It's time...

It's either time for action, or time for a change of plans. I had the chance today to speak with the nurse manager of the L&D floor where I work. This is (obviously) where I'll be delivering our next addition. To make a long story short, I wasn't happy with her answers to my questions. Their lack of proper equipment for a natural birthing mom was disturbing. Their policies regarding visitors are deplorable. I was not impressed, to say the least. Combine that with my general level of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the OB's office, and now I'm thinking about a change of plans.

You guessed it, I'm finally considering a midwife attended homebirth. Eric and I still have to get some questions answered by the midwife, mostly regarding what emergency equipment and supplies she travels with. I'm hoping to meet her and love her, and have the decision be an easy one.

At the same time, I'd also like to try and implement change within my employers L&D services. Some of their policies do not match the other hospital in town, and they are going to have to change those in order to stay competitive. Quite a bit of their routine doesn't follow current research; it's not evidence based practice. I intend to point that out, but doubt anything will come of it. At least I know it would in MY birth, because I'd demand it. I'm drafting a letter to send to the hospital CEO, and any other administrators involved in the L&D unit of Women's Services. Who knows if anyone will even read the letters, or much less care to do anything about it. But it will make me feel better to at least write them. Maybe they will actually take a look at their routine and policy, and other Moms will benefit. That would be beyond amazing.

I can say, for sure, 100% without doubt, that they will not get my business unless they at least amend the visiting policy for me. The other hospital in town will cost me more, since they aren't a "preferred provider" in my insurance network, but I'd consider them if my pregnancy became high risk.

Patients often assume they don't really have choices. They are told what's best for them, and what the hospital policy is, and they just go along with it. I hope just one person reads this and realizes, you DO have choices. Research, and empower yourself. Demand what you know is best for you and your family!!!

Photo Dump

My friend Adriann got married at the end of September. Congrats to her and Judd! This is me and my sweetie, before the wedding.

Drake laughing as he tries to eat a leaf. His Halloween outfit is one of his Grandma Brenda's creations.
This is what happens when I ask my husband to feed Drake lunch, on a Sunday afternoon. That's right folks, the highchair was pulled into the living room so they could watch the Panthers.
My evening routine (unless I'm one of the late CRNA's that day), is to give Drake dinner about 5:30, then a bath, and finally pajamas and a bottle. He's usually asleep in his crib between 6:30 and 7:30.
I don't know why this picture insisted on flipping back this way, but it's really cute. My boys love to nap together!
This was from our first weekend in Florence. We took Drake to the park to explore a little. He loved the swings!

The Pumpkin Patch

I sure love this stinker!

We could not in a million years have planned for this photo. Eric was just snapping away, and Drake chose that exact moment to puke. We both thought it to be hilarious, although this photo will probably make my Dad gag.

He wasn't feeling the pumpkin patch.
See the Bills gear? Drake's a true fan, even though his dad is a little frustrated with the season thus far.
He's happy as long as he can pull up and stand! He hates to sit now.
His confused face.

Oh the decisions....

One of the pediatricians in the practice I will (hopefully) take Drake to is recommending his patients NOT get the H1N1 vaccine. This is according to a nurse I work with who's child sees him. I'm astonished. I'm so torn over whether or not to do all FOUR vaccines for the flu this year. Because of Drake's age, he needs two doses of each vaccine in order for them to be completely effective. And if that comes from a multi dose vial, that's FOUR doses of mercury. I wonder if parents realize that studies about such large amounts of mercury being given in such close proximity have never been done. There are no studies to provide info on how safe this is or isn't.

Because of how serious the regular and H1N1 flu both seem to be, I am leaning toward having him vaccinated. However, not more than one at a time, and only vaccines with no mercury. I really hope the peds offices around here get the vaccines that are single dose. But that's assuming I can even get my records there, and obtain an appointment. We may end up at DHEC for vaccines before it's all over.

I wish I was 100% sure of my decisions for Drake. Being torn about what to do isn't easy. I just want what's best for him, and unfortunately the research just isn't clear.

On a random note, I find it ridiculous, all the people on facebook who are announcing their child has swine flu, without a swab ever being done. How about being factual, and saying that you "think" your child has swine flu. Otherwise, it's just contributing to the mass hysteria.

