The Doctor/Hospital Switch Debacle

A few weeks ago, I briefly mentioned that we were unhappy with our doctor after a visit. My doctor had made a comment about wishing I was bigger because my size makes me more prone to needing a C-Section. I was instantly upset/angry/frustrated/discouraged/etc. After we left the appointment, my husband and I decided that maybe – at 35 weeks – we should check out another birthing venue option. So, a few days later, we went to check out the Columbia Center Birthing Hospital.

The facility was really nice. It’s separate from the actual hospital, but still run by the hospital. Supposedly, it gives you a birthing center feel with the security of a hospital. However, you’re still cared for by doctors versus midwives, as in a traditional birth center. When we left the facility, I was feeling really great about the spa-like qualities of the birth center, but was not convinced that any of the doctors were any better than mine.

The hubs and I stopped at one of my favorite lunch spots to grab a quick bite and ran into a friend from high school. As we were catching up, we mentioned our recent visit to the Collumbia Center and she started raving about it. That’s where she delivered – after switching to that hospital at 31 weeks. She said her doc was totally more midwife than OB and was VERY open to natural births and alternative birthing methods. It literally felt like fate that we ran into her. I did a 180 in the restaurant and was totally ready to sign up with this doc.

Unfortunately, when I finally got a hold of the doctor, I discovered that she was totally booked and unable to fit me in for even a visit until July. That wasn’t going to work. I had also considered this guy doc who was recommended, but ultimately, I just couldn’t get over having a guy deliver my baby. SO, I decided the only thing left to do would be to talk to my doctor about her comment and how it made me feel in hopes of getting past the whole thing.

So, at the end of my last appointment, I said to her, “Dr. Kostic, at my last comment, you made a comment about my size making me more prone to C-Sections, and I have to be honest, I left feeling really uncomfortable.” She quickly said, “I like to make sure that my patients are aware of some of the risks beforehand, so I’m not springing things on them at the last second.” This makes sense to me. I continued, “I get that, but with all the negative stories people tell you and the judgey looks I get when I say I want a natural birth, I just really want to know that you trust in my body to do this. I don’t want you going into my labor with this preconceived notion that it’s going to end in the ER.”

She said, “absolutely not” and explained that she is actually known for trying EVERYTHING before resorting to a C-Section.

Ultimately, I think I feel good about the whole thing. I really do like my doctor and while I wish I could have some hippy midwife deliver our girl, I think this option is a pretty good one. It really seems like my doc will work with us to give us the experience we are hoping for… god-willing of course.

So I guess that’s the gist. And really, the little diversion led us right back to where we were before… although maybe a bit more comfortable with our doc.

Symptoms

I’ve still been hard at work trying to bounce, workout, squat, etc this baby down a bit. Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not doing any natural induction methods… just trying to help her move into position to improve the chances of a natural birth. Other than that, things are pretty good.

My hands and feet continue to be my biggest issue. My hands get the worst during sleep and when I wake up… it’s crazy. I’ve been trying to sleep with braces on my hands/wrists, which is supposed to help with the pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel, but sometimes that’s just way too uncomfortable. It’s literally to the point where it hurts my hands to hold my toothbrush in the morning. I’m definitely ready to have my old fingers back.

And my feet. Today I’m wearing tennis shoes at work. For those of you who don’t know me, that probably means nothing. For those of you who do know me, you know that I only wear tennies when I’m working out. Or at least that used to be the case. These feet just can’t be smushed anymore. It hurts way too much.

BUT, on the positive, the hands and feet are manageable and besides that and the fact that I’m a little achy and feeling large and in charge, I feel great!

Anyway, my uncle sent some better pics from the wedding weekend… enjoy!