Midwife even an option?

Question

Just found out last week that I am indeed pregnant. My hubby and I have been trying for a year. We got pregnant back in October of 2017 and miscarriage the following month (didn’t grow past 5 weeks).
I am currently 4w3d and I am choosing to not do a whole lot of appointment scheduling until I get to 8weeks safe n sound.
Since august 2017 I have lost over 30lbs and am now 232. I know that with my height (5’6”) and BMI that I am considered obese/plus size. I am constantly watching my meals, portion controlling, and eating better. As well as maintaining my exercise routine.
I have done research for a couple years and I know I want to have an un-medicated birth.
But my question to you guys is what are the qualifications that midwives typically need to take on a patient?
I don’t want to get my hopes up and I know my birth plan can be un-medicated even with an OB. But I am hoping to still find a midwife that will take me on as well as give birth in a birth center, rather than hospital.
Is there anything I can do in these next few weeks that prepare me, or help me stay healthy besides diet and exercise?
(*posted in one other group too)

Answer

I got turned away from one midwife clinic for being close to 40 BMI but found another great group that will take me. If anything happens where i get preeclampsia and gestational diabetes i am booted to an OB. Ive been super careful about my diet and exercise so that doesn’t happen. Also over 40 BMI you are no longer qualified for a water birth and above 35-37 BMI you cannot give birth in a center. I am going to school to become a midwife so it was really important to me to have this experience. Good luck and don’t give up! Some people in general are just nasty and will discriminate against weight even if you are completely healthy!

Answer

my pre-pregnancy bmi was 41 and I am seeing a licensed midwife for a home birth. weight/bmi alone should not exclude you from midwifery care.

Answer

i dont know about a midwife, but i do know birth centers have a maximum bmi. i cant remember but i think it was 35 maybe. you can call and ask.

Answer

My sister used the midwives at the hospital here. She said that one of them used to be overweight butt she lost a bunch and since then she can be judgemental about weight. I was worried about meeting with her. Well I met with her and she didn't say anything about my weight. When I mentioned diet and being disappointed about not getting my greens in. She said "try not to worry about it, you're doing you're best and you're in survival mode. You're doing great!"
I'm happy that I'm seeing the midwives.

Answer

If you're in the US you want a certified nurse midwife. Avoid anyone who doesn't have those credentials. I live in Canada where midwives are medical professionals with years of schooling and training. I've also been obese with both of my pregnancies and have still only seen midwives.

Answer

Being high bmi shouldnt preclude you from midwifery care. :)

Answer

At your first prenatal appt they'll determine if your considered high risk for any reason. As long as your a normal/low risk a midwife should take you on.
Not all midwifes have birthing center, some only do home or hospital birth.

Answer

I was turned away from 4 midwifes because my BMI was 40. I was devastated because I really want an all natural birth. so far my OB seems okay with everything I want but we will see how that goes when I am farther along.

Midwife even an option?

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