We're getting a little closer every day. I'm now 31 weeks pregnant and checking lots of 'to do' things off my list! I finally got my H1N1 vaccine on Monday. I've had no noticable side-effects other than a small bruise at the injection site - that's still there! We've also met with three different pediatric offices, with just one more to go. We've been to two larger practices, one single-doctor practice and next week we meet with a three-doc operation. For the already-moms reading this, any thoughts? I've ruled one of the larger practices out, but I like both of the other doctors I've met with and can see the benefits or a large or small practice. What to do... what to do...?
Michael and I also attended our first "birth class" at Cartersville Medical Center last night, where we plan to deliver Baby G. It was led by a labor and delivery nurse who was very informative, shared personal stories and showed us 'props' that we may run into in the delivery room - like the epidural needle (which I'm planning to see again and use) and listening devices to hear baby's heartbeat and gauge the intensity of the contractions.
We also viewed a short video of a couple's "birthing journey" so we'd get a little better glimpse of what we're in for. I gave Michael several helpful hints for what would or would not be acceptable based on what the father in the video was doing. I'm sure that he appreciated that. Of course, the rules could certainly change come "game time."
Next week, we get to finish the what to expect portion and tour the maternity ward. After that, I feel like I'll definitely be better prepared in terms of what to bring and what to expect. (Not counting all the things that will change in the course of the delivery and the levels of pain). Yay!
And... we're still eagerly awaiting our probably-middle-of-the-night phone call from Mandy and Nick...! They only have 10 days until the due date, so it's getting to be crunch time.
Note to Mandy and Nick: I have a lot of housekeeping and organizational types of chores planned around the house this weekend. I'd GLADLY leave them for another day should Baby A choose to make his big debut!
6 years ago
My suggestion for the ped choice is to avoid a one doctor practice. Well, unless they have other doctors on call and weekend hours, etc, with other practices. Our practice has about 7 doctors, tons of nurses who call you back within the hour during office hours and after hours. We also have regular Sat hours. I have used all of these things multiple times. Usually larger practices have more people to get in touch with you quickly and see you on short notice. Trust me, when the baby is sick, you will be way more worried than you are if you or Michael is sick, and you will want to talk to someone right away, especially in the middle of the night. We talked to the after hours nurse 4 times in the night when Charlotte had croup and if we hadn't had that available, we would have spent a miserable night in the ER since we were so unfamiliar with croup and worried about the weird noises she was making. Larger practices usually have more of these services and more people to get back to you quickly. This would be my take on it, but I haven't met any of the docs you talked to so you have to go with your gut. You can always change if you are unhappy.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is to look at the epidural needle as your friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything Emily said about the ped! Some of the practices here in Birmingham even have Sunday hours, which would be WONDERFUL (ours doesn't). It seems like everything always occurs in the middle of the night or Sunday! It also goes without saying, but make sure that whichever office you choose has a "Well Baby" room and a "Sick" area...you definitely don't want to pick up a sickness if you're just in for a check-up. The nurses will be your main point of contact (for those middle of the night bugs, anyway)...so pay attention to what you see/hear when you visit.
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