our seahorse

Went for my first visit to the OB today (7 April). All my tests were normal. My blood pressure is excellent. But since I'm over 35 and asthmatic, I'm considered high risk. Okay, HOW many times can I repeat myself on this fact? I didn't have too many questions for the nurse practitioner who saw me today. I've absorbed a lot of pregnancy information over the years. And I bought several books, but I'm not certain I'll actually read every bit of them. I got books by Sears and Kitzinger and Simkin.

The highlight was having an ultrasound where we (Ian accompanied me) saw our little seahorse. Ian didn't think it looked like a seahorse, but I did. And the ultrasound technician said, "I can see how you could see that." Baby's heart rate was 168 per minute and that's great, so we're pleased.

I asked the tech, "So there's only one fetus?" When she didn't answer right away I worried. But she was preoccupied with something technical and eventually she confirmed that there was only one fetus. And, we were thrilled. We worried about the possibility of twins. My grandmother was a twin and older mothers often release more than one egg at a time, so there was that possibility to contemplate. Whew. Double sigh of relief.

Next, I'd like to find a doula. But my part of the state is notoriously medicalized; there IS a medical school. There are few to no midwives, like that's an option for high-risk me, and possibly fewer doulas. Frequently I bemoan the lack of culture or lack of good food or lack of my kind of shopping in my immediate area, but this is just another thing we lack in East Tennessee.

Ian wondered what the point of a doula is after I told him I wanted one. I mentioned how she is there to support the laboring woman and to be a firm advocate for her birth plan. He asked, "Isn't that what I'm there for?" And so, I guess. I think. Sure. Maybe. I bought him a copy of The Birth Partner, but don't know whether he's reading it. He's too into his Clive Cussler and Robert Parker books right now. But it's his first child as well, and will he stand up to the doctor when he or she won't honor my explicit wishes?

Comments

[megan]

How exciting!!! :) Congratulations on your little seahorse! (Becareful, that little title could stick for life. LOL)

[del]

I'm glad that everything's going well!

I didn't have a doula or midwife, though that would've been nice. I think they just provide additional support & advice; they can act as an advocate sometimes if new parents-to-be don't know what to expect or are afraid to speak up.

[AJ]

Glad to hear everything is great. I would have loved a doula but I had a scheduled c-section and didn't really have to worry about the labor part. How very exciting!

[nessie noodle]

my hubby asked the same question about the doula, then we went to a couples prenatal yoga class and one of the guys there said he would never have another baby again without it. Stick to your guns on this one. A doula is a good way to go!

[lla]

That's a stunningly beautiful seahorse you're growing there.

I'm so happy...

[Rebecca]

I think a doula would be great. We are wanting to have a baby soon, and that is something I am considering. I really want a midwife, home delivery, but apparently they don't do those in NC? Something about liability...and then I wondered why the midwife if you were still in a hospital. I guess they give you more attention and such. But a doula sounded like the better option - especially because it's a first child. Just someone who knows what is going on, what to expect, someone to support both of you. And yes, to be a firm advocate for both of you when you are in pain and stressed, etc.