Doula Talk – Congrats, You’re Pregnant
I hear congratulations are in order! Did you pee on a stick recently and find out you are pregnant? Seeing those two lines or that word ‘PREGNANT” is so very exciting and can be a tad intimidating all at the same time. There is just so much to think about and consider. How will you tell everyone? Will you publicly announce? What will work think? Is it a boy or girl? Or maybe even twins?! All of those answers will come along in time.
The very first question most moms seek an answer to is: When am I due? Google it! 🙂 Just a quick explanation on how due dates are calculated. I was asked this question as a young bride was learning the importance of tracking her period. The standard is calculating 40 weeks from the first day of the last period. This makes sure all providers are using the same system and same due date baseline. Just remember it is an ETA: ESTIMATED due date. Many first time moms deliver in their 41st week. I say this to help manage your expectations for those last few weeks.
It is truly hard to start thinking about Labor and Delivery when you just find out you are growing a little nugget, but we do need to go there early on in your pregnancy. The answers to these next few questions will help narrow down your options on choosing your provider. You will need to call to set up an appointment asap, as it normally takes a few weeks to be seen.
Many times insurance plays a huge part in choosing our responses, so do some research to understand your coverage before making too many decisions.
- Where do you want to deliver?
- Home, Birth Center or Hospital? (If your response is hospital, you need to say where.)
- Which hospitals are options for you?
- Who do you want to catch your baby? (I believe MOMS deliver, providers just catch).
- Midwife or OBGYN or Family Practitioner?
- How far do you want to drive to appointments?
All these responses are narrowing down the provider pool for us. Also, it is important to note that when you are being seen in a big practice, you won’t necessarily know the provider who catches. Finding more personalized care, if that is important to you, can be tricky so I recommend looking for a practice with midwives. They will be your best bet!
Finding a provider you feel comfortable with and like, is a great thing. This can bring so much peace for your pregnancy, especially if their office staff is kind and helpful. You will find yourself at appointments often. Monthly for the first few months, biweekly as you progress and then weekly that last month of pregnancy. Remember me asking how far you want to drive for appointments? This is why. We also need to consider our drive to the hospital while in labor, so that can be a factor as well.
Many of these questions will help narrow down your search for your perfect provider. Each person has their own desire and wish list. Just remember you will know when you are in the right place for you. Trust your mama instincts! I know I trust them.
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