Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:55
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Completely new poster here who has been following this thread with interest. And I have to agree with a PP that this thread has really confirmed my feelings that I made the right choice choosing MCA over Wisdom.
First, the idea that a midwife of this long standing would blame, overtly or not, ANY woman for GD (a disease I'm not even convinced exists in the truest sense--an opinion which I thought was shared more widely in midwifery) with cause or without, is absurd and offensive. The PP who saidis absolutely right. I thought a huge part of the midwifery movement was about demanding better, more respectful, more evidence-based healthcare, so to hear that such a "respected" midwife is doing the exact opposite makes me really angry. (Also FWIW, I'm fat, eat horribly by their standards, haven't changed that at all in two pregnancies, and passed both pregnancies' GD tests with flying colors. I've also only gained 4 pounds now at 37 weeks. My body just looooves being pregnant.)"I don't like tough love. I want to be respected and treated as an equal. If I go in there and get demeaned, criticized, or patronized, I'll vote with my feet."
Second, I have to vehemently disagree that desiring an epidural up front does not "fit" with the midwifery model. I think access to midwifery care for lower risk pregnancies should be available to ALL women regardless of their pain relief preferences. An epidural alone does not add significant enough risk to opt out all those women (obviously, as Wisdom will give you an epidural "when needed" without transferring your care mid-labor), many of whom could possibly have far fewer other interventions with midwifery care than with an OB. Why not try to improve care and deliveries for ALL women without judging them for their pain relief preferences? (Again FWIW, I did not/do not want an epidural, but not out of a generalized belief that "natural is better" -- it's mostly an irrational fear of needles in my spine, plus some more minor concern over the possible side effects on me, my labor, and my baby. But if hydrogen peroxide/laughing gas were available here, I would ABSOLUTELY use it. Would they boot me for that too?)
Third, the idea that any medical practitioner would value their "stats" over individualized care of their patients, and bringing that better care to more patients, also makes me really angry. I get that Wisdom is so popular they feel like they can be choosy, but wouldn't it be better for midwifery care and women in general to bring their models and best practicies to a broader audience, rather than preaching to the choir as it were? Women are limited enough in choice of midwife care providers in this area, that it pisses me off that they would decide so many of us are "not good enough" for them.
I'm the person you quoted about not wanting tough love. But, I also disagree with you about epidural / midwife connection. Look, they are going for a non-medicated approach. I personally think it is not appropriate to say you want low intervention but yet you want the one intervention that MOST midwifes believe is a big part of the "cascade of interventions." If you want an epidural with otherwise low interventions, you should seek a high touch low intervention OP, get a doula, and advocate for yourself. But a midwife is not necessarily for you. And yes, personally I think this would go for laughing gas, too. Exception for epidural is when mom has labored for a long time and just needs to rest. I don't think midwives are de facto opposed to epidurals. but with most births, they believe they are not needed. I'm not sure why that is such an issue.
Not the PP you quoted, but who are these OBs? Because of a complicated pregnancy, birth, and a baby who needed the NICU for weeks, I would be uncomfortable with an out of hospital birth. Other than Wisdom, who supports unmedicated birth? I'm all for any interventions that my baby needs, but if it's just because of protocol or to ease staff's burden or lawsuit liability, no. Who are these OBs who use the same level of science as Wisdom?
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:53
Subject: risked out of Wisdom, now what
I'm one of the PPs who posted about being glad to be with MCA, but want to weigh in on the epidural issue.
I think there's a world of difference between someone who wants an epidural as early in labor as possible, and someone who wants to either delay it or take a wait and see approach. Most of the potential complications from epidurals come when they're placed early on, so I don't think it's outside of a midwife's expertise to work with a woman to delay the epidural until active labor is well-established. I just don't think it's that clear-cut.
