Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch <pugsnstitches wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 Your experience sounds a lot like my first one too! I was induced because my doctor was going on vacation and plus I had gestational diabetes. My birth was a good 22 hours and I had NO pain reliever of any kind (people thought I was nuts). From being up the entire night and trying to push this baby out the next evening was almost impossible. I pushed for 2 hours (they were ready to do a c-section). Finally they used that good ol vacuum and attached it to my son's head and finally he was born. They immediatly took him from me and about 5 or so people held him before I was able too. Unfortuantly today my beautiful 8 year old son has ADD, Auditory processing disorder and anxiety. They link his auditory problems to the vacuum to his head. 2 years later I had a little girl who is 5 now. Her entire birth was a whopping 4 hours from the start to the end! It was amazing. As soon as she was born they immediatly put her on me and my husband cut the cord! I know this doesn't answer your question about the midwives but usually your second is easier then the first for most people. Mine were also born at 2 different hospitals too. Whatever happens good luck. I wish the best to you! Denise Pomerantz California mother of Tyler and Tara Kadee M <abbey_road3012 wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch <pugsnstitches wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 i'm not familiar with any midwives in washington otherwise i'd be happy to refer you! your experience sadly is very standard and you should most definitely not feel guilty for having an epidural. it's almost impossible to labor on your back without one. the fact that you had colostrum is a very good sign and with the proper support i think you have every chance of nursing your next baby. there is an excellent book out called " defining your own success: breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery " by diana west that i recommend highly. attending LLL meetings before you have your baby can really boost your confidence and they can be an invaluable resource after also. even if you end up not being able to nurse your baby exclusively, even doing some can make such a difference for both of you. one important thing to realize is that not all hospitals, doctors, nurses, CNMs, midwives, or birth centers are created equally. you have to be very proactive and do a ton of research on your chosen place of birth and your caretaker. my first suggestion is always to go with a freestanding birth center, but if you're not open to that idea, or if the one near you isn't exemplary, one thing i'd recommend is seeing if there are any mother- or baby-friendly hospitals in your area. these are hospitals (and birth centers) who follow the mother- and/or baby-friendly initiatives put forth by CIMS, UNICEF and the WHO. they promote active drug-free birthing, continuous support, early breastfeeding, little to no promotion of formula feeding, and no separation of mother and baby, among many other things. you can read about it at www.motherfriendly.org and www.babyfriendly.org. also, be very careful when going with a nurse-midwife. do your research and follow your gut. many CNMs are wonderful and many are little more than standard L & D nurses or even OBs in disguise. they are often called " med-wives " and with good reason. it's extremely difficult to promote the midwifery model of care in an unfriendly hospital, and most of them are unfriendly. sadly, most of these nurses get so burned out trying to " work within the system, " they end up just going with the system and being a " midwife " in title only. if you have a CNM who pushes you to have a lot of prenatal testing, who doesn't honor your choices in parenting and birthing, who won't " allow " you to do certain things (like going without an IV, staying active and out of bed, using hydrotherapy, etc.), you have a nurse, not a midwife. and remember that these women, while often having your best interests in mind, must always defer to the higher authority of hospital/attending physician protocol, so find out what is standard care in the hospital you choose and for the doctor who directs your CNM. and finally, as a student midwife i can't help but make a plug for homebirth. it's actually statistically safer for low-risk women to give birth out of the hospital than in. i recommend the book " gentle birth choices " and also anything by henci goer or sheila kitzinger. congrats on being proactive and thinking about this now! i'm sure a lot of women wish they'd thought about it more before they were in labor, lol. chandelle' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 I know what you mean about not being able to hold your own child. With my daughter who was delivered by C-section after three hours of unproductive pushing, I actually had to ask to see her. They were on their way out of the room with her. My husband and the nurses, doctor, and everyone got to see her first. Even then I still was not allowed to hold her. They were going to rush her out of the room for testing. She was fine by the way. I am writing because, I do not know what your specific dificulties were with breastfeeding, but I did experience difficulties with both of my children. I was not producing enough milk. I even did the test where they weigh the baby before and after breastfeeding to