As I ascended the stairs into "The Warm Zone," I immediately began to feel relaxed and at home. It is a drop-in centre for women and every room is open. The women who access the centre walk around like they own it. Making themselves coffee in the kitchen, stepping out onto the patio for a smoke. You probably aren't surprised when I say the place is spotless.
The best room in the place is the meeting room. A long table surrounded by chairs fills it. You can see every person in the room and fit about 15 comfortably. I held a focus group there for a project I'm working on and I met some of the most incredible women. They were like family. It made me want to move to smaller community.
I would say that "The Warm Zone" is the most comfortable, welcoming, friendly drop-in centre I have ever been to. The women who run the program are down-to-earth, committed to their work, and clearly they are spectacular support workers. I was reluctant to leave when the session was over. It's a place I hope to visit again. xo
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Options Community Services Society, Surrey, BC
Despite my generally negative opinion of Sage Midwifery, I must thank one of the midwives there, Janine, from the bottom of my heart for connecting me with Options Community Services Society.
From the first phone call I received, I have had nothing but a wonderful and beneficial experience with them. The program that I am involved with is called "Healthiest Babies Possible" and it is offered to pregnant moms until their newborns are six months old.
Here are some of the reasons I highly recommend this organization (or at least this particular program within the organization):
From the first phone call I received, I have had nothing but a wonderful and beneficial experience with them. The program that I am involved with is called "Healthiest Babies Possible" and it is offered to pregnant moms until their newborns are six months old.
Here are some of the reasons I highly recommend this organization (or at least this particular program within the organization):
- They have a dietician on staff who makes house calls! This was a Goddess-send for me and my gluten intolerant family. I was particularly concerned about becoming pregnant only 6 months into my recovery from severe and debilitating gluten intolerance symptoms. The dietician came to my home and offered lots of advice - telling what I was doing right, what I could be doing better, and generally putting my concerns to rest. (Incidentally, the dietician who handled my file is also gluten intolerant, as is the woman who phoned me in the first place to ask what kinds of services I would be interested in. How convenient is that?!)
- They provide free lunches in different locations throughout each month. During the free lunches, there is also a themed educational component and discussion period before lunch is actually served. Present at the lunches are dieticians, counsellors, nutritionists, and other worthwhile support people for pregnant mothers. The lunch is also very child friendly. I have been to one lunch so far. My over-active son was not once scolded by any participants or facilitators - much to my relief and enjoyment. My gluten intolerance was taken into consideration and an individual plate made for each my son and I that did not include items with gluten in them. Because we stayed until the end, we also got to take home leftovers -which for that particular week really saved my family. We were out of money and low on food. It couldn't have come at a better time. They also gave out $10 grocery cards - another much appreciated gift for my family during this time of struggle. The lunches also offer free baby clothes on site which I plan to take advantage of in the future, now that I know the sex of my unborn child. :)
- I was assigned a "counsellor" who also makes house calls! This whole "house-call" thing is amazing for a busy single mom who has no gas in her car and is saving would-be bus fare for groceries. My counsellor (her name is Jill) is incredibly awesome. I didn't think I would need her for emotional support, but lo and behold, during a conversation about housing I became very emotional and poured my heart out to her. She was very understanding and helpful and she is doing all that she can to support my search for affordable housing. I love you, Jill!
- Each home visit I've had, I was presented with informative pamphlets on subjects of interest to me pertaining to pregnancy. I've received forms for housing that I didn't know existed. And I have also been given...yes, another $10 grocery card. Because I am working now, I am saving up my gift cards for after the baby is born and finances are much scarcer. I cannot express the degree of gratitude I feel for this small but significant gesture. I go to the food bank but they do not have very much to offer that is gluten-free, so having the extra grocery money to accommodate my family's restricted diet is literally life-saving.
- They call you to remind you of the lunches! I expressed that I would most likely attend the lunches that are closest to my house. Every two weeks, the day before that lunch is offered, I get a phone call from the organization reminding me. I think that is just such a wonderful and proactive service and I commend the organization for doing it.
