So this blog is definitely under construction... But so far I'm liking how it's going. I've been wanting to get a blog started for awhile for a number of different reasons: a way to journal, an attempt to resurrect my writing spirit (which seems to have vanished shortly after I graduated high school), a desire to preserve memories, an opportunity to provide anyone who's interested a look into how our little family is developing, and mostly, as I mentioned in my About My Blog section, a way to offer my kids a look at how their lives started when it's their turn to start new lives themselves.
So, I am just starting my 16th week of pregnancy and we just switched doctors. That's probably the most exciting news in my most recent life. Originally we were going to Missouri Baptist because several of my friends had delivered there and had good things to say, and because I was of the understanding that they accept and acknowledge a holistic and natural approach to childbirth, which is a very important element to me. The staff was super nice, but that's about all they had going for them from what I experienced. I needed more. When I got my blood work results back from two different tests and found my thyroid levels were high and then low, my doctor wanted more testing done, though both she and I knew my levels were crazy because, uh hello? I'm pregnant and my hormones are all over the place anyway. I turned down the test, and asked her if we did find something to be actually wrong with my thyroid, what would be the next step? She said she'd get me on a prescription to regulate it. I said I wouldn't take it - first of all I do not take prescription meds, it's a pact I made with myself a long time ago for a multitude of reasons, and secondly I'm pregnant, I'm not taking drugs! - so what would be an alternative to regulating it? She didn't have an answer. Now I don't hold that against her - I know natural approaches to health care was not part of her medical training, but it's important to me that I see someone who is educated in this field. So that was definitely a red flag. Justin and I also felt rushed each time we had an appointment, which is certainly not something we appreciated, especially with our first child on board!
Oh if only I could find a midwife nearby that could give me the natural approach I'm looking for... Unfortunately birthing centers are few and far between in this country, which sucks because I'd much rather go that route than a hospital (I'm a pregnant woman, for pete's sake, not a medical emergency!). I'd love most of all to have a home birth with midwife, buuuut that's illegal in our fabulous state of Illinois :) So hospital it is, though medical emergency I am not. I then talked to a friend of mine and lo and behold found out she herself had a midwife, and a very wonderful natural birthing experience! She directed me to Maryville Women's Center, which is the exact same distance as MoBap so we weren't losing or gaining anything drive-wise, and we had our first appointment there yesterday and loved the experience. The waiting room was much more homey and welcoming, the staff was just as nice as MoBap which was good (because like I said, everyone was super nice there), the doctor was wonderful and knowledgeable and thorough, making us not feel rushed! I also got to meet the midwife I was referred to, which meant a lot to me beings we didn't even have an appointment with her, she just took the time to come in and say hi. We felt like we were having a much more one-on-one experience, which is definitely what we were looking for. Horray!
We got to hear the heartbeat again, which was much louder this time of course, and Dr. Gingrich's guess was we're having a boy, which is funny because that's my guess too. February 24th we find out for sure, and that day can't come soon enough!
Well, that's all for now. Sloppy joe's for supper per the hubby's request, so I'm gonna get on that and get ready to settle in for the evening.
