, personalized, and knowledgeable practice that placed my care and the best current research togetherVBAC dr. at NY Pres/Weill Cornell
Dr. Worth and Dr. Mussalli at Village Obstetrics have extensive VBAC experience and their practice is wonderful. They’re in Manhattan and affiliated with Mount Sinai but absolutely worth the travel. (Jan 2020)OBGYN for C-section
I have attended many births with Drs Worth and Mussali of Village Obstetrics (as well as births all over NYC with many other practices) and they are one of the few NYC practices who are truly committed to offering a family-centered/“gentle” cesarean. They also support VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), by the way in case that is an option for you. They are also two of the most committed/caring practices of OBs I know - every birth I have attended with them their patients have raved about how much time they spend with them, get to know and honor their wishes, etc. In fact while many practices who may not get the doctor you know, with them, I have never once heard of one of them not being there and in my experience many times both of them are actually there. The other option that is equally as good that I know of it Dr Haddad in NJ who works with midwife Lonnie Morris (they are at Mountainside and Pasack Valley Hospitals), I have had a number of New Yorker clients who have made the trek to Jersey to work with them for various reasons. In case it is helpful, I give my childbirth ed students this handout on family centered cesarean - you should ask any practice specifics of what they actually do to accommodate a family centered cesarean and this has a good list: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a26phc8y86f6xan/Family-Centered%20Cesarean.pdf?dl=0 (Nov 2019)2018 Birth Survey
They were incredible!!! They were unbelievably compassionate and gave superb evidence-based care (I am also a physician, and this was my second birth - different OB-- so can say this with confidence and experience). I cannot recommend them highly enough. (Nov 2018)2018 Birth Survey
Amazing. I went for a VBAC, beyond supportive. The birth was in need of an emergency c section and they saved my baby’s life with their smart dectective work as to what was happening in utero. (Nov 2018)Review submitted via the Park Slope Parents 2017 Birth Survey
Both doctors in this practice are fabulous. They are a perfect combination of skilled with many years of experience, non-alarmist, and with great bedside manners. They are very open to questions and make you feel confident and comforted during your pregnancy and through the delivery. The office staff are also very thorough, professional, and warm. I was encouraged to call anytime with questions and concerns. And when they suspected an issue, it was treated promptly and effectively. The delivery experience was amazing with Dr. Mussalli at Mt. Sinai. I cannot recommend them further! Please don't hesitate to go to their practice. They are an OB only practice (not routine gyn), so the care provided is specialized. The only downside of that is that now I miss them and the office staff. I wish we had more doctors like Worth & Mussalli. I will be returning for my 2nd pregnancy. Based on a September 2017 birthing experience.[PSPTwins] Obgyn recommendation?
I saw village OB and delivered my twins at Mt. Sinai. Dr. Mussalli and Dr. Worth, they both are wonderful. We had very good experience with the practice and very pleased with overall including their staffs. (Jul 2017)Review submitted via the 2016 Birth Survey
Incredible Based on january 2016 birthing experience[ANONYMOUS] Village OB worth paying out of pocket?
I hardly ever post recommendations because I believe they're usually so subjective but because of how strongly I feel about village ob I have to share my thoughts with you. Yes, it's expensive but I think very well worth it. I delivered with them in 2012 and again in 2015. I find both of the doctors and everyone working in that office to be incredible Scheduling and rescheduling is made effortless by how understanding and patient Leann the receptionist is. Lourdes is consistent and attentive taking your weight and blood pressure. Both doctors listen and really appreciate your input. Whether it's feeling pain or discomfort, worrying about the baby, the delivery....they really care about what you are going through and will go to their vast network of people to find a way to improve any condition if they don't offer it themselves. They have recommendations for pt during and after. With my first I had drafted a birth plan that they welcomed and since I trusted them so much (and realized most of the experience is not in my control) I didn't bother creating one for the second. The first delivery was hard and long and I almost had an emergency c section. I was fortunate enough to have both of the doctors there. The second arrived without issue and I barely made it to the hospital in time. I understand that your circumstances are slightly different and you'll have to decide for yourself what feels right. I can tell you that they want to honor what you want while always maintaining your and the baby's health. They will listen and there is a comfort in knowing that you'll have the same level of care regardless of which Dr delivers. It's not a big practice with various delivery styles. I clearly love this practice. I have several friends who also delivered with them (some more than once) and are equally happy. My only negative is that you will wait at your appointment to be seen. That said, at my last visits I understood that they were aware of the delays and trying to rectify that and keep in mind that the delay is because they aren't rushing you in and out. I have no affiliation other than being happy with their level of care. Sorry for the loquacious response. (March 2016)[ANONYMOUS] Village OB worth paying out of pocket?
