Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 Years Ago...
10 years ago today I answered the phone. It was Tuesday morning and Mom's friend, Mandie, was calling. She sounded frantic and said that the World Trade Center had been attacked by terrorists. My 14-year-old self had no idea what the World Trade Center was and just said, "Huh?". She told me to just turn on the news and tell Mom and then hung up. I walked over, turned on the TV...and the world changed in an instant.
It's hard to remember how things used to be before that fateful day. You could walk on a plane, barely having to go through a metal detector. You didn't think twice about someone wearing a hijab...if you even knew what that was. Islam was one of the world's fastest growing religions, but many Americans didn't know much about it. And who had ever heard of Rudy Guliani? (In South Carolina anyway?) Everything was flipped in an instant. Suddenly families became closer, or they were torn apart. Churches were packed. Lives were forever changed. Then, an instant later it seemed, we were at war.
And here we are, 10 years later, fighting that same battle. As a Navy spouse I don't pretend that I've faced the kind of fears that my Army and Marine counterparts have. May God bless the men and women on the front lines, as well as those left behind. Both are doing battle. May God bless the leaders of our country with wisdom in these uncertain times. I am not nearly as thankful as I should be for the freedom and peace we experience every day. May God bless those we battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. I pray for their hearts to be changed to the glory and praise of God Himself. And, most of all today, may God bless those who lost loved ones in the towers, the Pentagon, or in Pennsylvania. Our prayers are with you.
God Bless America.
It's hard to remember how things used to be before that fateful day. You could walk on a plane, barely having to go through a metal detector. You didn't think twice about someone wearing a hijab...if you even knew what that was. Islam was one of the world's fastest growing religions, but many Americans didn't know much about it. And who had ever heard of Rudy Guliani? (In South Carolina anyway?) Everything was flipped in an instant. Suddenly families became closer, or they were torn apart. Churches were packed. Lives were forever changed. Then, an instant later it seemed, we were at war.
And here we are, 10 years later, fighting that same battle. As a Navy spouse I don't pretend that I've faced the kind of fears that my Army and Marine counterparts have. May God bless the men and women on the front lines, as well as those left behind. Both are doing battle. May God bless the leaders of our country with wisdom in these uncertain times. I am not nearly as thankful as I should be for the freedom and peace we experience every day. May God bless those we battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. I pray for their hearts to be changed to the glory and praise of God Himself. And, most of all today, may God bless those who lost loved ones in the towers, the Pentagon, or in Pennsylvania. Our prayers are with you.
God Bless America.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Midwife Post
I know I've been promising it for a while and here it is! The answer to the question everyone asks:
"Leigh Anne, why oh why did you choose to see a midwife instead of a real doctor??"
First of all, let me answer a more basic question, "What exactly is a midwife?" I think many people picture midwives either as Hebrew women refusing to throw babies into the Nile or untrained/minimally trained women who deliver babies primarily in the home. While the both images are correct historically, neither are true of midwives today. In the interest of specificity (booyah, big words!) I should clarify that I'm seeing a Nurse-Midwife, which is the nationally board-certified variety of midwife. Some facts about Nurse-Midwives:
*Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have completed graduate-level training in midwifery and who have passed a national certification exam.
*Nurse-midwifery practice is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives can prescribe medication in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives practice in homes, birth centers, clinics, and hospitals.
(http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
Question? Comments? Concerns? Ok then...moving on.
Why did I choose to see a midwife instead of an OB/GYN?
1. I am comfortable with the care that a midwife provides. I am a nurse and some of my professors were midwives so I've seen how rigorous their training is and know their philosophy of care. I've also been to a nurse practitioner for "normal" care and a nurse midwife is nothing but a NP for pregnant ladies. So, I had no qualms about trusting a midwife to take care of me.
2. Midwives practice under the auspices of OB/GYNs. So if I need more involved care, it's readily available.
3. Pregnancy is not an unhealthy state of being. Doctors of all varieties (family medicine, cardiology, surgeons, ob/gyn, etc.) are trained in dealing with sick people. They're taught how to spot problems and fix them. NPs and CNMs (Certified Nurse Midwives) are taught to spot problems and refer to a doctor when needed. That's why these nurses are so popular for "well-care". As nurses, we are trained to care for people, not illnesses. When you're ill, you need someone to fix your problem! If you aren't ill, well...ya just need someone watching your back. I'm pregnant, not sick. My CNM will screen me for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and all of those pregnancy-related issues that can crop up. If I develop any problems, they'll either treat me or refer me to one of their ob doctors.
