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A few observations about healthcare & childbirth from a father's POV:
1. Hire a doula:
They're a bit $ but worth every penny. I wish families got a birthing budget so that doulas were more accessible. I've been asking our doula many Qs and she's sent us many articles/advice.
1. Hire a doula:
They're a bit $ but worth every penny. I wish families got a birthing budget so that doulas were more accessible. I've been asking our doula many Qs and she's sent us many articles/advice.
2. Midwives are underrated:
Healthcare in Ontario is...meh. Our MWs are world-class though. Responsive, adaptive, respectful, and knowledgeable. We need more of them.
Healthcare in Ontario is...meh. Our MWs are world-class though. Responsive, adaptive, respectful, and knowledgeable. We need more of them.
3. Be an advocate:
Reaffirm your wife's birthing plan when dealing with the healthcare monolith. The 'system' will try to steer you in a more efficient/economical direction at times but help her stick to her guns (doulas and MWs are great at this, too).
Reaffirm your wife's birthing plan when dealing with the healthcare monolith. The 'system' will try to steer you in a more efficient/economical direction at times but help her stick to her guns (doulas and MWs are great at this, too).
4. Invest in alternative care:
Chiro, acupuncture, pelvic floor specialists, massages, yoga...the list goes on. Again, $ can be a factor here but if you can afford it, these things have brought a lot of joy, education, and health to my wife during pregnancy.
Chiro, acupuncture, pelvic floor specialists, massages, yoga...the list goes on. Again, $ can be a factor here but if you can afford it, these things have brought a lot of joy, education, and health to my wife during pregnancy.
5. Covid is brutal:
My wife has done every ultrasound, apt, & in-person consultation ALONE bc of covid regulations. She's in the hospital rn for an apt & I can't be there. Breaks my heart...women shouldn't have to venture this alone. It's emotionally cruel.
My wife has done every ultrasound, apt, & in-person consultation ALONE bc of covid regulations. She's in the hospital rn for an apt & I can't be there. Breaks my heart...women shouldn't have to venture this alone. It's emotionally cruel.
6. Assemble an all-star team:
I've never been more convinced of the importance of stable relationships (family/friends/partner) and assembling the best team of healthcare pros that you can afford. Birth, I've learned, is communal in many ways.
I've never been more convinced of the importance of stable relationships (family/friends/partner) and assembling the best team of healthcare pros that you can afford. Birth, I've learned, is communal in many ways.
Lastly, let me repeat this point...
BE AN ADVOCATE.
Whenever you're dealing with the healthcare system, you have to ask questions, seek multiple professional opinions, & combine that with your own set of values/beliefs.
TY to everyone who helped us get to this point.
BE AN ADVOCATE.
Whenever you're dealing with the healthcare system, you have to ask questions, seek multiple professional opinions, & combine that with your own set of values/beliefs.
TY to everyone who helped us get to this point.
