To be a good parent, you’ll quickly find that you have to say “NO” an awful lot.
I was surprised to find when first pregnant that the fine art of NO actually starts well before the child even leaves the confines of the womb and has nothing to do with discipline.
If you want to naturally parent your child (which of course starts even before conception), you’re going to be a bit counter-cultural and end up saying NO to doctors quite a bit. Just hope they don’t throw tantrums like your eventual 1-year-old will. 
Take heart – I have a list of my Top 10 Baby Steps to take as you move towards real food living. Whether you want to get healthy while pregnant or get your family turned around in their nutrition, you won’t want to miss it!
What I Refused at Prenatal Appointments
The “refused” is in past tense because currently, for baby no. 4, I have a certified nurse midwife for the first time ever, and the experience has been totally different.
But I was in regular OB offices for the other three, so I got pretty well-versed at what I wanted to refuse (and those changed over the pregnancies as well as I read more and educated myself on what standards and norms are really necessary, what are just fluff, and what might actually be harmful).
1. Prenatal Vitamins and Other Ways to Get Enough Nutrients
This is definitely one subject on which I’ve changed a lot over the years, although I was wary of prenatal vitamins even with my first pregnancy. Why? I had just read the list of the artificial colors a pregnant woman should avoid, which included yellow number 6. Guess where I found it, among dozens of places? The prenatal vitamins. That didn’t make sense to me! (But I took them anyway. I didn’t have enough practice saying “NO” yet I guess…)
I don’t think minerals made from rocks are the best for our bodies and vitamins packed so solidly together rarely are digested well anyway, I went an alternative route with number three. I was told with baby two that the big difference between prescription prenatals and over-the-counter versions is that you can get the recommended 1200 mcg of folic acid only in a prescription; OTCs just have 800.
Folic acid is of particular importance the first trimester to avoid spinal bifida, so I went a 50/50 route: one bottle of prescription prenatals and some Garden of Life “raw” vitamins made from actual foods, taking them each every other day. And I ate spinach whenever I could, red meat, and liver (in capsule form mostly!). After first trimester I just stuck with my regular food-based vitamins and supplements, including fermented cod liver oil (FCLO is no longer irrefutably trustworthy, so do your research!).
For baby four, I ordered Folate 800 mcg (as Metafolin) Solgar 100 Tabsplain old folate for the first trimester, a brand I saw recommended on Chris Kresser’s site, and I made liver “pills” by cutting up raw liver into small pieces and freezing them on a cookie sheet. I’m embarrassed to admit how few times I remembered to take the liver lumps though. They’re not exactly as convenient as pills in a bottle!
My tips to get them down:
- Cut small. Mine were a little large and scraped a bit going down, ugh.
- I found if I put 4 on a little plate or dish and left them for 5 minutes, they were still palatable but didn’t scrape. Much better!
- Just do it. Lots of water to chase, etc. Take at least four, but likely double that would be better!
- Of course: grassfed, organic liver ONLY. Hopefully you know your farmer already. Do NOT eat raw organ meats from a grocery store or random butcher. In fact, do not take my word for any of this. Do your own research and make sure you’re comfortable with the choices you’re making. I’m no expert, just another mom.
But seriously…just do the capsules. So. Much. Easier. On all sides! Use the code KS10 to get 10% off at Perfect Supplements, where they also carry the prenatal above, cod liver oil, and a great probiotic.
Did you know that essential oils have a shelf life?
Katie here, popping in to tell you that those essential oils that have been sitting in your cabinet for a couple years and are still half full may have expired. Read more about what I learned when researching this topic, and you can even have the handy printable I made to help me remember how long which oils last.
2. What to Consider About Extra Ultrasounds During Pregancy
With baby number three, we didn’t know the exact due date when we first conceived (NFP always allowed me to know perfectly before I ever called the doc with no. 1 and 2, but let’s say we were lazily charting when no. 3 came along!!). I could have had an ultrasound to determine gestational age at my first appointment. I said, “Nah, not necessary,” and the doctor said, “If we can’t hear the heartbeat at the next appointment, I’m going to make you get an ultrasound.”
Well. I was not impressed with that one. I postponed appointment two for two weeks just to make sure baby was old enough to get a strong heartbeat! I could have taken matters into my own hands a bit better if this awesome due date calculator from Mama Natural had been around then!
With baby four, shoot – I didn’t even decide on my provider or go to any appointments until…um…the first trimester was totally finished!
Any ultrasound exposes baby and mom to an external influence, and although we do the one standard at 20 weeks or so (for better or worse), I try not to do any extras. There’s some research (that I read years ago, sorry) that indicates ultrasounds may impact baby’s hearing eventually. Regardless of physical risk that may or may not exist, there’s the reality of “intervention leading to intervention” which can become a slippery slope.
My babies one and two both ended up with very late-term ultrasounds because I started measuring smaller, so when the exact same thing happened with baby three at around the same time, I had to say NO a lot on the extra ultrasound. Had he not been born on a Saturday the doc was going to ‘make’ me get one on Monday. Ha. Not gonna happen…
Guess who started tracking just a wee bit smaller starting at 36 weeks? That’s right, baby #4. Totally not surprised, and the midwife was totally not worried. I’m loving the new relaxed stance here…
Bet you’ve all heard of someone who was told they were going to have a huge baby (and maybe even induced early) because of a late-term ultrasound and then they had a six or seven pounder, right? I just heard that same sad story last night for the umpteenth time. It’s truly amazing how OFF those ultrasound measurements can be, and how much docs depend on them to make major medical decisions (like getting a baby out before s/he is “cooked” all the way in my opinion!).
NATURAL BABY CARE COURSE
I’m so happy to introduce you to Genevieve from Mama Natural. I loved her video series for years before I met her and I’m proud now that our families have become dear friends. She’s such a sweet, genuine woman!
Not only do I love her weekly pregnancy updates, but she is now offering a Natural Baby Care Course. I wish I had this with mine!
Imagine having access to a team of expert health professionals in your home, whenever you need them, as you raise your newborn.
- A holistic pediatrician to give you tips on what to feed your baby.
- A board certified lactation consultant to help you master breastfeeding.
- And a firefighter / CPR instructor to make you aware and prepared.
This is a masterclass in everyday baby care. You’ll be supported for ALL the challenges that come up with baby in this program.
- It’s easy to access. Watch the classes on your own schedule. No traveling across town after a long day at work.
- It’s comfortable. Learn in the privacy of your own home—no sterile classrooms filled with rows of uncomfortable chairs. Simply curl up in your favorite spot and soak it all in.
- It’s fast, but comprehensive. Other baby care courses speed through the most important topics to cover it all. We don’t do that. Instead, we unpack all of the issues that come up postpartum, but we do so in small chunks so you can squeeze the education into your busy life.
