Choosing Someone to Catch the Baby from My Vajayjay

Try visiting your girlie doctor... Being told your insurance doesn't cover the procedure, arguing with them, and calling the insurance company yourself to find out in in fact DOES. Putting your insurance company on the phone with them, they finally agree, but say that you need to pay your $150 deductible.. And that needs to be paid up front (as if they assume you'll run away after in your attempt to evade the GYN bill monster). Then, you wait... And you're called into a little room. Then you wait, and wait, and wait... And Tweet about the long wait.. And consider pulling the dang cord out yourself... You start to consider leaving.... Getting up to put your clothes on. And as if on cue... A knock at the door.

Your doctor comes in, puts your legs in the stirrups, pulls the goalie, and asks if you need another method of birth control prescribed. You tell her you're thinking of using natural prevention measures for now, and she sort of says somethings like "cool" and is outta there like a fat kid in dodgeball! It all happens before you could say your ABCs and you wonder "WTF?"

This was my last experience at my GYN, and I'm not gonna lie, I felt a little violated. I felt rushed, unimportant, and a little like a cow... Or cattle, whatever--It didn't feel good!

She is an OBGYN, but needless to say, I don't want HER delivering my future baby! So... Now I'm faced with the quest of finding a new "female doctor."

I might as well just find an OBGYN, so I can go to the same person pre-and during pregnancy. But get this.. I'm SUPER picky. Ok not really normally, but I kind of want to be for this.

Have you seen Knocked Up? Not the best movie, but there's a scene where the pregnant lady goes to like 10 different doctors and has them give her 10 different ultrasounds and based on their personality, skills, and connection she chooses the doctor she likes best. That's a little how I imagine myself... But I'd rather get the interviews done early.

I've watched one too many episodes of A Baby Story where the mom-to-be is given a time limit for dilating, then they take her to the operation room to be cut open, just cause "it's taking too long." No thank you!

Nothing against C-sections or whatever, but I definitely don't want one if I don't absolutely NEED one. I mean, although it's not the prettiest sight, I'd much rather just get the thing to come out of my Hooha... But it's not even that, bottom line... I want whats best for me and baby, but without feeling rushed, or pushed into anything. NOTHING against anyone who has c-sections, I just want to try to get baby out of my lady parts first if possible.

How did you choose your doctor? My last GYN was referred by a friend. Although it didn't go well, my family doctor was also referred by a friend and he is WONDERFUL. He took the time to talk to me and my husband, answer all of our questions, joke with us. I didn't feel rushed at all. He did give me some recommendations of OBs, so I'll look into that.

So my question is, how do I choose a new OBGYN?... And/or perhaps a Midwife or Doula? I don't want to wait until I'm pregnant to choose one. I'd like to have one in mind before so I know who to call when I'm like "Hey, I'm pregnant, when can I come in?"

My friend Kayce is a midwife assistant and doula in training and I'm ALWAYS asking her questions about labor, delivery, pregnancy, etc. She has a great post with questions to ask a potential doctor/midwife/doula.

*Added* Can I "interview" a midwife before I'm pregnant, or would that be weird? Don't most OBs have midwives too? Do doula's deliver babies alone? If I do interview an OB or Midwife do I pay a copay, does it count as a "visit" like that, or can I do it over the phone? Do they actually schedule time for those things?**

Anything else you can think to add? What should I watch out for? Be aware of? How did you choose yours? Are there good doctor review websites you like? Feed me!!

Thanks!

PS: My BFN story here.

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PS: Winner of my JOHNSON'S gift basket giveaway: #39 Mrs. Priss who said: "Glad you're feeling better. I'm a follower" Congrats! email me your address babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com

RAW Prenatals: Garden of Life Giveaway!

It's still Thursday right? Ok good... I'm on a roll with these Thursday giveaways and I hope you're liking them as much as I am! I'm trying to keep them pre-pregnancy and fertility related, so if you here of something cool you'd like to see featured and try to win let me know!

Today I want to share with you some AWESOME prenatal vitamins I got from Garden of Life. I did a post awhile ago about prenatal vitamins and about how I wanted to get some. I ended up buying the $4 kind at the grocery store, and I think they were better than nothing, but after doing some more research I've found that sometimes it's hard for your body to process all of the chemicals and products (and ingredients you can't pronounce) used to make the vitamin.