4. CNMs have a record of fewer interventions in labor and delivery. Yes, folks, I'm one of those "crazy ladies" who wants to do this with as few interventions (induction, epidural, etc.) as possible.* Midwives are generally speaking more accepting and prepared for this approach than an OB doctor. OB/GYNs are trained surgeons. They do c-sections almost daily. I don't want someone who is so used to having patients with epidurals and sedation that they don't know what to do with me. I want someone to deliver me who is willing to let me move around with only intermittent monitoring, isn't afraid of a little moaning and groaning, and who will support my desires by not offering me medicine. (UNLESS, of course, it's needed. I'm totally aware of the fact that many many many things can hinder a plan like this and if, say, the baby is breach, I'm fully prepared for the possibility of a c-section. I just...would like to avoid those types of things if I can.) Midwives are trained with a focus on normal labor and delivery. They can manage most interventions (i.e. epidural) but are more likely than an OB to try natural pain management techniques first.
So, to sum up: "Midwives approach birth, puberty, and menopause as normal life events rather than potential medical emergencies. These are times when women need special education or support, but nobody needs to cure or fix them. Midwives believe that if women are given the correct information, they can make safe and satisfying choices. Midwives are trained to recognize complications early and refer you for appropriate care. In a midwife you’ll find the best of health care and human support in one savvy professional." (http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
*A note on natural childbirth: Again, my reasons for going this route revolve around #3 above. Pregnancy is not a "sick" state. It's a totally normal phase in a woman's life and my body was designed to carry and deliver a baby. Women have been giving birth forever! Labor is not a "problem" that needs to be "fixed" with medicine. Also, part of the labor and delivery process is a series of hormones that are released. Right after birth is the biggest endorphin (happy hormone) rush that you'll ever get. This helps you bond w/ baby. Pain meds and such interrupt that natural cycle so you don't get that hormone rush. I want to feel the rush, man!
Ok, I think those are the biggest reasons for my choice. I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions! I know this can be a touchy topic and the last thing I want is to offend anyone. Thoughts, folks?
"Leigh Anne, why oh why did you choose to see a midwife instead of a real doctor??"
First of all, let me answer a more basic question, "What exactly is a midwife?" I think many people picture midwives either as Hebrew women refusing to throw babies into the Nile or untrained/minimally trained women who deliver babies primarily in the home. While the both images are correct historically, neither are true of midwives today. In the interest of specificity (booyah, big words!) I should clarify that I'm seeing a Nurse-Midwife, which is the nationally board-certified variety of midwife. Some facts about Nurse-Midwives:
*Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have completed graduate-level training in midwifery and who have passed a national certification exam.
*Nurse-midwifery practice is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives can prescribe medication in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
*Nurse-midwives practice in homes, birth centers, clinics, and hospitals.
(http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
Question? Comments? Concerns? Ok then...moving on.
Why did I choose to see a midwife instead of an OB/GYN?
1. I am comfortable with the care that a midwife provides. I am a nurse and some of my professors were midwives so I've seen how rigorous their training is and know their philosophy of care. I've also been to a nurse practitioner for "normal" care and a nurse midwife is nothing but a NP for pregnant ladies. So, I had no qualms about trusting a midwife to take care of me.
2. Midwives practice under the auspices of OB/GYNs. So if I need more involved care, it's readily available.
3. Pregnancy is not an unhealthy state of being. Doctors of all varieties (family medicine, cardiology, surgeons, ob/gyn, etc.) are trained in dealing with sick people. They're taught how to spot problems and fix them. NPs and CNMs (Certified Nurse Midwives) are taught to spot problems and refer to a doctor when needed. That's why these nurses are so popular for "well-care". As nurses, we are trained to care for people, not illnesses. When you're ill, you need someone to fix your problem! If you aren't ill, well...ya just need someone watching your back. I'm pregnant, not sick. My CNM will screen me for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and all of those pregnancy-related issues that can crop up. If I develop any problems, they'll either treat me or refer me to one of their ob doctors.