- It’s affordable. Our course is priced lower than in-person classes and less than most online alternatives as well.
More of a book person? You must check out Genevieve’s week-by-week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth. It’s the natural answer to “What to Expect” and soooo comprehensive and beautiful!!
3. We Skipped Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
Sometimes it’s invasive, which never seems natural, and no matter what my child was going to turn out like, I would want to accept him or her as a gift and not even be tempted to intervene in a pregnancy. This might be just a touch “green” and mostly my faith speaking, but it’s definitely something I refuse.
UPDATE: Commenters disagree with this one more than any other, for 2 very good reasons:
- As of 2014, testing can be done by blood test and not just amniocentesis. That’s not invasive, which is wonderful!
- If a baby does have an issue that may impact labor (or could be helped by immediate intervention after birth), knowing what’s going on helps medical teams be ready. Still a very personal decision, because it’s not always 100% accurate, but something I’d consider if ever given the opportunity again.
4. Just Say “No” to Extra Internal Exams
Any time something enters the vaginal tract, infection can occur. Near the end of pregnancy, an internal exam can also jump start labor, and I’d rather literally let nature run its course as much as possible.
I get the first exam, but as the due date approaches and the doc wants to “check me” every time, I decline. A woman can walk around at four centimeters dilated for three weeks, stay at nine centimeters for hours, or shoot from four to ten in 30 minutes.
I don’t feel like the knowledge of how things are “progressing” in there does anything but give false hope or stress me out (in labor), so I have always declined internal exams whenever possible.
Did you know that one? How much DO you know about that birth that is to come? Find out with this fun birth IQ quiz! (I was a Birth Master, but it’s ok if you are a Birth Novice – you have time to learn!)
5. Stripping Membranes Is Not Necessary for Labor to Progress
This is days before giving birth to no. 3…
At the end of a pregnancy, many doctors will “strip” the bag of waters and/or break the water by puncturing the amniotic sac to get labor potentially started more quickly. I have friends whose children have been born with the sac intact, so it’s not like it’s necessary for the water to break for a healthy labor. My first two labors ended with the bag of waters breaking while already pushing.
Number three broke in the driveway…which is probably why he was born in the ER after about 2 minutes in the hospital!! That’s not an experience I want to repeat, talk about stressful and the antithesis of a peaceful, natural, lovely birth.
So I see no need to be reaching in there and doing anything to get labor going, no matter if it’s your first and you don’t know what to expect or your sixth. I want baby to stay in the womb and growing as long as both of our bodies sustain that healthy relationship.
This is the first in a five-part series. Here’s the rest:
- Alternatives to the Orange Glucose Drink for Gestational Diabetes Screening
- 5 More Interventions we Refuse in Labor and Delivery
- Natural Parenting During the First Week
- Keep Baby Safe and Healthy with 5 Simple Natural Parenting Goals
- And don’t forget the wealth of wisdom from Mama Natural in this free week-to-week email series to keep you up to date NATURALLY on how baby is growing!
For more of my older posts on pregnancy, since I hardly wrote anything this go ’round, here are all the pregnancy posts here at KS.
Forgot One! The Orange Drink for Glucose Testing…
Enough readers pointed out that I totally missed one, so here’s a whole post on the orange glucose drink for gestational diabetes screening and your viable alternatives to it!
This post includes affiliate links to Perfect Supplements.
I’m really uncomfortable with all the blood test they are wanting to do
My arms are blue and purple I am terrified of needles and also know for a fact I have no sexually transmitted diseases . my question is what blood test are required? I don’t see the point in testing for std’s more then once . how many times will I have to be poked?? I feel like I’ll be forced to be a pin cushion
Anna,
I imagine each doctor sets his/her own standards for “required” – I could be wrong, but I don’t think there are any fed’l requirements for prenatal testing?
Interpreting for a Dr in Nicaragua seeing patients as part of a mission trip, this lady once came in to describe all of her issues. STD. She was so confused. She was in a “monogamous” marriage. 😢🥺. It doesn’t hurt to occasionally have the tests. Especially when others will possibly be needing to do emergency surgery on you.
How exactly is cod liver oil fermented? It was my understanding that fat goes rancid, but cannot ferment.
You know Jenn, I’m really not sure – and the fermented cod liver oil is being called into question to an extent right now. I’m definitely not the person to ask for specifics…sorry about that! Katie
Thank God I found this article; my current OB has been a nightmare and tries to make me and my husband out to be totally crazy, all because we are refusing routine ultrasounds. At 31 weeks, I have, thank God, had a very normal pregnancy. But because I refused the glucose test, the OB is demanding that we do weekly ultrasounds until the baby is born. This is beyond excessive, especially since I haven’t even been diagnosed with GD. (As a compromise to refusing the glucose test, I have used a home monitor and my numbers have been coming back exceptionally LOW and normal, not high.)
I tried to transfer OBs but since I’m beyond 28 weeks, no one will see me. Even the local midwives can’t see me because the OB flagged me as having GD (even though I don’t).
So at this point, one OB has been taking total control of my baby’s future, since he’s essentially blocking me from using another OB or midwife, and demanding me to submit to the ultrasounds if I want him to continue treatment.
I feel like I have no choice at all on what happens to my body, or my baby. There’s something definitely wrong with a system that allows for this kind of thing to happen and allows people like me to fall through the cracks and get harassed. I have a normal pregnancy, and can’t even enjoy it, because as of this moment, we don’t even know if we have a care provider. If an emergency situation does arise, I’ll be left just going to the ER.
Pray for us! And if you’re in a similar situation, getting bullied by your OB, know you’re not alone! Apparently being a mother means you have to fight and advocate for your little one every step of the way.
Ada,
My heart is going out to you this morning! 🙁 How awful to feed trapped like that – but YOU are still the mama growing this baby, nourishing this baby, and you are doing an awesome job. Yes, for sure, you have to advocate every day for your kids, but who knew it started so early! Most likely, you’ll be able to have a natural birth pretty much the way you want, I’m guessing. The doc might try to bully you into procedures but (except in extreme circumstances) you should be able to make all the decisions for baby’s care. When it comes down to it, your baby and you body are 99% in charge of what happens on the day of labor! I pray for you that it goes smoothly and doc isn’t even tempted to push anything on you that you don’t want!! And after the birth you can hightail it out of his office and find a new doc. 🙂
Here’s an example of the birth plan we’ve used in the past – having a birth plan will help all your providers know what you want and also help your husband/birth coach advocate for you when you’re in pain and might not be able to think straight.
http://lifeyourway.net/our-bradley-method-birth-plan/
God bless you!
