Naomi at 36 weeks. The original due date was November 6, but every time we have gone for an ultrasound the technicians have told us that we are further ahead than that. At Naomi’s last doctor’s appointment the doctor suggested that the baby could come soon.

So.. any day now…..

Some people have a real knack for digging a hole for themselves.

A perfect example came my way as I was grocery shopping the other day. As a bit of background, I should tell you that I am expecting #3 in November. I have always gotten really big fairly fast, so I knew to expect a few comments and sideways glances with this pregnancy. But I was still taken aback the other day when a lady unknown to me approached me in the grocery aisle with great sympathy, clucking her tongue and saying in a loud voice, “You poor dear, you’re overdue aren’t you!” When I quietly informed her that no, I still had three months to go, she was shocked. “But you’re HUGE! And you’ve dropped!” After a few more similar comments, she suddenly seemed to realize that the conversation was becoming a bit awkward and she grabbed her cart and quickly moved on. While her outburst was not terribly good for my “self-image”, I have to admit that I FEEL overdue and will be very relieved when Johnstone #3 finally makes his or her appearance.

Any day now, I (Naomi) will start into the long-awaited labour. However, this labour experience will be a bit different than what I experienced with Ellie. With Ellie, the room was filled with nurses and the obstetrician. This time, I will be attended by two midwives.

When we tell people that I will give birth with the help of midwives instead of a doctor, I usually get some strange looks and interesting questions, which tell me that people don’t really understand much about the job of the modern midwife. I think that most people envision a lady pushing through the woods with her blankets, boiled water and herbs, ready to deliver quadruplets in the kitchen at an old farmstead.

I must admit that when the idea was first presented to me, I was skeptical. To be honest, there really wasn’t really any other option at the time – there was only one obstetrician available for a population of about 40,000. Needless to say, it was hard to get in to see him. So it was strongly encouraged that I go with a midwife instead. When I went for my first appointment, I was half-expecting a hippie-looking woman to meet me with a mug of bark tea and try to talk me into a home birth without any medication or interventions. Instead, I met with women who were very professional and knowledgeable in their expertise – pregnancy, childbirth, and initial infant care. I have appreciated the fact that I rarely have to wait more than 5 minutes for an appointment and then I have between 45 min. – 1 hour to discuss things with them if I feel the need. Even during the many uncertain months of this difficult pregnancy, I never doubted their competency or felt they were too relaxed in their care of me. They are very thorough and have been quick to order tests, medications, and consultations with the obstetrician as they’ve seen the need. In fact, I would say they’ve been much more thorough and careful in overseeing my care than I ever had in my pregnancy with Ellie. And I have yet to be offered bark tea.

So, any day now, I will head to the hospital, where my midwife, whom I’ve gotten to know fairly well these last 7 months, as well as another midwife, will meet me. I will have almost any medication and intervention available to me, plus the knowledge that these women know me quite well and will be very capable of helping me through those long hours. After the baby comes, they will look after me and the baby’s care for 6 weeks, including house calls if necessary. Up to this point, I’m so thankful that I overcame my initial trepidation and chose this route. We can’t wait for the day we can let you know how it went!

Naomi

Sunday, November 5 marks 50 days until the due date for our second child! I guess I better start figuring out what I want to name him/her..

Coincidentally, it is also 50 days until Christmas. When I say that it immediately makes me think I have lots of time. After all, I normally wouldn’t start my Christmas shopping for another 40 days. Therefore I shouldn’t rush to come up with names as I have 40 days.

Then again.. Christmas can’t come early, but the kid could. Hmm.. better get to work on names.