For this pregnancy we've elected to use a midwife. Being in a new location, and not feeling like I needed an Ob/Gyn for my care, both Mark and I agreed that a midwife would be a nice alternative.
The midwife model of care is strikingly different than anything I've ever experienced, and I have to fully admit that I really like it. Mine does just what a doctor would do, i.e. check my weight, BP, urine, measurements, as well as monitor the baby using a Doppler. What's different is that midwives aren't doctors, they don't try to be doctors, and because of that a large amount of responsibility is put on the patient to take care of themselves, because if they don't, then the women will need a doctor.
At my first appointment my midwife, she handed me two large books and multiple handouts--all nutrition related. In them stated how much of certain foods and vitamins I needed, and then why they were important for me, baby, and the success of my labor and delivery. Wow! In addition to nutrition was another handout showing the many different exercises imperative to the growing strain of pregnancy on the body. The exercises are meant to relieve pain and pressure, but also to engage baby's head and strengthen the muscles and tissues pertinent to delivery.
It's all quite simple, really, and perhaps I've read this twice before with the other two pregnancies and brushed it aside, but this time it's required of me, and a large part of the success of a healthy pregnancy relies not on medicine, but on my ability to take care of myself. What a concept!
A few examples of how I'm trying to achieve a healthier pregnancy:
1). Calcium. My midwife wants me to drink a pint of milk everyday. Women, especially in COLD MN, are calcium (vitamin D) deficient. When growing a baby, the body will take calcium from a women's bones to makes the baby's bones. Also, calcium deficiency is a big culprit for those awful pregnancy leg cramps and restless legs.
2.) Iron. With 40% more blood than the non-pregnant state, iron is necessary for pregnancy health. Even more importantly, the stronger the blood, the less likely post partum hemmorage will be. For me, I'll start taking Alfalfa, in pill form, sometime in the next month. It has iron in it, but is known for it's blood-clotting abilities. I've actually done this with my first two after hearing the advice from a trusted family member. After two very clean and healthy deliveries, I'm a believer in the simple supplement.
There are many, many other nutritional needs for pregnant, women, as well as exercises for body and relaxation for labor. There is a lot on my plate to prepare my body for birth! I'm excited though, and glad that I have the opportunity to have someone challenge me to make myself, my baby, and my family healthier.
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15 comments:
Mal, is it okay if I copy/paste this and then leave a link to your blog in my post today? I am SO PASSIONATE about this subject and I think you make an excellent point.
Go ahead, Theresa. It's not very thorough; just my musings thus far. I am beginning to see why so many women are finding a passion for midwifery care.
Off to drink more milk...
Love it!! So happy we're in this journey at the same time . . . did I mention they're trying to change the law in MO to once again restrict midwives? So upsetting.
I LOVE that midwives focus so much on helping the woman be healthy in order to have a healthy pregnancy and then birth. What a concept!! You go Mal!!
Mallory, I am so glad to see that you are seeing and loving your experience with a midwife.
My sister is actually a mid-wife and has been such an inspiration for me as a coach and guide (and what makes her even more of a rock star is that she's from your own beloved state of MN)
I have had a MW for all 3 of my pregnancies/births and have LOVED the experience...in my next life perhaps I'll pursue midwifery...perhaps.
I have always had my deliveries in a clinic but am thinking (THINKING mind you) about having a home birth next time. What are you opting for?
Hope you are well! <3 and prayers, Detta
I've been surprised how *separate* midwives and obstetricians are here in MN... I started my OB nursing career (and delivered my babies!) in a place where they worked hand in hand, and it worked beautifully! Nearly all OB/GYN practices had at least one midwife in their group, and it was just such a smooth flow. It makes me sad that they're such different entities in the rest of the country. If I could rule the world... ;)
You're doing great, Mal! Almost there! :)
Bernadette: You'll have to let me know sometime the location of your sister, maybe our paths will cross someday!
Abby, I hope that I didn't give the impression that I'm anti-doctor or medicine, because I'm honestly not. I too wish that the midwifery model could be implemented withing OB practices more. I've just been impressed at the preventative measures taken with midwifery--giving mothers the information they need to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible. Before it seemed that everything in pregnancy happened by chance, but I'm learning that *I* in so many cases, can really impact my health. Like I said, it's a simple concept, but something I hadn't learned about a lot before. There is a huge demand for midwifery-style care in MN, so hopefully someday it can be provided for all mothers. Hum...ever thought about being a CNM ;-) ??
Mallory, she and her husband own a naturopathic/midwifery clinic in Moorehead, MN. I believe that's approx. 100 mi. from you. I'm sure she'd love to meet/chat w/you. She is also a Steubenville grad (class of 2000)and has 2 little girls (close to your boy's ages) and a baby due in July. -b
We had a certified nursing midwife when we delivered in St.Paul for our first; that was just the way things were for our health plan and the clinic we chose. We had a great experience with all the nursing midwives we encountered there. Then in Brainerd we saw an OB for our second child; it was different, not quite so "friendly", even though we really liked our OB. I'm glad you will get to experience the midwife way too!
Lorrene
Oh Mal, you didn't come across as anti-obstetrician, don't worry. :) It would just be nice to have them working together in practice more often so that mamas wouldn't have to choose. Women could get the best of both worlds!
p.s. what age did you introduce Luke to Candyland? I totally wanted to buy it the other day, but I don't think Emily would get it quite yet....
Luke got Candyland for Christmas--he was 4.5. He probably would have "got it" earlier, we just hadn't bought it yet. I think between 3-3.5 we started playing memory with him (starting with small pairs, not the whole game), and Bingo (we have a DVD version, which makes it super easy).
This is really Mallory ;-) BTW.
Luke played Candyland with Claire the last time I babysat him when we were both in Baxter :-( They may have both still been three then, and they played with just a little adult help, they were rockstars.
I was going to mention that, Erin, but I couldn't remember how old the kids were and how much help they needed. I think that the age they are at now they could probably play TOGETHER with little to no adult help. Wouldn't that be fun :-) .
Mark was a little disappointed in the new Candyland though, he missed the old characters he remembered playing with as a kid.
Justin feels the same way (naturally, what is it with those two?!). He also complains of the overall quality of the games themselves. He says he could make a better one out of a pizza box. On one hand it is nice to have all the classics so affordable, but $4 Hi HO Cherio is not like the one he remembers from him childhood.
I realized I didn't really answer your question before, Abby, but right before or right after age 4 I think is when Luke really got into games, at least where we didn't have direct every single move. It's actually kinda fun now, because he's sorta-kinda learning the art of strategy.
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