The doctor’s office just called to say that the blood test was positive. If I had any doubts (I didn’t), I couldn’t still.
So…she asked about getting a gynecologist, and I said I planned to after our trip this weekend and asked for the number of the hospital. In a week I’ll call there and see what happens next. I also asked a friend for her doula’s contact information, since she seemed to like her, and we’ll see how much that costs before I make any decisions about whether or not to use one. The internet claims $250 to over $1000, with an average of $400, and a few insurance plans cover the cost (it’s unlikely that mine does, but I’ll still check into it).
The internet also says that women in labor are often left alone for quite a while in the first stage of labor, which is also the longest. That’s one reason to have a doula. Another reason, which is more important to me, is having someone who can tell when I absolutely have to go to the hospital. From the reading I’ve done, I don’t think I want to spend much time there before I’m fully dilated, because I get the impression that the longer you’re there, the more likely they are to claim failure to progress and either induce or call for a cesarean (and anyway, I’d rather go through most of the pre- stuff at home). I really do not want a cesarean — I’m almost as against it as I am circumcision and the only reason the two aren’t equal is that I know sometimes a cesarean is necessary.
Nettabird 