At the MCA information session I went to, a woman asked about whether they'll work with patients who know they want an epidural, and the midwife (Dusti, I think, who's no longer there), said that they prefer their patients not enter the hospital lower back first to get the epidural, but will work with someone who wants anesthesia. She also mentioned the importance of childbirth classes, which are strongly encouraged, and alternate forms of pain management. Again, I don't think those who want the epi asap would seek out a midwife, and I do think there's middle ground. I mean, wouldn't outcomes be improved if women were supported in their decision to delay epidurals, rather than forego them altogether? That wouldn't prevent all epidural-related complications, but it would probably reduce a lot of them. Seems like that's a worthy goal.
I think there's a world of difference between someone who wants an epidural as early in labor as possible, and someone who wants to either delay it or take a wait and see approach. Most of the potential complications from epidurals come when they're placed early on, so I don't think it's outside of a midwife's expertise to work with a woman to delay the epidural until active labor is well-established. I just don't think it's that clear-cut.
At the MCA information session I went to, a woman asked about whether they'll work with patients who know they want an epidural, and the midwife (Dusti, I think, who's no longer there), said that they prefer their patients not enter the hospital lower back first to get the epidural, but will work with someone who wants anesthesia. She also mentioned the importance of childbirth classes, which are strongly encouraged, and alternate forms of pain management. Again, I don't think those who want the epi asap would seek out a midwife, and I do think there's middle ground. I mean, wouldn't outcomes be improved if women were supported in their decision to delay epidurals, rather than forego them altogether? That wouldn't prevent all epidural-related complications, but it would probably reduce a lot of them. Seems like that's a worthy goal.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:45
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Second, I have to vehemently disagree that desiring an epidural up front does not "fit" with the midwifery model. I think access to midwifery care for lower risk pregnancies should be available to ALL women regardless of their pain relief preferences. An epidural alone does not add significant enough risk to opt out all those women (obviously, as Wisdom will give you an epidural "when needed" without transferring your care mid-labor), many of whom could possibly have far fewer other interventions with midwifery care than with an OB. Why not try to improve care and deliveries for ALL women without judging them for their pain relief preferences? (Again FWIW, I did not/do not want an epidural, but not out of a generalized belief that "natural is better" -- it's mostly an irrational fear of needles in my spine, plus some more minor concern over the possible side effects on me, my labor, and my baby. But if hydrogen peroxide/laughing gas were available here, I would ABSOLUTELY use it. Would they boot me for that too?)
I'm the person you quoted about not wanting tough love. But, I also disagree with you about epidural / midwife connection. Look, they are going for a non-medicated approach. I personally think it is not appropriate to say you want low intervention but yet you want the one intervention that MOST midwifes believe is a big part of the "cascade of interventions." If you want an epidural with otherwise low interventions, you should seek a high touch low intervention OP, get a doula, and advocate for yourself. But a midwife is not necessarily for you. And yes, personally I think this would go for laughing gas, too. Exception for epidural is when mom has labored for a long time and just needs to rest. I don't think midwives are de facto opposed to epidurals. but with most births, they believe they are not needed. I'm not sure why that is such an issue.
+1
Epidurals solely for pain relief come with complications. Midwives are the most practiced and familiar with complications that arise from non-medicated birth. It's not a judgement thing. It's a we-are-best-at-this-kind-of-birth thing. If you go into birth knowing you want anesthesia, you are sort of wasting their expertise and the strength of their model of care. If you just want to hold your baby right away and wait to cut the cord, agree with PP above - just get a doula and find an OB that'll support your plans.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:39
Subject: risked out of Wisdom, now what
There are studies that I've found that show dietary factors to be protective against gestational diabetes, specifically maintaining a stable blood sugar and getting sufficient protein. I was a little obsessed looking into it because my mom and grandmother have/had type II diabetes so I was super duper paranoid that I'd end up with GD. This made worse by the fact that even though I eat pretty healthily, I occasionally have sweets/things not on the Wisdom diet.
That said, making people feel bad seems a bad system of care. I also have a hard time believing that the GW midwives are such horrible bullies, honestly. I've met with all of them, and Whitney several times, and I have never felt anything but cared for. But I also don't argue with the notion that a lot of poor health conditions stem from poor nutrition.