On another random note, to address those who accuse me of being a hypocrite to give drugs all day, and then not fully vaccinate my family according to AAP schedule. All that's left to say there, is "Screw you". There is quite a bit of difference between giving a drug for a therapeutic effect, and giving a vaccine to prevent a disease.

I had an interesting case today, with an interesting drug reaction that none of us had ever seen. Interesting for sure, but I could have done without it. I'm past the point in my life where I like that kind of excitement. Normal and stable is just how I like it these days. Boring anesthesia is the best!!! The group of MDA's I work with are awesome!

I just wanted to throw some positives out there, because I often blog when irritated or frustrated. I should probably try to minimize that, because I've realized it can give my blog a negative vibe. Another positive for today is that my sweet husband did laundry and cleaned the kitchen! We also have our tickets to fly to Buffalo for Thanksgiving, and our football tickets to the Panthers vs. Bills game October 25 in Charlotte. Lots of exciting planning going on around here. I'm excited about going to the game, because one of our teams will finally win!!!! Ha ha, that's pretty sad.

Well, it's late and I'm off to bed. An early day awaits me in the morning!

Happy and Sad

Happy 9 month birthday to my sweet baby boy! He is such an amazing joy in our lives! He is everywhere, and into everything. He can crawl/scoot all over, and now pulls up on everything in sight. He will take a few steps behind his cruiser toy, but is a little timid. He's more comfortable taking steps around our ottoman, since it doesn't move. I promise I have photos coming, but I'm just too tired to download them tonight.

On another note, my poor baby got diagnosed with an ear infection for his nine month birthday. He's been pulling at his right ear, but hasn't had a fever at all. But, he has slept HORRIBLY the past two nights. Mommy's intuition told me he needed to be seen. So, off we go to the "Doctors Care" urgent care center, and the awesome Dr. Rogers. Interestingly enough, he did have an ear infection, but not in the ear he's been pulling at. And while they didn't do a strep swab, he said his eyes and throat were red in the way that suggested strept. Just great- I gave my bambino strept and my ear infection. I feel like the shittiest mom on earth right now. There is comfort in knowing I did get on antibiotics as soon as possible, despite my OB's office being CONVINCED I had the piggy flu. Drake honestly acts like he feels fine, other than the sleep issue. That makes me happy! He'll start on his own Amoxicillin tonight, and that makes me sad. I feel like if I was still breastfeeding, he wouldn't have gotten this. Why can't I be one of those lucky women who has an endless supply of breast milk???

On another not so happy note, I am so disappointed and frustrated with my obstetrical care here. I miss my midwives and that office staff more than words can possibly describe. The front office chick at my OB's office is a raging bitch. In turn, she makes this pregnant and tired mommy have the almost uncontrollable urge to slap the shit out of her. If I get arrested soon, you'll all know why. In my checkup today, (not with my main OB), I took the time to go over the principles of my birth plan. And just what did the OB do while I was 'attempting' to discuss this with her? Well, for starters, she hardly looked me in the eye. She stood near the door, like she was just trying to get out. And the kicker? She DOODLED on my checkout sheet. I thought that's what was going on, and on my way to the checkout counter, I confirmed it. And her answer to everything I had a question about? "Well, that's an issue with the hospital, not us." NEWS FLASH LADY::: I am your patient, therefore it's your issue too. Even if you don't give two shits about me, my birth plan, or what my wishes are, you could pretend!!! I was so pissed when I left there, I stopped in at another OB's office in the same building to get some info about their practice. Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed.

I'm so flippin homesick for Charlotte, my midwives, and Drake's pediatrician that it's not even funny. I've been trying for weeks to get Drake a pediatrician's appointment. He needs his nine month well baby visit. Plus, some vaccines. I've gone as far as physically going to their office, to no avail. For some reason, they just can't manage to fax out the request for his records from Charlotte. I had Eric go to the office in Charlotte last week to sign the papers to have them mailed. They won't make an appointment until they receive the records, and have the ped review them. Then the pediatrician has to "accept" Drake. And I don't even know if they will, since he isn't vaccinated according to the almighty AAP schedule. Then, I'll have to start from scratch to get him in at the other office in town. Which of course will cost me more, since it isn't part of the hospital I work for.

So, that's what's going on here. We are super busy, and I'm super stressed. With a sick baby. Relocating surely isn't easy. I hope all these issues with our healthcare providers will soon be straightened out. I expected a few kinks, but I didn't think it would all be so difficult.

