Our levee just breeched-route to hospital in question

[MamaDee4]

Well, the last remaining levee in Lincoln CO just breeched. Please everyone say a prayer for our little town, which will now be completely flooded on the east side. Not to mention the rest of the eastern farm fields and our major highway linking us to St. Louis.

I don't know exactly how we'll get to the hospital now. It will depend on how much of the highway is covered as to which possible routes we can take. Hopefully, we'll get it figured out in the next few days before baby comes. I don't want to be driving around on country roads looking for a way during labor!

DH says we should just stay home--I don't think he's kidding. I'm not comfortable with that, not having it planned that way. At 42, I want someone there who knows what to do should something happen. If I had a midwife all along, it would be a different story. Too bad a home birth with a midwife is not legal in this backed up birth state.

For now, we're just watching the river.

Dee

[veganf]

I know that people have midwives attend homebirths in CO. Maybe you should give a few a call anyway? And have supplies on hand in case you do end up stuck at home? Hopefully everything will work out fine...is there ambulance access to where you are?

[AmyC]

Wow. I'm sorry for the stress! Is there any official agency or network that can help you plan the best strategy and update you day-to-day on recommended routes? I hope you can consult with someone.

[Materfamilias]

Yes, maybe call a mw or two to have something lined up so you don't end up UCing (not that that's bad, of course, but it doesn't sound like something you want to do).

[madiesmommy]

You could also call the hospital or non-emergency # to your EMTs and ask how to get there with the current flooding. The EMTs would know I'm sure...

[catnap70]

Are you in Lincoln County MO or IL? I am guessing from the description you are outside of St. Louis? I don't think there are a lot of midwives in the St. L area, but midwifery is now legal in MO (this week!!) You might be able to find someone, or if you are in a rural area, do some checking in the nearest Amish community to at least find someone who can help. For me, that would be better than driving over crazy back country roads to find a way through to the hospital and a possible delivery in the car. Or, just come visit me outside of Kansas City. There are enough midwives here!

[JennaW]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I will be praying for you.

[MamaDee4]

Are you in Lincoln County MO or IL? I am guessing from the description you are outside of St. Louis? I don't think there are a lot of midwives in the St. L area, but midwifery is now legal in MO (this week!!) >>>

You know, I heard something about this. What did they decide exactly about midwives here, do you know?

We are in Lincoln CO, Missouri. I do have doula friends who know midwives...trouble is, they are all more toward the city of St. Louis--which I am an hour and a half from anyway. It would take alot longer for them to find me way out here in the country through the detours on roads they don't know than it would for us to meander our way to the hospital, which is not all the way in the city. I do have several home birth friends in my area who would not have to drive on the highway to get to me I could call in an emergency, though. It'd be better than nothing.

It's not that we can't get to the hospital.....it will just take alot longer and the route is up in the air right now until the flood water makes it way across the highway and they figure it all out. No one knows exactly where the water will end up except that the rest of Winfield, MO will flood and the highway will shut somewhere. It's a waiting game. But I'm not due for 10 days or so...........

I called our local authorities this morning and they don't know any details...they're waiting, too.

Dee

[catnap70]

Actually midwifery has been legal, only for CNMs with medical back up. It is now also legal for CPMs to practice. The challenge to the bill that was passed in '07 was thrown out by the MO Supreme Court this past week. We are still in a waiting period where a rehearing can be requested but apparently it is extremely rare for the Court to rehear a case. So, in essence, CPMs are now legal. Hope you can find a good alternative--and in 10 days maybe the water will recede enough for roads to be passable.

[lspelle]

Ugh that is just horrific!

The floods this year are just crazy!

[goldingoddess]

How far along are you?

[MamaDee4]

Actually midwifery has been legal, only for CNMs with medical back up. It is now also legal for CPMs to practice.>>>

You are correct. I should have said that. But.....since an MD has to back up a midwife.....and MD's don't want to play second fiddle to a midwife, homebirths with midwives just don't happen around here. So does the ruling mean midwives can do a home birth on their own?

That would change alot here.

Dee

[catnap70]

Yep. I am not clear if it is in effect after the waiting period for re-hearing has passed or not, but I don't think so. You might just call some mws, if you can find one locally, and see what they are doing. I was under the impression that there weren't many available in your area.

[so_blessed]

Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[Kidzaplenty]

Keeping you in my prayers. You do have a little bit before you are "due", so perhaps it will be fixed by then? Or maybe there is some alternative place you feel safe to go?

[bluebirdmama]

I hope there's been some improvement over there in the last few days...
a drive to the hospital with contractions is bad enough without the extra stress of looking for a passable route. thinking of you.

[MamaDee4]

Well, they did shut the highway last Saturday....but it's not as far south as I thought it would be. So.....we do have a route. It's more gravel and bumps, but not as bad as we originally feared. Yeah!

Now if these crampy CX would give way to real ones, we'd be getting somewhere!

Thanks for all your thoughts. I can't help thinking of any pregnant women who actually did have their house flood when they were due......we are lucky, here.

Dee