pomelo / 5607 posts
I JUST realized that I should be looking into classes. And the first site I pull up, the class I'd need has only 3 spots left! It's not till June. I didn't think about them filling up early. Good thing I'm not going over to the house tomorrow to paint. Time for some research!
pomelo / 5607 posts
Aaaannd the other two Bradley method classes in the area aren't going to work. One is full, one started two days ago. I'll have to get DH on board with the cost asap, so we can go ahead and sign up for the one with 3 openings! Also, sleep. Should not be researching this after midnight.
apricot / 475 posts
Feeling really rough today, think I'm coming down with a cold. Dragged myself through work yesterday, fell asleep whilst putting LO to bed and woke up feeling like crap. On the plus side I'm working from today so am still in my pyjamas, and even better I have my first appointment with my new OB this afternoon! Can't wait to hear the heartbeat...
Can't button all the buttons on my coat anymore, am starting to realise ill prob have to get a maternity coat soon. As I don't exactly live in the tropics (hello English summer) I'm definitely going to need a jacket/coat. Any recommendations for good stores or websites?
nectarine / 2932 posts
@London Mama: LOL, my boss told me the other day 'You are really making that coat work!' - meaning, it looked like it was about to bust apart at the seams Does H&M sell online where you live? I have a couple jackets from them (not maternity) that are cute.
nectarine / 2932 posts
Hope everyone is doing well! I felt my first little flutters this weekend! Felt kind of like tiny bubbles popping right underneath my belly button! I've only felt it that one time...and it was when I was laying in bed really still. Can't wait to feel them more often!
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@Torchwood: Find out if your insurance company will cover them or reimburse you! I had no idea that was an option until we took our class & the instructor asked everyone to pass in their reimbursement forms! I called & was able to get 90% of our class covered. Yay!
@Littlebit: Hooray for movement!!
pomelo / 5220 posts
@torchwood what classes are you planning to take? That's good advice @mrs. jump rope, I never thought about if insurance would cover that.
@littlebit love the little flutters! Mine are getting more regular and I love it.
apricot / 475 posts
Saw my new OB today and he was lovely, so much better than the shambles I've been dealing with at my old clinic. Can you believe it's been almost 4 weeks and they still haven't sent me the results of my blood test, or updated my file yet? Plus they're making me collect the file which means taking time off work as they're only open 9-5 Monday yo Friday. Rant aside, the best part was hearing the baby's heartbeat, nice and strong!
Thanks for the tip @Littlebit, we have both HM stores and online service so will take a look tonight.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Torchwood: Our HMO has classes, they are like $50 or something? It isn't a Bradley method class or anything, but according to my friend, our HMO has taken to really doing a lot of instruction on natural laboring methods in the classes and they are super intense about breastfeeding, so I think we'll get a balanced approach. I do hear they fill up fast, and I think our birth month club will probably have a harder time because I guess Christmas-season conception levels are high, and thus there's lots of September babies?
I'm still in denial about classes and daycare and everything else. Basically, I don't want to stress out or get overwhelmed by things because I barely have enough energy to get to work and cook dinner once or twice a week. I think once we get the anatomy scan at the end of the month at 20 weeks, things will get moving. We'll have a gender, a name, we can start buying things, and that will sorta move us towards preparing more for birth. June will be a madhouse at work, so I can't really do anything that month. Hopefully that will mean May and July will be productive and we'll see how far I go into August before going on leave (we get 4 weeks before delivery on short term disability).
I have an anterior placenta (in the front), so I'm not expecting to feel the baby yet for a while. We're at 17 weeks and 3 days and I haven't felt anything yet.
pomelo / 5607 posts
@psw27: Bradley method is the primary one I wanted based on past research. I need to look into it a little more and be sure though.
@Mrs. Jump Rope: I hadn't thought of that! Our insurance is pretty darn good, so there's at least a decent chance there. Thanks!
@gingerbebe: The one that's still available is $320. Which is a lot, but given that it's 12 weeks, twice a week, that's not insanely high. Hopefully insurance will cover it. I do feel strongly about wanting the Bradley one, so hopefully it'll work out.
