Quality Care
Even though they’re happening more often (every 2 weeks, and soon will be every week), I still look forward to my midwife appointments. When I get there, I usually have to wait a little while –they play Spanish movies on the waiting room TV, yesterday it was Lilo and Stitch- and by the time I’ve been weighed, blood pressure and temp taken, chatted with the midwife, heard the beautiful heartbeat and leave, I feel so happy for the rest of the day.
There are 8 midwives, and they suggest seeing as many as possible during routine appointments, as you never know who will be on call the day your baby is born. They’re all different, yet so similar at the same time since they have the same beliefs and protocols between them. I love them all, but yesterday I saw one of my favorites, who calls the baby by her name, has had 5 children using Bradley Method techniques, and gives me a hug a kiss before I leave. I’m a hug fan, for sure.
She places both hands on my belly and crouches down so that she’s eye level with the baby and saws “Hello baby [name], it’s your auntie Reen. I can’t wait to meet you!”
She has me sit next to her at the computer as we go over all of my charts –it’s nice to feel involved in the process- and she compliments me on my dedication to staying healthy for the baby. She lays me down on the table, feels the baby (who moves and kicks for her), and we listen to the heartbeat. The sound of that little heartbeat makes my own heart feel so full, and I almost cry out of happiness every time, just for the little proof that this is real.
I’ve mentioned quite a few times that seeing the midwives has been unlike many traditional experiences with doctors that I’ve had. I know there are a lot of amazing doctors out there (and a lot of crappy midwives), but the group I’m currently seeing take their time to answer any questions, and I never feel rushed. I’m very fortunate, and yesterday Reen said “we’re going to help you have a wonderful birth experience.” So even if it doesn’t go as planned, the fact that they care about the actual experience means a lot to me, even though #1 priority is a safe baby and mom.
After the appointment, I continued on with the day’s to-dos, and also stopped at Motherhood to see if I could find a dress for Sunday’s baby shower.
No luck (Motherhood is not my favorite ‘hood), but I did get to see what a belly looks like on top of a belly 😉
Awesome.
Throughout the day, I kept thinking about what the midwife told me:
“Enjoy the holidays and this time of year as much as you can. There’s something magical and so beautiful- enjoy the life inside of you.”
I’m definitely taking full advantage because as soon as the baby’s here, I know I’ll miss being pregnant. I also know that I’ll miss having her all to myself, with me, all the time [selfish, but true]. I also know that it will be worth it to finally see, cuddle and smell the little baby I’ve been dreaming of, and constantly thinking about for 31 weeks.
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Sounds like you have a wonderful group of midwives! That is great that they are so attentive and personal 🙂 It must feel good to know you are in good hands. And I know what you mean about Motherhood….UGH.
Wow, I was wondering what that little cushion thingy was when I was last shopping there! I am only 13 weeks along, so I could have used it, but alas I thought it was some sort of seat cushion. <– first time Mom moment.
i had to ask the lady what it was for! haha
I’m glad you’ve found a perfect group of midwives to fit your needs! I’m sure that has made your pregnancy much more enjoyable! I’ve never seen one of those “fake bellies” before. I always wondered how people shopped for an event without knowing exactly how big their belly may be at the time, now I know! Thanks!
I just teared up a little bit 🙂
I adore my midwife too. Such a blessing that she spends real quality time with me going over my questions and concerns. I am a hard stick, and luckily she is patient. While most other doctor’s offices I have gone to just keep poking me, I end up leaving being able to relate to a pin cushion. Coming around the corner to 15 weeks now, I have deeply enjoyed reading your posts.
I wish regular doctors were so sweet and nice! I am so happy you have the medical support that you need!
Happy tears and good vibes for mom and baby from New Jersey! 🙂
You are so sweet Gina, your kind words and excitement to meet your daughter are really beautiful.
This post was so sweet! You are so sweet and I love hearing about all of your experiences! Ha when I was about 27 weeks pregnant and finally giving into maternity stuff we went to Gap and I tried on a shirt with that pillow under it and looked like 40 weeks pregnant and when I came out o the dressing room my husband was like “wow that shirt makes ur belly look huge!” I sent a pic to my sister and she said thre same thing. So gullible. I was neverr a fan of motherhood but actually had luck getting my shower dress there. H and M is go so is Gap. Even old navy sometimes! I bet you could find something really cute you will look good in anything!
Awww… I want a baby!! Soon I hope 🙂
i hope so too, friend!
