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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. I have been looking everywhere I can for answers, hopefully you will be able to help me - here goes - on July 15th I went to the doctor for my 3 month checkup and ultrasound - we found that the baby had died - I had a D&C on July 20th and then didn't get a period until August 28th - my period is due right around today (Sept. 25) I'm not really sure because I was never really regular and had just gotten off the pill when I got pregnant the first time - I used a home pregnancy test and got a negative result - am I doing that to early? - is my system still off whack? - how long does it take for your pregnancy hormone to be detected? I desperately want a child and looking for ways to conceive "without trying"

If you could explain some things to me that would be great.

A. I am so sorry about your loss. I hope that you have gotten some pregnancy loss counseling. There is a group called Resolve through sharing, I apologize that I don't have a national number, that supports parents who have lost a baby. You can contact them through your hospitals social service dept. I encourage you to find a good network of support. I think that you took the test a little early. You obviously didn't have any trouble conceiving this baby, and with the limited information you gave me, I don't see why you won't do fine conceiving again. The Natural Family Planning method will help you recognize you fertility. Their number is 888-637-6371. This may be a great way to chart your signs of fertility and concieve soon!

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.