questions

questions

National Preparedness Month: Family Plan

What is a Family Plan?

Family Plan

I am so used to creating and planning with the families I support. Whether it be creating birth plans, a plan for your postpartum period, meal plans, returning to work or daycare plans or a plan for company to visit once you are home. Sometimes the importance of planning for the “OTHER” things fall to the bottom of the pile. Have you created your family plan?

In light of September being National Preparedness Month, is your family prepared in case of an emergency? Fire? Falls? Poisoning? Drowning? Abduction? Having children means, you can never be too careful.

With the recent devastation of hurricanes Harvey and Irma and all the wildfires, it got me thinking about the importance of planning and preparing for the little things too.  In-home disasters (water line breaks) or emergencies (fire) could happen at any time.  This blog will discuss BASIC things for family safety in your home, not dealing with natural disasters! [Read more…] about National Preparedness Month: Family Plan

Labor is approaching, what questions should you ask?

Labor QuestionsThird Trimester

Congratulations, you have made it to your 3rd trimester.  Your little one is packing on some weight and you feel her kicks and stretches even more powerfully now.  You are super excited to meet her BUT have patience because there is a lot of developing she still needs to do before she can safely come earth side. Soon she will be in your arms.

As your delivery date approaches, the reality that labor is coming becomes more real. You HAVE to give birth to this baby.

At this point in your pregnancy, you should be thinking about or working on your birth plan (lets people specifically know what you DO and DO not want during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period).  Some people want their goals written out, others just talk to their support people and make sure everyone is on the same page. Do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Labor questions to ask your provider:

  • WHO will be delivering my baby? Again, is the OB or Midwife in a solo practice or in a group with other professionals? If a solo practice, ask who their back up/on call professional is. If a group practice, do I get to meet or schedule visits with the other doctors? What is your on call day?
  • Will you be at the hospital the entire time or do you come and go based on how I am progressing in labor?
  • When can we discuss my birth plan?
  • Are you ok with me NOT delivering on my back?
  • What is your position on inductions? Why would you induce me?
  • Vacuum and forceps usage?
  • Do I have to have an IV upon arrival? Oxytocin?
  • What monitoring do you recommend when I go into labor? External or internal?
  • Will you delay cord clamping?
  • Should I keep a copy of my prenatal records with me?
  • Do you perform cervical checks? If so, how often?
  • When labor begins, at what point should I call you?
  • Do you support vaginal breech births?
  • What is your c-section rate? Episiotomy rate? In what situations would you perform one?
  • How long will you let me go after my due date?

Labor questions

 

Understanding all your options and getting all your questions answered can help alleviate your fears, put you at ease to feel safe, informed and supported during your pregnancy and your labor and delivery.

Give me a call today to learn how I can help you feel the same way once your baby is in your arms and you are in the comfort of your home.

20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

prenatal questionsYou have chosen your provider and the news that you are expecting is finally sinking in.  Maybe you get an early sonogram picture and your heart explodes at the life growing inside you. The wheels in your mind are spinning as prenatal questions keep popping up. You devour pregnancy books and ask friends but you won’t have peace of mind until you chat with your provider.

As an RN, a former certified childbirth educator and co-author of Starting out Right: Positive Strategies to Guide Adolescents through Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth, I have heard almost every possible question that people have during their pregnancy. A good amount I can answer, others I will tell you I need to get back to you and some I will tell you to ask your OB or Midwife. [Read more…] about 20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

Pregnant? Who provides your prenatal care?

2 lines or a + sign, now what?

prenatal-care
Pregnant

Whom do you tell first? How do you share the news? When do you tell?

Wait a couple weeks or shout it from the rooftops? Sorry, there is no right answer.

Once the initial shock or excitement has worn off and the reality has set in, how do you decide who to go to for your prenatal care? When do you start getting prenatal care?  Do you see an OB/GYN? Or a Midwife? [Read more…] about Pregnant? Who provides your prenatal care?

Due to COVID 19, Colleen will be providing virtual and/or in home support.

Feel free to call, text or email her for virtual support in the comfort, safely providing virtual and in-person support based on families needs!