determine amount produced. Anyway, I did take the drug domperidone which allowed me to provide breastmilk for both of my children. There is some controversy over this, but I thought you might like to research it on your own. Kadee M <abbey_road3012 wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch <pugsnstitches wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Ah, this brings to mind my one amusing memory about the birth of my son. I was not warned that a bloody alien was going to be tossed onto my abdomen at any point, and yet it happened. I knew he'd been born, but the doctor who delivered my daughter just simply took her and did whatever it is they do to babies. Dr. Dickens, however, grabbed Jeffy, chunked him up on my stomach, cut the cord, and my husband and I went, " AAAHHH!!! " Scared the bejeezus outta me. Kadee Sedtal Denise Pomerantz <dmpomerantz wrote: Your experience sounds a lot like my first one too! I was induced because my doctor was going on vacation and plus I had gestational diabetes. My birth was a good 22 hours and I had NO pain reliever of any kind (people thought I was nuts). From being up the entire night and trying to push this baby out the next evening was almost impossible. I pushed for 2 hours (they were ready to do a c-section). Finally they used that good ol vacuum and attached it to my son's head and finally he was born. They immediatly took him from me and about 5 or so people held him before I was able too. Unfortuantly today my beautiful 8 year old son has ADD, Auditory processing disorder and anxiety. They link his auditory problems to the vacuum to his head. 2 years later I had a little girl who is 5 now. Her entire birth was a whopping 4 hours from the start to the end! It was amazing. As soon as she was born they immediatly put her on me and my husband cut the cord! I know this doesn't answer your question about the midwives but usually your second is easier then the first for most people. Mine were also born at 2 different hospitals too. Whatever happens good luck. I wish the best to you! Denise Pomerantz California mother of Tyler and Tara Kadee M <abbey_road3012 wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch <pugsnstitches wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Hi Denise, We know several families who have had great success with the Feingold diet for ADD, Autism, etc. It is not specifically geared to vegetarians, but certainly can be adapted.www.feingold.org Robin Denise Pomerantz <dmpomerantz wrote: Your experience sounds a lot like my first one too! I was induced because my doctor was going on vacation and plus I had gestational diabetes. My birth was a good 22 hours and I had NO pain reliever of any kind (people thought I was nuts). From being up the entire night and trying to push this baby out the next evening was almost impossible. I pushed for 2 hours (they were ready to do a c-section). Finally they used that good ol vacuum and attached it to my son's head and finally he was born. They immediatly took him from me and about 5 or so people held him before I was able too. Unfortuantly today my beautiful 8 year old son has ADD, Auditory processing disorder and anxiety. They link his auditory problems to the vacuum to his head. 2 years later I had a little girl who is 5 now. Her entire birth was a whopping 4 hours from the start to the end! It was amazing. As soon as she was born they immediatly put her on me and my husband cut the cord! I know this doesn't answer your question about the midwives but usually your second is easier then the first for most people. Mine were also born at 2 different hospitals too. Whatever happens good luck. I wish the best to you! Denise Pomerantz California mother of Tyler and Tara Kadee M wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 My dad became very ill just after my daughter was born and died not too long after. I was having difficulty producing enough milk. The lactation consultant who works with my sister (a CNM who delivered my daughter) suggested brewers yeast tabs. The difference was amazing, I could have fed ten babies. In your search for a midwife, tap into your local network. Anywhere you intereact with people (school, place of worship, community center, etc.), ask for referrals. Another suggestion is to phone hospitals and ask for the Maternal/Child educator. She should be able to match you with a health care practioner who mathches your medical philosophy. Always meet a doctor or midwife before you commit, If you can not find a midwife, try a family practioner. My spouse, child, sister, nephew, brother-in-law and several friends all see the same doctor; sadly, she can no longer afford the insurance to do deliveries, though my sister delivered at least one of her four. L'Shana Tova, Robin in Chicao Laura Ballinger <lballinger wrote: I know what you mean about not being able to hold your own child. With my daughter who was delivered by C-section after three hours of unproductive pushing, I actually had to ask to see her. They were on their way out of the room with her. My husband and the nurses, doctor, and everyone got to see her first. Even then I still was not allowed to hold her. They were going to rush her out of the room for testing. She was fine by the way. I am writing because, I do not know what your specific dificulties were with breastfeeding, but I did experience difficulties with both of my children. I was not producing enough milk. I even did the test