As promised, photos of the baby shower:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ambernwest/BabyShower#
...and if you want more to look at, photos from a graduation party we recently attended:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ambernwest/BritEdits#
Currently Listening to: Samson by Regina Spektor
Current Mood: Cranky. I have no a/c. And I got a wicked charlie horse this morning.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Choices
Yesterday we interviewed a midwife for home birth, and then toured a birthing center and spoke with one of the midwives there.
We had discovered before arriving that the coverage for the birth center was great (read: pretty much free) where the coverage for the midwife, while existent, was not near what the birth center offered. So going into the interviews, I was assuming that we would end up with the birth center.
We spoke with the home birth midwife first. I was really impressed with her experience and demeanor, and she made me feel really comfortable with the idea of birthing at home. We learned that we wouldn't be cleaning up afterwards (she handles that), she brings staff with her (generally a nurse and sometimes a student midwife as well), and she handles your labor how you want. Don't want her around until its absolutely necessary? She'll step out and give you space. Want her there every second to offer support? She'll do that too.
I loved that she didn't feel the slightest bit pushy, as I have seen some strong personalities in the birthing community and could imagine some being a little too strong for me.
After the interview, we headed over to the birth center, about a 10-15 minutes drive from our house. We arrived a bit early to the birthing facility, so we headed to their office (they have two buildings - one for exams, the other for birthing) to see if maybe we could start early. We found out that the midwife was catching up on some sleep but would be over there at 5 as scheduled.
When we returned to the center at 5, I was a little surprised to see others there, as I assumed it was a personal tour with an opportunity to speak one on one with the midwife after. (My fault for assuming) After waiting a few minutes for two more couples that never showed, we were given a tour of the facility. It was homey - birthing rooms looked like bedrooms, with their own attached bathroom in most cases. The two rooms equipped for water births had a kiddie pool (that's really what they were, nothing fancy) in either the bedroom or the attached bathroom.
It was all nice enough. But for some reason I just wasn't feeling it. I kept thinking about being at home in my own comfy bed during early labor, being in my own bathroom for the water birth (we have a big tub). The familiar smells of home, my own fridge with fruit and drinks I would want. Not having to pack anything while I am in the midst of labor. Not having to MOVE at all in the middle of labor.
The birth center had oxygen and other items available should the patient need it, but so did the home birth midwife. All of the things they had, the midwife would be bringing to me.
The birth center midwife spoke with all of us as a group after, and I got kind of bored. She was talking about things I had already researched, things I had already learned. She was new, so the questions I had (e.g. "what are your transfer rates?) she didn't have the answers to on hand. And then, we found out that if they do transfer you, it would be to a hospital that I would not want to go to if there was an emergency.
When we left, I felt guilty. I knew that the birth center wasn't a bad option. And it was definitely the less expensive option. But I just kept thinking about how nice the birth would be in the comfort of my own home. How nice it would be to have Jonas and simply rest with him in my own bed, instead of packing him and everything else up to go home.
I asked J when we got in the car what he thought. He hesitated, saying he didn't want to color my decision with his opinion, as he felt that ultimately, I should be the one to decide. I insisted he go first and was relieved to hear him say that he felt better about the home birth.
So today, I faxed authorization for the release of my medical records to the midwife and am now planning for my home (possibly water) birth.
Crazy.
In a good way.
Listening to: Annie Waits by Ben Folds
Current Mood: Relieved. I also feel good after I've made a decision and started the process of moving forward with that decision.
We had discovered before arriving that the coverage for the birth center was great (read: pretty much free) where the coverage for the midwife, while existent, was not near what the birth center offered. So going into the interviews, I was assuming that we would end up with the birth center.
We spoke with the home birth midwife first. I was really impressed with her experience and demeanor, and she made me feel really comfortable with the idea of birthing at home. We learned that we wouldn't be cleaning up afterwards (she handles that), she brings staff with her (generally a nurse and sometimes a student midwife as well), and she handles your labor how you want. Don't want her around until its absolutely necessary? She'll step out and give you space. Want her there every second to offer support? She'll do that too.
