Some people dread going to their OB-GYN. I can understand why, what with having to put on those awkward open-to-the-front gowns, the massive amount of goop you deal with after an exam, and, oh yeah, having your vagina examined. I don't dread it at all, though. In fact, I love visiting my OB-GYN because she is a wonderful human being who brought my two precious boys into this world. Come to think of it, there are a number of things I've forgotten to thank my OB for, and all these years later.
I know I thanked my OB-GYN for expertly getting my boys out of my body and delivering them safely into my arms during both of my deliveries. However, I also know I never thanked her for all the other little things she did to make me feel comfortable in her office and in all the months leading up to the "big day," like when she didn't make me feel like a weirdo for never wanting to know my weight during my pregnancy. I know I never thanked her for the big thing she did, too, like when she was the first person to diagnose my postpartum depression. That was a life-changing moment for me. She named the thing that I (and the people in my life) had been unable to name, even though it was so obvious. From that point on, I was able to do something about it and get help. I can't imagine what I would have done without her noticing the signs of postpartum depression, and that is truly a testament to how she had taken the time and energy to really know me as a person throughout our time together leading up to my delivery.
So while I think it's pretty understandable to forget to give your OB-GYN a genuine thank you when you're in the throes of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum life, it's time I do (and publicly, I might add). So, shout out to my incredible OB for all the big and little things she did, like the following: