Had my appt today, a week later because I wanted it with a specific provider. First, the "stats":
Weight: up 20 pounds (eek!!)
Blood pressure: 100/58 (yay!)
Fundus: "about right" (whatever that means!)
Heartbeat: 160s (but baby still doesn't like the doppler!)
A touch of sugar in my urine, hopefully that was just the flavored water I had drank before the appt.
I had a list of some of the "more controversial" things I wanted to talk to him about. First on my list was the gestational diabetes screen...I plan on doing home monitoring and bringing my log in at my next appt. He said not a problem, whatever was easier on me, and he agreed that it likely would give us a better picture of how my body is controlling my sugars with my normal diet.
Second on my list was to discuss what the birthing center gives to me post partum, like stool softener, witch hazel pads, peri bottle, motrin, etc. I know that the "regular" labor and delivery ward gives these things, but I didn't know what the birthing center gave. He said I'm covered though, they provide everything plus comfrey pads and frozen pads. Good!
Third on my list was to ask about Rhogam. I fully understand and agree with the post partum dose if baby is Rh+ (which both of my boys are) but I've never understood the 28 week dose. So I told him what I've researched and asked him a few questions: 1. Why 28 weeks and not some other week? 2. What are my chances of becoming sensitized by a silent bleed? 3. If I receive the 28 week dose, what are my chances of being sensitized? He told me that he honestly didn't know, no one had ever asked him before. So he said "it's up to you, you can certainly decline the dose, but let me do some research and see if I can find some numbers for you." How's THAT for a response!!!
So as I was at the receptionist on my way out, he came up to me with a big book and said "hang on a minute, I might just be able to get your those numbers before you leave." The book (which I forgot to write down the title and author, bummer) said that the chances of a silent bleed leading to sensitization was 1.8%, but with the 28 week dose was 0.07%. He coudln't find anything saying why 28 weeks, so he asked his partner who said that it's because the shot is good for 12 weeks, and there was a big jump in the number of silent bleeds beginning at 28 weeks. I wondered out loud "I wonder why a big jump at 28...what's happening in fetal development around then? Is baby's circulatory system maturing, or maybe is the placenta starting to lower its function, or does it have to do with size of baby and the stress on mom's circulatory system...?" He put his hand on my shoulder and said "you need to stop thinking so much!" I said "stop thinking, why?!" He said "I can literally see smoke coming out of your ears! YOu're overthinking this a lot, it's good to research and try to understand and make an educated decision, but sometimes it's possible to have too much information!" I understand what he was saying, but I definitely don't think I'm researching this too much. I mean, Rhogam is a blood product, I need to call the lab to see if it's mercury free, but it's not without its negatives. So I need to make sure I'm fully informed if I decide to accept it.
Anyway...an overall very good appt!
Tomorrow I have a prenatal appt with the ped to go over what I want and don't want for the newborn exam...no circ, no eye ointment, no HepB, I still have questions about VitK though.
Weight: up 20 pounds (eek!!)
Blood pressure: 100/58 (yay!)
Fundus: "about right" (whatever that means!)
Heartbeat: 160s (but baby still doesn't like the doppler!)
A touch of sugar in my urine, hopefully that was just the flavored water I had drank before the appt.
I had a list of some of the "more controversial" things I wanted to talk to him about. First on my list was the gestational diabetes screen...I plan on doing home monitoring and bringing my log in at my next appt. He said not a problem, whatever was easier on me, and he agreed that it likely would give us a better picture of how my body is controlling my sugars with my normal diet.
Second on my list was to discuss what the birthing center gives to me post partum, like stool softener, witch hazel pads, peri bottle, motrin, etc. I know that the "regular" labor and delivery ward gives these things, but I didn't know what the birthing center gave. He said I'm covered though, they provide everything plus comfrey pads and frozen pads. Good!
Third on my list was to ask about Rhogam. I fully understand and agree with the post partum dose if baby is Rh+ (which both of my boys are) but I've never understood the 28 week dose. So I told him what I've researched and asked him a few questions: 1. Why 28 weeks and not some other week? 2. What are my chances of becoming sensitized by a silent bleed? 3. If I receive the 28 week dose, what are my chances of being sensitized? He told me that he honestly didn't know, no one had ever asked him before. So he said "it's up to you, you can certainly decline the dose, but let me do some research and see if I can find some numbers for you." How's THAT for a response!!!
So as I was at the receptionist on my way out, he came up to me with a big book and said "hang on a minute, I might just be able to get your those numbers before you leave." The book (which I forgot to write down the title and author, bummer) said that the chances of a silent bleed leading to sensitization was 1.8%, but with the 28 week dose was 0.07%. He coudln't find anything saying why 28 weeks, so he asked his partner who said that it's because the shot is good for 12 weeks, and there was a big jump in the number of silent bleeds beginning at 28 weeks. I wondered out loud "I wonder why a big jump at 28...what's happening in fetal development around then? Is baby's circulatory system maturing, or maybe is the placenta starting to lower its function, or does it have to do with size of baby and the stress on mom's circulatory system...?" He put his hand on my shoulder and said "you need to stop thinking so much!" I said "stop thinking, why?!" He said "I can literally see smoke coming out of your ears! YOu're overthinking this a lot, it's good to research and try to understand and make an educated decision, but sometimes it's possible to have too much information!" I understand what he was saying, but I definitely don't think I'm researching this too much. I mean, Rhogam is a blood product, I need to call the lab to see if it's mercury free, but it's not without its negatives. So I need to make sure I'm fully informed if I decide to accept it.
Anyway...an overall very good appt!
Tomorrow I have a prenatal appt with the ped to go over what I want and don't want for the newborn exam...no circ, no eye ointment, no HepB, I still have questions about VitK though.
That's what I've heard other mamas do (re: quick birth, good tolerance, no shot) and if you are considering circ it sounds smart. 
Although I must say that I certainly wouldn't encourage circ. 
So, it's a way to support my midwife, 'cause she would respect my decision no matter what but I know what she went through. It's not a super hard decision for me b/c it's not a vaccination, just a vitamin supplement.
i love that you just called her gina.
...but I'll take your word for it that it's HILARIOUS! 
