The heartbeat

During our first baby appointment at 9 weeks, our midwife attempted to hear the heartbeat in my lower abdomen with a Doppler, though unsuccessful. She told us not to worry, assuring me and my husband that by the next appointment in 4 weeks, we will definitely hear it. Because we chose to go with a group of OB providers, I would be scheduled with a different provider each time, even though I already made it clear that I preferred midwifery, as long as I remained at low risk. The midwife said she would note my preference in my chart.

Our 13 week appointment started out as expected: check my weight, leave a urine sample, take my blood pressure. But Russ and I were most looking forward to hearing the heartbeat. The OB, who I had heard good things about, said that we probably wouldn't hear the heartbeat, that it's too early. I sat there surprised and in silent shock. I didn't buy his words. He seemed to be in a rush. I left the appointment feeling disappointed and bitter. I felt like it was a waste of time for all. I forget how different the outlook of each provider can and will be.

That following weekend, I shared my experience with my co-workers. Stephanie, one of the nurses, volunteered to use the Doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat for ourselves. She, Elizabeth, also in the pregnancy club, and myself snuck discreetly into our last empty room. We collectively guessed at placing the Doppler in the general abdominal area that the midwife tried weeks prior. We heard my own strong heartbeat pretty easily.

But within minutes, I listened in awe as the faster heartbeat was detected. The baby's heartbeat. I only wish that Russ could have heard.