a new development

You know, it’s still hard for me to really feel “pregnant”…even though I know I am.  I think it still seems just more of a dream or something.  However, yesterday I definitely felt the baby move in the morning.  I was just waking up and felt several “flicks” from the inside.  It was an odd sensation…but good too to know what it was.  I think I had been feeling it for the past 5 days or so, but was attributing it to gas bubbles or something.  I told Chris about it, and he was of course excited…even though he can’t feel the baby move for still a while.  Our midwife did tell us to make note of the day I realize the baby moves cause she’d want to know next time I see her.  I have to say that having a midwife is a wonderful thing.  I can call her at any time with questions and concerns and she’s happy to answer me.  I also like that she will be dedicated to just me when it’s time…and during our visits I get a whole hour with her for the exam and anything else I want to ask or talk about.  It’s really wonderful.  With a doctor you’d be lucky to get 20-30min.  My next visit we should hopefully find out the gender of the baby too.

The only frustrating thing I have run into is all the people who have misconceptions about midwives in general.  They seem to think I will have no medical recorse in case of emergency and that it’s going to be like a barn birth or something.  Oh and that I *must* have drugs in order to cope with labor.  I know I will be in pain likely…but there are ways to deal with it.  Drugs have not always been around…and I believe in the power of woman – in the power and strength in me.  I am at least thankful that some of our family members have at least been understanding that it’s our decision.

I also want to say to those out there who want to know why I am going the route I am… it’s really based on several books and one documentary. It’s not that I haven’t read others too, but these are the best ones I think.  I find many other books mostly prepare a mother to be to just go with the flow and gives only a little information.  Really I think one should be very well informed regarding medications and procedures that you may encounter – even if you are a low risk woman.

* The business of being born – documentary

*Pushed : The painful truth about childbirth and modern maternity care (this is a must read for every pregnant woman and anyone wanting children I think) – by Jennifer Block

* Home Birth : The essential guide to giving birth outside of the hospital – by Sheila Kitzinger

* Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities : A guide to the medical literature – by Henci Goer

* Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – by Ina May Gaskin

* The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth – by Henci Goer

* Spiritual Midwifery – by Ina May Gaskin