I loved that she didn't feel the slightest bit pushy, as I have seen some strong personalities in the birthing community and could imagine some being a little too strong for me.
After the interview, we headed over to the birth center, about a 10-15 minutes drive from our house. We arrived a bit early to the birthing facility, so we headed to their office (they have two buildings - one for exams, the other for birthing) to see if maybe we could start early. We found out that the midwife was catching up on some sleep but would be over there at 5 as scheduled.
When we returned to the center at 5, I was a little surprised to see others there, as I assumed it was a personal tour with an opportunity to speak one on one with the midwife after. (My fault for assuming) After waiting a few minutes for two more couples that never showed, we were given a tour of the facility. It was homey - birthing rooms looked like bedrooms, with their own attached bathroom in most cases. The two rooms equipped for water births had a kiddie pool (that's really what they were, nothing fancy) in either the bedroom or the attached bathroom.
It was all nice enough. But for some reason I just wasn't feeling it. I kept thinking about being at home in my own comfy bed during early labor, being in my own bathroom for the water birth (we have a big tub). The familiar smells of home, my own fridge with fruit and drinks I would want. Not having to pack anything while I am in the midst of labor. Not having to MOVE at all in the middle of labor.
The birth center had oxygen and other items available should the patient need it, but so did the home birth midwife. All of the things they had, the midwife would be bringing to me.
The birth center midwife spoke with all of us as a group after, and I got kind of bored. She was talking about things I had already researched, things I had already learned. She was new, so the questions I had (e.g. "what are your transfer rates?) she didn't have the answers to on hand. And then, we found out that if they do transfer you, it would be to a hospital that I would not want to go to if there was an emergency.
When we left, I felt guilty. I knew that the birth center wasn't a bad option. And it was definitely the less expensive option. But I just kept thinking about how nice the birth would be in the comfort of my own home. How nice it would be to have Jonas and simply rest with him in my own bed, instead of packing him and everything else up to go home.
I asked J when we got in the car what he thought. He hesitated, saying he didn't want to color my decision with his opinion, as he felt that ultimately, I should be the one to decide. I insisted he go first and was relieved to hear him say that he felt better about the home birth.
So today, I faxed authorization for the release of my medical records to the midwife and am now planning for my home (possibly water) birth.
Crazy.
In a good way.
Listening to: Annie Waits by Ben Folds
Current Mood: Relieved. I also feel good after I've made a decision and started the process of moving forward with that decision.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Updates
So I haven't updated in a while. Welcome to one of many things that I will excuse with "I'm pregnant."
I only have 8 weeks left to use that excuse. May as well get the most out of it.
Everything has continued to go swimmingly with my pregnancy. As of today's OB visit, I have gained a total of 23 pounds (woo), am maintaining my low blood pressure, have good iron levels, good fasting sugars (I think I want to have a band with that name), and am measuring just fine. Jonas (yes, its official, he has a name) continues to rumble around plenty throughout the day, but refrains from jabbing me violently. Good boy.
The biggest change (aside from the size of my belly, my incessant need to pee, and becoming winded if I talk too much) is our recent decision to switch from a hospital birth to a home birth (ed. we are also considering a birthing center).
We had been discussing this possibility for the past few weeks, but we had decided that today's OB appointment would be the deciding factor.
Now, we are not exactly "granola" types here, but I do believe that in most cases, the birthing process should be a very natural thing. I think some of the pain and aggravation that can occur can be avoided if you are in a comfortable, less stressful environment.
While the birthing suites are lovely at the hospital we were going to be delivering at, there were certain things we found out today about practice policies that were dealbreakers for us.
1) The practice WILL break your water for you if it hasn't broken naturally at 7 cm. Not they will give you the option, they will just do it. They require it.
