In my last post I described my distress to hear that DJ was intubated and "resuscitated." I had my six-week post-partum appointment today and asked about it -- turns out DJ was never intubated. What the doula saw was a scope they used to check for meconium in his throat and chest (since there was meconium on the scene when he was born). His lungs were clear, so he wasn't even suctioned (just his nose and mouth). The doula saw a bag, but it was attached to a mask, not a tube. The doctor said that babies aren't ever intubated in the room - only the NICU. The level of attention/stimulation he got is fairly common. It doesn't count as "resuscitated."
That's strike three for the doula. Strike one was her frequent use of the phrase "committed to a natural birth," and strike two was the bullpucky about epidural medications causing my pooping problems. I'll definitely have to shoot her an email -- maybe she'll be less likely to misinform other people.
The doctor also said that my pooping problems will likely get a lot better by 3-4 months post-partum. If not, she'll want me to start physical therapy, which has a very high success rate for helping people with my problems. Meanwhile I'm to keep Kegeling away.
Best doctor's appointment ever!
Amy, really glad that you asked. That's the type of thing that could have haunted you for years, thanks to that dip$hit doula. I'd also be highly irritated. It's one thing to deal with someone who wears their opinions on their sleeve. But it's another to deal with the passive aggression of one who couches those opinions in "helpful suggestions" and observations which aren't remotely true.
ReplyDelete(As for the pooping, keeping fingers crossed for a very speedy recovery.)
That sounds good. Maybe I should have gone to PT post pardum. I didn't know you could do that. I found that after I significantly reduced breastfeeding, things in that general area got a lot better. I think it was hormones.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear about the non-R. Shouldn't the doula know that type of stuff???
wow, I can't believe your doula was so misinformed and freaked you out like that. That's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteHope that your issues clear up on their own and theres no need for PT, though it's good to know that's an option.
I think your Doula is a little sketchy! Why in the world would she tell you that DJ had to be rescuitated when she obviously did not see DJ clearly? And to get you so upset. I am so glad you inquired about that and you can sleep a little easier now.
ReplyDeleteThe epidural has nothing to do with 3rd degree tear. I do hope that heals soon. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable you are right now. Stool softeners and ice packs? Magnesium supplements are a good natural stool softener. Keep up on the kegels and hopefully you won't have to go through some "awkward" PT!
Keep the pics coming of DJ, he is absolutely adorable!
So glad you got some reassurance from your doc about all of this!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an awful doula!!! Can you report her to the doula association? I am really pissed off at her on your behalf. I am glad to hear that DJ was FINE (thank you very much, Miss Opinionated Ignoramus). And I hope things improve with the post-delivery healing quickly.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more about DJ (he shares Penelope's b-day, so I'm extra interested), and I echo Jay's request for more pictures! :)
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ReplyDeleteUgh, there is a HUGE difference between a mec check and intubation. Argh. I'd like to grab your doula by the shoulders and give her a good shake. :/ Also, I didn't have an epidural, and I'm still having your same issues! She's an idiot.
ReplyDeleteHere's to jointly resolved poop issues!
Three to four months! EEEEEEeeee! That's got to be hard to hear, so I'm gonna hope it gets lots better lots sooner. As for that Doula...BAD DOULA! I seem to recall you saying she was actually good during the birth? I'd like to think she was good for something... Anyway, I'm so glad you can put those nightmareish images out of your mind and focus on your healthy DJ!
ReplyDeleteYour doula was so off-base that's quite distressing. How many other doulas like this? I know they're not supposed to be medical experts, or even medically trained, per se, but it's one thing to be ignorant, and it's quite another to give misguided advice to clients.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are many wonderful doulas out there, but the bad ones are going to really undermine the profession.
I'm so glad that you asked and I can only imagine that you feel much, much better about things now. Your doula is sounding worse by the moment, though, I think it's great that you're going to give her feedback on your experience with her. Hopefully she'll take it to heart.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your poops. These are the things nobody tells us about...