Comments on: Meeting With The Midwife: Appointment 1

By: Jenna

Jenna — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:04:18 +0000

I am now a member of HAND and am loving the information I am getting through the email list! I’m attending a baby-led weaning class tomorrow that I learned of because I read those emails.

By: The Mommy Blawger

The Mommy Blawger — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:59:15 +0000

Neat post! Just stumbled upon your blog. Sarah was my midwife too, from about 20 weeks (5th pregnancy, wasn’t in a rush to find a care provider) till 35 weeks when we moved out-of-state, so unfortunately I didn’t get to see her in action. But she has a great reputation as a skilled midwife, despite her young years. And she is just a really cool person.

It’s also somewhat amusing for me to read the comments on your blog posts. I’ve had three homebirths, and most of my friends and peers either homebirth or are very knowledgeable about birth. I guess I live in a bit of a bubble, to read the thoughts of others who had no idea that birth outside of hospital was possible or, for example, didn’t know what an episiotomy was.

Anyway, was wondering if you’d joined the HAND group? http://www.homebirthdallas.org . Great bunch of folks, very supportive. Congratulations on your pregnancy; look forward to reading more.

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:49:06 +0000

Wow…this place looks so nice! Relaxing and beautiful…looks like you’ll be in great hands!

By: Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)

Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:22:57 +0000

I’ve never thought about the finger contraption but that’s an awesome invention. I love the idea of a midwife and it looks like you chose a great one.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:10:50 +0000

Haha, it was a bit of a joke, a jab at the way birth is often approached by doctors. Most women who visit a doctor through their pregnancy will have a gynecological exam in the beginning, and then will start having vaginal exams toward the end to see how they are progressing. Midwifery is much less invasive in that way.

By: Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride

Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:08:25 +0000

Holy Beautiful Birthing Center!!! WOW!!!
So glad to hear that you jive so well with your care provider. I think that can make all the difference in the world. HUGS!

By: Emmie

Emmie — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:52:26 +0000

I am totally open. The idea of going without it seems terrifying. The ironic part is I am not a fan of pain killers. I never take them. I don’t get a lot of vaccines, so it would seem natural that I would only want a natural birth but I can’t comprehend that level of pain.

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:36:51 +0000

I truly enjoy every single one of these pregnancy posts! Gives me so much to think about when we start TTC!

This might be a silly question, but what is the difference between having the exam table with stirrups vs. no stirrups?

By: Cécy

Cécy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:49:30 +0000

Actually it’s pretty common with midwives. They’d rather have you for at least 1h if not more for your appointment so you have time to go over any questions. At least that what’s I read on several midwives websites.

By: Cécy

Cécy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:43:13 +0000

We’re thinking about having children and as I have watched several kinds of birthing programs on TV. After seeing the difference and the approch of Birth Centers vs. Hospitals I had my mind set.
There are no birth centers anywhere near me, and while for a first pregnancy I was at first thinking a hospital might be best. The more I think about it, the more I want a home birth. I want to be in control and have my husband by my side and no stirrups! So I’m definitely enjoying you sharing your adventure because it’s giving me more details and confirming my decision. When the time comes to try to have children my husband is already fully supporting me for a home birth (he agrees that interventionism should be avoided). So I’ll be looking for a midwife then.
I’m curious to read about the whole insurance thing if you care to share about it.

By: Kat Forsyth

Kat Forsyth — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:19:33 +0000

That birthing centre looks amazing! I’ve obviously never really considered birth options, but it all looks so HAPPY and serene and lovely. You always just assume you’re going to a hospital because that’s what they do on tv. bUt aside from the backup “in case something goes wrong” factor, it seems so unappealing!

By: Rachael

Rachael — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:27:32 +0000

Thanks for the post, Jenna. The facility was cozy and beautiful with the soft lighting (and the paisley covered chairs in the waiting room!).
It’s unfortunate that the insurance company wouldn’t cover your care with a CPM. It’s ignorant to do so. Don’t they understand that overall this would cost them less money than the usual order of business?
And from what I hear, two hours spent directly in the care of your provider (and not just in the waiting room) is highly unusual. That’s very thorough and welcoming.

By: Marissa C

Marissa C — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:48:15 +0000

My fiance and I are going to be ending up in Dallas or Houston after this summer–if we end up staying in Dallas, I’m definitely going to be keeping this place in mind. We want to start a family 2-3 years after we get married, and I want to be as far away from a hospital as possible (especially since he will be a med student–ugh)

By: Alisha

Alisha — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:37:40 +0000

I have horrible veins and it always takes the technician multiple tries, but last time they did it in my hand and it HURT! You’re lucky you had a good experience doing that.

By: Dana

Dana — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:34:24 +0000

I am so going to be following your pregnancy. My hubby and I are thinking about starting a family soon and I would like to use a midwife.

By: Elsa

Elsa — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:51:17 +0000

The center looks great and your midwife sounds awesome! I also hate needles and have horrible luck with having blood drawn out of my arm…they can never find a vein on the first try and poke me multiple times. A wonderful nurse a few years ago suggested to have blood drawn out of my hand/palm. It doesn’t hurt a bit and never leaves a bruise! (Just thought I’d pass it along if you were interested.) Thanks for sharing these posts, we’re going to be TTC soon, so it’s nice to read about your experiences.

By: Brie

Brie — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:44:42 +0000

Glad you found someone you love! I loved my midwife appts!

By: budgetbeautiful

budgetbeautiful — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Jenna,
Thanks so much for your incredibly detailed posts about your pregnancy and the choices you’re making. I’m not pregnant yet, but I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and plan to return to them once I’m actually pregnant as I plan on taking a similar path that you’re on now.

And another note, that birth center looks gorgeous. I so wish there was one like that in my area!

By: JessicaMayBe

JessicaMayBe — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:29:43 +0000

mine tends to be more accurate with a larger cuff for some reason…. I used to have extreme white coat anxiety, but I’ve gotten a lot better at it recently

By: MrsW

MrsW — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:19:43 +0000

You would think so, wouldn’t you? But have you ever had your eyes tested for glaucoma? The most common test is the puff-of-air test that is supposed to measure your eyeball pressure, but freaks me out so badly that my blood pressure goes up and that negatively effects the results of the test, I believe. Last time it was bad because I’m pregnant, and the baby started to kick really hard because (I believe) she picked up on my stress levels, and I got more stressed, and it took 5 tries with a break in the middle to measure my BP before they were able to get a reading.