Whitney's not a lone crackpot in thinking that - you read Ina Mae Gaskin's book on Childbirth and she says straight-out that she believes and has anecdotal evidence that good diet can help prevent preeclampsia. Then just read up on the paleo diet crowd or Dr. Terry Wahls or Dr. Gary Taubes.. the list goes on and on. We are only just now at the beginning of understanding the role nutrition, inflammation and gut microflora play in our health. Right now there are doctors in New Zealand doing fecal transplants to treat MS, and having surprising results.
Aaanyhow, I know I've digressed, but the point is, diet is clearly a big part of the GW practice and philosophy. They state that very very clearly at the Meet the Midwives. If that offends you, or you don't want to talk about it or hear about it, it sounds like it's not the practice for you.
That said, I also don't think it behooves a care-provider to be shaming her patients. Shaming is not helpful. But I have a hard time believing that the midwives intentionally do this. It's tough though - because all us pregnant ladies are already big balls of anxiety and self-doubt and hormones and sleep deprivation, and so I can see how not being crazy super careful with how you say things can make an already raw person feel like total crap. I've been to see Whitney several times, and still the last time I ran into her, she introduced herself as though we'd never met. Just because she adheres to the model of care of midwifery doesn't mean she's got a warm and fuzzy bedside manner.
That said, making people feel bad seems a bad system of care. I also have a hard time believing that the GW midwives are such horrible bullies, honestly. I've met with all of them, and Whitney several times, and I have never felt anything but cared for. But I also don't argue with the notion that a lot of poor health conditions stem from poor nutrition.
Whitney's not a lone crackpot in thinking that - you read Ina Mae Gaskin's book on Childbirth and she says straight-out that she believes and has anecdotal evidence that good diet can help prevent preeclampsia. Then just read up on the paleo diet crowd or Dr. Terry Wahls or Dr. Gary Taubes.. the list goes on and on. We are only just now at the beginning of understanding the role nutrition, inflammation and gut microflora play in our health. Right now there are doctors in New Zealand doing fecal transplants to treat MS, and having surprising results.
Aaanyhow, I know I've digressed, but the point is, diet is clearly a big part of the GW practice and philosophy. They state that very very clearly at the Meet the Midwives. If that offends you, or you don't want to talk about it or hear about it, it sounds like it's not the practice for you.
That said, I also don't think it behooves a care-provider to be shaming her patients. Shaming is not helpful. But I have a hard time believing that the midwives intentionally do this. It's tough though - because all us pregnant ladies are already big balls of anxiety and self-doubt and hormones and sleep deprivation, and so I can see how not being crazy super careful with how you say things can make an already raw person feel like total crap. I've been to see Whitney several times, and still the last time I ran into her, she introduced herself as though we'd never met. Just because she adheres to the model of care of midwifery doesn't mean she's got a warm and fuzzy bedside manner.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:33
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:Completely new poster here who has been following this thread with interest. And I have to agree with a PP that this thread has really confirmed my feelings that I made the right choice choosing MCA over Wisdom.
First, the idea that a midwife of this long standing would blame, overtly or not, ANY woman for GD (a disease I'm not even convinced exists in the truest sense--an opinion which I thought was shared more widely in midwifery) with cause or without, is absurd and offensive. The PP who saidis absolutely right. I thought a huge part of the midwifery movement was about demanding better, more respectful, more evidence-based healthcare, so to hear that such a "respected" midwife is doing the exact opposite makes me really angry. (Also FWIW, I'm fat, eat horribly by their standards, haven't changed that at all in two pregnancies, and passed both pregnancies' GD tests with flying colors. I've also only gained 4 pounds now at 37 weeks. My body just looooves being pregnant.)"I don't like tough love. I want to be respected and treated as an equal. If I go in there and get demeaned, criticized, or patronized, I'll vote with my feet."