Katie
As an alternative to the drink and blood test, my midwives allowed me to come in for 4 postprandial tests, one a week, 4 weeks in a row, between 28 and 32 weeks. I passed, and even though it was a pain to go to the extra appointments, I just had to schedule with the lab.
Can you ask your OB what alternate forms of glucose testing you can do? If he says “nothing,” then can you go over his head to the hospital director or something? I had to get officially cleared for GD because I wanted to try to deliver in the labor tub, and the hospital does not allow the midwives to deliver moms with GD in the labor tub.
Wow reading your story is hitting close to home. I am 15wks, first baby, just had an appointment with a midwife last week and got the threat that if I don’t follow their steps for “prenatal” care then they won ‘t help me at all. My first call was to my family doctor when I was 10 wks and just wanted a referral for an ultrasound. Well that secretary ordered me to come in for a physical and pap test first. I said that I believed that was unnecessary and that I didn’t need to see someone, that I just wanted a referral. She responded and said “if you don’t do the physical, then nobody will help you when its time to deliver”. This system is stressing me out instead of letting me be excited about this new experience. What is going on with this so called “health care” or is it “scare care”? They are fear mongering and pressuring mothers to surrender and obey. I was token off guard very badly and have had two break downs of crying due to their threats. Thanks for sharing your experience as I knew that I couldn’t be the only one! I will keep praying for health and happiness.
Oh my! That does sound stressful! Are there other providers that you can meet with in your area to find a better fit? Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope you’re able to find someone else or come to a better understanding with that practice to reduce your stress and have the experience you’re looking for.
I always had a problem with the doctors insisting that I be screened for STDs and HIV as part of my routine blood work for my two pregnancies. I asked what would happen if I refused to consent to the test and they said that I would be treated as a health risk and HIV positive and my baby would be put through extra tests at birth. My husband and I were married for over 6 years by the time of our first doctors appointment, now 12 years. I now say that I’m certified cootie free!
Unfortunately, happy wives, get diagnosed with STD’s all the time. Unrelated, a friend worked at a fertility clinic, & almost daily they were “begged” not to tell the spouse or significant other this or that. Sometimes std related, but sometimes drug or secret vasectomies & tube closures! ❤️ 🙏 praying this is only the unfortunate stories, & never one of us!
I am glad to see no one has posted the same as I experienced: I was pregnant after a series of pregnancy losses. My OB told me over the phone that she was going to have to recommend that I terminate my pregnancy–because I had been bleeding throughout the pregnancy and she thought it was a “cornual” pregnancy (too weakly attached where it turns to the Fallopian tube) and might cause me to bleed to death. I refused that one, kept reading Psalm 139, stayed off my feet all I could and delivered a healthy baby boy…who is now 17. We have two children who made it, and I often long for the full house we’d otherwise have, and shudder to think it could have even been worse. At the time, too, I kept running into others who had similar stories. I wish I’d documented them, because I suspect it’s not as uncommon as it should be in prenatal “care.” A friend posted her similar story recently on facebook and had my comment and another’s saying ours. It happens too much.
Oh! God bless you and that 17yo for whom you certainly are so grateful! Thank you for sharing your story, Connie, may it help someone else…
Katie
Hi,
Thanks so much for sharing, and for standing up for your beliefs.
I also said no to some of these things.
But I opted to have all genetic testing that was recommended, even though I would NOT choose to abort a child with a genetic disorder. The reason is that both in my last pregnancy (with an OB in hospital) and my current pregnancy (midwife practice affiliated with a hospital) I was told by the healthcare providers that knowing of the presence of SOME genetic disorders would allow the hospital to prepare and have any specialist or thing that would be needed given any risks that may be posed AT THE TIME of the birth. Or, if I needed the services and facilities of a different (more specialized or high-risk) hospital altogether, I would be able to plan to go there, rather than needing to be transferred if, God forbid, an unexpected problem were to arise once I was already well into active labor, and checked in. So in other words, it was explained to me that genetic testing is not a simple question of “Would you accept this baby?” or “Would you have an abortion?” It more like, “Let’s be prepared to receive this baby given what he or she will need, based on the knowledge we can have ahead of time.”
Hope this helps other moms-to-be considering genetic testing.
You’ve given me a lot to think about. I have always been quick to get extra ultrasounds because I just love getting to see that baby again. I didn’t know that it could be harmful. I completely agree with turning down genetic testing (I mean, really, it’s pretty much a full-of-cons situation), and stripping membranes. I asked to get my membranes stripped this last time because my friend had just gotten it done and it put her into labor. I had no idea what it exactly meant, I just knew my baby was late and I wanted him out. It didn’t work, just got my hopes up and then I was disappointed again. But as soon as I got it done, I knew I didn’t like the process and won’t be doing that for future pregnancies. Thanks for writing this. I now have ultrasounds and prenatals to think about after reading this.
I’ve had my membranes stripped many times by midwives…when I was 2 weeks overdue. Cause that’s how all 3 of my pregnancies went. And I’d take it over pitocin any day! Didn’t always work, but maybe have helped on at least one occasion.
I have to admit that the last one is a touchy subject. My mother refused to have her water broke when she was pregnant with me. Her original due date was August 15th and I wasn’t born until Sept 25th because she refused to have her water broke. The repercussions of that have affected me long into my adult life to the point that I am infertile. Her body actually started to ABSORB ME!!! There was no sign of distress from the ultra sound and no clues that there was anything wrong. So, my mother continued the “good fight” of “She’ll come out when she’s ready”… I had to be life-flighted from the hospital to a children’s hospital in another state. She didn’t even get to hold me. I had a fever of 103, hepC, Influenza, Strep and Pneumonia. I was in the NICU for almost 6 months. As an adult, I constantly struggle with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormone imbalances and infertility.
My point is, just because you CAN say no, doesn’t mean you SHOULD. The fact is, you aren’t a doctor and although there are a few “quacks” out there, YOU don’t always know what’s best. THEY are trained and schooled for this kind of work. Do you have people coming into your place of work, asking you for help and then telling you how to do your job?
Whoa…I’ve never heard of anyone going that late after a due date! I am so sorry to hear of those massive repercussions for you, both immediately and now. Your mother must struggle with her decision daily. 🙁 I hope I wouldn’t be quite so stubborn after that long…thank you so much for adding your story to the discussion. It’s important for all of us to hear many sides of the story!!
