because I’m flush with oxytocin. (And happy.)
I’m thinking of names, and, since it’s easier and just as fun, her blog name: Scout.
After the ultrasound I had the best “doctor’s appointment” ever, with one of the midwives I see. It was my first time seeing her; she’s an older-ish lady. Comfortable, calm, confident, and what she told me was exactly what I needed to hear, exactly what I need to do mixed in with all the other preparation I’m doing. She talked to me (and Tom, who was wrestling Susan and Spot), for an unhurried twenty minutes or more, answering all my questions and allaying fears I didn’t even know I had. She thought it was nonsense (related to H1N1 fears) that AF hospital is no longer doing tours. Said she would look into it, and that in the meantime I should call them up some day when they are over there delivering and come tag along.
Sometimes when I talk to people (or even think about) my hopes for a more physiological birth this time, I get the impression (even hear voices in my head) that people wish I’d just go along, do what I’m told, not make this any harder than it has to be, be a good girl, why are you making a fuss,why are you being so difficult, just let the experts do their thing. It’s really disheartening, discouraging.
Talking with this midwife was the opposite of that. She was like a modern-day wise woman, a believer in women. She asked what books I was reading, nodded, said that I could take time to stop thinking, to meditate, to practice being in the moment, not allowed to think about the conversation I had that morning with my mom, or to think ahead to what I’ll make for dinner, but to listen, to feel, to be, right then. She thinks I can smile between contractions, because I’ve gotten to where I can rest, relax, enjoy the peace between when there is not a before or an after.
Maybe this sounds prescriptive, and maybe if I were in a different stage of preparation or experience it would’ve felt like “should,” but instead it felt exactly right, like something concrete I can do right now. I wish I’d thought to tape our conversation. (And that is not something I’ve ever thought before after time spent at the doctor’s.)
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Yea for another girl!!! Congratulations.
An even bigger congrats for finding such a great provider. I wish I lived close enough to seagull fountain to see your midwife group, but alas, I am far, far away.
Ooh, she.
congrats! I’m sure she’ll be a gorgeous addition to your family.
A girl!! Hooray!!
I love those midwives, they’re marvelous.
I love that you had such a great appointment. The ability to stay in the moment is key, I think, to embracing labor, rather than fighting it. Now I need some of that advice myself when I’m frantic with loss of sleep.
Well, the good thing about having another girl is that you don’t have to buy anything new. Love the Harper Lee reference – Scout. *sigh* such a great name.
It is truly a miracle how God creates our bodies and you will be amazed at how easy it is to relax and enjoy the moments between contractions. You will actually find yourself thinking that it’s over like “wow, I feel great now. I don’t need. oh, wait, okay it sucks again.”
I have no doubt you will do great and be glad that you chose the path you did.
Now that I’ve re-read my comment it sounds like I’m not excited about it being a girl. Of course I’m thrilled – Dick now has a straight – a winning hand by any standards. And what Daddy couldn’t possibly be thrilled to have that many beautiful girls doting on him?
SO happy for you! And yes, still jealous.
I can’t wait to meet your little Scout. I guess now it’s the only scout you’ll ever have…you lucky girl.
(Yes, I know there are girl scouts, but it’s just not the same. You’ve dodged a HUGE bullet. Just ask me, and it’s only starting for me….ugh.)
And I love the advice from your doctor. I think I need to take some of that advice too.
See you soon!
A girl?!?!?!!? YAY! I happen to love girls. And you make very cute girls… so it is rad all around.
And I am sorry to rain on your parade… but I totally have to nix Scout. That is my BIL dog’s name.
Congrats again! And your midwife sounds like a rockstar!!!
I am truly so happy and excited for you and this pregnancy. I think you’re in such a great place and the midwife you’ve found is perfect for you. Congrats on another girl–yay for hand-me-downs (and a few new things thrown into the mix).