where they weigh the baby before and after breastfeeding to determine amount produced. Anyway, I did take the drug domperidone which allowed me to provide breastmilk for both of my children. There is some controversy over this, but I thought you might like to research it on your own. Kadee M wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Hey Robin.....Thank you for the input. I will look into that! Denise robin koloms <rkoloms wrote: Hi Denise, We know several families who have had great success with the Feingold diet for ADD, Autism, etc. It is not specifically geared to vegetarians, but certainly can be adapted.www.feingold.org Robin Denise Pomerantz <dmpomerantz wrote: Your experience sounds a lot like my first one too! I was induced because my doctor was going on vacation and plus I had gestational diabetes. My birth was a good 22 hours and I had NO pain reliever of any kind (people thought I was nuts). From being up the entire night and trying to push this baby out the next evening was almost impossible. I pushed for 2 hours (they were ready to do a c-section). Finally they used that good ol vacuum and attached it to my son's head and finally he was born. They immediatly took him from me and about 5 or so people held him before I was able too. Unfortuantly today my beautiful 8 year old son has ADD, Auditory processing disorder and anxiety. They link his auditory problems to the vacuum to his head. 2 years later I had a little girl who is 5 now. Her entire birth was a whopping 4 hours from the start to the end! It was amazing. As soon as she was born they immediatly put her on me and my husband cut the cord! I know this doesn't answer your question about the midwives but usually your second is easier then the first for most people. Mine were also born at 2 different hospitals too. Whatever happens good luck. I wish the best to you! Denise Pomerantz California mother of Tyler and Tara Kadee M wrote: Absolutely unbelievable. Good for you for trying something else. It doesn't sound like your last experience had a thing in the world to do with you. I hope next time is more pleasant! Kadee Sedtal Shannon Welch wrote: OK, so with all this talk about midwives, epidurals, C-sections, etc. it has me wondering about the midwives in WA state. My husband and I are currently trying to conceive our second child. Our daughter was born almost 2 1/2 years ago while we were living in southern CA. Although I did like my doctor, my birth experience left me with some bad feelings. I was induced 2 days before my due date because my doctor was going on vacation. I was also showing some higher blood pressure at the end. We went in the night before and got the Cervadil (spelling) put in. Then started the pitocin at 11:30 then next morning. They ended up doing an internal monitor that was suctioned to my daughter's head because the belly monitor kept falling off (btw, there were never any signs of stress coming from me or the baby). So, that confined me to laboring in bed. At 1:30 pm they broke my water and all hell broke loose with contractions. They were coming so strong and so fast that I was unable to catch my breath. So, I had to wear an oxygen mask. Finally at 3:30 I couldn't take it anymore, laboring on my back in bed with the montor in me and a mask on my face. I caved to their pressure and asked for an epidural. My daughter was born vaginally 2 hours later. I pushed for about 20 minutes and did have an episiotomy (which healed well and I hardly evern noticed it). My biggest complaint was that I was the FIFTH person to hold my daughter. The doctor who caught her passed her to a nurse, who held her while my husband cut the cord (ceremoniously only since the doctor cut it for real right after pulling her out). That nurse handed her off to another nurse to check her APGAR scores, then my husband got her, then finally me. We had a little while with her before my husband and the nurses took her to the nursery to clean her up and do whatever else. At this time, I was fed dinner and waited for my epidural to wear off. They had already given her formula and brought some to my room. I tried to breastfeed anyway but it dodn't go well. I had a breast reduction surgery in 1994 and was warned that I may have trouble breastfeeding. I was 17 then so I didn't think to hard on it at the time. In the end, I was not successful with breastfeeding and ended up with formula. I worked with lactation consultants and rented a pump, etc with no luck. I will try again with the next one though. I had the colostrum at the beginning so maybe that's a good sign. Long story short, my next delivery needs to be different. I want to go drug free, no induction, no epidural, and I want to be the first to hold my child and attempt breastfeeding immediately. I want to find a midwife in my area. The hopsital near me has a staff of midwives and there is an independant birthing center nearby also. Honestly I have read some less than stellar things about the free-standing midwife so I'll probalby use the midwifery group at the hospital. There are several in the group. I'm looking for advise on what kinds of things to ask to narrow it down and choose the one I'd like to go with. A number of you have had experiences with midwives so maybe you can help. Or, if anyone is in western WA and can guide me to someone, I'd appreciate it. I'm in Everett (Snohomish County). Sorry this is so LONG! Shannon Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.