@London Mama: Sorry you're not feeling great, but hooray for a good appointment! That last one sounds ridiculous! And they can't fax the file or anything? That's what my ob did when we moved
Ugh. Dreamed last night that the baby died. It was one of those dreams that made no real sense (at one point the baby turned into a clear plastic cup, and no one questioned it), but basically I went into labor and had the baby at home, then realized AFTER that I was still only 18 weeks so it was too early and it couldn't survive. And I was yelling/crying at DH that if we'd just realized it was too soon we could have gone to the hospital and they'd have stopped labor, so it was all my fault. Woke up rather upset, but checked and heartbeat is still going strong. Also, in the dream, baby was a boy. Gonna add that to my list of "predictions," since mama's dreams are just slightly more likely than not to be right. So far I'm leaning towards boy, even though most things (like the chinese gender chart and stuff) say girl.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
Sooooooooooo my preggo rage is getting out of control. I'm just super catty and bitchy and have had a hard time keeping my mouth shut when things annoy me. Its very unusual for me, because I'm known for generally being quite good natured and calm at work (while being a sassy pants at home). The difference now is I'm totally sweet to DH and he's experienced no preggo rage from me (albeit he gets a lot of whine and sickness), but with coworkers or anyone else its like GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. Even posts on the Bee or other websites irritate me and I find myself either deleting whatever I was going to say or say something a lot blunter/terser than I would typically.
Anyone else? Am I just the wicked witch of the west right now?
pomelo / 5607 posts
Whoops, read that wrong, this class is once a week. Which is better, because DH wouldn't like giving up two nights a week.
pomelo / 5607 posts
@gingerbebe: I've definitely been more angry driving than I usually am. Been pretty good (if anything, better than usual) with DH. Since I don't really see many other people, I couldn't say beyond that. But I'd say I'm at least a little angrier/cattier than usual.
nectarine / 2932 posts
Ordered some maternity leggings so I can wear some of my dresses to work this spring/summer (I work in a lab and have to have my legs covered) and somehow this jumped into my cart!
I still think it's a girl...and I'm really hoping I'm right because otherwise I have to bring it back!
pomelo / 5607 posts
@Littlebit: Cute! My mom has bought some girl stuff, but since we're not finding out, it'll be too late to return. We'll see!
pomelo / 5607 posts
Trying to check if our new insurance works with my midwife, and I REALLY hope something is wrong with their website. Because it's showing that there are NO in-network doctors in our city. DH as a doctor appointment tomorrow, so I guess we'll figure something out then? Trying not to panic a bit. Surely his company (which is extremely good on the benefits front) wouldn't have switched to an insurance that doesn't work for everyone?
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Littlebit: Oh that is too cute. We think its a girl too - can't wait to find out on the 24th!! I have *almost* bought something cute a few times but always stopped myself.
@torchwood: That's stressful - hopefully you get it straightened out soon!
pomelo / 5607 posts
@gingerbebe: Thanks. I need to quit thinking about it, because it's freaking me out. Really wish DH was awake! But I sent him a text so that he'll get it in the morning, warning him. His appointment is before I'll be awake. Ugh. The good news is that it apparently covers a breast pump, so there's that, right?
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
It dawned on me yesterday that I am giving birth, possibly a c-section, and I freaked out.
On one hand, I know what they're doing now. On the other hand, I KNOW WHAT THEYRE DOING.
Strangers have noticed I'm expecting and if I'm not with Chloe, they ask if it's my first. I say no, my second. And then I feel guilty. I've had three losses. IS this my second? Fifth? I feel confused.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: Oh yeah, I feel you. We had 2 losses prior to this pregnancy and we named both of them, so I feel like this is really my 3rd child, but I never know what to say to folks. I don't care about telling them its my 3rd pregnancy, first baby, but I never know how others will take it. Seems like a downer for them even though I'm fine with it.
By the way, didn't you have your scan? Did you find out what you're having!?
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@gingerbebe: The first time I said out loud that we have had 5 pregnancies but only one living child, was at my NT scan. I don't think I want to say that out loud again. Ever.
My scan isn't until tomorrow!
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: BTW, I'm totally asking because I saw that these PBK kids towels were on sale and saw this flamingo one and immediately thought of you!
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/st-tropez-flamingo-beach-wrap/?pkey=cspring-break-sale&
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@gingerbebe: OMG best towel EVERRRRR. I might have to get Chloe one.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: I just edited the link - that was for the nursery wrap and the one I meant is the beach towel size. They have TWO shades of flamingo!
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
This baby is living on my bladder. I've been feeling low kicks so it makes sense. I have to pee every 5 minutes.