Guess who is going to be a BIG BROTHER?

You guessed it!!! DRAKE!!!!!

We are expecting the next addition to the Kirsch family in mid April, and we are so excited! We had talked about our future family while we were dating, and have always known we want our children close in age. Drake and the newest addition will be 15 months apart. We know it's going to be very hard, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We want them close, and I'm also ready to get past my "childbearing years". I told Eric he can get two kids out of me, and then it's on to adoption! Ever since I was a teenager, I have had a nagging feeling that I wanted to adopt a child one day. I'm not sure if we'll actually go on that journey, but it's an option for the future. And I may just not feel finished after number two, and feel led to have another biological child. We have no clear cut plan, other than knowing we want our children close in age. We are so blessed with another pregnancy, and so thankful. The morning sickness is almost gone, and I'm not nearly as tired as I thought I'd be. I'll be 13 weeks this Tuesday-- so long to the first trimester! I can't say I'm sad to see it go. The second trimester is truly fabulous. My appointments have all been fine so far.

My first two appts were with my midwife Tina, in Charlotte. I have to admit that I got in my car and cried after that last appointment. I really miss her, and that entire office staff. I felt truly cared for there, physically and emotionally. There are no midwives in Florence, so I now see an OB group. I asked around, and a nurse on L&D here recommended one she thought I would mesh with. I did like the OB, despite all of my reservations. I tried to go in with an open mind, and I was pleased. She took the time to sit down with me and answer about 20 questions. While I liked her personally, and how candid she was, she wasn't all full of good news. She flat out told me that I am going to have a really hard time having my wishes respected, and getting the type birth I want, in the hospital I'll be delivering at. But never fear, I've already got that issue covered.

I've found a group of doulas in Myrtle Beach who have accepted me as a client, and are more than happy to drive to Florence. Plus, they are familiar with hypnobirthing/hypnobabies. In addition, I plan for Eric to be at this birth. I plan to realize in my next labor, that those crampy feelings are called contractions. And I'll let him know in plenty of time! In addition, my cousin Ashlee (who is more like a sister), has also agreed to be there for me and be an advocate. She can be very verbal, which is what I'll need while I'm working through contractions. She may also find a more polite way to tell the nurses to eff off. I'm not sure I'll be so polite while laboring. So, between these three people, I WILL get the type of birth I want, despite having a hospital and nursing staff who very rarely see natural birth.

There are about 6-7 weeks until my anatomy scan at the doctors office, but I plan to have an early gender scan in 3 weeks, up in Charlotte. We are going up for the Bills/Panthers game, and will fit in an ultrasound that Saturday. I'm excited! I don't have any strong feelings about the sex of this little one. This is quite different from Drake, who I just knew was a boy. I'd really like to have another boy, so Drake can have a brother. Eric and his brother are close in age, and are still close friends today. I really want that for Drake. On the other hand, I'd really like to have a girl as well, to dress up with, and be Mommy's best girlfriend. There is a perfect plan for our family, but we don't have any input in it. We trust that it is indeed perfect, and we can't wait to see what that entails!

H1N1 vaccine..... (again)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2205843/h1n1_flumist_the_nasal_spray_that_keeps.html?cat=70

So, here is the long and short of it. The H1N1 vaccine that comes in the nose spray is called Flumist. It is a LIVE virus, unlike the shots. You literally become a carrier of H1N1 if you choose this method of the vaccine. It "sheds" for up to 21 days, which means that as you move around society, you are spreading the virus. It's a very low rate of transmission, and I've read anywhere from 0.5-3%. Since this is a brand new thing, I don't believe anyone knows for sure.

What does this mean to our family? Well, obviously we won't be getting the Flumist, if we choose to be vaccinated. It also means, that if you get the Flumist version, DO NOT COME NEAR MY FAMILY. ESPECIALLY MY CHILD! No ands, ifs, or buts about it. Please stay away for at least 3 weeks after you are vaccinated. Thanks!!!

We've been super busy lately, with my new job, and Eric's parents in town. It's been a great week, and we are sad to see them leave in the morning. I hope to make it to Merry Marketplace tomorrow, and we want to take Drake to the pumpkin patch. I hope the weather is nice this weekend! Stay tuned for some more blog posts coming up. I have one with some big news, and one all about car seats.