I had a vbac with Worth and Mussali and I can't recommend them highly enough. Both doctors take their time with you at all appointments and call you back right away if you have concerns. They take excellent care of you and are often both present at delivery. I delivered on New Year's Eve and they were both there, in their office and then in the delivery room. Then they visited me in recovery on New Year's Day. Unbelievable. I was lucky in that my insurance reimbursed them almost completely. If you can find a way to afford it, they are great. But if you think it's too big a stretch, I also think there are plenty of great doctors who operate in network. (March 2016)[ANONYMOUS] Village OB worth paying out of pocket?
I had a vbac with Worth and Mussali and I can't recommend them highly enough. Both doctors take their time with you at all appointments and call you back right away if you have concerns. They take excellent care of you and are often both present at delivery. I delivered on New Year's Eve and they were both there, in their office and then in the delivery room. Then they visited me in recovery on New Year's Day. Unbelievable. I was lucky in that my insurance reimbursed them almost completely. If you can find a way to afford it, they are great. But if you think it's too big a stretch, I also think there are plenty of great doctors who operate in network. (March 2016)[ANONYMOUS] Village OB worth paying out of pocket?
I loved Village OB, but $13K is a lot of money! Mine came to $3800, which was doable for us. I was desperate to have a VBAC, but ended up with the gentle c after the two expert docs led me through another difficult labor. While I loved everything about their practice and the doctors themselves, I would recommend trying to find a doc in your network that might be willing to perform a gentle c. The staff at Mt. Sinai are used to them because of the VOB docs, so as long as your doc is game, it should be no problem. They will place your IV port in your forearm instead of hand or elbow crook, put electrodes on your back instead of chest, put your gown on so it opens in the front for skin-to-skin, delay cord clamping, and of course hand you your baby while you're being sewn up. It's really quite simple. You may just have to make a lot of phone calls to see who will agree to it. I think MFM NYC is amenable to it. Good luck. (March 2016)[ANONYMOUS] Village OB worth paying out of pocket?
I was a village obstetrics patient, gave birth to my first last April. It's an amazing practice. They're transparent, very easy to get in touch with, attentive/friendly office staff, and they stay ahead of current research. I interviewed different OBs and I was most comfortable with them, there is a cost factor, and in retrospect I'm so glad we spent that money. They were the only OBs that really wanted to know what I was hoping for in the birthing process, and they helped me achieve those goals. Really smart doctors, really thoughtful practice. They don't see patients after delivery, which makes sense, but I wish they would! If I have a second I will certainly work with them again. I think village ob is terrific. (March 2016)[ANONYMOUS] OB/GYN who does gentle c-sections
Worth and mussali are pretty much the only ones doing real gentle c-sections. A lot of doctors say they will and when it comes down to it, they won't. Mount Sinai is the best hospital for them- for everything to work, the entire L and D staff at the hospital have to be on board and collaborate with the doctors. Village OB doesn't take anyone's insurance but the average patient pays about $1500 total if you have good insurance. (Reviewed April 2015)[ANONYMOUS] OB/GYN who does gentle c-sections
I saw your note re: Worth and Mussalli not taking your insurance and just wanted to clarify as they were my OBs. What I understand is that they do not take anyone's insurance as an "in network" provider. However, they have a billing person who will work with whatever your insurance company is so that you can get reimbursement for an out of network provider. I was a VBAC patient so I think it was the same rate as a C-section (around 10K). Their office talked to my insurance to see how much coverage I would get before I was a patient so I could figure out the potential cost. The max amount they told me that I would be responsible for is far less than their charge for uninsured patients. I don't know if you've gone down that path with their billing department but it might be worth it just in case. They said they do the gentle c-section process that Harvard's hospital does (can't remember the name of the hospital in Boston) except they don't have a clear sheet so you can't see the baby emerge. I saw pics of one of their c-section of twins where the babies were nursing while the docs were finishing the surgery. It was really beautiful. I had a successful VBAC but I think a C-section with them would have been far better than what I would have gotten with another doctor/hospital. Good luck! (April 2015)Re: [ANONYMOUS] 3rd VBAC?
