Residents.

First off I want to say that I know that this doesn't apply to every resident in the medical field. In fact, I have a family friend who is in her last rounds of medical school and I know that she is a fantastic doctor. I also know that all doctors have to have, at some point in the career, been a resident. With that said, I will not let another resident touch me during this pregnancy.

As you all know, if your keeping up with the blog, that I was in admitted in the hospital in Duluth and was 1 to 1.5 cm dilated. I was checked by certified doctors and I trust them being that they work at one of the best labor and delivery hospitals in Minnesota. Well, I've been home now for 3 weeks since then and thank God I still have Evie in the womb. I've been in the L&D here in Mason City three times.

The first time I was there I had a FANTASTIC experience. My nurse was so compassionate and I could tell she was both trying to calm me and assure me that I would be okay. I was having contractions every 3 to 5 minutes and when Dr. Tan (again, not a resident) checked me I was 1.5 cm and soft. He was obviously concerned and a little worried that he wasn't going to get labor stopped. Well, thankfully, he did get it stopped. He then told me not to scare him like that again!

The second time I was there I had a horrible nurse who pretty much told me that my contractions weren't very strong and that there weren't enough of them. Then I had a resident check me who I'm not sure spoke more then 10 words of English. He couldn't really explain to me what he was doing or why he was doing it. I left with another shot to stop labor but wasn't sure if I was really in labor or not. Not a real great experience but not horrible.

Today was the third time. Guess what, I got the same nurse, Gloria. Gloria has the bedside manner of a rock. You could tell that she was annoyed that Billy and I had Addie with us. Well, to bad Gloria, we know NO ONE in town to help us watch her. Addie was excellent by the way. She asked me all the questions that they ask and then looked at my paper and said to me, why are you here your contractions aren't that strong. Well, Gloria, I'm here because I haven't felt my baby move in 4 hours and my REAL doctor seemed a little concerned about that and all the pressure I've been feeling for a few days. It was a little dis-en-heartening within the first 10 minutes of being there. So Dr. Deborah was on call. He is from Ghana is super hard to understand but very nice. He told me that the baby looks great and that I'm probably not feeling movements because I am completely out of room. He then told me that a resident was going to come in and check me. Okay, we'll try this again. Then walks in this resident and immediately I recognize her.

She diagnosed Addie wrong with February. She told us that Addie just had a viral infection and would get over it. Three days later I brought Addison back in and she saw a different doctor who told me Addie had croup and a double ear infection that looked like it was pretty severe. Really? Just three days ago she was fine. I was so upset.

Okay, well back to today. I'm feeling a little unsure about this resident. She was so condescending, talking to me like I was a complete idiot. Explaining to me that I feel pressure because Evie's head is low. No shit. That I'm still early to be in labor. I know that too, genius. Then she checks me. First of all, she searched so long for my cervix that I was starting to wonder if she was going to pitch a tent and spend the night. She had the nurse put FOUR towels under my hips and finally found it. Jackpot. She tells the nurse that I am closed, thick and -3. Well, guess what, -3 is impossible because an ultrasound showed that I only have 2 cm not 3 not 4 just 2. I've also had 3 other doctors, graduated, done with their residency, doctors tell me that I am 1-1.5 cm and soft. Ugh. They sent me home telling me that they needed me to make some progress at home.

I have no problem being at home, in fact, I prefer it. Again, I was told by my doctor to go in today. I didn't think I was going into labor but he wasn't so sure. I'm still contracting but until Evie is causing so much pain I can't take it anymore, I'm done going to labor and delivery. And, at my next appointment you can bet I am changing that little sheet of paper that says I'll allow residents to participate in my care. I am done with them. So now I'm home. Counting contractions, fetal movements and the number of times Ali on the bachelorette says the word 'amazing'.

I'm glad that Evie is still in, really, I am. I am anxious to meet her and the way I was starting to feel today I think I'm a little let down. With that said, I'm just feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. I am not sure how I am going to feel this much pressure and feel like with every step I take a bambino is going to fall out while watching Addison and giving her the love & attention she needs. And let me tell you, she's busy!!

I think the moral of my story is I'm bummed out but waiting patiently. Oh, and NO MORE RESIDENTS.