A.,
If you're wanting a midwife experience, I would suggest The Birth & Woman's Center in Dallas. www.birthcenter.net. I had both my kiddos there and it was a wonderful experience. Compared to the cost of a hospital birth it's pocket change. On average, the cost of JUST THE BIRTH, without complications at a hospital is $10,000. But, at the birth center, your entire care from all your check-ups, the birth and a 2-day, at home check-up, a 10-day check-up and a 6-week check-up (both you and baby) costs $4300. Most was covered under my insurance, but they will work with you with a payment plan if you need it. They always have 2 OB's on-call at Baylor Dallas (excellent hospital) when a mom is coming in just in case you would need to be transferred. If you go into labor early (before 35 weeks) you will have to have the baby in the hospital, you won't be able to have it at the birth center. Birth and Woman's is in the "backyard" of Baylor Dallas. It's on Swiss Ave, the next street over. It literally takes less than a minute to get you to the front door of the labor and delivery area, which would be just enough time to get a room ready for you and the OB to your room. Now, if you do need to have at the hospital, get an insurance that will cover those expenses, just in case. If you have to get individual insurance and it's not with you or your husband's company, it will be more expensive if you get a policy that has a low deductible, and all the bells and whistles.
Now, to the real question that will help with all these decisions...premature birth. The fact that you have high cholesterol at age 32 suggests to me that you do not get enough Omega-3's. This nutrient is not only for heart health, but has been shown to prevent premature birth. I would suggest 2000mg of fish oil per day. If you choose to get it over the counter Carlson's is truly the best. Because we are entering into the winter months, Cod Liver is the best because it has more vitamin D, which most likely you are lacking as well (85% of the population is severely deficient). Start taking both now. If your doctor has put you on cholesterol lowering drugs, these will severely lower you chances of getting pregnant, (cholesterol is the precursor to all your reproductive hormones) and also have very harmful to the fetus. Talk to your doctor about that.
I know this is a lot of info, but if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly at ____@____.com. I wish you many blessings in having your little miracle!!
