Baby

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions that we've encountered throughout our pregnancy.

• Why are you using midwives instead of a 'traditional' obstetrician?
• Are you planning on breastfeeding?
• Are you going back to work after the baby is born?

Why are you using midwives instead of a 'traditional' obstetrician?

To be honest, I hadn't given the decision much thought, because it just seemed so right to use a midwife rather than a doctor. I was reading something about a midwife, and I just thought, "That's what I want." It seemed very natural. I switched to the midwives for my general gynecology exams before we started trying to get pregnant, and went to them for a preconception counseling session.

I believe that childbirth is a natural process. I mean, we've been doing it for our entire existence (clearly). One would think that our bodies know what to do by now.

I know that problems can occur during childbirth. We are planning on going to a hospital, just in case there is any trouble. Travis made it very clear that that was necessary, though I hadn't really considered a home birth, anyway. There will be doctors available at the hospital that are capable of handling any emergencies.

I would love to make it through the labor without using any painkilling drugs. I recognize that that may not be possible, because I really have no idea how painful it will be, or if there will be complications that will necessitate anesthesia. So, although that is my goal, I'm glad to know that an epidural will be available if I want/need it.

My midwives are from Greene Midwifery Care, in Fairborn, Ohio. I highly recommend them to anyone who is thinking of having a baby, because they were amazing throughout the entire process!

Are you planning on breastfeeding?

That's our plan. It isn't always possible, but we REALLY REALLY want him to be breastfed.

We're trying to do everything as naturally as possible, under the theory that we humans have been working on perfecting reproduction and baby care for a really long time. That doesn't mean that we'll forgo technological advancements like bouncy seats, but as far as breastfeeding goes, we're on board.

There have been lots of studies showing that it is best for the baby's immune system, and it really should have everything that they need to grow well and such. Of course, there have been eras in which children were mostly bottle-fed, and as a whole, all those people turned out fine. So, I'm not positive that it really makes a difference.

Another primary reason that we are doing it is convenience! We don't need to lug bottles and formula around, nor do we need to clean bottles, mix formula, etc etc. Everything we need to breastfeed is right here. I won't even need to get out of bed at night. What could be better than that?

The only disadvantage of breastfeeding, in my mind, is that Travis can't be as involved with the feeding of the baby. That's a tradeoff that we are both willing to deal with. Anyway, when I start working again, I'll use a breast pump and he'll have the opportunity to feed the baby while I'm at work.

Are you going back to work after the baby is born?

I am planning to. I enjoy my job, and I very much enjoy seeing people and engaging my mind intellectually. It is possible that I'd be satisfied with discussing baby stuff with other moms, but I find it unlikely. I like to track down and solve problems, or develop new ideas and implement them.

I'm a very social person, and I am afraid that I'll drive Travis insane if I don't work, because he'd come home from his very social job, and I'd talk to him all night long. He is not as social as I am, and usually needs a break from talking after his day is over.

So, my plan is to start working from home whenever I feel up to it, and head in to my office at least once a week, or whenever Travis is able to stay home with the baby for an hour or two. His schedule is pretty flexible, so it should be possible for us both to work without engaging day care.

Of course, I could be dreaming. I have no idea what it will be like once we have children around, and we'll really need to play it by ear!