Again, I’m so sorry for this impact on you…
Katie
With my pregnancy I was totally into having the least amount of intervention possible. Everything went good until around 34 weeks when I started having large amounts of protein in my urine. While the doctors will freak out about the smallest of problems, this was a legitimate concern. The protein just kept going up higher even with an extremely heallty diet. I ended up being induced at 37 weeks. After about 36 hours of labor I ended up with a c section and I was completely devastated. I was not prepared at all for a birth like that. I had never read about c sections because that was just never going to happen to me. I was going to go into labor naturally, wait at home until I was ready to go to the hospital, labor unmedicated and without all of the monitors, push out my baby and immeadiatly hold him on my chest. But instead it was the exact opposite. I felt like I was less of a mother and a woman than other women who had given birth naturally. I felt like a failure and hated my body for failing me. I felt robbed and it took me a long time to come to terms. But eventually I understood that giving birth naturally, while I believe is the best way, its not the only right way. In my situation a c section was the only way my baby was going to be born alive. So I’m hoping and praying that my next baby I will be able to have naturally.
Joy,
Praise God for modern medicine!! It definitely has its place, and I’m so glad you had good doctors who did the best thing for you…and what a long, long labor – I’m sure you were not only disappointed but exhausted which had to make things even worse in the moment. There’s a great great post on http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/ about giving grace to moms who wanted a natural birth but didn’t end up with one if you can find it…I have a feeling it will speak to you. God bless your no. 2! 🙂 Katie
Thank you! 🙂
Prenatal were recommended but that’s about it, my doctor never did an internal exam that I can remember, except pap and the beginning. Never even heard of that. Ya the extra ultrasounds were annoying, I didn’t feel my baby enough and that really bothered them. I never went in until the end of month 1 or sometimes 2. There’s really no reason for it. I probably would have waited longer if I had been able to hear the babies heart beat from home. I was very thankful though for an awesome doctor who didn’t push anything. She didn’t like that I didn’t get flu shots but didn’t push it at all.
I can completely agree with most of this but striping the membranes is not the same as having your water broken! Also know that striping is not going to put you into labor if baby isn’t ready! I had my membranes striped by my midwife at 41 weeks and nothing happened, then I had a cervical check at 42 weeks and was barely dialated to a one, two if I was lucky! The next day I went into labor because baby was ready, the striping of the membranes didn’t force my body to do anything. Just a thought! But I did do my care through a birthing center and a midwife and the practice in a natural noninvasive matter. I applaud you all for standing against your OBs I switched care because mine wouldnt accept my No’s!
I am convinced, CONVINCED that my first OB stripped my membranes without telling us on my 40 week appt. He kept pushing us to induce, because “Why would you want to wait any longer? Are you scared? If you’re not ready now, you’ll never be.” The nerve.
He did an internal check, and it was excruciating to the point I was sobbing while gripping my husband’s hand. He then said he was going to call the hospital to start induction, and we would have our baby by Saturday!
He basically made the decision for us and we were too shell shocked and naive to argue with him.
30 hour labor, traumatic delivery…healthy baby girl, thank the Lord.
Natural labor with #2 and it was PERFECT!! Speak up and don’t let them bully you, ladies!
That’s terrible, AP! Your doc should have been charged with assault!
At the risk of sounding totally crazy and infuriating everyone who reads this, I stopped doing hospital prenatals after my first baby was born. I am now pregnant with number six and have had all homebirths, including birthing a set of twins at 41 weeks here at home. I truly believe that, out of ignorance, a lot of doctors suggest needless interventions which are harmful to mothers and babies. Dealing with the pressure of disagreeing with them (“You and your baby are going to die” was actually said to a friend of mine who refused a flu shot while she was pregnant) is a whole other headache that I didn’t feel I had to deal with. I know hospitals are totally great for some people. But I don’t want to be in one or deal with an MD unless I absolutely have to. I’d rather go to my ND and see my midwife. I truly believe it has led to better health for my family.
How about not drinking that chemical mixture for the glucose test? There are options for what you can drink instead that are not chemical-laden drinks. Ask!
www.kidsbestnutrition.com
How funny, I just posted this Georgette – http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2014/10/16/guess-how-many-times-this-pregnant-mama-has-consumed-that-orange-glucose-test-drink/ 🙂 Katie
I do think it’s great that we live in a time where we can do our own research and make informed decisions about our health care. But I also think it’s important to do that research when choosing a health care provider, moreso than when looking at individual interventions. You want to find someone whose medical knowledge and advice you can trust, because the Internet is not a great way to do medical research. You can find information supporting most any decision you want to make. I’m a labor and delivery nurse, so I have the benefit of working with the doctors and midwives on my unit. Some of them I wouldn’t recommend to my worst enemy, and that includes the midwives! But a lot of them are great, and truly want to help educate their patients.
I hope that when people are reading this post they recognize that these are your individual experiences. For example, your babies that measured small might have turned out fine, but there are many babies that measure small, and the mother’s placenta shows that it’s degrading. Leaving the baby in to cook a little longer always sounds good, but if the placenta is no longer working properly, it’s like leaving your food in a cold oven. It stops cooking and it can spoil. This is why it’s more valuable to research your health care provider over what you can and “can’t” say no to with your healthcare. You want to find someone who will explain your specific situation to you and who will help you weight the pros and cons of your decision.
I also think women should weigh the early ultrasound with induction. If you don’t have accurate dates early on, you might end up going to 42 weeks pregnant, but really only be 40 weeks pregnant. 42 weeks is a legitimate medical induction because at that point the placenta isn’t functioning properly, many babies have released their meconium, and the risks (including death) skyrocket. Your doctor (and even midwife, if she’s properly trained) will get rightfully nervous about holding off on induction. But if you have accurate dates, you could avoid that situation (unless you have accurate dates and you’re still hitting 42 weeks).
I think it’s fine if you’re wanting to do alternates for things like glucose testing, but you also have to remember that doctors (and midwives) are dealing with the entire general public, and many people aren’t diligent about doing their research and many of them aren’t compliant about care. After seeing multiple women come in with gestational diabetes who aren’t compliant with their diets (and they and their babies suffer for it), the medical community loses faith that they can trust their patients to follow through on things like alternates and home remedies. They’re not making these recommendations because they enjoy watching women be miserable. It’s because they truly care about the life you’re growing.
Karyne,
Great points about choosing your provider well and even the induction vs. early ultrasound. Since we chart cycles, I always knew my due date more accurately than my provider, but I forget that others could be completely in the dark. And what a good idea to ask a labor & delivery nurse for OB recommendations!!! I wish I lived in your community and could ask you. 🙂 Katie
It’s interesting to hear other perspectives on what is or isn’t necessary! We refuse all genetic testing that carries a risk in the womb for the baby, but we do want to be informed if there are any problems so that we can be prepared at the birth. Our local hospital is very small, so if we knew in advance about a problem needing immediate post-natal treatment we would probably arrange to deliver somewhere else. Our doctor has accepted this very well.