- They give me free prenatal vitamins and with a doctor's note about the low iron, I can also receive free iron supplements. If you have to buy iron supplements and you're low income, you'll know why I think this is so incredibly awesome. Iron is EXPENSIVE!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sage Midwifery, Surrey BC Canada
My first appointment with Sage Midwifery went very well. I met Gillian and she was fantastic. I think it would be breaking confidentiality for me to tell you why I like her - details she shared with me about people in her life who had experienced similar health issues as I had. I'm sure I can say that she had a general warmth about her. When I told her that I experienced low iron problems when my ferritin levels were low, she seemed to believe me and acknowledged it. However, she either did not write it down or the other midwives chose to ignore it. But I digress.
My next appointment was with Rosemary. She conducted my "internal examination." I have to admit it was a bit weird having a complete stranger perform the exam. I usually at least know the doctor or midwife from previous appointments. But I'm not shy and Rosemary was absolutely charming. I instantly adored her. She shared personal stories that made me feel like I - and my children - were in good hands. All of my children (not just the one I was currently carrying).
One thing that bothered me a bit during my appointment with Rosemary, was that my children - aged 5 and 10 - were left in a room with a movie to watch while I was in the nurses office. The TV that is used for kids videos is placed precariously on an un-sturdy table that could be knocked over very easily.
I don't consider this safe at all, as the children are left alone in the room. They are told to be careful and not touch the TV, thereby putting the responsibility on the children for their own safety (as well as the safety of the TV set). I was nervous to leave my son as he tends to be rambunctious and rebellious.
The last midwife I went to had toys and books in the waiting room, where the receptionist was on hand to assist them if needed. I much prefer that setup to the one at Sage Midwifery.
At 12 weeks, I phoned the office with concerns about the amount and strength of the fetal movement I was feeling. I spoke with Gillian and she said it could mean my dates are off or maybe I'm having twins.
My next experience was with Debbie. At 14 weeks, for about four days, I actually felt the baby move from the outside. I'd heard of this occurring with other women due to twins or placenta placement.
I phoned the office again expressing my concerns. Specifically, I wanted to know if I was having twins or if this should be something to be concerned about. Debbie phoned me back and was quite abrupt with me on the phone. She told me flat out that I couldn't possibly be feeling that much movement at 14 weeks.
I was appalled. I thought I'd chosen a midwifery practice for the main reason of avoiding medical professionals who treat you like you know nothing about your own body. And I said as much: "I have had two children before and I know what it feels like when they're moving inside me. Just because it's something you've never come across before does not mean that it doesn't happen."
Debbie apologized and offered for me to come into the clinic to be measured if I liked. I accepted the invitation, adding that I had been feeling especially tired and lightheaded and believed that my iron might be low.
At the clinic, Debbie was very nice and apologized for the disagreement on the phone. She measured me and assured me that my measurements, so far, did not indicate I was having twins. I thanked her, then mentioned again the tiredness and lightheadedness. (I've been struggling with low iron since going gluten free and I recognized the symptoms.)
Debbie assured me that my "hemoglobin levels were fine" and therefore I could not possibly be low iron. (She was referring to tests that had been done eight weeks previous.) I explained how I became symptomatic when my ferritin was low. I was already taking an iron supplement that I'd been on before getting pregnant, but hadn't increased the dosage.
Debbie assured me that all pregnant women feel tired and lightheaded at this stage of pregnancy. And she sent me on my way.
Over the next few weeks, I became more tired and more lightheaded. I was struggling through each day. People would say it was because of my age or because I was tired from caring for my out-of-control son on top of being old and pregnant. But I knew it was not normal. I had been pregnant twice before. And before THIS pregnancy began, I had been feeling healthier and more energized than I ever had in my life.
I waited until my next midwife appointment - this time with Janine - and brought up my concerns again. Janine was a little different. I didn't know what to make of her. She just sat there and nodded her head at me while I explained my symptoms. She hemmed and hawed. Then she said nothing. I did not feel heard or taken seriously at all. But I wasn't sure. She was just too hard to read. I also got the feeling my kids irritated her. Not the kind of feeling I expect in a midwifery office.
