U.S. Mommies To Be

[lisaf]

Anyone else using a midwife? I know overseas they seem pretty common but there is only one within an hour or so from us. I happened to see her a few years ago for a cervical cap. I was sick of the hormonal BC and I have a latex allergy. She was the only midwife/OB that would give me anything besides either the pill or shot!

Anyhow I was a little nervous, she is a certified nurse midwife and I have been asking around about her (without letting anyone know I am PG ). I have heard nothing but good things about her! I have a couple of friends that work on OB and another girl I work with said her granddaughter was just delivered by her and was raving about how wonderful she was. I am just wondering how epidurals, episiotomies, etc. are handled. I am assuming she can do everything a doc does but Idk? Isnt an episiotomy a minor surgery? Of course I dont want one but if it comes down to tearing or cutting is it an option? I am going to have so many questions for her next appt! Any experiences with a midwife in the US?

I considered a midwife, but my hospital doesn't let them in, so I'd have to go to a birthing center that isn't even open yet if I wanted one check on that stuff with your midwife of choice to make sure you can still have a hospital birth if thats what you want.

Anyway, my understanding is that midwives do NOT do anything like epidurals, episitomies etc. They are known for doing massage stuff down there to stretch things out to reduce the odds of needing an episiotomy.
Epidurals are definitely done by anesthesiologists (sp?).
Episiotomies are only supposed to be done when the baby is in distress, but they STILL are done sometimes for the convenience of the doctors/staff and not the benefit of the mother/baby. So having someone who isn't 'snip-happy' can be a very good thing!

 

[JNA]

Chantibug: That would be awesome if he changes his mind about cutting the cord. Im nervous about him looking I dont want him to be disgusted. We watched a birthing video before we got pregnant and didnt have sex for a week out of pure fear lol.

If I were in a hospital I dont think I would let lo leave my sight people these day are so crazy. Why not adopt? Rather than steal someones child. Its so easy to become a foster parent this day in time.

 

[lisaf]

I think if you're crazy or unstable, it would be hard to become a foster parent or adopt? I kind of hope so anyway!
Sometimes they steal a baby because they've been lying about a pregnancy.. sometimes they have a psychotic break after miscarrying etc...

 

[JNA]

People are unbelievable sometimes and it saddens my heart the actions people will take

Good news I kinda look prego 15 week pic 4 or 6 week comparison I dont remember I have lost my memory with falling pregnant and all

 

[lisaf]

wow JNA!!! I am still not showing at all! :/

I'm ready to cry... I went to BRU and started registering.. found a graco car seat that felt like it had breathable fabric... only to come home and read reviews slamming that fabric for making babies sweat!! So I look at the other 2 brands I can choose from and both of them have reviews complaining about sweat too!
I'm ready to throw in the towel here!!!

 

[cheree89]

I am using a midwife. I will deliver in a hospital, so things like epidurals are available from the regular hospital doctors. As Lisa mentioned, episiotomies are generally antithetical to the midwifery approach to birth - I think they will do everything they can to keep you from tearing, but generally believe a tear is preferable to an episiotomy in all but the most extreme cases. Should anything go poorly in the hospital, I will be immediately transferred to OB care. I think it is the best of both worlds!

 

[JNA]

wow JNA!!! I am still not showing at all! :/

I'm ready to cry... I went to BRU and started registering.. found a graco car seat that felt like it had breathable fabric... only to come home and read reviews slamming that fabric for making babies sweat!! So I look at the other 2 brands I can choose from and both of them have reviews complaining about sweat too!
I'm ready to throw in the towel here!!!

Aw you can't get a full refund? I would raise sand until they let me get my money back so you can get what you feel will be best for your lo. On the other-hand lo could be one of those babies who doesn't really sweat. I'm sure if you complain enough they will work with you

 

[lisaf]

wow JNA!!! I am still not showing at all! :/

I'm ready to cry... I went to BRU and started registering.. found a graco car seat that felt like it had breathable fabric... only to come home and read reviews slamming that fabric for making babies sweat!! So I look at the other 2 brands I can choose from and both of them have reviews complaining about sweat too!
I'm ready to throw in the towel here!!!

Aw you can't get a full refund? I would raise sand until they let me get my money back so you can get what you feel will be best for your lo. On the other-hand lo could be one of those babies who doesn't really sweat. I'm sure if you complain enough they will work with you

I haven't bought it yet actually! I'm just trying to pick out the one I want!
Its something that will be bought a month or two before the baby gets here, and it won't be hot enough here to make a baby sweat for a month or two more.. so it would be outside the return window.
I just don't want to make the wrong choice!

 

[lisaf]

Oh, and girls, lol... got my 2nd ultrasound today and confirmed it is a boy.. WITHOUT a doubt!
https://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll165/bethijimika/Ultrasound001-1.jpg

 

[MrsWez]

I'm glad you have a solid answer Lisa. Congrats on your baby boy!

 

[LadyofRohan]

Anyone else using a midwife? I know overseas they seem pretty common but there is only one within an hour or so from us. I happened to see her a few years ago for a cervical cap. I was sick of the hormonal BC and I have a latex allergy. She was the only midwife/OB that would give me anything besides either the pill or shot!