Second, I have to vehemently disagree that desiring an epidural up front does not "fit" with the midwifery model. I think access to midwifery care for lower risk pregnancies should be available to ALL women regardless of their pain relief preferences. An epidural alone does not add significant enough risk to opt out all those women (obviously, as Wisdom will give you an epidural "when needed" without transferring your care mid-labor), many of whom could possibly have far fewer other interventions with midwifery care than with an OB. Why not try to improve care and deliveries for ALL women without judging them for their pain relief preferences? (Again FWIW, I did not/do not want an epidural, but not out of a generalized belief that "natural is better" -- it's mostly an irrational fear of needles in my spine, plus some more minor concern over the possible side effects on me, my labor, and my baby. But if hydrogen peroxide/laughing gas were available here, I would ABSOLUTELY use it. Would they boot me for that too?)
Third, the idea that any medical practitioner would value their "stats" over individualized care of their patients, and bringing that better care to more patients, also makes me really angry. I get that Wisdom is so popular they feel like they can be choosy, but wouldn't it be better for midwifery care and women in general to bring their models and best practicies to a broader audience, rather than preaching to the choir as it were? Women are limited enough in choice of midwife care providers in this area, that it pisses me off that they would decide so many of us are "not good enough" for them.
I'm the person you quoted about not wanting tough love. But, I also disagree with you about epidural / midwife connection. Look, they are going for a non-medicated approach. I personally think it is not appropriate to say you want low intervention but yet you want the one intervention that MOST midwifes believe is a big part of the "cascade of interventions." If you want an epidural with otherwise low interventions, you should seek a high touch low intervention OP, get a doula, and advocate for yourself. But a midwife is not necessarily for you. And yes, personally I think this would go for laughing gas, too. Exception for epidural is when mom has labored for a long time and just needs to rest. I don't think midwives are de facto opposed to epidurals. but with most births, they believe they are not needed. I'm not sure why that is such an issue.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:26
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
12:54, I think that the attitude is more that you be committed to ATTEMPTING a drug-free birth. There are plenty of OB practices and more than a few midwives who will be perfectly fine with you going in with a "wait and see" policy regarding pain relief during labor. Wisdom is one of the practices in the area who strongly urge a more natural approach to childbirth without actively being crunchy homebirth types.
I myself (this is 9:59 btw) was actually pretty solidly the crunchy homebirth type as a homebirth baby myself with a midwife in the family, but when I chose to have a baby with someone who had no experience with that sort of thing who was generally new-dad antsy about the whole thing, I opted for a "best of both worlds" option in a midwife/birth center combination. If he had been less comfortable, it's entirely likely that we'd've ended up with Whitney at that time, but since he was not attached to a hospital, just to the idea of some sort of facility, we ended up at Special Beginnings.
You are right that a large part of the midwifery movement is based in better, more respectful evidence-based care, but it would be pretty naive to suggest that a big component is not also an interest in if not an actual commitment to medication-free labor and birth. Obviously this commitment is not exclusive to midwifery, nor do all midwives share this commitment, but they are absolutely linked.
I myself (this is 9:59 btw) was actually pretty solidly the crunchy homebirth type as a homebirth baby myself with a midwife in the family, but when I chose to have a baby with someone who had no experience with that sort of thing who was generally new-dad antsy about the whole thing, I opted for a "best of both worlds" option in a midwife/birth center combination. If he had been less comfortable, it's entirely likely that we'd've ended up with Whitney at that time, but since he was not attached to a hospital, just to the idea of some sort of facility, we ended up at Special Beginnings.
You are right that a large part of the midwifery movement is based in better, more respectful evidence-based care, but it would be pretty naive to suggest that a big component is not also an interest in if not an actual commitment to medication-free labor and birth. Obviously this commitment is not exclusive to midwifery, nor do all midwives share this commitment, but they are absolutely linked.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:08
Subject: risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Get thee to Midwifery Care Associates, OP. I had GD at age 40, needed glyburide to keep the AM readings down, and delivered a 9# baby vaginally at 41 weeks. Labored in tub, etc. You can still have midwives.