But Janine did something really amazing. She referred me to a program in Surrey called Options - Healthiest Babies Possible. (A really fantastic service that I will write a review about as well.)
Janine did not send me for tests. I wonder if there was a note in my file from Debbie that said: "Annie thinks she is low iron but she's not. Just humour her." At least, that's how it felt. I left the office feeling deflated and irritated. But my next appointment would be with Gillian. I thought she would likely take me seriously.
The problem was that the appointments are every five weeks, and I was getting worse. I knew something was wrong and finally decided to go see my doctor. He sent me for tests, and sure enough, my ferritin levels came back "9" which is low even on the lab results continuum. I am known to be symptomatic when my levels are at 21.
My doctor prescribed me to take double the iron supplements I was currently on and increase my B12 Folate supplement that he also had me on. I took his advice. Later that week, I went to the midwife office and told them about the lab tests so they could order them in. I explained my doctor's advice and left.
The secretary passed on my message to Debbie, I guess. Because about an hour or two later, when they'd received my test results from the lab, Debbie rang me up. This time she was very upset and used an angry voice with me on the phone. She told me that my doctor was giving me "inappropriate care." That my hemoglobin levels were fine and if my ferritin levels were low, then we should find out why I'm not storing iron.
I told her that I am not a medical professional and do not understand what she's trying to tell me. I was merely going on doctor's orders, and he being the only doctor I'd ever found who had helped me feel better.
Debbie went on to berate me for going to my doctor when I have hired a midwife for my prenatal care. And when she was done getting it all off her chest, she told me she had an appointment to attend to.
I was flabbergasted. She called to confront me when she had an appointment coming in? She couldn't even wait till she had a few moments to chat?
Needless to say, I realized in that phone call that Debbie was the last person on earth that I wanted with me in a delivery room, and I fired the midwifery practice immediately.
It has been three weeks since I increased my iron, B12, and folic acid, and I feel fantastic! I am not tired or lightheaded. Debbie had told me that 75% of their clients had the same complaints. Now I wonder if everyone going to Sage Midwifery is walking around with low iron.
My recommendation? Wait until Gillian has her own practice, then go to her. But forget about Sage Midwifery. Too many midwives, not child friendly, and they don't know what they're doing when it comes to health.
My next appointment was with Rosemary. She conducted my "internal examination." I have to admit it was a bit weird having a complete stranger perform the exam. I usually at least know the doctor or midwife from previous appointments. But I'm not shy and Rosemary was absolutely charming. I instantly adored her. She shared personal stories that made me feel like I - and my children - were in good hands. All of my children (not just the one I was currently carrying).
One thing that bothered me a bit during my appointment with Rosemary, was that my children - aged 5 and 10 - were left in a room with a movie to watch while I was in the nurses office. The TV that is used for kids videos is placed precariously on an un-sturdy table that could be knocked over very easily.
I don't consider this safe at all, as the children are left alone in the room. They are told to be careful and not touch the TV, thereby putting the responsibility on the children for their own safety (as well as the safety of the TV set). I was nervous to leave my son as he tends to be rambunctious and rebellious.
The last midwife I went to had toys and books in the waiting room, where the receptionist was on hand to assist them if needed. I much prefer that setup to the one at Sage Midwifery.
At 12 weeks, I phoned the office with concerns about the amount and strength of the fetal movement I was feeling. I spoke with Gillian and she said it could mean my dates are off or maybe I'm having twins.
My next experience was with Debbie. At 14 weeks, for about four days, I actually felt the baby move from the outside. I'd heard of this occurring with other women due to twins or placenta placement.
I phoned the office again expressing my concerns. Specifically, I wanted to know if I was having twins or if this should be something to be concerned about. Debbie phoned me back and was quite abrupt with me on the phone. She told me flat out that I couldn't possibly be feeling that much movement at 14 weeks.