For instance the ingredients in my old by Spring Valley vitamin: Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, Corn Starch, and Zinc. Interesting, no?

The main ingredients of my new vitamin: Organic Strawberry, Organic Cherry, Organic Blackberry, Organic Blueberry, Organic Raspberry, Organic Beet Juice, Organic Carrot Juice, Organic Spinach Juice... etc etc. You get the idea right?

Of course the best way to get the vitamins and nutrients you need is to EAT them raw, but let's face it, sometimes that's just not possible... Especially if you're as busy as me! And here's info off of their side about it:

"With Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal, you can rest assured that our vitamins are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated, with no binders or fillers, no soy allergens and always vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. These factors alone should make Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal your multivitamin of choice. But there’s even more to Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal making it even more valuable. Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal contains clinically studied probiotics that not only enhance the immune systems of mothers, but that of their babies as well. Vitamin Code Prenatal is also a wonderful multivitamin for newly lactating mothers—with the immune support extending to that of the newborn, breast-fed baby."

And if you're as busy as me and trying to get pregnant, or thinking of trying to get pregnant soon, now is a good time to start taking prenatals.

The wonderful people at Garden of Life hooked me up with two kinds of prenatal vitamins which I've been trying. Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal Immune Support for Two ($39.95) and Oceans Mom Prenatal DHA ($17.95). They also hooked my husband up with some Viamin Code RAW for Men, which has great stuff for him!

They have all of the Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 you need... Which is both important for mom and baby. I've heard taking vitamins when you're trying to conceive can help with that as well.. So we'll see if that's the case for me pretty soon!

I've been using them a few weeks now and can honestly say my nails seem like they are growing a little faster... I can tell cause I was mad when I accidentally broke one last week thanks to Snoop. It's not looking that bad anymore! Also... You know how come vitamins give you stomach aches? The Oceans Mom kind is so small it's not hard to swallow at all. The Vitamin Code RAW kind is in capsules that can be opened and poured in a drink or your food.. Though I haven't even had to do that!Don't take my word for it though... Win your own set! They sent me an extra bottle of Vitamin Code RAW and Oceans Mom (Together about $60 worth of vitamins) for one of my lovely readers! So if you want to win just visit their site then leave a comment telling me what other product you think you'd like OR your favorite thing about these prenatal vitamins! And if you follow my blog you get an extra entry (out of curiosity, tell me if you're new too!)!

Want more entries? Leave additional comments if you:
-Subscribe to my blog
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-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "I just entered this #giveaway on @futuremama's blog for great prenatal vitamins from @growbone http://tinyurl.com/mewqm7 (Please RT)!"
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
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-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments- NEW: EACH email account you vote under is 5 entries :) )
*new*- Vote for my Blog in the Love this Site Awards- (5 entries)

Contest ends Monday September 14th at 11:59pm! I'll use Random.org to choose a winner! Good luck!

The Physicals

I set up appointments to get physicals more than a month ago. I'm not a huge fan of doctor's offices and I consider myself very lucky to have a nurse for a mother-in-law. I usually call her with all of my medical questions, and to make sure I'm not dying.

As a part of this list of things to do 6 months to a year before baby makin' I decided to go ahead and at least do this.

We arrived to our appointments right on time... Not 20-minutes early like the receptionist asked. I liked the way the office building looked. It was small, quaint. Unlike the huge and commercialized offices I had visited previously.

After completing our paperwork the nurse quickly called me back. I motioned for my husband to follow me back but he shook his head. "You can come," I urged just above a whisper. But he wouldn't.

After doing a series of basic blood pressure and pulse tests she instructed me to change into the clinic scrubs. When she left the room I heard her call my husband in and apologize that she didn't ask us to come in together 'yea, that's what I tried to tell him' I thought.

So there we were. Our doctor, and Indian man, was probably the nicest doctor we've ever had. In fact, normally we don't like to go to the people in white coats, but he changed our perception. But what threw me for a loop was when the doctor asked: "So are you two thinking about starting a family?" and after glancing at my husband, I let him reply, he said: "Yea, probably in the next 1 to 2 years." I gave him the 'what?!--No, wait, we'll talk later' look, and as soon as the doctor left the room we did.