If you want to attempt a VBAC to to Village Obs! Both docs there are unbelievable..I had a VBAC there in July, with about 10 things working against me. It would not have happened anywhere else. They have a 89% VBAC rate, I think, among high risk women. (Nov 2013)Re: [ANONYMOUS] 3rd VBAC?
You can try Village Obs. They did my VBAC and they were amazing. I am certain I would have had another C-section without them. I am not sure if they do VBACs after 2 C-sections though. My guess is that it would depend on the causes of your previous C-sections. (Nov 2013)[PSP] Anyone do a VBAC with Dr. Guirguis' practice?
I 3rd the recommendation for Worth/Mussali. They specialize in high-risk and low intervention. I didn't use them personally but many of my clients have and I've heard nothing but AMAZING birth stories from their patients. Good luck to you! (Jul 2013)[PSP] Anyone do a VBAC with Dr. Guirguis' practice?
I am also a huge believer in the worth/mussalli practice. Just as an FYI, they now deliver at mt Sinai in case that's a factor. I wont relocate out of New York until I'm done having kids because they are so amazing. (Jul 2013)Re: [PSP] Anyone do a VBAC with Dr. Guirguis' practice?
Not sure if you're sold on staying in park slope, but I Loved my VBAC doctors: Dr. Worth and Dr. Musalli. After being 41weeks+ I had to be induced and 36 hours later (they believed strongly against rushing things) my beautiful baby boy was born! I'm convinced that any other doctor would have elected c-section after not dilating, and stalled labor. She literally did everything manually for me, so I could dialate. Amazing doctors and if they moved to China, I would follow suit. Their practice is now on the upper east side, but well worth the hike. They have a high successful VbAC rate. They deliver at Lenox Hill, which I loved! Staff was attentive and friendly. The complete opposite from my first delivery at Maimonides. (Jul 2013)Transverse baby 36 weeks- need acupuncture reco & chiro
My second son (larger baby by 1 pound at birth) just kept turning. The Village Obstetrics practice in Manhattan (Drs. Jaqueline Worth and Dr. George Mussalli) were my doctors for both pregnancies. I could feel [my] baby was not in the right position to come out and I was willing to try anything to avoid a C-section. The doctors encouraged me to have an external version. I was reluctant and first tried all of the alternatives including Moxabustion (acupuncture and burning of Moxa). Finally I agreed for Dr. Mussalli (a literal expert at this procedure and an extremely dedicated Dr. with a gentle disposition and many years of experience) to perform the external version. He turned the baby by gently moving him with his hands (no medication needed). It took about 5 minutes and a few tickles and baby Sid stayed put in the head down position. I believe 37 weeks is the optimal time to do the version so if it's something you are considering I recommend you call them to discuss - as the gestation gets closer to 40 weeks it becomes more challenging I believe. They do versions for other obstetricians' patients. My experience of the external version was completely gentle and non-invasive. I know not all external versions are this simple, but mine was and so I wanted to let people know that it is a viable option. Sid was born a few weeks later, another plain and simple (but painful!) natural birth. (Jun 2013)- I can't respond to the Downtown issue, but I can tell you that I changed very late in my last pregnancy to Drs. Worth and Mussalli, on the advice of my doula from my previous birth (shout-out to the awesome Sasha Slocombe!). They are truly outstanding doctors who are as close to being midwives as possible, in terms of their support of natural childbirth. They welcomed me well into my third trimester (my doctor had moved out of NY and I didn't want to stay with the factory-esque practice at Cornell without him) and helped me have the birthing experience I always dreamed of. Last I checked, they delivered at Lenox Hill. I am forever grateful they delivered my second baby. Jessica (mom to M/J) (Dec 2012)
ISO Recommendation for High Risk OB