2) If you get to 41 weeks they will induce. Period. Not, the baby is fine, we can wait one more week. This decision was made by the head doctor (the same one from earlier horror stories) because of a traumatic experience where a close friend of his was fine at 41 weeks and lost the baby at 42. Aside from not being keen on being induced, I am realllly not a fan of a doctor that makes a medical decision for all of his patients based on emotional trauma from 23 years ago. His practice, his prerogative, but not something I want.
3) Clear fluids only during labor. This isn't that unusual of a practice, but if I feel like my blood sugar is low and could use a little energy, I don't see a problem with a bit of watermelon.
4) Antibiotics every 4 hours due to my Mitral Valve Prolapse. My MVP has not caused and complications during my pregnancy. The ADA, who used to have a similar antibiotic requirement during any dental procedure no longer requires it...and I have not found any reason that it should be medically necessary for me during labor. But again, I would not have a choice in the matter.
5) While the midwife was clearly not a fan of unecessary C-Sections, it wasn't so clear what her definition of "necessary" was. She also informed us that the hospital has an extremely high Pitocin rate (we don't want pitocin) and when I mentioned again that I don't want an epidural, she SAID it was fine, but her face seemed to say, "well, we'll see how you feel then." Granted, I realize that I have no idea what kind of pain I may be in for, but if I am going to make the choice to be in that pain, I really would rather have someone supporting me in my decision, rather than doubting me.
We've begun the process of seeking out a midwife who does home birth and have an interview set up with one this Thursday. While some time ago I had a little apprehension about birthing at home, I am feeling really good about the decision. Hopefully, I'll still feel that way after our interview.
And now, I await your "seriously? are you crazy?" comments.
Also - pictures of the shower are forthcoming. There was much loot and delicious cupcakes. :)
Listening to: Don't Stop Believing by Journey
Current Mood: Hungry! and optimistic...
I only have 8 weeks left to use that excuse. May as well get the most out of it.
Everything has continued to go swimmingly with my pregnancy. As of today's OB visit, I have gained a total of 23 pounds (woo), am maintaining my low blood pressure, have good iron levels, good fasting sugars (I think I want to have a band with that name), and am measuring just fine. Jonas (yes, its official, he has a name) continues to rumble around plenty throughout the day, but refrains from jabbing me violently. Good boy.
The biggest change (aside from the size of my belly, my incessant need to pee, and becoming winded if I talk too much) is our recent decision to switch from a hospital birth to a home birth (ed. we are also considering a birthing center).
We had been discussing this possibility for the past few weeks, but we had decided that today's OB appointment would be the deciding factor.
Now, we are not exactly "granola" types here, but I do believe that in most cases, the birthing process should be a very natural thing. I think some of the pain and aggravation that can occur can be avoided if you are in a comfortable, less stressful environment.
While the birthing suites are lovely at the hospital we were going to be delivering at, there were certain things we found out today about practice policies that were dealbreakers for us.
1) The practice WILL break your water for you if it hasn't broken naturally at 7 cm. Not they will give you the option, they will just do it. They require it.
2) If you get to 41 weeks they will induce. Period. Not, the baby is fine, we can wait one more week. This decision was made by the head doctor (the same one from earlier horror stories) because of a traumatic experience where a close friend of his was fine at 41 weeks and lost the baby at 42. Aside from not being keen on being induced, I am realllly not a fan of a doctor that makes a medical decision for all of his patients based on emotional trauma from 23 years ago. His practice, his prerogative, but not something I want.
3) Clear fluids only during labor. This isn't that unusual of a practice, but if I feel like my blood sugar is low and could use a little energy, I don't see a problem with a bit of watermelon.
4) Antibiotics every 4 hours due to my Mitral Valve Prolapse. My MVP has not caused and complications during my pregnancy. The ADA, who used to have a similar antibiotic requirement during any dental procedure no longer requires it...and I have not found any reason that it should be medically necessary for me during labor. But again, I would not have a choice in the matter.