I was appalled. I thought I'd chosen a midwifery practice for the main reason of avoiding medical professionals who treat you like you know nothing about your own body. And I said as much: "I have had two children before and I know what it feels like when they're moving inside me. Just because it's something you've never come across before does not mean that it doesn't happen."
Debbie apologized and offered for me to come into the clinic to be measured if I liked. I accepted the invitation, adding that I had been feeling especially tired and lightheaded and believed that my iron might be low.
At the clinic, Debbie was very nice and apologized for the disagreement on the phone. She measured me and assured me that my measurements, so far, did not indicate I was having twins. I thanked her, then mentioned again the tiredness and lightheadedness. (I've been struggling with low iron since going gluten free and I recognized the symptoms.)
Debbie assured me that my "hemoglobin levels were fine" and therefore I could not possibly be low iron. (She was referring to tests that had been done eight weeks previous.) I explained how I became symptomatic when my ferritin was low. I was already taking an iron supplement that I'd been on before getting pregnant, but hadn't increased the dosage.
Debbie assured me that all pregnant women feel tired and lightheaded at this stage of pregnancy. And she sent me on my way.
Over the next few weeks, I became more tired and more lightheaded. I was struggling through each day. People would say it was because of my age or because I was tired from caring for my out-of-control son on top of being old and pregnant. But I knew it was not normal. I had been pregnant twice before. And before THIS pregnancy began, I had been feeling healthier and more energized than I ever had in my life.
I waited until my next midwife appointment - this time with Janine - and brought up my concerns again. Janine was a little different. I didn't know what to make of her. She just sat there and nodded her head at me while I explained my symptoms. She hemmed and hawed. Then she said nothing. I did not feel heard or taken seriously at all. But I wasn't sure. She was just too hard to read. I also got the feeling my kids irritated her. Not the kind of feeling I expect in a midwifery office.
But Janine did something really amazing. She referred me to a program in Surrey called Options - Healthiest Babies Possible. (A really fantastic service that I will write a review about as well.)
Janine did not send me for tests. I wonder if there was a note in my file from Debbie that said: "Annie thinks she is low iron but she's not. Just humour her." At least, that's how it felt. I left the office feeling deflated and irritated. But my next appointment would be with Gillian. I thought she would likely take me seriously.
The problem was that the appointments are every five weeks, and I was getting worse. I knew something was wrong and finally decided to go see my doctor. He sent me for tests, and sure enough, my ferritin levels came back "9" which is low even on the lab results continuum. I am known to be symptomatic when my levels are at 21.
My doctor prescribed me to take double the iron supplements I was currently on and increase my B12 Folate supplement that he also had me on. I took his advice. Later that week, I went to the midwife office and told them about the lab tests so they could order them in. I explained my doctor's advice and left.
The secretary passed on my message to Debbie, I guess. Because about an hour or two later, when they'd received my test results from the lab, Debbie rang me up. This time she was very upset and used an angry voice with me on the phone. She told me that my doctor was giving me "inappropriate care." That my hemoglobin levels were fine and if my ferritin levels were low, then we should find out why I'm not storing iron.
I told her that I am not a medical professional and do not understand what she's trying to tell me. I was merely going on doctor's orders, and he being the only doctor I'd ever found who had helped me feel better.
Debbie went on to berate me for going to my doctor when I have hired a midwife for my prenatal care. And when she was done getting it all off her chest, she told me she had an appointment to attend to.
I was flabbergasted. She called to confront me when she had an appointment coming in? She couldn't even wait till she had a few moments to chat?
Needless to say, I realized in that phone call that Debbie was the last person on earth that I wanted with me in a delivery room, and I fired the midwifery practice immediately.
It has been three weeks since I increased my iron, B12, and folic acid, and I feel fantastic! I am not tired or lightheaded. Debbie had told me that 75% of their clients had the same complaints. Now I wonder if everyone going to Sage Midwifery is walking around with low iron.
My recommendation? Wait until Gillian has her own practice, then go to her. But forget about Sage Midwifery. Too many midwives, not child friendly, and they don't know what they're doing when it comes to health.
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