Robyn.Bowles.es

As I wrote last week, we decided to supplement my prenatal care with visits to two independent midwives. “Independent” meaning they work outside of our insurance network and the Social Security system.

We had a “meet and greet” visit with Menchu two weeks ago and she spent nearly an hour and a half with us answering questions, reviewing their services and cost and giving advice. We decided we wanted to continue with what they had to offer and scheduled our first “official” prenatal visit with Menchu for the following week (last Wednesday).

Although we were 30 minutes late due to a quick, absent-minded error I made in getting on bus 161 instead of bus 160, she was happy to wait for us and again spent another 90 minutes reviewing a very detailed, and holistic health history. She patiently addressed all our questions and concerns and emphasized the commitment she and her partner, Mayte, have to helping mothers with breastfeeding. She shook her head in disappointment as we told her of all the restrictions that were placed on me by the hospital staff when I attempted, and eventually failed, to breastfeed Josiah. And she compassionately recognized the tears that began to form in my eyes as we recalled that difficult experience.

She went on to reassure me that they would be available to offer whatever help I needed and that of all their clients, only one has not been able to breastfeed her baby, and that was because she was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. She encouragingly told me I would not be the one to break their record!

After almost 90 minutes of talking and listening, she then summoned me over to the exam table and did what no doctor has ever done: she touched my belly! Her warm hands gently pushed and rubbed to assess the size and position of Isabela. Then she pulled out the doppler and gave us the opportunity to hear our baby’s strong, fast heartbeat – smiling and giving us direct eye contact throughout the process.

Most people would consider this kind of care as basic and expected, and they are right: it should be! But unfortunately, it is not, at least not here.

It was so healing for me to be treated with such sincere care – to be nurtured in the way I desire to nurture others, and to be reminded of the positive power that such love has.

We will start our 8-week Preparation Course on Wednesday which will be taught by Menchu and Mayte. Because they have many clients due in July, and don’t do classes in August they are expecting a larger-than-usual class of 10 women (and their partners). Still a smaller group than the typical 20+ couples that fill other classes.

We are excited to get to know the other expectant parents, to learn what the midwives have to teach us and to be a “student” for awhile, instead of “teacher.”

Stay tuned for additional updates. . .

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