Galations 2:20-21

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." Galations 2:20-21

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A New Addition in October

Yes! We're pregnant! We are 9 weeks along now. We had our first appointment with our midwife yesterday morning. We were very disappointed with the care we got with our last pregnancy, so we wanted to do things a little differently this time. We found West Suburban Midwife Associates, Ltd. by just browsing on the internet. Two of the three midwives actually own the practice. Gayle Riedmann, one of the midwives and owners, is on the Board of Directors of the Health and Medicine Policy Research Group and Chair of the Illinois Birth Center Task Force. She has also submitted a legislative bill to establish freestanding birth centers in Illinois. WSM has a collabrative practice agreement with an OB, due to legal reasons and in case of emergencies. All births take place at the Alternative Birthing Center at Resurection/West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. You have your own private hotel-like room with a queen sized bed, tv, mini fridge (yes, they allow you to eat during labor), rocking chair, little crib for baby, and even a bath for waterbirths. And yes, most insurance companies cover this!

Our first appointment went very well. We had a great connection with the midwife. We felt so comfortable there and enjoyed their layed-back attitudes. They treated us like individuals and made us feel like they really cared about our baby's well-being. They are all about doing things as naturally and non-interventive as possible, which is something we really wanted. After talking for a while with the midwife she checked for the baby's heart beat using a fetal heart rate monitor. We are 9 weeks along, so we are right at the border line of when they can usually hear it (about 10 weeks). She wasn't able to hear it with the monitor. She didn't seem concerned because it was still a little early to tell, but we were. Especially, since this is what happened before we found out about the loss of our last pregnancy. Even though we didn't verbally express our concern she wanted to give us peace of mind, so we went across the hall to do a quick ultrasound. After she turned it on...there it was! Clear as day. I couldn't believe we could actually see the baby. We could clearly see the the head and little body. It was waving it's arms all around and looked like it was doing a little dance for us. The heart beat was like a little flicker on the screen. It was truly one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It really made this whole experience feel so much more real for the both of us. After leaving, we both felt so much peace. Not only with the pregnancy, but with our choice of care. Our next appointment is in 4 weeks, B's birthday! I'm really looking forward to it.

So, all you people out there who thought we fell off the face of the planet, we are alive and well. We were trying to keep this all a secret until we got past this first trimester, but it's not easy when you are so sick all of the time. People start to figure things out! Plus, after our appointment yesterday, we feel good enough about things to start spreading the GOOD NEWS! Due to the fact that the morning-or rather ALL DAY sickness has really been bogging me down, our social life has been non-existent for the most part over the past month or so. Even going to church has been a difficult task. I am hoping it will soon pass after this first trimester.

Our due date is October 12th-I mean 7th (who knows, Deb?!). We are getting more and more excited every day about this baby's arrival. We just ask that you all keep us and our baby's health your prayers.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are sooooooo thrilled for you guys!!!

Leanne said...

Congratulations on THE NEWS!! May the Lord bless you at this special time!

Oak Park seems like a trek! but if you feel at peace with the facility, than distance doesn't really matter. I'm glad you found a group that fits more within your lifestyle, too. That's important.

I hope you feel better soon. The all day sickness doesn't sound too fun. blah.

Sending along prayers and congratulations...

~Leanne

Racquel said...

Thanks ladies! We are really happy :)

The distance from Oak Park was a concern for us, but after talking with them on the phone they told me they have people come from WI and all over the area. Plus, after our appointment we knew it was the place for us.