Village Obstetrics took great care of me and my daughter when I was pregnant with complications. Dr. Mussalli and Dr. Worth are wonderful and supportive. They got her here safely and kept me sane. Here's a link to their website. http://www.villageobstetrics.com/ (Dec 2012)- I would suggest you check out Dr. George Mussalli and Dr. Jaqueline Worth at Village Obstetrics. Their philosophy is one of "minimally invasive obstetrics." They are MDs, but are very open to natural/alternative birthing methods. They have a section on their website regarding VBAC. I've only had once child (and I did not have a C section), so I can not personally speak to VBAC, but my experience with them was great. They are very caring and warm and knowledgeable. Being "older" (39) when I got pregnant, I liked that they were MDs, but not totally clinical. Their website is http://www.villageobstetrics.com/index.html. (March 2012)
- I'd recommend Dr. George Mussali. West Village Obstetrics. http://www.villageobstetrics.com/georgemussalli.html He is great, kind, thorough. Provided some care during my pregnancy with twins (which was high risk just b/c of twins, so he was underutilized with me, but was diligent nonetheless and made sure I got rockstar care with a variety of providers he is associated with). They used to be associated with St. Vincent's, but now are with Lenox Hill and Mt. Sinai. (April 2011)
(no subject)
I want to sing the praises of Dr. Worth and Dr. Musalli of Village Obstetrics. I had expected to do a homebirth with a midwife but had to transfer to OB care at the very end of my pregnancy. These two doctors were nothing short of amazing. They were so kind, compassionate, and skilled. They were completely supportive of a low-intervention approach to my birth but were also completely supportive of my choice to have an epidural had I chosen that. They spent an hour with me the first time we met sharing their approach and philosophy and were genuinely interested in who I was and what experience I was wanting to create. They are working on opening a birthing center in the future so are very curious about what is missing from the experience of birthing in a hospital setting. I worked with them for a short period but feel like they've been my docs all along. I highly recommend them! (Jan 2011)(no subject)
Quite frankly I’m shocked that no one has reviewed this practice yet on PSP. If you are interested in a non-invasive, non-hurried, natural birthing experience, you would do yourself a major disservice if you didn’t consider Village Obstetrics. These doctors were recommended by my doula and a colleague (independently), after I expressed my dissatisfaction with the doctors at Downtown Women’s OB/GYN. In my 8th month of pregnancy, I transferred to Drs. Worth and Musalli. From the first visit, I was warmly welcomed, made to feel like I had been with them all along. They were keenly interested in me as a person and a patient, established excellent rapport with my husband, and despite the fact that I was about to have a very large (~10 lb) baby, never ever doubted that I would have a vaginal, uncomplicated birth (unlike Downtown Women’s, who made it a regular habit of reminding me that C-section was likely). These doctors pride themselves on their absolute mastery of the dying art of vaginal delivery. The office has 2 fantastic midwives who are not just a “touchbase” for new patients but are empowered as real medical partners and relied upon to give their patients the nurturing and attention they desire from a medical practice. Dr. Musalli is one of the few nationally renowned prenatal specialists who still WANTS to treat patients and deliver babies. Although Dr. Worth comes off as his “understudy” at first, after a few visits it was clear that she is absolutely an experienced, progressive professional in her own right. Dr. Worth actually delivered my baby (as my husband says, with “ninja hands”—needed to pass a HUGE baby through my birth canal), but Dr. Musalli was extremely attentive and concerned about my care all the way through the pregnancy and visiting me frequently during my long birthing experience. It should also be noted that this practice is dead serious when they promote “unhurried labor”---I labored for 2 days (from induction) and had an amazing birthing experience at St. Vincent’s (may it rest in peace) with these doctors and their staff. They worked seamlessly with my doula. If these doctors use inducing medication (Cervidil, Pitocin) and other meds (epidural) at all, it is as tools to achieving a successful vaginal delivery. As anyone who’s given birth here in NYC knows, this is extremely rare and progressive. I can’t wait to find out where these doctors decide to deliver after the closure of St. V’s; I hope I can be lucky enough to repeat my experience with them with my 2nd child.
