Archive for the ‘midwives’ Category
Its early one crisp spring morning, they are proudly riding their tricycles around the court, their cheeks rosy from the chill in the air. The sunlight dances across the roof tops and a large robin proudly sings as she roost on the peak of a nearby home. Seeing this, I smile to myself as I remember not feeling the simple joy found in early spring and as those seasons passed into years my moments of joy seeming to be less and less frequent. You may ask why, and I will simply reply, the stork missed my house. My name is Christine Stewart and this is my story.
We were married early summer 2000 and one year later decided that it was time to expand our family to include a child with ten tiny toes, instead of the one we already had with four paws. We planned on two children, three years apart, at the time this seemed like a logical plan. Looking back I wonder if this was simply my naivety or ignorance. Taking for granted my fertility, was never something I gave not one thought towards. Issues with my monthly cycle were something I soon found medication for; I really thought it was normal.
After six months we started to worry, but were told that we were not considered to have fertility issues until we have been trying to conceive for over one year. We knew that as we crept towards our second wedding anniversary that our quest to have a family may be a far greater challenge than we ever thought. We were finally referred to a nearby fertility doctor who asked questions my husband quite proudly answered while I was obviously mortified. This questioning became routine as we went for the first round of countless tests, fertility monitoring and basal body temperature monitoring. Weekly doctor appointments and higher doses of drugs each month became a part of our regular routine.
The side effects of the medication put me in a menopausal state, weight gain, hot flashes, panic attacks, sudden thirst, teenager style acne break outs and the mood swings. These not so little mood swing were a part of my life I choose to completely deny. I am still denying the fact that I often threw shoes at my husband, locked him out of the house in a snowstorm and him refused to accompany him to pre arranged engagements on a regular basis. I didn’t want to see pregnant women; pretend I was happy for them when in fact I would choke back the tears as I congratulated the beaming couple, wishing it was us. I didn’t want to cringe when the conversation moved to who was expecting and when would we finally decide to have a family.
As the years passed, hope clearly diminishing the strain on our marriage and my body started to become evident. I had exploratory surgery, for the purposes of diagnosis. IV in my hand and wearing a less than flattering gown my husband kissed me wished me luck and whispered “keep your eye on the prize”, a phrase we often used to get us though some of our more challenging days. I had four different procedures during that one surgery; I was terrified as up to this point I had never been in a hospital for more than stitches.
Waking up, still not making much sense to anyone but myself , asking anyone if they knew when was I going to be a Mom. I never got the answer I wanted, just more drugs that I knew I was not able to handle, by this time my size eight body had ballooned to a size twelve and I was tired and no longer able to focus on the “prize”. As part of my job I was now running workshops at a local agency for pregnant teens and teen Mother’s. I was starting to think that this life was a little unfair and a whole lot cruel.
We contacted another clinic and after waiting for eighteen months we took our very large file to our first meeting with Dr “V”. His office was unbelievably intimidating, a massive gleaming dark wood desk and pictures of golf legends hung on every available inch of the walls and I did neglect to mention the fact that he was more than a little bit handsome, and he had to examine me. Normally this would have freaked me out beyond belief, but at this point so many people had seen my girlie parts that I had to be careful not to undress in the dentist office! Dr V ran only a few more tests, a DNA fragmentation on my husband and a follicle count and a hysterosalpingogram (HSG ); a procedure where dye goes through the ovaries into the uterus to determine blockages, it was painful but we had our eyes planted firmly on the prize.
A week later back in Dr V’s office, he informed us that he would skip IUI (intra uterine insemination) and go directly to IVF ( invetro fertilization ). He closed our file told us “fasten your seatbelt guys, I’m in the driver’s seat now”, we had one week to make our decision and begin treatment. Stunned, we made it to the parking lot before I burst into tears. This was the last option and for us, the only option, not to mention a very costly one. We decided to think about it, by the time I had my seatbelt on and the car barely started I knew that all roads lead us to this very day.
We met with our nurse, learned how to give me the daily luperon and puregon injections. We picked up the needles, viles, progesterone, the sharps disposal container and the schedule for daily blood tests and ultrasounds. The next month was a complete blur, scheduling life around medication times and my complete fear of giving myself needles. I had 13 healthy eggs retrieved, six were IVF ( single egg placed in a petri dish with several “washed” sperm ) and seven were ICSI ( needle goes into the egg and one sperm is injected directly into the egg ). We were sent home with more injectables and progesterone and received updates from our nurse on the progress of our out of body conception. All of our ICSI failed to make it to blastocyst stage, but three of our IVF made it and I was inseminated with two embryos on Labour Day 2004. Labour day, it must have been a good omen. Ten full days of hell we waited for the results of one blood test, years of tears and heartache depending on one phone call.
We are back in the house, they are covered with blankets snuggled up on the couch munching on a mid morning snack, blissfully unaware of the miracle they both are. I am too aware of the piles of laundry that await me but decide it can wait, the stork may have lost his way but ever since we found him lots of things wait because my life is so lovingly consumed by the prize.
Christine Stewart is the owner and facilitator of Sprouts www.sproutsforkids.com, a company which offers mobile play programs and classes such as baby sign language. She is a also a support group counsellor for the Infertility Association Of Canada, and a proud Mom to Meghan and Lucas.
