Finding out you’re pregnant is one of the most exciting moments of your life. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, the joy never gets old. But right alongside that excitement comes a very important question: which doctor do I trust with my care — and my baby’s?
If you’re looking for an OBGYN Destin moms genuinely recommend, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together a list of three trusted doctors right here along the Emerald Coast. They are Dr. Blakele Bakker, Dr. Brett Tidwell, and Dr. Ellen Esses. Each one brings warmth, expertise, and a genuine dedication to their patients.
Let’s talk about why these three made the list.
Choosing a Destin OBGYN You Can Trust
Pregnancy is a season that deserves attentive, compassionate care. Your doctor will walk with you through every milestone — from that first heartbeat to your delivery day. Choosing someone you feel comfortable with matters just as much as their credentials.
Here’s what I’d suggest looking for:
- A doctor who listens without rushing you
- Experience in both routine and high-risk pregnancies
- A welcoming, calm office environment
- Strong patient reviews from other local moms
- Delivering privileges at a hospital you’re comfortable with
The three doctors below check every one of those boxes.
Blakele N Bakker: Destin, FL OBGYN
Dr. Blakele Bakker is one of the most respected OBGYNs along the Emerald Coast. She practices at Ascension Medical Group at Sacred Heart and is known as a leader in gynecology and women’s health.
Her office is located in Santa Rosa Beach. Expectant moms consistently describe her as attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. Furthermore, Dr. Bakker has authored multiple research papers on obstetrics and women’s health — which speaks to her deep commitment to the field.
She also delivers at the Family Birth Place, which many local moms appreciate for its supportive, family-centered environment.
What earns her a top spot on this list? Her late-night availability when you need her, her heart-to-heart approach with patients, and her dedication to making sure both mom and baby thrive.
Dr. Brett Tidwell — A Friendly Face for High-Risk Pregnancies
Dr. Brett Tidwell is based at Ascension Medical Group and brings an impressive set of credentials to his patients. He was chief resident at the Florida College of Medicine and received multiple awards during his residency, including the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine’s Excellence in Obstetrics award.
His specialty is high-risk obstetrics and fetal surgery. Meanwhile, the thing his patients mention most isn’t his accolades — it’s his warmth. He has a way of making you feel heard and at ease, even when a pregnancy feels complicated or uncertain.
If you’re navigating a higher-risk pregnancy, Dr. Tidwell is a name you’ll want to know.
Dr. Ellen Esses — Compassionate Destin OBGYN at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Dr. Ellen Jennifer Esses practices at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach. She earned her doctorate in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Boston University School of Medicine in 1993 — bringing decades of experience to her patients.
Her patients describe her as warm-hearted, unhurried, and deeply invested in their comfort. In fact, many say she feels more like a caring family member than a doctor. That kind of bedside manner is hard to find, and it’s exactly what expectant moms deserve.
What to Expect Once You Book Your OBGYN Destin Appointment
After choosing your doctor, here’s a general idea of what your prenatal care timeline will look like:
- First appointment: Usually around 8–10 weeks. You’ll confirm the pregnancy, establish your due date, and go over your health history.
- First trimester: Monthly visits with early screenings and genetic testing options.
- Second trimester: Anatomy scan around 20 weeks — a highlight for most parents!
- Third trimester: Visits become more frequent as your due date approaches.
For more guidance on what to expect during prenatal care, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a wonderful and trustworthy resource.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your health care as a pregnant woman shouldn’t add stress to your plate. You deserve a doctor who is warm, highly skilled, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Dr. Bakker, Dr. Tidwell, and Dr. Esses are each wonderful choices for expectant moms here in the Destin area. Give any one of them a call — and take one big thing off your to-do list.
And once you’ve got your prenatal care lined up? That’s when the really fun planning begins.
Capture This Season Before It Passes
Pregnancy and those early newborn days go by so fast. I’m available for maternity and newborn sessions along the Emerald Coast, and I would love to help you preserve this season as heirloom artwork your family will treasure for generations. You’ll be guided every step of the way — from what to wear to how to pose — so the whole experience feels relaxed, natural, and genuinely you.
As a Destin maternity photographer, I’m available for sessions along the Emerald Coast — and I would love to help you preserve this season as heirloom artwork.
👉 View my maternity portfolio and session details to see if we’d be a great fit!
Looking for other OBGYN in Destin FL resources? Check out the links below!
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