Tuesday, December 16, 2008

private midwife or no?

Giovanni and I have been going back and forth about hiring the private midwife who has been following me here in Italy through my pregnancy to be "on- call" for when labor starts. She would come to our house and work with me through the first part of the labor until I dilate to 6 or so then head to the hospital, thus avoiding staying in the hospital too long. Once there she would be a personal coach to me, but has no legal rights in the hospital to do anything as far as delivery goes. From what I understand at the hospital there are about 2 midwives running between 6 labor and delivery rooms that seem to normally be full with one maybe 2 Dr's on call, so the care is not very personal.
I really want to labor and deliver all natural with out any kind of drugs (however, I have taken the steps to meet with and get paper work complete from the anesthesiologist JUST IN CASE), I think that hiring our mw will help me in this goal- but trying to understand if the cost is worth it is another thing! We have to call her tomorrow and let her know what our choice is....
Time is ticking and our little girl will be here shortly after the new year starts!!! How exciting!!!
I do have some new belly shots to post, but need to sort through them- stay tuned for that!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

JR said he would coach you through the labor for half the price.
I think the time you need the most support is after you are dilated to a 6 and at the hospital. There really wouldn't be much for someone to do in the early labor. You are packing and cleaning in between contractions. Would it be cheaper if she just helped you at the hospital and not at home? Do they have nurses that help you at the hospital? Good luck on deciding what to do! I can't wait to see her!

Unknown said...

I didn't realize that JR was signed in and not me! That last comment was from me (Kristi) and not JR speaking in third person!

Mommy Madness said...

I agree with Kristi. If there are nurses available to help during the beginning part of labor, that would be a lot cheaper than paying for the mw. However, if you think you would feel more comfortable with her being there, than taking away some stress is worth the extra cost (as long as it's not astronomical). Good luck!

DeLoy and Heidi Brady said...

I had a midwife deliver 4 of my 5 babies (at the hospital)... and let me tell you- she was AWESOME!!! She has all sorts of little secrets to handle the pain! She was extremely supportive and loving. I miss her so much! I think that it is very important that you are at the hospital- you never know when anything could happen, and it is better to be safe than sorry right?

bella utahan said...

Thanks for your comments!!! I think we will end up going with her and trying to nogotiate the price a bit. Here in the hospitals the 2 midwives going between the 6 rooms are the nurses (from what I understand) so I think that the constant support of someone who knows me and little tricks to help will be really good- not to mention the fact she speaks English! JR, thanks for your offer, even at half price I would still have to pay for your flight! Although, I would love you to visit!

Richelle said...

So do they not have "regular" nurses working the Labor & Delivery part of the hospital? Just those 2 midwives? I'm confused with how your health system works! I had the most awesome regular RN with Landon--it felt kind of like having a midwife! Either way...SO excited to meet this baby!!! Also-- my epidurals never worked, and with Landon I went natural...NOT so much fun. I think you're wise to do the paper work just in case ;-)Good luck with everything! HUGS!!!

Thekrogwoman said...

I'm not so sure about how it all works over there, and I don't know anything about midwives?? Sorry, no advise there, but enjoy the next 24 days. Your life is about to change completely, but totally for the good! There's NOTHING better than being a mom!! Good luck!

Natalie said...

I'm so glad you figured this out finally...I think it will make all the difference for you!