When I immediately found out I was pregnant I reached out to my Ob/ Gyn so had thought that I would stick with her, but am thinking maybe not. My Ob/Gyn works with the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) only.
Ob/ Gyn are are certified in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and my Ob/Gyn 'Dr Cullan' is wonderful, but Ob/Gyn's are not midwives and are not advocates for home births. They are practiced surgeons and are great to have on hand if there are complications in the pregnancy and if you want a Caesarean (C-Section), but I have been feeling that I want a supportive birth, similar to having a midwife to support you during pregnancy and during the birth. So have been looking around.
I promptly started reaching out to find alternatives to the typical ob/ gyn practice and looking into midwives/ doula's. Through a friend (who has a 4 month baby) I was given the contact of a Doula- Annemarie Russo http://www.wetrustbirth.com/Why_a_Doula.html. Jab and I met her at our home. We spoke about what I am initially wanting as my 'birth plan' . (US term as everyone loves to plan a birth) and suggested possible birthing centers, rather than hospitals to give birth in.
Doula in Greek means a woman who serves. Although when it comes to labour support the doula is a specially trained birth companion (not friend or loved one) who provides labour support and post partum (after the birth).
I've already subscribed to an open house at St Luke's which is affliated with a larger hospital. St Luke's philosophy focuses on the wellness of the mother during childbirth and postpartum.
As for the invasive testing. I've decided not to do the Amnio. I feel confident in the results from the blood tests. I have my 19th week scan next week where we can find out whether it is a boy or a girl. Or will we? Lots to think about.
1 comment:
Very insightful and straightforward. Thanks and am in my first week. 15 Weeks Pregnancy Complications
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