I was just reading my Future-Sister-in-laws-sisters website and she was discussing some information about Midwives and how she is working to get them funded in the Yukon (Where she lives).  I started writing to her about it, then thought that maybe I would write about it here. 

 

 I had midwives for both my kids and have nothing but good things to say about them.  My first birth ended in a C-section, at which point my midwife turned into my advocate and advisor, a very valuable resource when you are scared about your babies safty. I think that midwifery hould be the standard for birth with OB's being available for when they are needed in high risk pregnancies.  I definetly think that OB's can be great as well, I just think that their expertise can be better spent working soly with women that need them. 

 

I was at the doctor the other day with Derek.  We arrived at 11:50 for our 12o'clock appointment.  When we arrived there was one baby that was a week old, one baby that was 5 weeks old, one that was 2 months old, 2 that were 4 months old, one that was 6 months old and 2 children (including Derek) that were there because they were sick.  I cannot figure out why a peidiatristian needs to weigh all these babies.  Most of them would have been there for simple check ups, routine stuff that their expertise is being wasted on.  My SIL lives in England and there everyone has a midwife unless they are high risk.  Another thing they have there is something called a Health Visitor.  According to her this is a nurse that visits your home after you have a baby and will weigh your baby and make sure that they are reaching the necessary milestones.  They continue this way for about a year (I think).  I think this is a wonderful system (though I am sure that there are flaws in it like there are with everything).  It would save the Doctors time so that when a sick baby (like poor Derek) comes in he doesn't have to wait for an hour to see the doctor, and more importantly, all those healthy newborn babies arn't being exposed to germs from sick kids. 

 

In other news, Derek is turning one tomorrow. I can't believe how quickly the year has gone, how much things have changed.  Derek is such a great kid, he has brought so much to my life.  Lately he has begun pointing at everything and everyone, sometimes he will point to what he wants, sometimes he just wants us to tell him what it is.  I feel like he is doing so much communicating lately, it makes things much more fun.