QuestionDear Roni:
I am in my 7th week and have yet to select an obstetrician, nurse midwife, or midwife. This is my first pregnancy and there are many options to chose from. My fiance's cousin is a midwife who does home births. As this is my first, and not knowing what to expect, I don't feel comfortable with the idea of home birth, but at the same time, I am apprehensive about chosing an Obstetrician with all of the different styles out there.
You will have to forgive me, as I have been reading a lot since learning of my pregnancy. I always thought that episiotomies were the way to go from listening to mothers talk about their tearing, but I am learning that if the birth is done right and naturally, a woman should not have major tearing during delivery. I also want to avoid being induced, having an epidural, being confined to a propped up position on a bed during my delivery, and cesarean section. I would like my delivery to be as natural and gentle an entrance as possible into the world for my baby, but at the same time have medical assistance there to ensure that we are both safe and healthy.
Other than an insurance book of providers in my network (I live in New Haven, CT), I have nothing to go on to make my selection. One thing is for certain, I do not want to go with an OB from a large practice as I want more personal care.
I am nervous about putting off my selection much longer as I have anxieties about my pregnancy being safe/normal and not being ectopic or in my fallopian tubes or something. As an woman and a nurse, I was wondering what your opinions are on these issues, and I was wondering if you could make some recommendations or places to get information on my options in my area.
Thank you,
K
Answer Hello.
I first want to make sure you know I am not a nurse but a C.N.A. (certified nurses assistant) I always like people to be aware of who they are getting advice from.
I am also a mother who read everything under the sun when I was pregnant.
First I want to talk about episiotomies. DON'T DO IT! Here is my thoughts on why.
When you are cut on purpose that leads to stiches, right? Certain thing. If you let nature take it's course you may not tear and won't need stiches, you have a chance of not needing any that way.
Most Drs. and hospitals have birthing plans. This is something you fill out saying what you do and don't want. As long as everything goes well then your wishes will be granted.
On these you are able to put things like, I do not want to have a routine enema. (something I had on mine)
I DO want to be able to get up as much as possible. ETC ETC.
Something else that my husband and I did was have a code sentence. If I wanted the room clear of everyone (friends, family) I would say to my husband "I wonder how Gizmo is?" That was our dog. This would cue him to nicely get everyone out of the room.
I agree with you wanting to have your baby in a hospital. I thought of home birth at first but didn't do it.
I ended up having lots of problems as was very glad to have been at the hospital.
You will have to look around in your area to pick the right Dr. and hospital for you.
You do need to be getting to the Dr. I want to assure you though at this point you would have known if you were having a tubal most likely.
I hope you are taking your folic acid, this has been proven to help prevent birth defects.
Good luck to you.