I always want to refuse the glucose test (nasty stuff!) but my doctor husband thinks it’s important. He worked in a diabetic unit at a hospital and also treated some gestational diabetes, so he has seen some of the problems that I haven’t. It makes him comfortable and doesn’t really hurt me, so we go with it.
I didn’t refuse the genectic testing because it wasn’t invasive. All it was: a sonogram and a blood test. I can’t agree on not having one because of just being prepared. At least I wanted to be prepared emotionally and physically for the type of child God has given us. Just my opinion~
Love this article, wish I saw it two years ago when I got my beautiful surprise of being pregnant at 44! I wasn’t even trying and have a 12 yr old daughter. After loosing a baby in 1998 in my previous marriage at 5 months due to a partial molar pregnancy I was overly worried about everything and due to my age and previous loss I was considered high risk. My 12 yr old daughter was born healthy but I did have an epidural since she just couldn’t come out in the end. So this time I wanted to do it natural as much as I could in my situation. I had a great doctor who would give me advice but it was always my choice. And luckily there is now several DNA genetic tests that are simple blood tests so no one needs to do a dangerous amniocentesis anymore. I had the Verify test at 10 weeks and was told we had a healthy baby girl on the way! So please spread the word about this test there are still doctors out there that don’t know about it! Long story short, I did all the ultrasounds (not knowing the risks), glucose test (not knowing the risk, wish I did since I knew it was just from too much Easter candy one day!) and I did all the internal tests, etc.. I think after you have lost a baby you can’t help but need reassurance, etc.. I also was induced with piton at 40 wks since I was high risk, I was really concerned about that one but when they tell you about the risk of still born I knew I had to do what was best for her. She as my other just couldnt get out and luckily I had caved in for the epidural and had to have forceps and if I hadn’t had the epidural it would have been an emergency c section, she and I were just fine Our beautiful baby girl is now 15 months and is healthy as ever and is so smart, we love her and it is really great to have a 13 yr old sister that loves to help out. My husband (10 yrs my jr) would love to have another one I would too but the worries will be there. We hope we get blessed again and this article is such a great help!
Monika, Beautiful story, thank you! May you be blessed always! 🙂 Katie
I would say that as far as prenatals, I guess I didn’t know you could get prescription prenatals. I have had very good success with an all natural prenatal, not only does it give me energy but I am sure it fills in some areas that I can’t fill with food. I have a hard time with liver… lol. Maybe I will have to take it at some point but I think that filters are for filtering out the bad stuff and not to be re-eaten. That is my own take though I know that some people really need it.
For my last 2 babies (this one due end of Nov) I asked if/said that the internal examc/check-up at 38 weeks wasn’t really necessary, was it? My doc was surprised. He said most women are BEGGING him to do it. It’s like they want to be told that “HEY, GUESS WHAT? YOU ARE IN LABOR!!” 🙂 He said that it was “refreshing” to hear that I didn’t think one was necessary and that nope, didn’t have to do it!
Yay, doctor!! 🙂 Katie
Do you think that you could do the liver dehydrated and/or ground into pills? Or mixed into other food? Or would that lessen its benefit somehow?
(We had my placenta encapsulated for #2, and it was done raw, so that’s why I wonder if you could do the same with liver- chopped, dehydrated, ground up, and encapsulated.)
Abigail,
Yep, definitely – in fact, I’ve purchased liver caps before, dehydrated like that. Not positive it was raw, but it shouldn’t make a huge difference. I can’t remember why it should be raw anyway! 😉 Katie
Thanks! 🙂
I feel like I live in Podunk, but we have enough OBs that with a smidge of research you can find someone who agrees with you. You should love your OB! No one should feel like they have to fight at every turn. 🙁 My OB NEVER did an internal check at an OB appt. He’s anti-membrane stripping & said I could drink whatever floated my boat to get my 50g of glucose in. He did give me a prenatal scrip but advised me to choose the OTC brand I liked best provided I got adequate frolic acid.
My first was 11weeks premature due to preeclampsia and I have needed blood pressure drugs for each pregnancy. As they are growth restricters and high blood pressure damages the placenta this a balancing act that requires extra ultrasounds. I consider the U/S the lesser of the risks. Luckily babies #2&3 have no hearing issues.
To everyone newly pregnant: find out about OBs in your area and pick one that you won’t have to fight with! Loving your OB makes for a much more enjoyable experience!
That’s so awesome, Heather! 🙂 Katie
I am 38 years old and had our 5th child recently. I home birth and am a very laid back pregnant person. No ultrasounds at all, including no doppler, no testing for diabetes, no paps, not a single internal exam, no GBS testing, no antibiotics or douches, no vaxs, no pokes, prods, or goop for baby after birth either. Some people are so surprised that pregnancy and birth can even be done that way! But it can, and it is beautiful.
Need advice from fellow moms on this very topic – the docs are requesting I have my FIFTH ultrasound with Baby Four, something about fluid measuring high. I don’t want this u/s but I love my doctor – how do I refuse without causing a rift with my wonderful Catholic pro-life NFP promoting OB? Am I wrong to not want a fifth u/s? How do I know when it really is necessary? Thank you for grace…
PS
Did the 20 week u/s and everything is beautiful! Am now 32 weeks.
Tara,
I can’t really give advice, but I’m sure your doctor won’t take any heartfelt questions the wrong way. Have you had high fluid before? I would simply ask why they think the fluid is high, what the risks of that are, and if there are any other ways to check it out. Open up the conversation and go with your gut from there. Blessings! 🙂 Katie
we also just do dating and 20 wk u/s. i choose 2o wk bc i will go to a hospital if necessary, but will stay home if everything looks to be in place. we skipped the rest this time(4th). i think skipping checks is really important due to the stress walking around at 2+cm for 2 1/2wks with my first was. it also just increases risk if gbs pos.
The 20 week ultrasound is critical. It can detect brain anomalies (“water” on the brain/hydrocephalus), heart defects (especially cyanotic ones like hypoplastic left heart), spinal cord defects (spina bifida), diaphragmatic henias (abdominal contents in chest cavity and underdeveloped lung), kidney agenesis (no kidneys or too small to function properly), bladder outlet obstruction (no amniotic fluid will accumulate)… all issues where a neonatal team needs to be in place to intervene immediately after birth, if not before to improve chances of survival.
Trust me, you WANT the 20 week U/S to be sure the spinal column is closed, the organs are below the diaphragm, the heart has 4 chambers, the kidneys are of appropriate sixe, and the bladder is not full!
If baby is healthy, then no more U/S unless problems arise.