4. CNMs have a record of fewer interventions in labor and delivery. Yes, folks, I'm one of those "crazy ladies" who wants to do this with as few interventions (induction, epidural, etc.) as possible.* Midwives are generally speaking more accepting and prepared for this approach than an OB doctor. OB/GYNs are trained surgeons. They do c-sections almost daily. I don't want someone who is so used to having patients with epidurals and sedation that they don't know what to do with me. I want someone to deliver me who is willing to let me move around with only intermittent monitoring, isn't afraid of a little moaning and groaning, and who will support my desires by not offering me medicine. (UNLESS, of course, it's needed. I'm totally aware of the fact that many many many things can hinder a plan like this and if, say, the baby is breach, I'm fully prepared for the possibility of a c-section. I just...would like to avoid those types of things if I can.) Midwives are trained with a focus on normal labor and delivery. They can manage most interventions (i.e. epidural) but are more likely than an OB to try natural pain management techniques first.
So, to sum up: "Midwives approach birth, puberty, and menopause as normal life events rather than potential medical emergencies. These are times when women need special education or support, but nobody needs to cure or fix them. Midwives believe that if women are given the correct information, they can make safe and satisfying choices. Midwives are trained to recognize complications early and refer you for appropriate care. In a midwife you’ll find the best of health care and human support in one savvy professional." (http://www.mymidwife.org/Midwifery-101)
*A note on natural childbirth: Again, my reasons for going this route revolve around #3 above. Pregnancy is not a "sick" state. It's a totally normal phase in a woman's life and my body was designed to carry and deliver a baby. Women have been giving birth forever! Labor is not a "problem" that needs to be "fixed" with medicine. Also, part of the labor and delivery process is a series of hormones that are released. Right after birth is the biggest endorphin (happy hormone) rush that you'll ever get. This helps you bond w/ baby. Pain meds and such interrupt that natural cycle so you don't get that hormone rush. I want to feel the rush, man!
Ok, I think those are the biggest reasons for my choice. I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions! I know this can be a touchy topic and the last thing I want is to offend anyone. Thoughts, folks?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Random Thoughts
Little thoughts...each too small to become their own post...
- The thought occurred to me the other day. Right now is the safest this baby will be its whole life. Right now it doesn't eat anything, go anywhere, do anything that I'm not a part of. Once he or she is born I'll have to think about watching her on the changing table or making sure the side rail on the crib is up when I put him to bed. And then comes mobility! Having to watch what is going in the mouth, where those little feet are taking this little one. Oh yes, it's very comforting to know that, for this brief space of time at least, I am the one determining what's getting to my baby.
- I have no idea how the dogs are going to react this this little one. Wow...that's gonna be a doozie.
- I'm still not really showing, which I'm glad about actually. I'm not having to buy new clothes yet, I'm not uncomfortable, and I'm telling myself that this may mean that the baby will be on the smaller side at birth. If I'm completely off base on the last one, please don't tell me. =) But, not "popping out" yet does have its down sides. For instance, when I go to the store and don't want to lift something heavy (bag of mulch, huge bag of dog food, etc.) no one is offering to help me and I feel like a heel asking for help. Because I look perfectly capable! You can't see the light-headedness and nausea that well up when I bend over and stand up too quickly. I don't look like someone who shouldn't be lifting heavy stuff...I just look lazy. And maybe a little chubby. Blech.
- Along those "not showing yet" lines...it's also super-awkward to be one of the younger and smaller people in a yoga class and having to modify every. single. move. because I can't breathe or I'm dizzy or something. And I can't lay on my back for long periods of time so that extended period of "meditation" (read: napping) at the end of the class? Yeah, I was totally curled up on my side.
- We still have no idea where we'll be when this baby is actually born. Oh, Navy.
- I'm surprised at how relaxed I am about this whole, you know, MAJOR LIFE CHANGE. But, as much as I feel like I should be freaking out, I'm really not. (This doesn't surprise those friends/family of mine who were present for the bridesmaid dress catastrophe at my wedding, but still...) God is in control and as many uncertainties as we are facing we know that He is still sovereign. I mean, I know that I have a lot to do but I'm not rushing out to paint a room or buy a lot of stuff. See previous point.
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