5) While the midwife was clearly not a fan of unecessary C-Sections, it wasn't so clear what her definition of "necessary" was. She also informed us that the hospital has an extremely high Pitocin rate (we don't want pitocin) and when I mentioned again that I don't want an epidural, she SAID it was fine, but her face seemed to say, "well, we'll see how you feel then." Granted, I realize that I have no idea what kind of pain I may be in for, but if I am going to make the choice to be in that pain, I really would rather have someone supporting me in my decision, rather than doubting me.
We've begun the process of seeking out a midwife who does home birth and have an interview set up with one this Thursday. While some time ago I had a little apprehension about birthing at home, I am feeling really good about the decision. Hopefully, I'll still feel that way after our interview.
And now, I await your "seriously? are you crazy?" comments.
Also - pictures of the shower are forthcoming. There was much loot and delicious cupcakes. :)
Listening to: Don't Stop Believing by Journey
Current Mood: Hungry! and optimistic...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
By Popular Demand
It's not fantastic (my sister shot this in a room that didn't have sufficient lighting, so I had to up the brightness and kill the color to get any picture) but it will do. At least you all can now see that I realllly am prego.
You can also see the Lindsey poses for the camera even when she is taking a photo of someone else.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
7 Months
Really?
I mean, seriously. REALLY?
As of today, I have officially begun my seventh month of pregnancy, and the last bit of my second trimester. The week/month etc counting in pregnancy had me slightly confused (yes, yes, my math skills are much to be envied) so I hadn't really thought about how far along I was in months. I always responded in weeks.
But now that I am looking the part of a prego person, more and more people ask, "How many months along?" And I am stuck there counting the weeks and dividing and all around multitasking beyond what my hormonally overcharged brain can handle.
So I googled it. And I am, as of today, seven months pregnant.
In the three months, this kid will be here. (And no, I am not showing how mathematically challenged I am - I am aware that 9 minus 7 equals 2...but you don't give birth until the END of your ninth month, so three months it is.)
So weird.
Being that three months will fly by, we've been trying to get a million things done around the house and otherwise in preparation. We've signed up for birthing classes finally, which will start in May and end in June. We (or more accurately, J) painted the baby's room and put together the crib. The yard is being fenced in tomorrow. And intermingled in the bigger projects there has been loads of organizing, getting rid of things, making room for new things.
I am sure there are still things that need to be done, but I have to admit, I feel somewhat at ease with accomplishing so much (albeit a tired sort of ease).
Baby Boy (who very likely has a name now, but I haven't decided to release that information just yet) dances up a storm on a daily basis now, which is an odd feeling. People ask me if I have been feeling him move and what I think of it. When I respond that it feels alien, some "tsk" like I said something bad about my kid. But really - I didn't say the baby IS an alien - but he does feel alien. It is not normal (to me) to know that there is a living thing dancing around inside you.
Don't get me wrong. I like it. It's very reassuring that he is there and ok. And he isn't kicking hard, so its just a pleasant little tap. Its nice. But that doesn't change the weird factor.
Not too much else to report at the moment - everything else is going fine. My back aches and I am ready to pass out by the end of the day, but otherwise, pregnancy has been good to me.
Currently listening to: The Crane Wife by The Decemberists
Currently Craving: a brownie sundae
Currently Thinking About: a spray tan I am getting tomorrow...
I mean, seriously. REALLY?
As of today, I have officially begun my seventh month of pregnancy, and the last bit of my second trimester. The week/month etc counting in pregnancy had me slightly confused (yes, yes, my math skills are much to be envied) so I hadn't really thought about how far along I was in months. I always responded in weeks.
But now that I am looking the part of a prego person, more and more people ask, "How many months along?" And I am stuck there counting the weeks and dividing and all around multitasking beyond what my hormonally overcharged brain can handle.
So I googled it. And I am, as of today, seven months pregnant.
In the three months, this kid will be here. (And no, I am not showing how mathematically challenged I am - I am aware that 9 minus 7 equals 2...but you don't give birth until the END of your ninth month, so three months it is.)
So weird.