Anyhow I was a little nervous, she is a certified nurse midwife and I have been asking around about her (without letting anyone know I am PG ). I have heard nothing but good things about her! I have a couple of friends that work on OB and another girl I work with said her granddaughter was just delivered by her and was raving about how wonderful she was. I am just wondering how epidurals, episiotomies, etc. are handled. I am assuming she can do everything a doc does but Idk? Isnt an episiotomy a minor surgery? Of course I dont want one but if it comes down to tearing or cutting is it an option? I am going to have so many questions for her next appt! Any experiences with a midwife in the US?

I'm using a midwife in a birth center. I did a lot of research and decided to go with the midwife route and I'm very satisfied so far.

The birthing center I go to does not provide any form of pain relief besides the birthing tub and the giant shower. They won't provide epidurals or induce you (unless you go past 42 weeks). They don't do continuous monitoring. They will do episiotomies but only if they think it's medically necessary, they prefer tearing to episiotomies. If something is beyond their scope that requires an emergency c-section they will immediately transfer me to the hospital.

 

[rottpaw]

Lisa, I wouldn't stress so much about the fabrics. Rarely will you put your child into the carseat/carrier only in a diaper haha:!) so he will almost always have some protection between his skin and the fabric. Personally I would focus more on the safety features and other features you need/want and just make sure you get good sun protection (like shades, etc) in the backseat of your car. I'm one of those people who keeps the inside of my car as cold as I can get it in the summer, so I am not as worried about the fabric LOL. If your LO is just hanging out in the carrier, you can always put a cotton diaper under his body as well, if the fabric is bothersome.

 

[Chantibug]

I agree w/ rotpaw, I wouldnt worry/stress about the fabric... and really, ALL carseats can get that same complaint, it depends on the person writing the review and the baby involved...

We had our last 3D ultrasound done on Friday evening, and all looks well. it was hard to get a good look at her face though as she kept sucking on her hands AND feet. Will try to post pics of her on here but will have to do that from my computer at home... and im usually on here at work (oops )

I found a good BFing book (kinda on the fence, not worried if i cant do it but would like to be able to try it) at the library this weekend, "So That's What They're For" (cant remember author...) and it's not really unbiased, but doesnt belittle those who opt for formula, which i did the first 2 times... it is really informative though and I'm learning a lot, as well as being able to help my husband understand why i want to do it... i think when I said "BF babies dont have smelly poop" his ears really perked up...........

Is everyone ready for Christmas?! We finally finished shopping for the boys this weekend and just have one more gift for my mil and fil (a joint gift of a a certificate to go out to eat) and something for my sister, probaly a gas card since its so expensive and she drives a gas guzzler (truck) and has a mobile cleaning company, so she has to drive all over. Oh, and I did buy Natalie something .. tehee... just a little 3 pack of bows for her hair

 

[southerngal2]

I've been reading up all I can on BFing. Might have to go check out that book. Thanks.

Almost ready for Christmas! Having the in-laws over for Christmas Eve, so trying to make out a menu right now.

Wow, lots of ladies using midwives. There are none around here and no birthing centers either, just hospitals.

 

[lisaf]

oh shoot!!!! I'm scared about Christmas now... I am NOT even close to being done!!! Yikes!!! I have a shawl to finish knitting, I need to block it and block out one scarf...
as for gifts to buy, I just need a few gift cards.
I think I may have to abandon BnB tonight to finish my knitting stuff!

Thanks for the advice on the carseats... the reviews I've read that complain about their kid being sweaty mention that their shirts are SOAKED with sweat though. I just want to plan appropriately. Right now I'm emailing with Graco's customer service to find out which fabrics they think are the most breathable and to make sure I can get some help in case I get a fabric that does not work well with my baby.

 

[DarlingMe]

Lisa I was looking at the Gracos at Target the other day and the whole "travel system" seemed really cheaply made. I know they used to be one of the best companies but I think they built up their name and dropped their quality. Did u look at the Chicco brand? It is supposed to be one of the safer brands and is a little pricier than some of the graco models, but not too bad.

 

[MrsWez]

Wow, lots of ladies using midwives. There are none around here and no birthing centers either, just hospitals.

Same here, there is no local option. I would have to travel across state. We do have a couple midwives but they are booked for months. Hospital it is for me.

 

[RosieCheeks]

I am pretty much done witht he christmas shopping and wrapping.

Does anyone feel as tired as they were in the first trimester? I thought it was supposed to get better.

 

[LadyofRohan]

I am pretty much done witht he christmas shopping and wrapping.

Does anyone feel as tired as they were in the first trimester? I thought it was supposed to get better.

I actually feel even more tired (which I didn't think was possible ). I've been taking naps every afternoon after work AND going to bed by nine PM. DH has already noticed and reminds me to take my nap, otherwise I fall asleep wherever I am around 6 or 7

 

[Chantibug]

I am pretty much done witht he christmas shopping and wrapping.

Does anyone feel as tired as they were in the first trimester? I thought it was supposed to get better.

Ugg YES!
To make matters worse, DH wakes me up whenever I snore, so then I have to get up, pee, check on kids, back to bed, snore, get woken up... repeat! I'm getting about 3 hours sleep total, maybe 4 .. and none of it solid. . and i work but i've been cutting out early at 4 instead of 430/5 all week!

I think in mid january I am going to cut my hours down to like 8am til 2:30 or so... I just want to sleep... oh, but on the weekends DH Wants to go all ovrer town and insists i go with him so i dont get naps.. i'd loooovvveeee a nap...maybe on christmas....