Don't mention France when making an American ob appointment

I'm on vacation in Florida right now relaxing with my family at my parent's home. Little Sushi is growing quite large, kicking like a little wild woman and I'm around 26 weeks and some odd days...at least I think. I'd have to look it up to be sure and I'm far too lazy to do that right now. Other than a little iron deficiency problem that Dr. Stonehenge e-mailed me about everything is okay. My estrogen induced sun poisoning seems to be cleared up and like Jemma mentioned she experienced in her pregnancy I just have the instant tan feature when I'm out in the sun which isn't too bad and makes me look all Club Med and glam. Otherwise It's just a matter of chasing a toddler around without running out of breath. I often can't catch up with him, and the fact that we're on vacation and he's usually wanting to swim a lot in the deep water of swimming pools and the sea has me paranoid. Could I really dive down there and get him if he sunk? I don't think my belly would let me. I think I'd pop right back up!

I've been researching while I'm here too. Having the baby in my homeland seemed like a good idea at first but since I've been here I've phoned several doctors offices and clinics. They have all pretty much said the same thing; "no dice lady--go have your kid in the backyard pond if you don't have one of these top three insurance companies" and they won't even see me without dropping the name of a major carrier. They don't seem to like the international insurance provided by hubby's company which excuse me pays 100 percent of all costs. The mere mention of France's healthcare system got me put on hold for a long, long time. Even my mom's own ob has refused to see me for a check up, and that's even after I said I'd pay the 350 dollars fee out of pocket. The secretary told me rather vaguely that it was due to "liability issues" whatever that is. I guess that means if I slip on the pavement in front of the building or spill hot coffee on myself in the waiting room they won't want to be held responsible. I think they're a wee bit paranoid. Be careful people because you know the sky might fall and you wouldn't want to be in the way!

Suddenly I miss the French system a lot and I am jolted into realizing how cold and heartless it can be here when it comes to caring for actual people. Okay maybe heartless is a strong word but it sure feels that way from my end. I think I understood why a lot of women in the States are interested in home birth.

I do have a midwife's phone number for a possible check-up and I have the phone number of a local walk-in clinic which has general Md's on staff, not necessarily any obgyn's. It costs a whopping 70 dollars a visit for what I imagine is going to be the basic blood pressure check and tongue compressor routine. I doubt they'd do an internal exam because of liability issues and I doubt I'd want them to do an internal exam anyway. I think I'll be calling the midwife instead and see if she'll fit me in for a little check before I leave. I wouldn't worry but the airlines asks for one for those pregnant ladies suspiciously beyond the 6 month mark.

So babywise I'm thinking now that it's off to Mexico. I have the name of a few good doctors. Seb already called one who gave me an appointment for a few weeks from now. I'm pleased to have someone, ..anyone and I'm actually beginning to relax about the whole birth in Mexico thing. I certainly feel a lot more welcome there than I do here in the States.

*I have to laugh because it looks like my milk is leaking in that photo but it's actually just a wet swimsuit under my shirt...ahh leaky boobs --one of the less glamorous things of the post partum period that I'd almost forgotten about--I can't wait...