Awww… I want a baby!! Soon I hope 🙂
Glad you had such a great appointment and that you’re so in love with the birth team/midwives you’ve chosen. That’s awesome 🙂
Wow! I am so happy you are having such a good experience with your midwives. The nurses and doctors were HORRIBLE to my mom, and it really put a damper on the whole thing for her. I am glad that this is not the case for you! You look awesome with the double belly girl. Straight class.
Aww this post made me feel emotional! I am so happy for you and the exciting journey you are on! It is definitely an experience you’ll want to remember every single moment of!
So beautiful G. I am so happy that you are receivng awesome care and have found a group who really understand your and Tom’s wishes for the birth and are amazing throughout this process.
After 22 years of not even considering having a child (I remember asking the doctor if he could ‘ensure it wouldn’t be possible’ when I was 8!), I am certain my womb kicked in this weekend.
I love the smell of baby. <3
Aww your family posts always make me misty eyed! 🙂
Ohhhh, I loved this post. I’m so glad you’re happy with your midwife group; they seem wonderful. That aspect (alllll of the visits during pregnancy) is something I’d never thought of before reading your family posts. I know now that it’s something I’ll want spend some time investigating for myself. Side note: You look beautiful!
I am so happy that you found a midwife group that you love. I unfortunately have been less than pleased with my OBGYN experience and won’t be returning for my 2nd pregnancy. I just feel rushed and like the doctors don’t know me at all. I’m headed to Motherhood tomorrow to look for something to wear to my shower on Saturday, but I don’t really like that store either. I just have a gift card. I actually have found that H&M has some cute tops that fit a pregnant belly just fine!
Such a sweet post, Gina…you’re going to be such a great mom :)!
I love reading about your midwife appointments.
They are so different from my doctor’s appointments that I dread going to every week. Well, I DID dread, now I’m just anxious to see if I’ve made any progress each week.
It sounds like you’ve found yourself a good group and the midwives really care about what you want.
I don’t know if you have A Pea in the Pod or Mimi Maternity where you live, but those are great stores for maternity clothes!
Hi Gina! I read your blog every single day. I love all of it! I am 24 weeks with my first baby (a boy) so I especially love your family page. I even get my hubby involved in reading it. It has given us so much insight. Also you really inspire me to try to stay a fit mama. You look great!
So stoked for you that you have a wonderful midwife team! I have my fingers crossed that your favorite will be available for your birth!
Hi Gina, I’m a new reader and while children certainly aren’t on my own radar anywhere in the near future, I think they’re amazing little miracles and I have so much respect for parents who do everything in their power to provide their children the best possible life as you clearly are.
Your comment about the midwife calling your baby by her name did make me want to share a story though. My husband’s brother and his wife picked outa girl’s name and a boy’s name as soon as they found out they were pregnant and called her by her name as soon as they found out they were having a girl. So of course it was a huge surprise when we got the call telling us we had a new nephew!
I wish you all the best for a smooth birth without TOO many surprises and good health for you and your baby 🙂
Gina, I love reading your family posts! I never thought I had a maternal bone in my body, baby’s have just never done it for me. But as I read about your journey, your positivity, your love, well it has just been so lovely! And in the last few weeks (like Carolyn said above) my ‘womb’ has definetely kicked in, though it will be many years before its used ;P But thank you for beinng so beautiful and open about your pregnancy, I’m sure it’s been of benefit for many people, in some way – even if it’d just a grin at that hilarious fake belly belt.
Also sounds like you have a wonder team for the birth! My biology lecturer (who is a Homeopath) also assists with home births and said in a lecture today (we’re learning about pregnancy and child birth!) that he wishes for every birth he assists in for the baby to be brought into the world in a calm (as little stress as possible, in that situation!) loving and as natural (as safe) way – he believes this gives the child the best possible chance at health and happiness throughout his/her entire life – you are definitely doing this for your lil girl.
Much love from Australia! xo
thank you so much, anatasia 🙂
xoxo
My daughter was born 12 weeks ago and I do miss being pregnant and having her with me all the time! I don’t think it’s selfish, it’s normal 🙂
I love the idea of a midwife. Did you just look up midwives groups as opposed to a normal OBGYN?
I am so happy that you have such a great team of midwives that you love, they sound so incredibly supportive and nurturing!
I am so excited for you! I missed being pregnant too, even though I had a lot of issues with my pregnancy it was one of the most magical times in my life! I loved knowing that this sweet little baby angel was growing inside of me and I could experience something so miraculous. There are no words to describe what it is like holding your baby for the first time–swoon 🙂 Reminds me of this quote:
“No one else will never know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside”
I loved my experience with midwives too. And it sounds like you have a group that makes you feel so well-cared for, in not just a physical well-being sense, but also a emotional sense — that’s very special and it’s great that you’re really appreciating it 🙂