(Written: October 29, 2019)
I went ahead and researched different sites on vegan and pregnant diets. This article discusses the amount of weight gain you should have to maintain a healthy baby and get enough nutrients.
https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/veganpregnancy.php
**So Currently I am 115lbs. and 5ft 3in. (3969) is my height squared. BMI=20.28. Average I could be approximately, 140lbs-150lbs for my pregnancy.
Birthing Options
I did call The Birthing Place in Houston, which is where I would want to do my natural birth. I’ve looked into them and their policies, and read reviews. The idea of a natural birth and not doing an epidural or hospital was more ideal because I know God designed my body to handle that pain. This is my preference and choice. I'm not against a hospital because they are equipped to handle births of course. If there comes a point and I would need to be transferred to a hospital, the birthing center does have preparation for that.
For minorities, there are studies of deaths during delivery and with medicine there can be other complications. I’m not saying that women should not have their child in a hospital, because there are medical professionals who can assist in things when it comes to emergencies as well as women who need that help and feel more comfortable it is no problem at all. I believe it is all a choice and I would want to experience that in a different environment. Funny story, I called the birthing center and I can't schedule a meeting until I’m pregnant (understandable). So I will just wait until then.
Doula & Midwifes
I’ve also researched the idea of having a doula and midwife hand in hand to help me in my pregnancy. Some things I’m thinking about and want to know when it comes to pregnancy and a combination of all these things is:
1. If you don’t go the hospital route, what are the options in doctors and OBGYN's to use during your pregnancy?
2. What is better to have. A doula, midwife or both?
3. I prefer to have a plant-based doctor for my entire pregnancy. Can that same person be my dietician/nutritionist? Or do I need to have a separate person for that altogether?
My preference is to have a one stop shop where the birthing center I go to is where I also have the doula and someone who can help me with my diet. Having both I know are beneficial for the pregnancy journey altogether. If you are like me, support is everything and having a birthing team behind you on top of family/friend support can go a long way. Once at this part of the journey, I will continue to update and share those views from doula and midwives themselves.
The Partner Perspective
Of course with these changes and decisions I had to discuss with my husband who was very alarmed by the whole “no hospital” “no medicine” “plant-based diet”. It was extreme. I just learned so much and have been awakened to a lot of things and the amount you spend in a hospital you don’t spend nearly as much with a midwife/doula or having a natural birth. We did agree that if there were complications and I needed a hospital I would go. Speaking to my parents about this my dad was the first to say “no you need to be in a hospital for your first child”. It is a lot to think and consider. I’m still researching but so far the benefits of having someone more interpersonal with my pregnancy and coaching/guiding me in delivery in a more intimate calming atmosphere seems more idealistic than a hospital where the doctor may not be able to be there to deliver you and you’re waiting in pain and not having the personal attention you would want to, or expect to have (my opinion).
This is the beginning of something new and exciting. Tony and I have talked about starting a family but not in the first year or 2. This year we really are intentional and can both see it for ourselves in the next year as far as trying to get pregnant. Every move in this last quarter is for our family and setting up shop. When we decided this year that 2020 would be the year we start trying, it was exciting because we are both on the same page. Ask us that in our first year, kids were not a thought like that of course lol. Prayerfully, if God allows it we can expect our blessing Feb.2021. That is my thought though, but It can change at any point in time. I have prepared my body and got off birth control in June officially. So we will have a full year being off and just being "careful" until we are ready to start trying on our 4 year anniversary May 29, 2020!
