Switching Midwives
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Switching Midwives
| Mon, 10-08-2012 - 4:19am |
My original midwife wasn't able to do the post-partum visits, so we have a new midwife, and I've been so unhappy - just realized this yesterday, though. I suppose the options are to speak up about what I don't like, switch midwives or just go without one.
Anyhow, she told me I didn't need the prescriptions that the hospital ordered me to take, and I should take what she gave me instead. I'm so out of it, I didn't realize it was homeopathy and not proper supplements. I also had no idea of the severity of my hemoglobin levels - I'm 7 (they normally do transfusions at 8 or lower!). So here I was taking homeopathic tablets instead of the iron, vitamin C and folic acid. When my milk supply started slipping nights, I did some research and found that basically all our BFing issues could be due to the anemia. I also remember the doc saying you can only raise your HB level by one point each month, so don't miss any tablets. Managing my medical care isn't easy when I feel so crappy - I thought I was just tired, but I also noticed slurred speech at times, so I'm getting worried.
Just called OBGYN this morning and DH is picking up prescription today. Next would be making a decision about the midwife. Thoughts? We're also considering hiring a lactation consultant instead. Insurance should cover 4 visits and 4 tel consulations.
Also - any nutrition tips for upping iron? I had no idea sugar blocks absorption! I'm also nervous about leafy greens while BFing - LO has a very sensitive tummy it seems. We've mostly just been eating sweet potatoes, carrots and potatoes.
Anyhow, she told me I didn't need the prescriptions that the hospital ordered me to take, and I should take what she gave me instead. I'm so out of it, I didn't realize it was homeopathy and not proper supplements. I also had no idea of the severity of my hemoglobin levels - I'm 7 (they normally do transfusions at 8 or lower!). So here I was taking homeopathic tablets instead of the iron, vitamin C and folic acid. When my milk supply started slipping nights, I did some research and found that basically all our BFing issues could be due to the anemia. I also remember the doc saying you can only raise your HB level by one point each month, so don't miss any tablets. Managing my medical care isn't easy when I feel so crappy - I thought I was just tired, but I also noticed slurred speech at times, so I'm getting worried.
Just called OBGYN this morning and DH is picking up prescription today. Next would be making a decision about the midwife. Thoughts? We're also considering hiring a lactation consultant instead. Insurance should cover 4 visits and 4 tel consulations.
Also - any nutrition tips for upping iron? I had no idea sugar blocks absorption! I'm also nervous about leafy greens while BFing - LO has a very sensitive tummy it seems. We've mostly just been eating sweet potatoes, carrots and potatoes.
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Wow, if I were you I'd be strongly considering a switch too! One way you could get a bit of extra iron is to cook in a cast iron pan. I've also read that calcium can inhibit iron absorption but vitamin C helps. Something to look into. Good luck!
Julie - eagerly awaiting DH's homecoming & the arrival of our first DS, due 11/29/12
How irresponsible!Iron Folic Acid and Vitamin C are all natural vitamins anyways -geez!!
Hope you are feeling better soon!
- JM
Btw, apparently my grandmom says iron pill intolerance runs in the family: I vomited even more than while PG. No where near as violently, though. ;-) I'm gonna call the hospital and ask the exact brand they gave me there. Had no issues then. *sigh*
- JM
Sorry! I'm not a fan of home remedies for true medical conditions. They're okay in addition to normal medicine, but you can't give up normal medicine. You need to get better. I honestly would stop seeing her if I were you. Home midwife visits don't happen in the US and we survive just fine. And she's adding way too much stress to your life.
Vitamin C aids iron absorbtion. Calcium blocks it. Space dairy products 2-3 hours away from iron. I don't tolerate iron well, but when I've had to take it I stagger half my meals to be iron rich and half to be normal. It's been something like this:
Early morning: Just fluids (I can't eat when I first wake up)
9 or 10am: Breakfast included dairy/protein/carbs but didn't worry about vitamin content
12pm: Lunch included iron supplement pill, a vitamin c food (broccoli, oranges, etc.), and something normal like a sandwich. Lunch was dairy free to avoid calcium.
3 or 4pm: Snack was whatever I wanted, tried to include calcium
6pm: Dinner was high in iron and vitamin c and dairy free
Bedtime snack: Milk and carbs (easier to sleep with a full belly!)
Madelyn, February 26, 2001
Aaron, January 2, 2005
Baby #3, October 2, 2012
Is it true that citrus fruits are an absolute no go? I'm craving pineapples and oranges so bad, and there aren't many fruits and veggies to choose from once summer is over. (Lows are already in the 30s here!)
- JM
Why no citrus foods? Haven't heard that one. I mean, I've seen it on the huge list of things that might upset baby while bfeeding, but I think it depends on the baby.
Madelyn, February 26, 2001
Aaron, January 2, 2005
Baby #3, October 2, 2012