NP. I wish I could but I am in VA. Wisdom didn't want me since I was FTM, AMA with hypothyroid and IBS issues. Oh well.
If you're within an hour's drive of Shady Grove, I'd reconsider MCA. Their White Flint office is even closer than SGAH too.
I've also heard good things about the Loudon midwives (my SIL delivered with them), and Karen King at VHC in Arlington (friend who lives in north Silver Spring delivered with her).
Anonymous
05/20/2013 13:04
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:To the PP with 3 miscarriages: I'm very sorry for your losses. I had more miscarriages than that and I was not risked out.
Thanks. Not to thread hijack, but to what extent did your history of losses (mine were all after my first uncomplicated pregnancy and birth - so I never saw anyone for fertility assistance of any kind) impact the sort of care you received later? Were you at greater risk for some things?
Anonymous
05/20/2013 12:54
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Completely new poster here who has been following this thread with interest. And I have to agree with a PP that this thread has really confirmed my feelings that I made the right choice choosing MCA over Wisdom.
First, the idea that a midwife of this long standing would blame, overtly or not, ANY woman for GD (a disease I'm not even convinced exists in the truest sense--an opinion which I thought was shared more widely in midwifery) with cause or without, is absurd and offensive. The PP who said
Second, I have to vehemently disagree that desiring an epidural up front does not "fit" with the midwifery model. I think access to midwifery care for lower risk pregnancies should be available to ALL women regardless of their pain relief preferences. An epidural alone does not add significant enough risk to opt out all those women (obviously, as Wisdom will give you an epidural "when needed" without transferring your care mid-labor), many of whom could possibly have far fewer other interventions with midwifery care than with an OB. Why not try to improve care and deliveries for ALL women without judging them for their pain relief preferences? (Again FWIW, I did not/do not want an epidural, but not out of a generalized belief that "natural is better" -- it's mostly an irrational fear of needles in my spine, plus some more minor concern over the possible side effects on me, my labor, and my baby. But if hydrogen peroxide/laughing gas were available here, I would ABSOLUTELY use it. Would they boot me for that too?)
Third, the idea that any medical practitioner would value their "stats" over individualized care of their patients, and bringing that better care to more patients, also makes me really angry. I get that Wisdom is so popular they feel like they can be choosy, but wouldn't it be better for midwifery care and women in general to bring their models and best practicies to a broader audience, rather than preaching to the choir as it were? Women are limited enough in choice of midwife care providers in this area, that it pisses me off that they would decide so many of us are "not good enough" for them.
First, the idea that a midwife of this long standing would blame, overtly or not, ANY woman for GD (a disease I'm not even convinced exists in the truest sense--an opinion which I thought was shared more widely in midwifery) with cause or without, is absurd and offensive. The PP who said
is absolutely right. I thought a huge part of the midwifery movement was about demanding better, more respectful, more evidence-based healthcare, so to hear that such a "respected" midwife is doing the exact opposite makes me really angry. (Also FWIW, I'm fat, eat horribly by their standards, haven't changed that at all in two pregnancies, and passed both pregnancies' GD tests with flying colors. I've also only gained 4 pounds now at 37 weeks. My body just looooves being pregnant.)"I don't like tough love. I want to be respected and treated as an equal. If I go in there and get demeaned, criticized, or patronized, I'll vote with my feet."
Second, I have to vehemently disagree that desiring an epidural up front does not "fit" with the midwifery model. I think access to midwifery care for lower risk pregnancies should be available to ALL women regardless of their pain relief preferences. An epidural alone does not add significant enough risk to opt out all those women (obviously, as Wisdom will give you an epidural "when needed" without transferring your care mid-labor), many of whom could possibly have far fewer other interventions with midwifery care than with an OB. Why not try to improve care and deliveries for ALL women without judging them for their pain relief preferences? (Again FWIW, I did not/do not want an epidural, but not out of a generalized belief that "natural is better" -- it's mostly an irrational fear of needles in my spine, plus some more minor concern over the possible side effects on me, my labor, and my baby. But if hydrogen peroxide/laughing gas were available here, I would ABSOLUTELY use it. Would they boot me for that too?)
