Had my first OB appointment on Tuesday. I'm seeing a Midwife this time around--Fern Aspen, a wonderful Christian woman whom I've known for a couple of years now. (I first got to know her by being with Jen during her labor with Karin, and then started seeing her myself for various female issues.) Though I really liked the male OB's I've had in the past, I've noticed a difference already with having a midwife. She took the time to ask me what kind of labor and delivery I would hope to have. She asked what was helpful or unhelpful in my past deliveries, etc. Midwives also tend to take more time to treat the whole person and I really appreciate this.
Did have a little scare during the appointment. No matter what they tried, they couldn't find the heartbeat. At almost 11 weeks, they knew they should be able to hear it. Fern told me not to worry--she could see the heartbeat on the doppler, but just to be on the safe side she wanted me to have another ultrasound. (She also said this happens frequently with mothers in subsequent deliveries--more room in the uterus, etc.) After reiterating to the doctor in the ultrasound room that I knew my dates weren't off, sure enough he did indeed find the heartbeat right away. A beautiful sight to this anxious mommy! Baby was doing a little jig in there, wiggling and moving its arms and legs up and down. I fell in love all over again. Incidentally, when I looked back at my pregnancy journal for Nathan, I read that they had trouble finding his heartbeat at about this time also. I'd forgotten that.
Lastly, I mentioned to my midwife that I'm training to become a doula. She was so excited, telling me I'd be great at that. (Quite a confirmation coming from her, a professional I respect.) She said as soon as I receive my certification, she wants to add me to Stillwater's list of doulas that they hand out to all the pregnant mommies. Also, again without my asking, she mentioned that she'd like to help me gain the hours and experience I'll need before certification by attending births at Stillwater--by recommending me to patients. I wasn't expecting such an enthusiastic response from her, and I felt so grateful. Things are starting to come together.
I had just been praying about finances to attend the $300 workshop here in August, and the Lord provided. (One third of it came from cashing in a bucket of change we've been saving up--it pays to save coins!) I also asked Fern if it's still reasonable to attend births while I am pregnant. She said absolutely, as long as I know and express my limits. That was another question I'd specifically been praying about--had wondered if I'd need to put the training on hold yet again. But it seems the doors are opening up. I'm excited!