We leave for the beach Saturday morning and my mom will kill me if we have to stop this often to pee LOL
pomelo / 5607 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: I am so right there with you. My brother and sister (ages 12 and 14) want me to come visit them, but it's a 4 hour drive and I'm pretty sure I'd have to stop and pee 10 times.
@gingerbebe: @Mrs. Jump Rope: Yeah, it's hard to explain that this is my first, when really it's my third. I mean, I don't explain it, but I'm thinking it and it's just confusing and sad.
So, as if this insurance situation isn't stressful enough, DH's doctor today wants to do something like 15 different types of labwork, and a colonoscopy. I have no idea how much will be covered with the out of network situation. DH is calling the insurance company and his company today to try to figure this out. I feel like we can't complain too much, since his company pays 100% of our insurance, but it's just really frustrating that this could wind up costing us a lot more money. And it's just SO not like them to screw over some employees on this sort of thing. They can spend millions (and millions) of dollars on taking the entire company to hawaii and having a private concert on the beach and everything else, but they can't choose an insurance company that provides proper coverage for everyone?
pomelo / 5607 posts
Snowjewelz asked some questions about insurance in another thread and the responses really helped me calm down. I went back and checked, and our deductible and out of pocket max are very close to the same for both in-network and out, and our max is very low. Since odds are very high we'd be meeting the max either way, so it's only about $250 more than it would have been, not doubled like I was thinking.
nectarine / 2180 posts
Ugh, spent DD's nap time dealing with the receptionist at my new OB's office...at my 16-week appt my old OB gave me an order for my 20-week a/s. New receptionist is telling me that I have to see an OB at new practice so she can give me an order for the a/s...but no appts available until May 2. So, I was like, if my OB already gave me an order why do I need a new one? She put me on hold 3 times and each time she would come back she would say, "Okay, so Dr. C. can see you on May 2." and I kept saying, "but you haven't answered my question!"
I FINALLY made an appointment with the radiologist for my a/s, but I have to bring the doctor's order, which I don't have, because it was in the computer system at the old OB. UGH, I couldn't get on the phone again, so I'll have to try to get it straightened out tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to get it figured out and then our a/s will be on April 28!
pomelo / 5607 posts
@Pancakes: How frustrating! Hope you're able to resolve it all quickly and easily!
ETA- Sorry for the really long whine/vent. Just don't really have anyone else right now. Home alone feeling upset and worried.
So, even MORE research indicates that our insurance situation could actually be worse than I originally thought. It's possible we could get an exception because there are no in-network providers anywhere close, but if not we could theoretically be responsible for thousands and thousands in medical bills. More than likely it wouldn't be that much, but it's going to come down to what the hospital charges versus how much the insurance company thinks they should charge. We're responsible for any difference between the two, plus our deductible, plus 40% of the part insurance does agree to (up to the max out of pocket, but that only applies to the 40%). If the hospital keeps it reasonable, one could hope that insurance will just pay their percent of the whole thing. If not, it could be pretty much any amount and we'll have to pay it and/or spend god knows how much time on the phone with their billing department working things out.
I'm totally stressed now. I'm not even sure what's going to happen with the anatomy scan next week. I'm going to have to figure out how much it could wind up costing us, and talk to the midwife about how important it is, and figure out if it's worth it. DH was WAY too busy today to call the insurance company, so I'm going to talk to him tonight and figure out exactly what questions I need to be asking, and call myself tomorrow. I have major anxiety issues with these type of calls, but it's better than sitting here stressing. He'll still have to handle calling his company once we know what he needs to talk to them about, but I can at least handle some of it.
At this point it's just sapping all the excitement out of pregnancy. I don't even know if I'll get to have my anatomy scan, which I was looking forward to. And if we're going to wind up paying a ton more, there's no way DH will go for paying for a birth class or even a doula, both of which are VERY important to me and I was really excited about. Theoretically they'd both improve my chances of achieving a natural birth, which in turn is cheaper, but I doubt he'd see it that way since it's still no guarantee. We were already on a tighter budget because of the house, but I thought that would be getting back to normal once we finish the last bit of work. Now I have no idea. So much for buying any cute baby stuff, or even a few more maternity clothes so I'm not wearing the same things every day.