Being that three months will fly by, we've been trying to get a million things done around the house and otherwise in preparation. We've signed up for birthing classes finally, which will start in May and end in June. We (or more accurately, J) painted the baby's room and put together the crib. The yard is being fenced in tomorrow. And intermingled in the bigger projects there has been loads of organizing, getting rid of things, making room for new things.
I am sure there are still things that need to be done, but I have to admit, I feel somewhat at ease with accomplishing so much (albeit a tired sort of ease).
Baby Boy (who very likely has a name now, but I haven't decided to release that information just yet) dances up a storm on a daily basis now, which is an odd feeling. People ask me if I have been feeling him move and what I think of it. When I respond that it feels alien, some "tsk" like I said something bad about my kid. But really - I didn't say the baby IS an alien - but he does feel alien. It is not normal (to me) to know that there is a living thing dancing around inside you.
Don't get me wrong. I like it. It's very reassuring that he is there and ok. And he isn't kicking hard, so its just a pleasant little tap. Its nice. But that doesn't change the weird factor.
Not too much else to report at the moment - everything else is going fine. My back aches and I am ready to pass out by the end of the day, but otherwise, pregnancy has been good to me.
Currently listening to: The Crane Wife by The Decemberists
Currently Craving: a brownie sundae
Currently Thinking About: a spray tan I am getting tomorrow...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Cuteness
I have to say, I think it's pretty adorable seeing my husband eating his morning oatmeal and reading parenting magazines.
Just sayin'.
Just sayin'.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Time to Retire
Today was a busy day full of appointments. Among the many, was my OB checkup. Since I go to a group practice, they like to rotate who you see so that at some point, you have met and become familiar with everyone you might deal with on D-day.
I had yet to visit the doctor whose name receives top billing at the practice, so today it was decided that my appointment would be with him. I was looking forward to asking questions about delivery, fetal monitoring, the practice philosophy on when to induce, etc...
That was until I met the doctor.
I wasn't at all surprised or bothered by his lack of a warm and fuzzy introduction. The other doctor in the practice I met on my last visit was clinical at best, but he was professional and what I would have expected.
One of the first things out of Dr. C's mouth after taking a glance at my chart was:
"So are you just sitting around eating ice cream all day?"
I have to admit, I usually have an answer for everything. But I was a bit taken aback. For one, my weight gain since the last visit (4 weeks ago) was not ridiculous.* Two, if my weight gain was of concern, I am pretty sure that there are about a million other tactful, not to mention helpful, ways to address this.
I responded that I was eating as I have been since the pregnancy started. (Which is not health nut healthy, but is definitely not eating junk food "all day long" as implied)
He then asked "Are you having twins?"
Ummm...you are the doctor. Holding my chart. Wouldn't you know the answer to this? Pretty sure you do. Pretty sure you are taking the opportunity to tell me you think I am a fat slob again.
He felt my ankles, which I had been told at my earlier appointment with a massage therapist are retaining fluid. She gave me helpful tips on what to do to prevent full on cankle stage, why it was happening, etc... I mentioned to the doctor that the massage therapist had noticed that my ankles were puffy earlier in the day.
"You have a massage therapist? Must be nice. *disgusted snort*"
Yes, private practice doctor, I am sure that I am living in a lap of luxury that deserves every ounce of disdain you throwing my way.
He finished the ultrasound check and had me move to a chair.
"Do you EVER excercise?"
I explained that I walk a little everyday. He responded with an indistinct grumble. I then added that I just ordered a pregnancy workout DVD that I plan on adding into my daily routine.
"Hmph."
While on the outside I was still very composed, on the inside I am wondering, if you are so concerned about the state of my weight gain, shouldn't you be doing something productive like, say, making recommendations about what I am or am not eating? Or what sort of exercise might be good for me? SOMETHING constructive rather than arbitrary criticism of a pregnant woman's weight?
I didn't lash out, because I thought to myself, weight is a touchy subject for any woman. And maybe, just maybe I am being overly sensitive.
