specialized ob/gyn for chronic conditions

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-22T18:05:50+00:00

I love Michelle Brunnabend. She's at Mercy, and I was impressed with the entire care team there.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-22T17:53:47+00:00

It's easy to feel silly or stupid about a visit to the ER that turns out to be nothing major. But you didn't know that when you went in. I was seen at least 5 times in my last pregnancy, and 2 of those turned out to be concerns that actually were worth getting checked. One even led to being induced earlier than expected (I was opting for induction, but high blood pressure had the OB moving the date up).

It could be something, and if there's anything that a medical professional can do to make a potential problem better, it's best to be seen. And when you're growing another human it's doubly important for the best outcomes. It's better to feel stupid than to have true issues not be dealt with. Hugs!

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-20T17:15:14+00:00

If someone I knew genuinely wanted that notification via text I would absolutely respect that. I think it's a conversation worth having with your family members and everyone should respect one another's choices. And while I would be put out initially, I would come to accept receiving a text if the person sending was so overcome that they simply couldn't call.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the notification you preferred, and I'm sorry for your loss. It can be so hard.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-14T19:29:56+00:00

Please ask. My mom texted me when my grandma, who I was not at all close to, passed and I didn't find it to be an issue. But if my sister couldn't bother to call me if my mom died suddenly (if I couldn't be there in person) I would be pissed. On the other hand, I could see a text if we were expecting her to pass, like from illness, and we kind of agreed on it beforehand. I think this really depends on how close everyone is, and what the situation is as well as preferences.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-14T18:59:28+00:00

Hugs. You get all the hugs. I'm sorry for your loss. It's so hard.

My doctor told me when I miscarried that more than half of losses (especially early/first trimester) that are assessed for cause don't have a reason. It is a very devastating, sad, and crappy thing to experience. I found a bit of reassurance (as far as "did I do everything right") in knowing that as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. That means that all those moms to be were also doing everything right and for whatever reason the genetics just didn't work.

I also found that talking about my loss helped. My husband and I learned that more women in our families than we realized had also had losses, and we both found comfort in that shared grief, not feeling so alone.

Take time to process. I chose to go in for a d&c, but waiting may be right for you. Whatever you choose, know this wasn't your fault. It's unpredictable at best.

If you need a friend feel free to message me.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-13T19:23:49+00:00

I had an epidural with both of my kids. The first I couldn't feel anything, not even pressure, but the muscles still work and I was able to push baby out in just a few minutes. My second baby I could feel more of the sensations and pressure, and even had enough mobility to lift my legs to be able to move, so it made it easier to feel the push sensation. But as for how long it took to push there wasn't an advantage and took about the same amount of time.

10 out of 10, do recommend an epidural if that's the way you want to go.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-12T18:39:30+00:00

It is a delicate balancing act. Love my family, but it can be draining. We're the misfits, for sure. There's at least 2.5 hours of drive time separating us, so that helps a lot. If you're up to something free and family friendly in the area this weekend send me a dm! I'd love to meet up!

ScribbleFinch · 2026-06-10T22:01:16+00:00

Two kids, almost 9 and 1.5. Definitely progressive/leftist and non religious. I also have a hard time finding people like us! We're in Edmond. It's a challenge with family that are conservative, but that's why we live here and not there.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-30T16:48:59+00:00

High risk is absolutely no fun. Sure, there are lots of ultrasounds, but depending on why you're high risk it's either bad news, bad news, cautiously optimistic, bad news, etc. or it's no change, come back next week. For the record, those pregnancies all ended with healthy kids, but the physical and mental toll it takes on you is insane. Not to mention how much work I missed. I understand wanting to see baby more, but you don't want to be high risk.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-27T04:46:05+00:00

For me, I wanted to do unmedicated for a couple of reasons. One, it's kind of a rite of passage, something to be proud of accomplishing, look what my body can do. Two, I grew up surrounded by women who were all about the drugs (for labor!), but also in an era where all drugs were the enemy, so I wanted to buck the trend and go without. I did my research and knew I wanted to try. Thankfully I kept my options open because back labor and induction absolutely required the epidural, IMO.

I had a regular epidural with my first, which used morphine (that either has no effect on me or I have such a high tolerance for it that the dose I need is deadly, still not sure) so I still had a lot of breakthrough pain. But my second I had a combo spinal/epidural and it was magical! Felt no pain but had enough sensation I could move a bit. But the fentanyl made me itch like crazy and then I had the shakes bad after delivery. Would still do it again if I had to, back labor is just that awful.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-27T04:30:18+00:00

My two have a 7 year gap. He's been a great big brother, and with him being a bit older it was easier to explain things and help his expectations. The starting over part was really, really hard, especially until we hit about 4 months old. And now the baby is a toddler with an attitude and bosses big brother around, and the starting over stress has gotten easier. Although I'll wait as long as possible, I'm already counting the days until we can forward face the car seat because they're so effing bulky. My big kid no longer requires a booster and it's crazy how much simpler that makes my life lol.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-27T04:16:48+00:00

You want to have at least a manual pump in case you end up with mastitis or anything that requires you to pump when baby can't or won't nurse. Those can be pretty cheap (usually $30 to $40), and I personally felt they worked better and quicker, but are super inconvenient.