Pretty sure I'm letting myself get too worked up over something that I don't even know the outcome of, but I can't seem to get over being upset about it. DH needs to not work late today so I can have some time with him. I always feel worse when he works late, and he hasn't left work till after 8 the last two days.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@Torchwood: I'm sorry this is so stressful for you. I think at times like this, you need to have a plan of attack and just take it a step at a time, but calmly rationally. Just pick one thing to do and leave the rest for the following day.
If it were me, I would ask the insurance companny what you should do when there's no in-network providers in the area. Like you said, perhaps the list of providers isn't up to date and they have a comprehensive list. I would put the ball in their court and tell them to come up with a list of providers you can see in your area and have them mail a hard copy of those providers to you.
If no providers exist, ask them what you should do and how the cost breakdown would look like. If they tell you something over the phone with regards to what and how much they will cover, tell them you'd like that in writing so that you have proof of coverage for your files. If the person you speak with can't answer your questions fully, ask nicely to be transferred to a supervisor.
I think once you know who you can and can't see, then you can deal with the cost of your prenatal visits and what not by having their medical billing folks hash out the money end of it for you and go over your costs in office before the visit.
The worst case scenario might be trying to get coverage on your own policy. The open enrollment period for individuals through the ACA is over, but they have a special enrollment period for people who have qualifying life events, like having a baby or moving outside your insurer's coverage area. I think you'd have to call and speak to a representative about whether or not your circumstances fit into a qualifying event, but it wouldn't hurt to try. Otherwise, you can try to just get coverage through a private insurance company and see how much it would be. You can just have the policy for a few months until open enrollment under Obamacare opens again in November.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
Uhhh so I just booked an elective ultrasound for Friday. DH will not be able to go with me so I will have to be blindfolded and wait until he gets home 6 HOURS LATER to find out!! WAHHH. Maybe I should just cancel?? We were going to find out on the 24th anyway but I started wanting to know before Easter so we could tell our families (who all live far away from us).
pomelo / 5607 posts
DH apparently called and he says it was an issue on insurance's end and that my midwives are definitely covered. So I can stop freaking out! Except I'm pregnant and hormonal so probably not gonna stop immediately. Moral of the story- don't freak out until you know for sure there's a problem. But if you can't help it, harass your husband about it all day so he fixes it for you even when he's really too busy to waste time on the phone with insurance! He even came home early, though not because of this.
@gingerbebe: Thank you for taking the time to reply! That's all good information that I'll remember if we have any more issues. I guess the good thing in all this is that I understand how insurance works a lot better, and am less likely to wind up with some huge bills due to me doing something wrong.
hostess / papaya / 10540 posts
@gingerbebe: I find out the day after yours supposed to, but I'm so tempted to go somewhere to get an elective one next week. I'm also dying to know!
nectarine / 2932 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: oh my gosh!!! YAYYYY!!!! Can't wait to find out what LO2 is!
@Torchwood: man, the whole situation sounds so stressful! I don't understand why they would switch to an insurance company that wouldn't be beneficial to their employees. So crazy. Glad you guys seem to be sorting it out though.
@gingerbebe: I am so jealous! I ask my husband daily if I can schedule one, but he always says no. 20 more days for us!
So I've been on an eBay maternity clothes kick. I need shirts badly, but don't want to shell out the money for retail - so finding them on eBay has been going well! I just got a new pair of motherhood maternity jean shorts with the tags still on them for $15.84! I'm pretty happy about that! I'm set on pants/leggings for the rest of the pregnancy...just need some cheap shirts. I would so much rather be making baby purchases but I have 20 days to go before finding out the gender.
kiwi / 556 posts
@Torchwood: That really sucks! I hope it all gets sorted for you
I really want to do Bradley as well, but the nearest one we can go to, because DH works strange hours so we can only go on a Monday night, is an hour away. $250 for the class plus 12x 2 hr round trips in gas makes it a bit of a no go :(. The only childbirth class in my area is a single 4 hour Saturday class, which is better than nothing, but not ideal at all, especially as DH won't be able to come because he works Saturdays and we want to save his leave for baby.
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@Torchwood: I'm glad you were able to get answers and have everything straightened out. It can be so stressful, even more so when you don't know the right questions to ask.
@Littlebit: eBay is a good idea! I don't have many tops either but hate spending the money.
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
@gingerbebe: it went really well! Baby is healthy and had all it's fingers, toes, etc. we got to see baby yawn which was really cool. It was like a dance party in there so the scan took a bit longer than expected.
And it's a girl!
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