Pam,
What an excellent breakdown of the 20-week US, thank you!! 🙂 Katie
I had a major abnormality at 12 weeks (cystic hygroma) which has led to lots of tests to help us underatand our baby’s health and prepare for her life post natally. Would not have been picked up at 20 weeks as they often resolve. People follow blogs like these and do not fact check with actually clinicians who have years upon years of training, like my OB. I am more assured that the doctors looking after me have mine and my future child’s best interests at heart. If you want to omit scans, tests (like the GDM testing), flu vaccines etc, that’s your choice, but don’t preach against guidelines without backing it up with evidence (or a medical degree).
As a previous Neonatal ICU nurse who’s gone on thousands of deliveries….I appreciate that 20 wk US. It helps us get prepared to help the baby the best way we know. It does increase survival and improves long term outcomes for your child’s health. Plus it’s fun to see that cute little chin and nose! What a miracle each and every little one is.
Why do you do the 20-week ultrasound? Doesn’t that fall into the same category as non-invasive genetic testing? I wouldn’t have had amnio, but I had the non-invasive test (just a blood sample from my arm) and felt it was less risky than ultrasound.
In my first pregnancy, I decided I would have ultrasound only if medically justified. I had one at 6 weeks because of bleeding; everything was fine. I did not have another.
Because my second pregnancy miscarried, I was worried about the third one, as well as uncertain of the conception date, so I had an early ultrasound. Then I had one at 20 weeks because I was 40 and wanted time to prepare if baby might have Down Syndrome. Both times, it was a huge relief to know that she was fine!
Do you find out the sex of your babies at 20 weeks? We felt that if medical personnel knew, we wanted to know (so we didn’t know with our first until he was born, but we knew about our little girl after the non-invasive genetic test), but we kept it a secret from most people.
I had my water broken after I was already deep into labor, for both births. I felt that this was a useful intervention because it brought on transition after 13 hours of active labor in the first birth, and it ended a horrible feeling of “pushing is not working!” in the second birth.
The other intervention that really helped me both times was episiotomy. I had read a lot about why it shouldn’t be done routinely, but it seems that my anatomy is such that the baby’s head catches behind the fourchette and just can’t be maneuvered past. I know it would have torn eventually, but it was a lot quicker to just snip it, and I didn’t have any further tearing. Healing from stitches is no fun but would have been necessary with or without intervention.
‘Becca,
We do find out gender, all 4 times. Plus I know there are some organ defects that can be discovered via ultrasound…and it’s good to know at least a little bit. I guess I can’t say no to everything! That’s good that the episiotomy worked for you. I’m still bummed I had one with baby 1 b/c I wonder if I could have gotten through with less tearing on all 3 so far…really hoping for a calmer, slower birth this time and maybe no tearing (might be able to do a water birth which could help!).
🙂 Katie
Were you able to birth in your position of choice and move to help baby out? Squatting helps open up the pelvis a full 10% more and gravity helps further, rather than being on the back with feet in stirrups. Out of my 4 births, I only ever tore the first time and it was relatively minor enough that we opted for no stitches and natural healing. No tearing at all with my 3 water births, even though 1 baby was just shy of 10 pounds and had her fist by her head. All were delivered in squat position too.
Yes, I was able to choose my position and move around. I tried squatting, but what worked best for me was the towel pull, which helps to lift the baby off the pelvis and over the fourchette; it just did not help enough to avoid episiotomy, for me. The second time, it was not until I was cut that the baby stayed put between contractions–she had been moving back up after each push (using her arms and legs!) to ease the pressure on her head.
I just have to ask, where did you find that wetsuit you’re wearing in the title image? I abhor swimsuits even when I’m not pregnant, but that looks like it would be a little more feasible for me to endure. 😉
Hey Raia,
It’s actually a sun protective swim shirt and a regular two-piece swimsuit bottom half, so 2 pieces, neither made particularly for pregnancy. But I do love the shirt! Can’t remember the brand offhand but I would have reviewed it in one of these two posts:
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/07/23/sun-protective-clothing-review-cover-up-and-get-out-of-the-sun/
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/07/26/sun-protective-clothing-review-thoughts-on-two-u-s-companies/
We’ve found over the years that Coolibar (not where my shirt was from, but my husband’s) has LASTED a really long time, so even though they’re pricey, you really do get what you pay for (if you start looking around for women’s swim shirts). Hope that helps! 🙂 Katie
Thanks, Katie!
ive said no to everything. I am due any day with baby # 3 and have not seen a midwife or ob my whole pregnancy. I find none of it to be necessary for me or my baby. I am pregnant, not sick, so there is no need for doctors, midwives, or hospitals for me.
Kassandra – Although I do choose to have a midwife I agree with you! Baby #3 was my first with one and I found it a perfect balance for me. I never took a pregnancy test, no one ‘told’ me I was pregnant. Having that experience of knowing, just knowing I was pregnant was amazing. No ultrasounds, no timing of the heartbeat, no anything until partway through my 3rd trimester. I loved it! By the end I was ready to meet my midwives. It was lovely. The resulting water birth was SO impowering!
I loved your response im not sick im just pregnant. Thought i was the only one who kepted asking herself are all these prenatal appointments necessary or who does it benefit most? I think the doctors wallets lol
I think midwives are probably the best option as they seem more caring and knowledgeable.
Ha! I did the exact same thing with liver and oh man did it gross ppl out! I got such a kick out of talking about it. I’m 41, this is baby 8, I get kidney stones from vitamins (even raw natural ones) but I knew I had to do something. Within a week of starting the liver, my pg symptoms were so completely gone that I thought is miscarried! I gained half the weight (23 lbs) without even thinking about it, just a bonus, and never have I felt better during pregnancy. We grow our own beef so bonus there, too, for knowing exactly what I was putting in my system.
That’s amazing, Amy! You must have been better at taking it regularly than me. Fantastic!!! 🙂 Katie
I refused the sugary drink test with #3 (I was able to skip it with #2 and when I took it with #1 it made me really sick) which caused the doctor to tell me to find another doctor, which caused my husband to give me the option to have the baby at home, which was my first option anyway. 🙂 I also declined the genetic tests but I don’t think ultrasound tests are as bad as some say.
Would you please cite your sources for your ideas? Giving out advice to the public based on “this worked fine for two of my friends,” is not healthy or helpful.
Hey Drew,
This was meant to be pretty much a chatty post, not research-based really, but I do value good sourcing as a general rule. What information did I state that you would like to see a source on? I’ll see what I can do – Katie
check out evidence based birth
I’m currently pregnant with #7 & thankfully I don’t have to say “no” to any of these! I’m having my 4th homebirth with a midwife, and I have to say that it’s a huge relief to not need to be so proactive during prenatal care, labor & postpartum in refusing unwanted procedures. My care provider is 100% on board with all my choices, and doesn’t even offer most of the things I would decline! The same goes for during labor – no “standard” procedures that I have to try to avoid while having contractions! It’s a huge reason why I recommend midwifery care and out of hospital birth to so many women. You can focus on the most important thing – taking care of yourself & your baby – without needing to advocate for yourself constantly. My midwife would NEVER tell me I “have” to do some procedure I don’t want, nor do I have to be vigilant to protect myself or my baby from unwanted procedures during or after birth. Midwifery care & out of hospital birth are really & truly completely different experiences, in all the best ways!