Article By: Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
When choosing which prenatal classes to take, the various options can be overwhelming. Here are a few questions to help you focus on what classes will fit your specific needs.
Is this your first child? Most classes are geared towards first-time parents. Many people don’t realize there are classes for second, third, etc. time parents who just need a refresher on the basics of birth and newborns.
Where (& how) are you planning to give birth? If you are planning a home birth, a hospital-oriented prenatal class is probably not for you! Likewise, if you are planning a Cesarean, you may want to find a class that does not spend the bulk of its time on natural birth options. If you are planning a medication-free birth (at home or in the hospital) you will want to research available classes in your area that focus on pain management. These can include hypnosis, massage techniques, breathing techniques, yoga, as well as prenatal classes using the Bradley method or Lamaze. The internet is a great resource to read about various options and to make an informed decision.
If this is not your first birthing experience, what would you change about your previous experience(s)? Many parents look back on their first birthing experience and think about what would have worked better for them. Most of the time this involves choices regarding pain management. If you received an epidural and were dissatisfied with the experience you may want to consider classes in natural pain management such as the ones mentioned above.
What information are you hoping to obtain from classes? Are you looking for information to get you through labour and delivery only; or do you want information about newborn care? Be sure to ask the organizer of the course for a list of topics covered.
Do you have a special need or circumstance? Are you having multiples? Do you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns? Are you over the age of 35? There are many classes specifically designed for different high-risk pregnancies.
Are you looking for a quick class with little time commitment; or are you looking to develop friendships with your fellow classmates? Accelerated programs are often available for parents who are close to their due dates or have time constraints. If you have time though, you may want to choose a class that covers the material slowly over the course of many weeks. These classes often arrange a reunion after the babies are born.
Do you want to take a class as a couple or individually? Traditionally, prenatal classes are geared towards couples. Now we are seeing mom-based and dad-based classes. They generally act as support groups where topics are discussed which may not be approached in co-ed atmospheres.
How many classes can you realistically commit to? Money and time are generally your deciding factors for what you can or cannot do. Narrow your needs down. What must you learn? What is a want versus a need? Many parents choose to commit to one generalized prenatal class, such as with a doula or nurse, and one or two specialized classes, such as pain management classes or support groups.
I recommend parents do their research on available classes in their area during their first trimester and sign up for these courses as soon as possible. They tend to book up fast as many are small classes. That doesn’t mean you are too late if you are in your second trimester, but you may not get your first choice of times or classes. Planning ahead, knowing exactly what you want from your classes, and researching all your options will ensure that you feel prepared and informed heading into this incredible time of your life. ________________________________________________________________________
Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
This page is sponsored by True Blue Natural Family Resources.
It’s great that there are so many choices when giving birth. We’ve complied all the resources in the area, so you can make an informed decision.
Doulas
First Question, we know, we know! What is a Doula? Dona International says that, “A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.”
A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their partners during labour and birth. They help and advise on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage, and positioning. Assistance to families in gathering information about the course of their labour and their options. Provide continuous emotional reassurance and comfort; non-medical skills such as massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures. Assistance to partners who want to play an active support role.
Doulas in York Regionn
For The Love of The Family
Phone: 905-836-4342
For The Love of The Family provides labour/birth and postpartum support and breastfeeding support. Experience and training with Postpartum Mood Disorders, multiples and advanced breastfeeding difficulties.
Joanne Ilaqua, RPN, trained doula(DONA)
Phone: 905-252-0191
A Registered Practical Nurse and a trained doula(DONA). Most importantly, I am the mother of 4 children.
Currently registered with: The College of Nurses, Doulas of North America (DONA), Doula C.A.R.E., Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) and I hold Level “C” Certification in CPR.
Mona Mathews :Serving York Region
Phone: 905-473-5939
Birth Doula Services& Pre and Post Natal Services
I am a member in good standing with DONA (doulas of North America) And Doula C.A.R.E. ( Canadian Registry of doulas)
Whispering Heart Doula Services Joanne Raines CD(DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula Serving York Region and Toronto
Phone: (905) 773-2789
Email: jmraines51@yahoo.com - Please type Doula Services in the subject line.
As a trained, certified, experienced doula, providing you with the information, physical and emotional support to birth your baby and to transition when your little one(s) join your family. Working with you prenatally, through labour, birth and/or postpartum for your most positive experience possible. You’re welcome to visit my website and contact me.
Midwives
Did you know that midwerfry is covered by the Ontario Government? Most women don’t.
A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to women during pregnancy, labour and birth, including conducting normal vaginal deliveries, and providing care to mothers and babies during the first 6 weeks postpartum.
We are a practice of 8 Registered Midwives. We offer a choice of birthplace: home or hospital. We hold admitting and discharge privileges at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket and York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill. We work in teams to offer 24-hour oncall availability. Our office is located in Aurora. Our regular office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 - 4:30 and Friday 10 - 4.
College of Midwives of Ontario
Phone: (416)327-0874
Email: admin@cmo.on.ca
Registered midwives in Ontario act as primary caregivers for pregnant women. They attend labour and delivery in both home and hospital settings. Registered midwives have hospital privileges and may order all of the necessary lab tests for women in their care. On the College’s site you may find a midwife in your area.