Then he proceeds with the following:
"Who lives in your house?"
"My husband and I.
"How old is he?""
"41."
With a raised eyebrow and an unmistakable tone, "How old are YOU?"
"30."
Shakes his head and "hmph"s again.
"You know, the Orlando Slantinel (that's how he said it folks) had an article that said you could tell how long a marriage was going to last based on the story of how a couple first met. How did you two meet?"
I can't help but think how this entire series of questions is medically irrelevant, but just wanting to get done and out of there I gave a very short boring "we met in place X, we talked, I moved to place X, we married" story.
"Hmph. Well."
Ok, you just informed me that the story of how we met informs how long we will be together, and your response to the story is a cranky "hmph". How am I supposed to take that?
"How long have you been married?"
"7 years in May."
"Well, maybe you have a chance then."
What? Really? Are you actually having this conversation with a hormonal pregnant lady? SERIOUSLY??
At this point, he asks if I have any questions about the pregnancy (I said "no" as I just wanted to get away from this horrible man), informs me that I better not gain more than TWO pounds in the next FOUR weeks and then ends with this gem.
"Is your husband a Jehovah's Witness too?"
"Yes."
*Snide tone* "Well. I guess that works out then."
And that was the final word of the visit.
In the course of a very brief period, the man attempted to make me feel bad about my weight, my marriage, and my religion. I can only guess that they didn't emphasize bedside manner and asking medically relevant questions at this guy's med school.
I managed to keep my composure through the entire ordeal. Unfortunately, when I went to the hospital for pre-registration and sat down with the nice admitting lady, I lost that composure.
When I get angry, I don't scream. I don't throw things. I don't curse. I just cry. I breakdown in an embarrassingly girly mess. And I did exactly that in this poor strangers office.
I told her the whole story. She saved face for the entire medical community by using choice words for what she thought of that doctor, reassuring me that I was not being overly sensitive, and that I had every right to demand that he never see me again, and not be allowed in the delivery room.
So to the lovely hospital lady, thank you.
And now, I have a letter to compose to the group practice. Here's hoping that they honor my wishes. If not, I will sadly be looking for a new practice.
*For the record, I gained 7 pounds in 4 weeks. Throughout the pregnancy so far, I have actually been told that I should be gaining more weight than I was initially. I didn't change my eating habits, since I knew I was eating a healthy amount and figured that I would gain what I need to gain when the baby needs it. 4 weeks ago, you could barely tell I was prego. Now, I am very definitely sporting a baby bump. My blood pressure is nice and low and aside from the recent puffy ankles, I have had nothing but a healthy pregnancy.
Also, most of what I have read about this stage of the pregnancy is that at LEAST one pound a week is to be expected. Since I hadn't gained as much as they expected early on, I must say I am not too concerned about a couple extra pounds. But what do I know.
I had yet to visit the doctor whose name receives top billing at the practice, so today it was decided that my appointment would be with him. I was looking forward to asking questions about delivery, fetal monitoring, the practice philosophy on when to induce, etc...
That was until I met the doctor.
I wasn't at all surprised or bothered by his lack of a warm and fuzzy introduction. The other doctor in the practice I met on my last visit was clinical at best, but he was professional and what I would have expected.
One of the first things out of Dr. C's mouth after taking a glance at my chart was:
"So are you just sitting around eating ice cream all day?"
I have to admit, I usually have an answer for everything. But I was a bit taken aback. For one, my weight gain since the last visit (4 weeks ago) was not ridiculous.* Two, if my weight gain was of concern, I am pretty sure that there are about a million other tactful, not to mention helpful, ways to address this.
I responded that I was eating as I have been since the pregnancy started. (Which is not health nut healthy, but is definitely not eating junk food "all day long" as implied)
He then asked "Are you having twins?"
Ummm...you are the doctor. Holding my chart. Wouldn't you know the answer to this? Pretty sure you do. Pretty sure you are taking the opportunity to tell me you think I am a fat slob again.