Third, the idea that any medical practitioner would value their "stats" over individualized care of their patients, and bringing that better care to more patients, also makes me really angry. I get that Wisdom is so popular they feel like they can be choosy, but wouldn't it be better for midwifery care and women in general to bring their models and best practicies to a broader audience, rather than preaching to the choir as it were? Women are limited enough in choice of midwife care providers in this area, that it pisses me off that they would decide so many of us are "not good enough" for them.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 12:36
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
To the PP with 3 miscarriages: I'm very sorry for your losses. I had more miscarriages than that and I was not risked out.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 12:22
Subject: risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:I thought I would be diagnosed with GD but I wasn't (failed the one hour and was afraid of the three hour). Another midwife had been my midwife whom I saw just prior to the screening test, so I emailed her when I was afraid and needed to know next steps. I am seeing I am glad to have trusted my instinct.
Whitney told me "don't get GD. It would be really, really bad if you got GD" (I have some risk factors - mostly family). I wasn't sure what to say to that, but I can say her words rung in my ears when I failed the one hour and gave me even more ammunition for my body feeling like it was failing me.
I'm not Whitney, so I can'ttell you what she meant by that. But I can tell you what I think she meant.
The midwives take you in and make you like family. If you get GD that would cause them to risk you out, they would lose a family member. It's not a fair way to put it, since you can't control whether you'll get GD or not, but I think that's what she meant.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 11:59
Subject: risked out of Wisdom, now what
I thought I would be diagnosed with GD but I wasn't (failed the one hour and was afraid of the three hour). Another midwife had been my midwife whom I saw just prior to the screening test, so I emailed her when I was afraid and needed to know next steps. I am seeing I am glad to have trusted my instinct.
Whitney told me "don't get GD. It would be really, really bad if you got GD" (I have some risk factors - mostly family). I wasn't sure what to say to that, but I can say her words rung in my ears when I failed the one hour and gave me even more ammunition for my body feeling like it was failing me.
Whitney told me "don't get GD. It would be really, really bad if you got GD" (I have some risk factors - mostly family). I wasn't sure what to say to that, but I can say her words rung in my ears when I failed the one hour and gave me even more ammunition for my body feeling like it was failing me.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 11:21
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:9:59 again.
I also meant to say re: "GD being the mom's fault", I have a hard time believing that Whitney, who has been a midwife for a long time for a lot of women, would actually believe that. I know she thinks that their dietary guidelines will result in the healthiest pregnancy possible, but I also doubt that she believes any deviation from this diet will result in GD.
I do think it's possible that in individual cases, it is possible that a particular woman is not managing her diet the way Whitney would like. When I was pregnant with my first, I ate a lot of gelato. I also ate a lot of shitty carbs. I slacked big time on green leafy vegetables. My sugars were pretty high as a result, though not so high that I needed to get the 3 hour test. Some women eat better than others. Some things you eat can have adverse effects on your health and one of those things is GD. So while I don't think that it's "the woman's fault" that she had GD, I think there are also times when better attention to diet could have prevented it.
PP who had GD with Wisdom and was not risked out. You don't want to believe that she thinks that because it's a bit outrageous, and yet she does (and I have confirmation that she believes this from a source beyond my personal conversation with her). I will say it one last time -- I followed their diet to the letter. Maybe there are some cases where better diet could have prevented GD, but mine was not one of those cases (unless following their diet somehow leads one to GD). To treat all women with GD as if it is their fault and this wouldn't have happened to them if they had just tried harder when they have been doing their damnedest to follow the stupid diet is demoralizing and patronizing. I cried all day that day thinking it was my fault somehow. IMO it's not OK to treat all women with GD as failures and accuse them of not being sufficiently diligent just because some may not be. It's over the top.