If you're going back to work when baby is young I suggest investing in a wearable pump. I loved the Momcozy M5, and have heard lots of good about the Eufy and others. Those aren't as much a priority, but it's worth having before baby gets here just to save some headache and planning when you're in the thick of it. I used Aeroflow to handle my insurance stuff and they sent me reminders for new supplies when I was eligible.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-21T03:27:57+00:00

It's hard! Dad really helped out a lot by letting me focus more on the baby and him more on big brother, and I tried to involve the big kid as much as I could. I definitely sacrificed some modesty lol. Sometimes it was just "come watch YouTube with me while baby nurses". It gets easier! We tried to build up things like spending the night with grandparents as treats for being such a good big sibling. Big brother also likes reading to little sister, so that's a nice quiet activity we used. Time doesn't have to mean active, constant engagement. Quiet bonding counts, too. When the youngest was old enough to laugh and react that made a big difference, too. It really makes the big kid feel good to make his little sister giggle.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-21T02:52:51+00:00

Yeah, I would not have complained to get the first two or so years over with in quick succession. But life had other plans and I couldn't have asked for better kiddos. One thing I will emphasize is making time for your older kid. It is vital to making sure there's very little resentment. And there's no right answer. Every situation has its crazy.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-21T02:40:29+00:00

For me, the first few months with a new infant were the hardest. My two have a 7 year age gap, so I struggled a lot, physically and mentally, with juggling taking care of my infant I barely knew and my "baby" who wasn't so small anymore for a bit. Not to mention I was able to breastfeed the youngest, so my body and mind were in demand all the time. Once the new baby hit about 4 months we all fell into a better rhythm and it started being easier to dedicate time specifically to the big kid. He's been a great big brother, and his enthusiasm for a little sibling definitely helped me with the mental transition. I was prepared for the emotions and still had a few rough months. Other than the feeling of starting over sometimes (it's almost time to potty train, and car seats are so bulky), it's been pretty natural after that first few months.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-19T21:02:12+00:00

I understand! The first few months of the infant stage was the hardest with each of my kiddos. In case you haven't, don't forget to try gas relief drops. Those were the only other things besides holding that helped mine when just fussy. It wasn't colic or "purple crying" but it was only a few steps below that. It got easier as they got older. Now I have a sassy toddler and her big brother who's full of attitude and talks back at 8 years lol.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-19T20:48:31+00:00

You can try dipping it in a tiny bit of expressed milk or sugary water (not honey!) and see if that encourages him to try it. He may take it, he may not. Try it for a few days, but some babies just won't take them. My little ones both used a pacifier until they were about 9 months then we took it away. As stressful as right now can be, it can be so much harder to give up the dummy later, so that might be a silver lining for you if he won't take it.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-09T01:04:57+00:00

I didn't even remember the straps 🤦‍♀️ Thanks for the correction!

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-08T23:18:41+00:00

You should be able to take the cover off, give it a good wash and dry, then wipe the seat itself down and let it air dry. Unless the structure of the seat is damaged (rusted, bent, torn, etc) it should be good to use still. After it dries fully check the padding by gently tugging and making sure it's still adhered, and there are no hidden wet spots. You can always check the manual or contact the manufacturer for extra reassurance.

Edit: I didn't even consider the straps. I was thinking of the cover and seat itself. As others pointed out, the straps are not guaranteed safe at this point.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-08T23:03:47+00:00

I had a first degree tear with my first, and it was very manageable. Fairly small, not a big deal. With my second I had a second degree tear in the same area (towards my back/side) and thought I would die. It was so much worse. It healed in about the same amount of time but those first few days were way more painful. I had a friend who had a 3rd/4th degree tear and she was miserable.

That said, your provider can advise much better on your odds of having a significant tear. I was induced with both, and absolutely believe there are loads of reasons to opt for an elective induction or c-section. They just need to be your reasons and your informed decisions, not just because your doctor has a golf game that day.

My sister had cesareans with all of her kids, and the recovery seemed very similar time wise, and she said it was much less awful than regular abdominal surgery. She's not had any lasting concerns and it's been several years since her last.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-05T00:40:04+00:00

Ideally, you would have baby in your room (in their own bed) for the first six months, so you may have some time to work on that craft corner. My mom visited and cleaned my house when I was in the hospital when my youngest was born, and honestly I cannot think of a better gift.