He felt my ankles, which I had been told at my earlier appointment with a massage therapist are retaining fluid. She gave me helpful tips on what to do to prevent full on cankle stage, why it was happening, etc... I mentioned to the doctor that the massage therapist had noticed that my ankles were puffy earlier in the day.
"You have a massage therapist? Must be nice. *disgusted snort*"
Yes, private practice doctor, I am sure that I am living in a lap of luxury that deserves every ounce of disdain you throwing my way.
He finished the ultrasound check and had me move to a chair.
"Do you EVER excercise?"
I explained that I walk a little everyday. He responded with an indistinct grumble. I then added that I just ordered a pregnancy workout DVD that I plan on adding into my daily routine.
"Hmph."
While on the outside I was still very composed, on the inside I am wondering, if you are so concerned about the state of my weight gain, shouldn't you be doing something productive like, say, making recommendations about what I am or am not eating? Or what sort of exercise might be good for me? SOMETHING constructive rather than arbitrary criticism of a pregnant woman's weight?
I didn't lash out, because I thought to myself, weight is a touchy subject for any woman. And maybe, just maybe I am being overly sensitive.
Then he proceeds with the following:
"Who lives in your house?"
"My husband and I.
"How old is he?""
"41."
With a raised eyebrow and an unmistakable tone, "How old are YOU?"
"30."
Shakes his head and "hmph"s again.
"You know, the Orlando Slantinel (that's how he said it folks) had an article that said you could tell how long a marriage was going to last based on the story of how a couple first met. How did you two meet?"
I can't help but think how this entire series of questions is medically irrelevant, but just wanting to get done and out of there I gave a very short boring "we met in place X, we talked, I moved to place X, we married" story.
"Hmph. Well."
Ok, you just informed me that the story of how we met informs how long we will be together, and your response to the story is a cranky "hmph". How am I supposed to take that?
"How long have you been married?"
"7 years in May."
"Well, maybe you have a chance then."
What? Really? Are you actually having this conversation with a hormonal pregnant lady? SERIOUSLY??
At this point, he asks if I have any questions about the pregnancy (I said "no" as I just wanted to get away from this horrible man), informs me that I better not gain more than TWO pounds in the next FOUR weeks and then ends with this gem.
"Is your husband a Jehovah's Witness too?"
"Yes."
*Snide tone* "Well. I guess that works out then."
And that was the final word of the visit.
In the course of a very brief period, the man attempted to make me feel bad about my weight, my marriage, and my religion. I can only guess that they didn't emphasize bedside manner and asking medically relevant questions at this guy's med school.
I managed to keep my composure through the entire ordeal. Unfortunately, when I went to the hospital for pre-registration and sat down with the nice admitting lady, I lost that composure.
When I get angry, I don't scream. I don't throw things. I don't curse. I just cry. I breakdown in an embarrassingly girly mess. And I did exactly that in this poor strangers office.
I told her the whole story. She saved face for the entire medical community by using choice words for what she thought of that doctor, reassuring me that I was not being overly sensitive, and that I had every right to demand that he never see me again, and not be allowed in the delivery room.
So to the lovely hospital lady, thank you.
And now, I have a letter to compose to the group practice. Here's hoping that they honor my wishes. If not, I will sadly be looking for a new practice.
*For the record, I gained 7 pounds in 4 weeks. Throughout the pregnancy so far, I have actually been told that I should be gaining more weight than I was initially. I didn't change my eating habits, since I knew I was eating a healthy amount and figured that I would gain what I need to gain when the baby needs it. 4 weeks ago, you could barely tell I was prego. Now, I am very definitely sporting a baby bump. My blood pressure is nice and low and aside from the recent puffy ankles, I have had nothing but a healthy pregnancy.
Also, most of what I have read about this stage of the pregnancy is that at LEAST one pound a week is to be expected. Since I hadn't gained as much as they expected early on, I must say I am not too concerned about a couple extra pounds. But what do I know.
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