I agree that you should be proactive with asking questions if you have them. Bi see the midwives at GW, who typically are proactive with me. At my 19 week appointment they g me a doula/childbirth education class list and encouraged me to begin doing research on them, and at my 23 week yet gave me an overview of the GD test and what the results indicate. They encourage everyone to have a doula and a birth plan and encourage you to labor at home as long as possible. I've heard the doctors at GW are pretty proactive, too. I don't know whether you want a practitioner who is proactive or are just responding to your friend's reaction, but if you do then I think checkling out the GW practice makes sense. Good luck!

OP, could you see a dr in privat practice who delivers at Georgetown? If not, have you considered hiring a doula to advocate for what you need and provide support?

Yes. I go through phases where I could eat a ridiculous amount, and days where I'm really not very hungry. My midwife said she wasn't concerned as weight gain is not at a constant rate in pregnancy, as long as my overall weigh gain is in the normal range.

I've heard great things about Spa on the Hill -- they specialize in prenatal. But you might need more than a massage. I've had awful sciatica and neck pain, and my midwife sent me to both PT and a chiropractor. They have both been helpful. I hope you feel better!

The midwife practice at GW generally gives an ultrasound at the first visit (between 7 and 8 weeks) to make sure everything looks okay & to confirm due date, so my first one was at 7 weeks, 3 days. My next one was part of the genetic screening at 11 weeks, and my last one at 20 weeks.

I wouldn't worry about class B drugs -- from what I've heard, they are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. I take a daily class C drug and occasionally take a class D drug (as needed). I don't even think there are any class A drugs, so class B is as safe as it gets.

I am working with Emma Keeton, http://doulanetwork.com/directory/doulas/3781.htm , and love her.

Anonymous wrote:Do they have tubs now at GWU? I gave birth there in July and they only had showers.. wondering if they added tubs with the midwife practice.

I've heard they now have one aquadoula tub.

Congrats!

I don't understand the aversion to showers for women having their second/third/etc. child. I have been to several such showers and am always happy to attend. But if you don't want to attend, I agree with the PP -- just politely decline, no need to send a gift.

Thank you all for your very helpful reply. I *did* mean 2141 K Street -- I called yesterday and they are no longer accepting new patients, though they mentioned that they are expanding and will probably allow for new patients over the summer. You got in just in time! Do you like the practice? I've heard very good things about several doctors in the practice.

I'm starting to think about a potential pediatrician for after the baby comes. I go to GW for by OB-GYN care and have loved it. Does anyone know if they have a pediatrics department? I can't seem to find any information online. If they don't have a pediatrics department, who does the baby exam in the hospital?

I've been looking at some of the other practices in the downtown area. (I live in DC and suburban practices aren't really possible, as I don't have a car.) Pullman & Ariza said it was $80 to come meet with a doctor and find out about their policies, which I found to be a bit over-the-top. The 2121 K Street practice isn't accepting new patients. What do people think about Dr. Michelle Barnes-Marshall (on M St., solo practitioner)? Are there any doctors in the downtown area who take insurance and are recommended? Thanks in advance for your help!

Every daycare I have looked at only has the full-time option. I'm in DC, so it may be more expensive, but we've generally found them to be in the $1500-$2000 range/month. Nanny may be the way to go, if you can do a share with another family that needs part-time care. Good luck!

That is really irritating. I actually turned the ability to post to my wall off while I told close family/friends but had not yet told work to avoid that very situation. Still, at 8 weeks what is anyone doing posting to your wall?

I think it's totally worth buying. I practically ripped off my bras every day at 8 weeks or so and had already gone up a size (from DD to DDD), and I'm now 21 weeks at DDDD. It is just not worth the discomfort. I'm holding onto all my old bras, though, in the hopes (please!) that I'll go down in size at least after I'm done nursing.

I have always wanted to be a mom and now that it's almost here, I am absolutely terrified. I think what you are going through is normal, and it's great that you have the self-awareness to be able to get support.