I refused the flu shot and tdap for myself during pregnancy, especially after my ob couldn’t come up with a good reason for me to get it 😉
Kara,
That’s really interesting, that s/he couldn’t even answer your question with a reason!! Good for you – Katie
Prenatal testing isn’t just for families who would terminate a pregnancy. Ultrasounds and genetic testing can help a family prepare medically and emotionally for a child who will have different needs or who will need medical treatment at birth. Modern obstetrics has its shortcomings, to be sure, but not everything that isn’t “natural” is bad. Hemorrhage and post-partum infections are also natural outcomes of birth, but something I would gladly accept medical treatment for.
I hear you ZB, but I also have a friend who was told by multiple experts that her unborn baby definitely had club feet and likely had Down syndrome…and he was born perfect as perfect could be! Talk about wasted time doing research and a lot of emotional stress! So…no system is perfect, but every family has to make their own choices. I just like informing people that (a) they CAN say no to things, because some people really don’t understand that it’s even a possibility, and (b) that not everything works out the way it’s “supposed to.”
Thanks for your perspective! Katie
With my second pregnancy (my rainbow baby) I turned down all of the internal exams leading up to labor. Thankfully my midwife & doctors were willing to go along with this because I contracted an infection during my first pregnancy which lead to my son being stillborn. Being high risk, I didn’t fight the many ultrasounds. I have reservations about them, but I was just happy to have a living baby in there and wasn’t about to fight my doctors on that front. Next time, I am definitely not getting any more than I have to.
Oh, Michelle, what an awful experience, I’m so sorry. Praise be to God for healthy baby no. 2!!!
Michelle, I too had a stillbirth. Mine was #4. I had an U/S every week from week 28 on. I was elated each and every week that I heard that heartbeat and saw my daughter’s LONG hair floating around in the fluid. I never had any concern of it being a bad thing to be having them. …with all my pregnancies, I declined having an amnioscentesis. I just didn’t see the need based on family history. Plus, I was a wimp and didn’t want that needle being used! … I would have never thought way back then (my youngest is now 16) about the dyes in prenatal vit’s. (I rarely remembered to take them anyway! lol) However, I do now pay attention to the dyes, etc in my daily vit’s.
I commend you for following your convictions regarding birth. I too refused genetic testing…I did however have some ultrasounds per my midwife’s request. I’m 41. Regarding vitamins, as a doula and a woman who has had 3 children (4th on the way) I wouldn’t disregard all prenatal vitamins. There are several out there that do not have dyes and unnecessary ingredients. Have you ever heard of Vitamin Codes Raw Prenatal? Excellent and whole food ingredients. As much as we all desire to eat well and clean, our soils are depleted of nutrients and high quality supplements do wonders for our body and our growing baby. I totally agree, stay away from conventional drug store/department store beauty products. They are loaded with toxins and chemicals. However, there are lots of companies who make clean, organic and plant based cleansers. I use Acure’s facial cleanser that has argan oil and probiotics among other excellent ingredients. Been very happy with it. Just something to think about.
Madelyn,
Yes, there are definitely decent vitamins out there – Vitamin Codes Raw is likely very similar to the Garden of Life (raw I think?) vits I took with no. 3.
Thanks, Katie
I agree with all, except I hadn’t heard anything so very bad about prenatals… but I took an all natural whole food vitamin with both boys, so hopefully any ill effects were limited 🙂 good info to know.
I actually didn’t have to say “no” to almost anything with my second son, since I had a CPM and a home birth!! (Despite high BP in 3rd tried) God really blessed, and my midwife worked with me and a high risk Ob and I was able to have the homebirth we longed for!! It was awesome. So empowering, and much easier and more relaxing, since I didn’t have to worry about doctors and nurses trying to do things to me and the baby constantly…
You are so brave, Katie…. Raw liver while pregnant??? I would have thrown up, I think.
LOL, but I’m terrible at taking it! And I don’t think I prepared the “pills” until after first trimester. 🙂 Katie
I’m sure raw liver is not advised? Maybe I’m wrong but I’m also veggie so my midwife wouldn’t have recommended it anyway. I was rubbish at taking folic acid as I throw up constantly through out both pregnancys. Great post through I definitely think it’s important to go with your gut feeling about what is recommended and what is actually necessary.
I refused the amniocentesis. My daughter is a gift from God. Why ridk puncturing the sack and going into premature labor when of course I am not going to abort my baby! She is a healthy 13 year old now!
I’m an expat living in Scandinavia and I have had both my daughters here – routine pregnancies in a hospital setting. It amazes me what you have to put up with over there! The ultrasounds sound the same, and the glucose tolerance testing alas (although we get straight glucose with real lemon juice, no other junk in). But all routine care here is by midwives, and if you have an uneventful pregnancy and delivery you will not see an OB. And no internal exams at all until you are in labor unless you presumably have a special reason (cervical insufficiency). My first was delivered with a vacuum assist because of distress after a long labor on top of PROM, so there were a bunch of people there (and she was floppy, so they hadn’t been making it up), but my second came out 25 minutes after we got to the hospital, with only 2 midwives in the room. With my first, when I went to the embassy to register her as an American born abroad the consul actually asked if I’d been happy with the care here since it was so different than in the U.S.! I’d so much rather do it here!!!
I am at 36 wks with #6.
I refused prenatal vitamins this time around. I have refused all genetic screenings with each pregnancy (we trusted in God and weren’t going to take any action based on results so there was really no point), I.ve refused all vaccines (tdap, flu , etc), and I.ve given up all store bought personal care items (lotions, creams , sun block, shampoo, soaps, etc) and traditional laundry care items (we now use mollys suds, acv, and wool dryer balls). I.ve cut out *almost* all processed foods (I still cheat with frozen pizza when I.m too exhausted to cook dinner) and follow most ‘real food’ eating practices. I wasn’t able to pass on the ultrasounds, though… I just have no will-power and cant wait to sneak a peek at my baby! Last week, they told me the baby was already 6lbs 10 oz and I told the dr he was wrong! I was forced into a c-section with my first when an u/s in labor & delivery estimated my son was 10+ lbs and back breach. I agreed to a C-section and had a healthy 7lb 6oz baby (with a GIANT head!) that I may or may not have been able to push out. I.ve been a repeat C-section ever since.