"A year to two years?" I asked.
"I didn't mean to say that," he said defensively. "I meant I wanted to have a kid in hand in like a year or two."
"Well no one thinks in those terms," I shot back.

While I went to get blood work done hubs completed his physical, and when I walked in I overheard them completing a conversation about what's safe before or during pregnancy. 'Now we're talking,' I thought.

We decided to take our Tetanus/ Pertussis shots then as to not have to worry about it later when it's baby makin' time. The doctor gave me good advice... Prenatals, calcium pills, constant exercise, yoga and meditation (?), OB referrals... The whole nine yards. I felt a lot better after going through that process-- Actually talking to a professional and getting my questions out in the open.

I got a phone call the other day about our blood test results. My husband's came in a day before mine and I worried something was wrong--What if I was.. you know. Do they test for that?

The woman on the other end of the line with my results paused before she read my results. Blood sugar--Good. Iron levels--Good. Cholesterol level--Good, and she paused before she read my last result... I was at 106 for my "bad cholesterol" level, the doctor likes me to stay around 100. Diet and exercise better and get checked again in 6-12 months if I'm not pregnant.

I let out a sigh of relief, not because I needed an excuse to lay off the french fries, but because she didn't tell me the news I've been dreading--I've been suspicious about. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of my paranoia.

The Removal

I called the doctor's office of where I'm getting my checkup and asked if they did Mirena removals. They didn't, so I called my "female doctor" right away, knowing it normally takes awhile for me to get in for an appointment. Needless to say I was quite surprised when they asked "How does next Tuesday sound?" It sounded... Soon. I was expecting at least a month, not seven days.

The week went by quickly, my mental countdown was ticking all week, but it wasn't until the day before and morning of that I really began to think of excuses. 24 hours, 10 hours, 2 hours... The closer it got to my appointment time the more I thought of canceling--Especially since it was the same day of Oprah's show on "motherhood" which was making me rethink it all. I was moments away, debating my decision on Twitter when I finally got the courage to just go!

The whole way there I watched for signs to turn around, to cancel. I didn't get lost--That was a good sign. I was almost on time-An OK sign. I found a parking spot--Good sign. But when I went upstairs to my doctor's office, and the lady gave me weird looks about my insurance, I knew that wasn't a good sign.

I am blessed with good insurance. It covers 100% of my health care fees so long as I visit a place that's "in network" (which most places are). So when the woman verifying my insurance told me they didn't cover IUD removals, and that I'd have to pay the $300 I figured that was the sign I was waiting for... A sign that I shouldn't go through with it. She told me today I was in luck, if I did it then I'd get 25% off an only have to pay $200 something. What? To pull a string? No thank-you!

I got up to leave but on my way out (in near tears) I decided to call my insurance myself. Why would they pay for the device and insertion but leave me to live with it the rest of my life?

My gut instinct was right--That lady, and whoever she talked to were wrong. The man on the phone told me I'd only have to pay a $30 copay. I kept him on the phone, marched back into the office of snooty people and handed her my phone. After she and him discussed the matter they came to the conclusion that I'd actually have to pay my $150 deductible. And she made it clear that it needed to be paid up front. Who did she think I was and why was she acting like I couldn't pay my bill? What? Whatever. An hour had passed since my appointment time and after going over the cost with my husband I decided if they could get me in right then, I'd do it, if not, I'd wait, and possibly find a new doctor. The woman told me she could get me in right away so I went ahead and proceeded.

My wait time in the waiting room was seconds, that made me happy. But the time I spent waiting in the patient room was ridiculous. I was in a hurry to undress before the doctor arrived but then waited another half hour (no joke) before she even came in... Then she was in and our in less than 2 minutes... And I/my insurance paid $300 for that? I should be a GYNO!

Since my "operation" (I'm going to call it that because of the cost) I've been a little moody. And I think it's a little ironic that just days after getting it out I decide to change my mind. I haven't been able to diagnose myself yet (I'm a hypochondriac so I do that kinda stuff) but I'm thinking it's a combination of a couple of things: 1. Stress. I try not to stress often, but lately I feel like a ticking time bomb. 2. Pregnant friends. How can I swoon over my best friends' bellies and babies if I have my own? and 3. Hormones, I think that's causing my stress, and hyperactive jealousy. Can I blame my hormones for everything? I think I may try.

