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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 16:50:34
Hi y'all. If you've been following my story, I'm still quite queasy from morning sickness. And, even worse, something about this pregnancy is affecting my meds. So, anxiety is up. And then that gets confused with my thyroid problems, so I'm doing tests all the time and adjusting meds willy nilly, which is a little scary. And, of course, they want me to go off my antidepressant, but I'm terrified to do it. I've decided that it's better to stay on a low dose than to risk another major depression while pregnant. At least I'm on one that has been *somewhat* tested for pregnancy, and there is no evidence so far that it does anything bad. Although they all say, there isn't enough evidence yet.
My husband has this bee in his bonnet about doing a home birth. Which does appeal to me, although, I wouldn't have probably gone that direction on my own. He is, of course, leaving it entirely up to me. But if I decide to do it, he'll be thrilled. He's got all these books that have convinced him of the dangers of medical interventions, and the joys of natural birthing.
I'd count myself lucky to have such a supportive guy, and go for it, except that I want to get a bunch of tests that midwives can't do. On the other hand, my OB did say that I'm not considered high risk, as long as my thyroid hormones stabilize. I'd probably get much better prenatal care from a midwife, since my OB gives me about 10 minutes per visit, and never remembers me from one visit to the next. What do you guys think? Is it insane or beautiful to give birth at home? I do live quite near the hospital, and it's a good one.
Anyway, that's what's going on with me. Only 2 more weeks until the sickness is supposed to stop!
pegasus
Posted by AuntieMel on September 21, 2004, at 17:42:20
In reply to pregnancy woes :), posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 16:50:34
Following is my take on the whole issue. Background: 3 kids, with the first two the anesthetic could only be administered 5 minutes before delivery. The point in that?
The reasons I wouldn't do home birth:
Who would burn the sheets afterward?
I would hate for the neighbors to hear me scream.
I don't want them to know I even *know* those words.
Pain. I hate pain. It took years and years of altruistic doctors research to get to the point where delivery is painless. Should I tell them I'm not grateful?
Same as above - but how often are there medical breakthroughs for women. If I don't use this one will the doctors quit???
It's a lot nicer to be visited in the hospital. Nurses limit the number of visitors - and the decibel level.of course, if all that sounds good to *you*.......
Posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 18:37:21
In reply to Re: pregnancy woes :), posted by AuntieMel on September 21, 2004, at 17:42:20
> Who would burn the sheets afterward?Oh, this is actually good! The midwives do all of the clean up! When I found that out, I was much more interested. Apparently, in some cases, they'll also do some house cleaning while everyone's waiting for labor to progress. Plus, they have some kind of miraculous, comfortable bed protecting system that keeps your bedding from getting mucked up during the process.
> I would hate for the neighbors to hear me scream.
Yeah, I've thought of this. Don't really know them all that well . . .
> Same as above - but how often are there medical breakthroughs for women. If I don't use this one will the doctors quit???
I hear you! The books my DH has gathered make a convincing case for how all of those medical interventions actually increase risk of complications and pain. And the midwives *say* they'll teach me techniques for handling the pain, and they'll help me through it, but . . .
> It's a lot nicer to be visited in the hospital. Nurses limit the number of visitors - and the decibel level.
Hmmm. Well, I guess I like being at home. And I hate hospitals (bad associations). And the midwives do stay for a while afterwards (they'll have to with all that cleaning up). But it's a good idea to have a game plan for visitors.
I sound like I'm talking myself into it! Holy smokes! Let me back off a bit. I appreciate hearing your take on the whole thing.
pegasus
Posted by Catgirl on September 21, 2004, at 18:50:48
In reply to pregnancy woes :), posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 16:50:34
What about having the baby under water? I saw it on TV, and it looked easier on mom and baby.
Posted by DaisyM on September 21, 2004, at 20:06:22
In reply to pregnancy woes :), posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 16:50:34
I've been to some beautiful home births. As long as you have medical back ups and you are expecting a totally normal birth. Hospitals can be OK places if you get the right nurse and room. It isn't where as much as who is with you. Read Heart and Hands. I'll look at my other books too.
I'm sorry you are still feeling ill. It will pass. Remember how much energy it takes to grow a baby. Be good to yourself and your hubby. :)
Posted by Ilene on September 22, 2004, at 23:38:22
In reply to pregnancy woes :), posted by pegasus on September 21, 2004, at 16:50:34
I had a dismal experience trying to have a home birth with my first child. I wound up in the hospital. Second child I planned to have in the hospital, and it was a much better experience. Both were forceps deliveries.
About a year after I had my second child I had one of my ovaries removed (I had a cyst). The procedure was much like a Caesarean. Guess what? The surgery was easier than giving birth and I had no complications.
I was Ms. Natural, no medical interventions, blah blah. If I had it to do over I'd pick the C-section over 36 hours of labor.
On the other hand, if your labor is uncomplicated there's a lot to be said for staying home. A third option is a midwife affiliated w/ a birthing center.
This is the end of the thread.
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