Thanks for posting this and reassuring the rest of us that it is ok to say ‘no’ to some of the things our doctors tell us we are supposed to do!
Stripping the membranes is not the same thing as breaking the bag of waters. Stripping the membranes separates the cervix from the amniotic sac and stretches the cervix. This can release natural prostaglandins that can trigger labor in some women. In situations where, for the mother or baby’s health, you need to get labor going, this is a far more natural option that, say, pitocin, chemical cervical ripeners, breaking the sac (which is also used to get labor going), or a c-section. Now, if it’s not necessary to help labor get started, then you’d probably want to decline this as a routine intervention (it’s still an intervention).
On my third child’s birth (out of 10), I was having my first VBAC after a necessary C-section on my second child. My doctor tried a very slow induction over 4 days (that’s nearly unheard of in hospital settings today) – so I could have a VBAC and minimize any risks. I needed to have that baby soon, though, because of hypertension turning into preeclampsia. So, on day 4 of the induction, the doctor stripped my membranes. It was the most painful experience EVER, but it definitely kicked in those prostaglandins and started labor without having to up the Pitocin or risk a cervical ripener that had been too fast and crazy in my first pregnancy. . . Although stripping the membranes is an “intervention” – and a very painful one – it can help the process of labor get going in a way that avoids high levels of Pitocin, a C-section, or other, far invasive interventions.
Great insight, Kristin, thank you!
So grateful for this comment, I’m facing my third VBAC after Baby Three was induced using pitocin. I’ll take stripping the membranes over the pitocin every day! Thank you.
ZB, I did write that a little unclearly – added “or breaking the bag of waters” now, thanks! 🙂 Katie
Stripping the membranes is different from puncturing the amniotic sac. Stripping membranes is still an intervention, but it most definitely is not as irreversible as breaking the water.
My dr gave me a choice of stripping my membrane or being induced. I opted for the stripping and my children were born hours later. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but in my opinion, having the pap smear done hurts worse. Both of my boys were a healthy 7-something pounds at birth but I had literally run out of space for them. There was nothing that could have been done except those two things.
The oral glucose test has brominated soybean oil, yellow 6, sodium hexametaphosphate, BHA and sodium benzoate among other things to avoid! I opted for the hemoglobin A1C test. it is blood work that measures the previous 3 months of blood sugar levels and MUCH more accurate!
You can also ask to eat jelly beans (natural ones) to replace the sugar drink. the article was written up in 19th annual meeting of the society for maternal-fetal medicine in Jan. 1999. Just eat enough to equal 50gr of sugar within that time (not hard to do).
Ew, yucky Tiffany. Probably why I felt icky that day when I did it with no. 3! This time I used my MIL’s diabetes test strips and did a number of waking and after-eating tests – no problem! 🙂 Katie
But H1Ac is used in the WRONG way in pregnancy…
I didn’t even know prescription prenatals were available– haha! I take the Garden of Life raw prenatals, dessicated liver tablets, and Floradix for extra iron if I need it.
If you want to do the diabetes test but want to avoid the artificial sugary drink, my midwives suggest drinking 12 oz Welch’s white grape juice… plenty of sugar, obviously, but at least it is naturally in the fruit (and there are no additives, unlike in the Glucola!).
I wanted to share with you about an ultrasound experience at my local clinic/hospital with number 2. I went in for the first sonogram at 20 weeks. The lady did all the measurements and such. On Thursday, I found out I had a call from the physician. I tried to call, but that was his afternoon off. I called the next day. His nurse said that it was important that I come in, but that he could not see me that day, so I had to worry and fret the whole weekend.
I went in on Monday. He was disappointed that his nurse had not had me go ahead and come in on Friday because he knew how much I worried. He said that my baby’s skull shape showed to be abnormal, which could be a sign of Down’s syndrome, as I was 39, I guess it was assumed that my child would have genetic problems. He said that they had had a number of false positives on that old sonogram equipment, so he sent me to a newer hospital with 4-D sonogram equipment.
At that hospital, he checked her skull shape, heart function, etc. It all checked out perfectly, but due to my “advanced” age, asked if I wanted an amniocentesis. I knew this was very invasive. I asked him what the risks were to having problems due to my age versus the risks of having a miscarriage due to the amniocentesis. There was a greater risk of damage for the latter. I declined. He asked, “If the amniocentesis test were done and it were to show that your daughter had Down Syndrome, would you abort your child?” At 21 weeks gestation at this point he asked this! I told him, “No! We would not abort our child.” He affirmed that we made the right decision then. (Duh!) btw… this daughter is 7 now and doing all 4th grade work and LOVES math, even figuring out how to do her big sister’s 6th grade math.
Moving ahead 6 years or so, I was working on the computers at the hospital where I had the sonogram done. I went into the radiologist’s office. Her computer had all the images extraordinarily large. She volunteered that she was “blind.” Here she was reading all these women’s sonograms and measurements with equipment whose readings were MUCH smaller than what she needed to read. No wonder so many people were getting “false positives!” I’m not sure how much it may have been “older equipment,” but a blind radiologist certainly had a huge impact on that! I didn’t say anything to her about that and the stress she put me through, but if someone can’t read small things, they have no business doing sonograms, imo.
Thanks for all your thoughtfulness in this. I never thought about the dyes in the vitamins until you posted that.
Have a blessed day!
Tammy
Oh, my, Tammy. That seems…totally out of line…I’m all for equal opportunity, but let’s put the blind employees on the phones and the deaf ones reading ultrasounds! Phew…
I agree with all of yours. I also said no to the flu vaccine as we generally don’t vaccinate and did lots of good nutrition and supplements to keep my immune system up.
I was 20 and 23 when I had my kids. I did say no to quite a few things but would’ve said no to more things had I been a little older and known more of what I know now. But my kids are now 16 and 18 so I’ve had a little time to learn a few more things 😉 Overall I had a very good experience with both pregnancies and deliveries but I will say having a midwife the 2nd time around was a better fit for me than the Dr I had the first time.
I’m not a mom, but I will likely do similar things if I get pregnant.
Some things that helped me through an illness (fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome – you can read my story on www.floxiehope.com if you’re interested) are kombucha – helps your gut microbiome and also has lots of folate, brewer’s yeast – full of B vitamins, trace minerals and aminos, and using coconut oil as “lotion.” I imagine that those things would be helpful for babies and pregnant woman as well. I think that the kombucha bottle says to ask a doctor for advice before consuming medicinally, and that’s not bad advice.
I almost refused my diabetes sugary drink this time around. I remember your high carb breakfast alternative, but I was just didn’t have the fight left in me.
Stephanie,
Pregnant mommas can only do so much! It’s tough to have all your information and put up that fight…don’t get down about it. 🙂 Katie