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This pregnancy so far
- Nov 10, 2009 at 7:59 PM
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- Comments (13) Total Views (462) Everyone can see this journal post.
Things have been going very well. Except for the few colds I have had to battle, the second trimester has been very enjoyable. Having a two year old has made the process even more fun. He has been noticeably curious of the growth that is happening in mommy's belly. As some of you already know, we are waiting to find out the gender until birth. This has elicited some interesting responses from loved ones and strangers alike. I have also been getting frequent comments on how big my belly is getting. On more than one occasion I have been asked if I am "almost due". Someone even took it a step further and asked if I am having twins! People can be so peculiar at times. I guess they think it is okay to make such statements since I am pregnant. I am taking it all in stride since I have already been down this road with Logan.
I have been helplessly addicted to natural birthing books lately. My favorite so far is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin. Ina May started her own birthing practice in the 70's which has provided services for over 2,000 births to date. Her home birth practice exhibits the lowest rate of cesarean section births (under 2%) in the country. To view the rest of their outcomes click here. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in learning about what our bodies are capable of. The first half of the book is dedicated to positive home birth stories (which I found very inspiring). The second half goes over process of childbirth, how to best prepare for it and what is standard protocol for births at home and at the hospital.
I also read a great book about our maternity care system by Dr. Marsden Wagner titled Born in the USA. He is more than qualified to speak on such an issue as he is a physician (perinatologist and perinatal epidemiologist) and a scientist. He also is a former Director of Women's and Children's Health at the World Health Organization (served for 15 years).
His book definitely opened my eyes a great deal in regard to the quality of our maternity care system. I erroneously assumed that we had some of the best outcomes compared to other developed countries. I was shocked to learn that approx. 7 babies per 1,000 die at or around the time of childbirth, and that our maternal mortality rate is estimated to be around 13 for every 100,000 women. The latter number is likely higher due to the inconsistent reporting measures of each state. Hospitals and private practices try their best to keep the details of such outcomes internal largely due to fear of litigation. Families that do seek legal action often settle out of court. Such settlements usually contain a gag order which prohibits families from sharing their experience with the media.
Another thing that I found absolutely shocking is that physicians are allowed to use unapproved/untested drugs, such as Cytotec, on pregnant women. Apparently there are loopholes in governmental regulation that allow for this. We often don't find out about the devastating effects until years down the road after prevalent use. This has taught me that I am solely responsible for researching any tests / procedures / drugs that will be offered to me, beforehand.
The home birth is still on. I ♥ my midwife. I ♥ the fact that my prenatal visits are conducted at home and are not rushed. It is so nice to see the same provider at every visit as opposed to shuffling between 10 different ones. I feel blessed to live in a state which allows each family to choose where they desire to give birth. There is even a statute that requires insurance companies to pay for the expense if maternity coverage is included in the plan. I can only imagine how many people put their ass on the line so I can have that freedom. The only complaint is that my care will most likely need to be transferred if I go beyond 41 weeks. From what I have been learning, this should really be decided by medical review rather than simply applying a one size fits all expiration date. Even so, I am grateful for the options that are available to me as there are a number of states where midwifery is still illegal...imagine that.
So that is what I have been up to for the past few months. I have been busy learning about pregnancy/birth, being a mother and wife all while working a 40 hour week. Maybe that is why I can't get over these colds :-(
Comments:
Get some rest momma. When are you due?
February / March of next year. Time has been flying by!
Feb 1 is my birthday,,,,,,,,oh a Valentine baby.....the 14th
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the information with others. We are planning our homebirth for January.
Great post, Lorel! I'm so glad things are going well for you. It's great to be your pregnancy buddy :)
Make sure you take time for you and rest as often as possible. Colds are no fun and we want to hear you're well. I'm glad the midwife choice is working out and you will have a beautiful birth experience I just know it.
Thanks, Nathalie :-) I feel the same way.
Maria, I took today off to rest. I have been lounging around all day. I am wondering if this is more of a sinus/allergy thing because it is lingering beyond the infection period. I have a lot of pressure in my head and behind my eyes :-( Does anyone know of anything that is safe to take that will relieve the pressure?
Glad you are resting today!
I buy something from my herbalist called Teifu Oil , it has peppermint oil in it. I rub it on my hands and breathe it in to relieve a stuffy nose. Not sure if it would relieve head pressure but was thinking it may. I would suggest peppermint tea.... Also, try massaging the part of your hand between your thumb and index finger to release the pressure. That always works for me. You can do it yourself or ask hubby to help. Close your eyes and relax~
Lorel, check into accupressure. There are points in the face where you can apply pressure and alleviate the sinus problems. Drug free, (if you do it yourself) cost-free, and instant results. Unfortunately, I can't advise you as to where the specific spots are--I was driving home and listening to a discussion about this. But I tried it myself at home and felt it.
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Sounds like everything is right on track....except for the comments that seem to come out of people's mouths....I hated it when strangers would walk right up and touch or rub my belly.....
- tericared
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