I feel like the biggest fickle pregnant women right now. I can’t make up my mind on anything and with as many decisions as I feel I have to be making…that can be a problem. I could not put to rest the idea of a midwife so I meet with one last week at OHSU. I was greatly influenced by the fact that instead of delivering at St Vincent’s, by going with this midwife I could deliver at OHSU with the help of doula nurses and a certified midwife. Facts that I learned about OHSU that are worth passing along.
1) They have a 9-11% c-section rate, (plus they deal with many high risk pregnancies and they are still able to keep it that low) compared to 1 in 3 at St V’s.
2) They do water births and also have Jacuzzi tubs for laboring (I’m a big time bath person so this is a draw)
3) Since OHSU is a hospital and a University their 2nd year midwife students do rounds on the labor and delivery floor and most are doulas (all with natural birthing philosophies) so they add extra support for laboring mom’s who want natural birth.
4) They do not pressure their patience to do constant fetal heart monitoring (if it is a low risk pregnancy), they don’t force IV’s and they don’t adhere to the 24 hour rule (for low risk pregnancies after the waters have broken)
5) However, they do provide constant care to laboring women and have OB/Gyn’s on call if any emergencies do come up and of course can provide all modern drugs like Epidurals if requested.
6) For anyone who’s interested, they do vaginal births after c-sections.
I am totally excited and at peace once again about the decision to switch my plan. (Thanks everyone for your encouragement!) Mike will go with me to my transfer OB appointment in a couple of weeks where we will get a tour, go over all my medical records so far and talk about our birth plan.
Since by belly is now getting huge I seem to get stopped everywhere I go by grandma’s wanting to touch the belly and tell me about their grandkids. And women I hardly know at work who want to spend 30 minutes in the hall telling me all about their birth stories. And I love it all. All welcomed encouragement!
4 years ago
6 comments:
My friend,
Jon's cousin Debbie works there! My cousin's husband wants to work there! I feel as if I know the place already. I've heard only good things and I'm glad that you feel so confident now in your new choice. That is certainly one thing I have on my heart...where to birth. You see, I want to go to a Planetree hospital and the only one around here is down on Coronado. I suppose it's possible to go stay down there, but that's expensive, and the 1-2 hour drive isn't very good planning. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there, but it's encouraging to see you do it, why can't I?
Jen, this sounds like such a fabulous place and such a great fit for you! So happy for you.
Girl, my sister did the bath for labor and talks highly about it! It was our plan but ours went too fast to try it. You look adorable. Can't wait to meet your little one!
Michelly Pitney just had her little baby boy there and I heard amazing things about it.
Love you and can't wait for your shower:) See you soon!
Cant wait for this little one to make is entrance, and I am sure it will be wonderful no matter when or how! Glad to see you at peace with it! Love ya!
My neighbor (who is a nurse) is going to deliver at OHSU with the midwifes as well (she is planning a water birth). I think you will really get the care and consideration you are after with a nurse midwife. They are SO supportive of med-free deliveries and that c-section rate is impressive!
My midwifes at Emmanual "labor-sit" which is like having a doula and that is so great. I loved the MD that delivered Katya but I did not see much of her, or the nurse during labor. My wonderful husband means well but had no idea what to do or say. I think having someone experianced helping you (and me!) deal with will be SUPER helpful.
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