I am a nurse at the VA hospital. There are many things that differentiate a veteran patient from a non-veteran patient. Veterans are typically a lot more laid-back and less demanding than non-veterans, and they're a lot more grateful for what you do for them. One other thing is that many veterans have lost their sense of inhibition. As my belly has grown, there have been some women who've come up and felt my belly. Strangely, though, I have also had several of my patients reach out while I'm standing at the bedside and lay a gentle hand or two on my protruding belly. Mind you, these are old men. I don't really mind it because I'm so proud of my body for being able to grow this incredible miracle, but I just wonder what these veterans are thinking. I think a lot of them want to reconnect with that time of life when they were having their own babies. They almost always end up telling me about how their wives were "as big as a house" and how "she had them all natural" and "she carried that baby for 10 and 1/2 months" and stories about how each of their kids was delivered. I have loved these conversations because I get a different perspective, a man's perspective, on childbirth.I've noticed a lot of women complain or are negative about their childbirth experiences, and they often roll their eyes when I tell them I'm having a natural waterbirth. But these men talk about it with a twinkle in their eyes and with the joy of fatherhood. They are proud of their wives who went drugless. I like their approach a lot more than these women who complain. I guess what I'm saying is, these old veterans somehow have made me look forward to motherhood, expecting joy from my expanding family.
I know this is a weird first blog entry, but it's been on my mind.
Yay! I'm so glad you have a blog now so I can keep better tabs on you. Congrats on your almost first born child! I am interested to hear more about your natural waterbirth. I have a lot of respect for women who do it naturally. Maybe I can get up the courage to do it later on down the line...
ReplyDeleteHi Hillary, I didn't know you were a nurse. I bet you're the best dang nurse in town. Maybe,anyway. Rachel had a Sophia by waterbirth in our apt back in Tempe. From my perspective it was awesome, I would reccommed that people do it just for the sake of the fathers, it made me feel like part of the process for the first time, even after being forced to attend birthing classes, read books and go to monthly midwife appointments. Good luck with everything. See ya.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have a blog! Congrats! (on starting the blog of course, since i can't quite wish you a congratulations on the birth of your son.) I'm adding you to my blog list immediately.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture, you are beautiful. You dignify these men and allow their tenderness. You have a great way of letting people be themselves, a great attribute! It's part of why you are so loved by many.
ReplyDeletehillary, you look beautiful. alena and i miss you and your donor to the situation (ok, ok, we can call him by his given name, carl) terribly. let us know if you are missing anything that we can buy for you and the baby.
ReplyDeletehyrum and alena
Great blog entry Hilary. I can't believe how fast time has flown and how pregnant you are! Did you know that I just was at the VA hospital? I was in a training video. It is my third training video for them. Hopefully see you soon.
ReplyDeleteYOU GO GIRL!!! I know the labor and birth of your child will be exactly what you want it to be. You are going to be so impressed with how powerful your mind and body are during the delivery of baby Jude. You are going to feel so empowered! Love, Emily Pope
ReplyDeleteis your baby here yet?
ReplyDeletehow exciting and inspiring all this is! the more of my friends that do these water births the more willing i feel to try it myself one day..
much love!
Best of luck in having the baby!
ReplyDeleteSarah and I learned the importance of listening to what your body is telling you during labor. We went natural and I am so proud of her for doing it.
There will come a time when you may think or say "I can't do this" when you reach that point be comforted because that means you are almost done. Best of luck to you and enjoy your new little one when he arrives cuz they grow so fast.. Brad and Sarah
I love it that you have a blog. If you ever go private send me an invite. I love your picture as well. Congrat's on the new baby.
ReplyDeleteHilary! You are my hero. #1 I truly want to be a nurse someday. and #2 I would love to have a natural birth someday. I feel I parent very naturally, but have yet to do the natural route with birthing. But, yeah, I actually do medical transcriptioning for a VA hospital out of Washington. Fun times. Glad you have a blog. I'm excited to see pictures of your babe! :)
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