The Vaccines

Have you entered my Spring giveaway yet? It ends on the 25th! It's my coolest one yet.

The other night I was watching Larry King and they were talking about vaccinations and Autism. Boy was it an interesting show. There are a few things I've noticed will cause a mommy rivalry one of the biggest is the topic of vaccinations.

As far as I know I got all of my shots while I was young. I do remember getting plenty of shots when I was in my youth (not even close to a baby). I'm not sure if they were routine or if my mom waited longer for a particular reason. I've conversed with people who don't vaccinate their children, or don't plan to.

I've read countless blogs and articles and forums encompassing statements like "Don't bring your unvaccinated child around mine!" and on the other hand "Vaccines are dangerous." I have no idea where I'll stand on the subject line when the time comes but I know I want to do a lot of studying beforehand.

I do, however wonder why someone would be worried about their vaccinated child around an unvaccinated one because if their child is "protected" why would it matter if someone else isn't? Isn't that the point of the vaccine?

I don't know what causes Autism and I'm not going to pretend like I've done all of the research to have an opinion one way or another. But I am curious to know your opinions on the matter. Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey seemed VERY passionate about the topic during Larry King, just as others I've met and discussed the topic with.

Have you changed the schedule of your child's vaccinations out of fear or because of things you've read? Are you considering it? Why do or don't you vaccinate? Any good books your recommend on this topic? SO curious about this topic! Sorry I can't lean one way or the other one this-- I'm just learning.

The Economy is Effecting Baby Makin' Plans Pt2.

If you haven't voted in the poll to the right please do. I'm curious to know what everyone else thinks of this dilemma. I came across this story, in the New York Times and quite frankly was disgusted. Times are tough... Yea, but this is a little disturbing. I think it would be scary going on maternity leave and worried about having a job to come back to... Especially now. But can you imagine not even being able to go on maternity leave, or even worse... Losing your job before then, and not being able to have your company pay for your labor and delivery bills. Yikes!

Could you ever imagine getting this desperate?:

Starla D. Darling, 27, was pregnant when she learned that her insurance coverage was about to end. She rushed to the hospital, took a medication to induce labor and then had an emergency Cesarean section, in the hope that her Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan would pay for the delivery.

I looked at some comments on a Blogher post about this article and found this one to be so heart wrenching:

I am 35 weeks pregnant (and diabetic) and will be losing my job in a couple of weeks, when I finish training my replacement. I work for a very small company who can get around FMLA laws (though I'm not sure about the Civil Rights Commission ones) and so they've just replaced me. When I took the job, I could only find part-time work, so we've relied on my husband's insurance, which is pretty terrible and will most likely end shortly after the baby is born.
I'm young, only 25, but this is the most terrifying thing I've had to go through. Where are we supposed to go for help? What happens if insurance decides not to cover anything? What happens if the baby gets sick? This economy has completely changed my view on life and the dynamics of my marriage ... and there's nothing we can do about it but hold on by the skin of our teeth and hope for something better soon.

Do you think about these things? My company seems to be doing pretty well right now, we've been told layoffs are not in sight but who knows right?

I know money shouldn't matter when it comes to having a child but how about insurance? I have friends who worry about their husbands (the sole income in the house) losing their jobs which in turn usually means losing their insurance. I'd be lying if I said I'm completely ok to have a child with things being the way they are in the economy.

What if our renter decides she doesn't want to rent out house anymore? What if I lose my job? I know you can't live your life in fear but in times like these it's not fear it's being cautious... It's being SMART. I know "if we're doing what's right we'll be blessed... yada yada," and I hate to be so cynical but the truth is: Bad things happen to good people. That's just reality.

Experts are actually saying that they predict less women will get pregnant while the economy is tanking. While it may make sense intuitively, it's slightly depressing. Less cute babies in the world means less happiness!

Am I alone or are there other women out there who worry about these same things? What do you do to keep going and not worry? And for all of the women out there who voted "it's not effecting my plans at all," why not? Do you feel like your/your husband's job is secure? I'd love to know what you're doing to work through this.