Are you happy with your provider?

In my opinion, birthing a baby is one of the single most important events of your life. And not only is it a super important life event, but it's a super important life event that is medically related. Feeling 110% comfortable with the care you receive during your pregnancy and the care you will receive during your birth isn't too much to ask.

If you are considering changing providers because you aren't feeling completely comfortable with the one you're with, here's some good indicators that it's time for a change (List from "Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth"):

*You spend a long time in the waiting room at every visit-a sign that your provider has more patients than they can comfortably handle.

*Exams are rough or uncomfortable.

*Your care provider dismisses, challenges, or demeans your questions, or responds with "Why do you want to know?"

*You feel like you can't be honest with your provider about your activities.

*When you call with a question, your call isn't taken or isn't returned promptly.

*You don't like the other care providers in the group practice.

*The hospital where your care provider delivers doesn't have features that you want, such as water birthing facilities.

* (From my own personal list) You don't agree with your providers views on such things as pain management, inductions, c-sections, etc.

During my first pregnancy I was going to a regular ob/gyn office, but felt like I was being herded through like one of a million. I just didn't feel comfortable, so a few months into the pregnancy I decided I just wasn't ok with the care I was receiving and decided to ask around for other options (which is how I ended up at a midwife practice). If you have any concerns or doubts, don't hesitate to find something you feel comfortable with. And don't let how far along you are in your pregnancy hold you back!! My sister changed providers 2 weeks before her due date!! It wasn't easy to find someone that late in the game, but obviously someone will take you in if they have your best interest in mind.

Ask your friends for suggestions of providers, send out a mass text to all your mom friends, ask on facebook...modern technology is a blessing when it comes to asking for advice on a large scale. Whatever you do, just make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your prenatal care and the views of your provider for your birth! And just know that it's never too late to look for other options!!

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Pack your bags!!

I am such a procrastinator, so I really wasn't one to have a hospital bag packed much in advance. Plus, some things are last minute things anyways. But, it's still important to get it done! Here's a list that might help you out as you pack your bags to get ready for your hospital stay for your babies birth.

1. I absolutely say this is the most important. CHAPSTICK! I don't know what it is about labor and childbirth (perhaps all the heavy breathing during labor?) that makes your lips so dry. I remember not having any during my second birth experience and making my husband go get some. I applied it often and liberally throughout the remainder of labor.

2. Toiletries. Deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, make-up, hair elastics, shampoo, conditioner. Basically, everything you'd take if you were going on a trip where none of those things are provided.

3. Comfy clothes, socks, and slippers. I most certainly did take my housecoat with me the second time, and most certainly enjoyed wearing that over having to wear the hospital gown. And I was thankful to have some comfy socks to keep my cold feet warm on those cold hospital floors.

4. Photo ID, insurance card, birth plan, checks or credit card. This would probably not be the best time to forget such items.

5. Delicious snacks. Not that places let you eat while you are laboring. But afterwards, when you are starving like you haven't eaten in days, and all you're getting is bland hospital foods, you'll be happy to have some good snacks on hand.

6. Anything that will help you be comfortable, relax, or take your mind off of the pain. Whether this is in the form of an IPOD with your favorite music, a favorite book, or pictures of your family. Personally, I didn't have time for any of this stuff, but I know others find it useful.

7. Important phone numbers. Some hospitals don't allow cell phones (Crazy, I know!) Or some have really bad cell reception, thus sucking battery life out of your phone. Whatever may happen, it's always a good idea to have the important numbers written down somewhere in case you can't get them off of your cell phone.

8. Comfortable clothes for the ride home. I had jeans to wear home, but luckily also had some comfy pants. Maybe it's just me, but why would I even want to wear jeans?? I say comfy clothes going home are a necessity.

9. Your babies going home outfit. It's always so fun picking out the perfect outfit to take your new baby home in. Although, keep in mind, unless your baby is above average, the clothes are going to swallow them, so try to pick the tiniest thing available.

10. Comfortable undergarments. This is a time when "granny panties" are, in every way, ok. And needed! And whether your are going to nurse or not, make sure you have a comfortable supportive bra.

11. If you are planning to nurse, make sure you have some nipple cream. Whether it's your first baby or 5th, you'll need it!

Some last minute items (Electronics of course!):

-Camera and charger. I try to make sure the camera stays charged those last few weeks of pregnancy, and make sure it stays in a place that will be easy to grab when it's time to get to the hospital. And make sure you have plenty of storage space ready to go on your camera.

-Cell phone and charger. As previously mentioned, if you can use your cell phone, it might not get good reception in the hospital, so make sure you have a charger since it's battery life will go quicker.

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What I Wish I Had Known #1

Although I didn't take child birth classes or anything, I felt like I educated myself pretty well on pregnancy and childbirth reading books and articles online. There were some things that I still wasn't informed of, though, that I wish I'd known.

If I was asked which thing I wish I had known the most, just so I could prepare myself mentally, it would be that they will push and massage your stomach after birth to make sure there are no blood clots and to help the uterus contract and go back to it's normal size.

From my perspective, it was the most painful part of the birthing process. I think I may have cried when they did it, but ya know...it's all a blur. But I do so clearly remember how painful it was.

From what I've read online, some people say it isn't necessary. All I know is that they did it after both of my babies were born. I've also read that some people didn't think it was that painful, so I guess it's a matter of perspective or your level of pain tolerance (Although I did birth a baby with out an epidural, so I'd say my pain tolerance is pretty high.)

So there you have it. Now you can prepare yourself mentally for this part, a benefit I didn't have first time around. You're welcome.

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