(Written: October 26, 2020)
Today is Consultation Day!! I’ve been SO excited for this day to talk with my birth center and understand the services and care they will be providing for my pregnancy journey JIt has been 2 weeks that I’ve been waiting to discuss. So in conclusion, I. Am. In. LOVE. The main thing with these appointments was that you could have more time to discuss any questions/concerns. I’ll begin at 20wks with my ultrasound to check baby’s organs and functions once a month until my second trimester which will be twice a month and then third trimester it will be every week until delivery. Each appointment is about 30min dedicated and can go longer if needed. There are required childbirth classes and doula you must have during the entire pregnancy. Which I’m all for and main reason why I chose this. Not only that during the birthing process I can have 2 people max with me and that’s within the COVID guidelines and practices which they are stating their hope is to have birthing cottages with our own room and bathroom and waiting area for members. In the actual room it will be 3 so that way there is no crowding. So myself, Tony and the midwife to help me with delivery. After they keep the placenta attached for a full hour and don’t cut it. It’s uninterrupted time for us and the baby. When the hour is up, then it will be time for Tony to come in and cut the cord. Then my mom, dad and his mom can come see me. Once done they will help me latch and feed the baby and 4-6 hours after I am able to successfully go through the process then they will release me. Once home, 48hours they do a home check in to see how we are doing, and afterthat 10-14 days I can take him to get his first check up with the pediatrician which they advise to do before the 1stmonth. Once done they will have me come in at 6-8 weeks to make sure I am doing well and have a post-partum screening. Oh, and I forgot to mention, we get to keep the placenta which I plan to dehydrate and capsulate. This provides many health benefits for the baby and myself when it comes to breast feeding. Once everything is cleared from my check up, then they will graduate me to be on my own. I’m excited and looking forward to this journey and the benefits it has to offer for us all. Not many people get to go through this type of journey but I’m grateful to be able too.
