[Cindy]

I just found out on Thursday that I am indeed pregnant again! I am *barely* 4 weeks (yesterday), so we found out early! I've been on this site before, but not in a while. I'll give a brief background, then I have a couple of questions.

My first two were induced, vaginal hospital births. My 3rd was with a midwife and then transfer to the hospital for c/s because he was very big and breech. I miscarried once between 3 & 4. The 5th pregnancy was a UP and planned UC, but I developed HELLP and had to have a c/s 6 weeks early. :( The 4th baby (5th pregnancy) is the only pregnancy that was really difficult. The first three were somewhat mild. My only issue was blood pressure in the last 2-4 weeks, and it was still in normal range, just on the high end of normal. My m/c was unassisted, and it sort of gave me confidence to have the UP and UC with the next one. My last pregnancy, I truly believe, was so different and difficult on me because my son has some type of undiagnosed syndrome. I've discovered that many kids with genetic abnormalities many times seem to cause the moms to have HELLP or something else during pregnancy, so I feel quite confident my pregnancy was so different because of that, so I also feel that the odds of it happening again are low. I also feel even more confident in myself having a UP and UC because I proved to everyone (and myself) that I would go to the doctor if something was wrong. I feel confident that a midwife or doctor would not have caught it any sooner than I did, and maybe even later (it progresses quickly and can be very dangerous), and in fact, the first time I went, they sent me home with no diagnosis! I self-diagnosed just based on my symptoms and went back the following week, then they transferred me for a c/s. It could not have gone any better, considering the circumstances. But it was one of the worst days of my life. :'(

Anyhow, I will be an automatic "high risk" to most people for 3 reasons:
1. I have had 2 c/s
2. I am overweight
3. I am 35.

On the up side of all of these though, I am craving healthy foods and have recently lost over 10 pounds and am taking much better care of myself and am highly motivated to continue! Also, the age thing shouldn't be a huge factor since this is not my first baby. And with the c/s, it should not be a big issue either since I know it is possible for me to have a baby vaginally.

But I will still be considered high risk. It just ticks me off that if I go to a doctor that I wouldn't even be given a "trial of labor", they would just schedule a c/s, and midwives that I know of in my area will not take me.

So I guess my first question is, my husband wants me to at least *try* to find a midwife, and I will do my very best, but if I can't find one who will see me, what books are out there that he might be able to read and feel more comfortable with UC? I thought he was fine with it last time, but now he is saying that he was just keeping quiet! I don't have internet at home right now either, so it would be hard to give him online testimonials to read. Maybe I could email some to him to download to the mail program....

My next question is, does anyone have some great meal suggestions or even menu plans for a good, healthy vegan diet during pregnancy?

I think that's it (for now). Thanks!

[Cindy]

Oh, and one more question.....

If I could do all the tests that the doctors and midwives do (blood pressure check, keytones, etc.), I'm sure my husband would feel much better about everything. What all would I need to order, and where can I order them from? Thanks!

[Jewel]

Hi and congrats! I know Sombra here has dealt with high blood pressure and was able to keep hers down with higher doses of calcium/magnesium..maybe she'll jump in here and tell you more about that.

As far as books I can list some excellent resources that will help you with gaining knowledge towards birth and knowing what to do when or if A, B ,C or D arises.

Unassisted Childbirth; An Act of Love by Lynn Greisemer Great book on why to UC and info on planning, etc..

Spritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskins Great book with stories of births at the Farm and also a manual for midwives..

Christian Midwifery by Betty A. Peckman...info on pregnancy and birth for parents and midwives

Heart and Hands by Elizabeth Davis a midwives guide

Polly's Birth Book by Polly Block...midwife guide for homebirth

Hope this helps! :)

eta; you can order supplies for bp at inhishands.com or cascade birth supply store

This post has been edited by Jewel: 15 March 2010 - 09:52 AM

[bydesign]

Congratulations!

I have had 3 UP/UCs in the last 4 years. I was ages 40, 41 and 43. :D

I REALLY, REALLY like The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth by Laurie Annis Morgan. It's not so much a "how to" for UC, but a "how midwives can actually make birth more dangerous" and "why UC is the greatest thing for husbands and wives" sort of book. I found it very inspiring.

Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth is an excellent resource. For a description of what your body does during labor and birth and how to work with it, Natural Childbirth, the Bradley Way by Susan McCuetchen.

I'm no help on the vegan diet, I'm more of a promoter of the adequate amounts of protein and less carbs during pregnancy. But I think smoothies, like green smoothies, are a great way to pack a lot of nutrients into your diet and get a variety of foods that you might not normally get.

[Sombra]

I just found my tick sheet that I used during Elias' pregnancy..

tid (three times a day)
pid (twice a day)

Garlicin 1 tablet tid
Magnesium 2 tablets tid
Calcium 2 tablets pid
Potassium 2 tablets pid
celery 1 stick pid
RRL tea 1 cup tid
1/2 plat veggies per meal
nuts and seeds
fish oils 1/2 tsp per day


HOWEVER.. right now I'm doing
Garlicin 2 tabs pid
Calcium 2 tabs pid
mag 2 tabs pid
potassium 2 tabs pid
a chinese herb pid


AND I'M NOT SUCCEEDING with this regimen, where I was with the pregnancy regimen.. so clearly I need to tweek it a little to get it to do what it was doing back then.

[Cindy]

Thanks so much, ladies! I will check into these books and other things, and I will definitely encourage my husband to read up too! :) God bless!

[luvrbbs]

I can relate to the issue of husband not being completely on board for UP or UC. Prayers for unity in your decisions.

One of my fav vegan recipies is a pasta dish
Ccut several large tomates into quarter, peel garlic cloves and toss both into baking dish.
Drizzle with Olive Oil and salt and pepper to taste.
Roast at 450 for about 30-35 minutes
Pull out the garlic and mash.

Toss with pasta of your choice. Add a can of drained and rinsed white kidney beans or any other bean you prefer. You can add some cheese if you so desire. It is yummy and come to think of it I have not made that in a while... might be what's for dinner :) LOL

I can also relate to being in tune with your body to realize something was not right when you developed HELLP. Sounds like you recovered quickly. I have taken care of patients in the hospital after a HELLP delivery... The one that comes to mind right away was very ill for a long time. Praise God for your recovery.

It is very frustrating to be labeled high risk. I too will be if I go to the doctor due to history of gestational diabetes with insulin for past 2 deliveries. At this point I am 12 w 6 days with our 4th pregnancy and my husband wants me to go to the doctor... I want to have my first UP and UC.

Welcome and congratulations on your pregnancy. We found out at 4 weeks with this one too... it seems like a long way when you start at 4 but I am amazed at how quickly it has gone.

Blessings to you!