I honestly hope my previous experience was an anomaly, but I don't think it is.
I totally agree that that's a shitty way to treat someone, regardless of how the GD manifested. But you also need look no further than this board to know that there are people who actively advocate saying that you followed the diet even when you didn't and never intended to. I'm sorry she was a jerk to you and I hope your subsequent experiences are better.
Out of curiosity, have you (or any of the former clients with complaints) actually talked to Whitney about your concerns? What was the result of that conversation, if so. If not, why not?
Anonymous
05/20/2013 11:11
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
Anonymous wrote:9:59 again.
I also meant to say re: "GD being the mom's fault", I have a hard time believing that Whitney, who has been a midwife for a long time for a lot of women, would actually believe that. I know she thinks that their dietary guidelines will result in the healthiest pregnancy possible, but I also doubt that she believes any deviation from this diet will result in GD.
I do think it's possible that in individual cases, it is possible that a particular woman is not managing her diet the way Whitney would like. When I was pregnant with my first, I ate a lot of gelato. I also ate a lot of shitty carbs. I slacked big time on green leafy vegetables. My sugars were pretty high as a result, though not so high that I needed to get the 3 hour test. Some women eat better than others. Some things you eat can have adverse effects on your health and one of those things is GD. So while I don't think that it's "the woman's fault" that she had GD, I think there are also times when better attention to diet could have prevented it.
PP who had GD with Wisdom and was not risked out. You don't want to believe that she thinks that because it's a bit outrageous, and yet she does (and I have confirmation that she believes this from a source beyond my personal conversation with her). I will say it one last time -- I followed their diet to the letter. Maybe there are some cases where better diet could have prevented GD, but mine was not one of those cases (unless following their diet somehow leads one to GD). To treat all women with GD as if it is their fault and this wouldn't have happened to them if they had just tried harder when they have been doing their damnedest to follow the stupid diet is demoralizing and patronizing. I cried all day that day thinking it was my fault somehow. IMO it's not OK to treat all women with GD as failures and accuse them of not being sufficiently diligent just because some may not be. It's over the top.
I honestly hope my previous experience was an anomaly, but I don't think it is.
Anonymous
05/20/2013 10:47
Subject: Re:risked out of Wisdom, now what
9:59 again.
I also meant to say re: "GD being the mom's fault", I have a hard time believing that Whitney, who has been a midwife for a long time for a lot of women, would actually believe that. I know she thinks that their dietary guidelines will result in the healthiest pregnancy possible, but I also doubt that she believes any deviation from this diet will result in GD.
I do think it's possible that in individual cases, it is possible that a particular woman is not managing her diet the way Whitney would like. When I was pregnant with my first, I ate a lot of gelato. I also ate a lot of shitty carbs. I slacked big time on green leafy vegetables. My sugars were pretty high as a result, though not so high that I needed to get the 3 hour test. Some women eat better than others. Some things you eat can have adverse effects on your health and one of those things is GD. So while I don't think that it's "the woman's fault" that she had GD, I think there are also times when better attention to diet could have prevented it.
I also meant to say re: "GD being the mom's fault", I have a hard time believing that Whitney, who has been a midwife for a long time for a lot of women, would actually believe that. I know she thinks that their dietary guidelines will result in the healthiest pregnancy possible, but I also doubt that she believes any deviation from this diet will result in GD.
I do think it's possible that in individual cases, it is possible that a particular woman is not managing her diet the way Whitney would like. When I was pregnant with my first, I ate a lot of gelato. I also ate a lot of shitty carbs. I slacked big time on green leafy vegetables. My sugars were pretty high as a result, though not so high that I needed to get the 3 hour test. Some women eat better than others. Some things you eat can have adverse effects on your health and one of those things is GD. So while I don't think that it's "the woman's fault" that she had GD, I think there are also times when better attention to diet could have prevented it.