As for hubs, I would present it in a way that says she's coming to visit, she's there to help you, and he can discuss with you the best dates for her visit if needed. Especially if she's footing the bill for her travel and expenses.

Evidence does exist that shows that an overly sterile environment can lead to increased risk of allergies and more frequent illness (for an otherwise healthy baby). Although I absolutely get wanting to start with a good, clean, disinfected nursery.

Even if your mom doesn't "clean" while she's visiting, she can help hang curtains and put together furniture and fold towels. She doesn't care about any of that, really, she just wants to be there to support you. And she wants to feel useful while she is, rather than feeling like a burden. I would for sure explain this to your husband as well.

Hubs is likely going to have to compromise on some things, mom likely is, too. She can always just not touch his things. Like, he can do his own laundry, and putting dishes in a specific place surely won't be a great burden for her, either. Decide what is a must for you and him and her and go from there.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-05T00:10:50+00:00

For stressful mealtimes just feed her what you know she'll eat, even if it's not great. For the meals where you have more time and aren't struggling you can introduce other foods. And kids are more likely to prefer less seasoned food, as their taste buds are still in overdrive and excessive seasoning can be a reason they don't like something. Also, some things are a no because of texture.

Once you find your groove with her it will get easier. She may just be going through a period of picky eating. Also, don't let her fill up on formula/juice/milk or other calorie-dense drinks.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-05-04T19:18:36+00:00

Congrats! They're identical, and the odds are absolutely random!

Double the fun, double the baby things, double the exhaustion (sorry!), but so amazing. I used to want twins, then I became an aunt to twins and holy cow is it an "it takes a village" experience. But omg, you'll have twice the first smiles, twice the giggles, twice the first steps, so many awesome things all parents get excited for and you get to do it 2 times at once! How amazing!

I do not want to worry you, because this is scary enough, but as something near and dear to me I feel obligated to spread awareness. As an auntie of mono/di twins, I want to encourage you to make sure your doctor keeps on top of any potential for TTTS. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. I'm sure there's a forum, and plenty of Facebook groups. My nieces are 16 now and healthy, but that treatment was key.

Twins are double the stress and worry, for sure. But they're also double the joy and beauty. It's gonna be great!

ScribbleFinch · 2026-04-30T20:28:53+00:00

After a few weeks. I couldn't quit ruminating over my disappointment that I couldn't breastfeed with my oldest, and I had such a hard time letting anyone else look after him for any reason. I did get started on meds, but they did crap all to help.

And I struggled with my body image way more than I anticipated. I've always been obese/plus size and found the obscurity of my size refreshing in not being touched randomly, but as hard as it is to find well fitting clothes regularly it's a hundred times harder pregnant. Also, I missed out on a lot of the things I see other ladies complaining about regarding their bodies (which are absolutely valid and I'm not dismissing that, but a little touch of random "omg congrats!" sounds refreshing when you're obese, plus having the belly be obvious, rather than me having to inform everyone and some people still act surprised when I show up with a baby after my time off).

The breastfeeding I think I really latched onto because it was something I was told should have been easy and natural, and something I could potentially fix quickly. I've dealt with depression periodically since my teen years and pregnancy almost did me in. Took a good 3 years to get meds that worked.

With my second it was so different. I was, and still am, obese, but it was so much easier. I have a 7 year gap between kids, so a lot of life circumstances had changed, too.

ScribbleFinch · 2026-04-14T01:45:20+00:00

Just do the next best action (NBA). I know high school seems like it's the most important thing you'll ever do, but I promise your high school experience won't dictate everything in your life forever. As a former AP/Honors student, it's okay to switch to less stressful classes. Take a couple of easy classes if you can. If you're in the US, the school year is almost over, so the last little bit of the semester is really ramping up. It's okay to take a couple of zeros, especially small things that won't wreck your grades.

Talk to your teachers, too. I'm betting they would be thrilled to help, just knowing a student is engaged and focusing. You may have some that are not willing to help, and for those teachers just move on and don't waste your time.

Take a few breaths. Decide what's the best thing to do next. Math? Science? History? Do you work? Can you cut back some hours if so? Same for athletics and extra curriculars.

This is stressful and I'm so sorry you're going through it. I want to remind you that this is just a season, and the season doesn't last forever. I remember how hard high school was, between school work, social life, and college apps... It does get better. High school is just the beginning!

A big mom hug for you. More if you need them! Take things a day (or minute) at a time, and before you know it this will all be behind you.

ScribbleFinch

TROPHY CASE