The first checkup!

Status 6w4d

First off, since it's after midnight.....

Happy 5th Birthday 

Big Brother

Eli!!!

Now that that's taken care of, moving on to the point of this post. Yesterday, I had my first appointment with one of the midwives who will be caring for us during this pregnancy. We have chosen to work with a new set of midwives this time - Debbie Schneider and Constance Conn of Dawning Life Midwifery. 

I saw Debbie yesterday, along with Ashley (one of the apprentices). We had a two hour visit, during which we reviewed my history, current health status, concerns, work/life habits, etc. You name it, we probably touched on it. They also did the usual urine and BP check - I need to drink more water, but my BP was good. 

Then, Debbie felt my belly. She told me that there shouldn't be anything for her to palpate since I was only 6w3d, but then she paused. She could feel my uterus. She pushed on it a few times and asked if I felt what she was pushing on. I said, "yes." She pushed on it some more and asked if I could feel her pushing in my cervix. I said, "Yes." She said my uterus felt about 12 weeks, and asked me if I was sure about my dates. I think I said, "Please don't say that! I'm definitely sure." She reassured me that it was not uncommon for moms on their 4th + pregnancy to have an over-eager uterus, and told me everything would probably even out by 20 weeks. 

Later on this evening, I got a little panicky, and started to feel unsettled. I decided I wanted a second opinion, so I emailed my back-up doctor, Dr. Bootstaylor (I have used him with all my kids, except Eli). 

I also emailed Debbie and told her how I was feeling, and she suggested that I go in for an ultrasound for reassurance. I asked her to send the referral, and I would sleep on it. I'll keep you updated about what I decide to do!

Overall, we had a great appointment. Debbie and I had a brief discussion about my fear of another unassisted birth. She suggested that if I felt like I needed someone at my house earlier than was typical, that would be something they could accommodate. So that's something I will have to think about. My next midwife appointment is September 30th. 

Peace, love, and happy gestating!