It went pretty well. We got there around 1 and didn’t leave until after 4!
First, we watched 2 videos, while I filled out some paperwork. the videos seemed kind of old, but they were interesting nonetheless. After the videos, B (the midwife) sat me down and we talked about my medical history, then she went over nutrition and then her birthing center and blahblahblah. we talked A LOT. during this talk, she informed us that SHE’S PREGNANT! she’s approximately 13 weeks, so there’s a great chance she won’t even be at my birth. she said she’s been interviewing midwives for a while, even before she found out about her pregnancy, to join the center. She should have someone by January.
After talking, she got a snack and one of the other nurses took some blood. holy moly, that was TOUGH! first of all, she couldn’t find my vein in the nook of my arm, so she had to use one on the top of my hand. OUCH. B was walking around, talking to both Jason and I and she offered me some peppermint essential oil for the nausea I started getting. it helped, but I started getting reeeeally light-headed on account of the blood loss. she helped the other nurse out and as soon as that was done, I headed to the bathroom. unfortunately, it was just a bunch of VERY PAINFUL dry-heaves. B came in after me and wet a towel and helped me out greatly. she even got me a cup of apple juice. she noted the bile and said I NEED to eat, no matter how nauseated I am. of course!
Lastly, B, who is a certified nurse-midwife, did all the girly exams and then we got to hear the baby’s heartbeat! Did you know I didn’t get to hear Nate’s heartbeat until I was in labor? I got a good dose of ultrasounds, but the heartbeat wasn’t heard until they strapped me to the machines during labor. boooo!
so, all in all, it was a great visit. I really like B and the other nurse, P. I got some new prenatals that are supposed to be easier on my stomach. I also got some peppermint EO and an extra B-vitamin complex that should help with my moods and the nausea.
Interesting tidbit she talked to us about–VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Ceserean). Apparently, one of the larger medical facilities in Houston is attempting to ban VBACs completely. B’s first born was actually an emergency ceserean, but her second was a VBAC. She feels really strongly about it, of course, especially now that’s she pregnant again (nearly 8 years later!).
I feel good, today. I had some nausea, but it subsided when I had a BIG lunch. The peppermint oil is working wonders, too!
One last thing–everyone should check out The Business of Being Born. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency? Watch the trailer!
