Hyperemesis Gravidarum is nausea and vomiting far beyond what is normally experienced in pregnancy. It's causes are not known and it is not a common disease of pregnancy. It can extend beyond pregnancy in some.
One of the best online resources and support can be found at http://www.helpher.org. Please visit this site!
I have had two HG pregnancies. My first pregnancy I experienced mild HG. I had excessive vomiting and nausea in the first trimester, moderate nausea in the second, and nausea and vomiting returned in the third. At the time I had access to Diclectin, a common drug used in pregnancy for nausea and vomiting. It brought no relief, and being a young and uninformed mother I quit taking the medication due to it's cost and ineffectiveness. Other moms I talked with suggested that it was normal to be that ill in pregnancy and that I should wait for it to go away. Most resources said that pregnancy and nausea went hand in hand and it was normal. I clearly remember being in my third trimester and getting IV fluids along with some Gravol thinking that it was highly unusual to see my other pregnant friends getting fluids and medication this late in the game!
My second pregnancy I found online support much easier to find and began working with a physician early on. I encountered much doubt among my physician that I was indeed having HG symptoms. My first visit to the ER was at 7 weeks pregnant. I took Diclectin, Gravol, Maxeran, B6 supplements, Ranitidine, Bonine, and IV fluids and medication. I discovered I was having reactions to IV Gravol part way through and could no longer use that. I doubled my Diclectin dose and Maxeran dose on the severe days. I ate what I felt like, drank what I felt like. In total, I had around 12 ER visits and 3 bladder/UTI infections brought on by dehydration. It challenged my marriage and contributes directly to my physical demise.
Currently I am six months post partum and I still feel a loss from HG. My mind is lacking sharpness - especially my long term memory. My energy levels are still depleted. I cannot take prenatal vitamins - after having them stick in my throat and vomiting them up for months ANY pill taking is difficult. Certain smells and sights can "trigger" nauseous feelings. Food remains to be an issue as my previously fairly healthy dietary habits have been removed. It's difficult to catch up from nine months of sedentary life.
Being a highly functional HG doula is something I am willing to work for. These are some of the functions of an HG doula, as suggested by actual women who suffered through HG as I did.
Here are some suggestions from Natalie, a HER member:
Help her with personal ADLs e.g. running a bath, washing her if she is too weak, having clothes put out and ready for when she gets out bath or shower.
Helping with daily / community ADLs e.g. shopping, laundry, cleaning, going to the Dr to collect repeat precriptions and going to the chemist to get prescriptions filled Meal and drink prep. Making sure she has safe food items in fridge / freezer. Also, maybe organising her friends / family into a rota of making food for the family if she has a good support system in place.
Helping with any older kids e.g. take to the park or drop off / pick up from school, help keep them entertained with boosk colouring, changing DVDs etc... making them food for breakfast / lunch / tea
Going with client to the GPs or hospital for check ups and / or IVs
Equipment: I know money is tight for you but I have a wheat bag, swiss ball, a doppler (really good for helping mum connect with the baby) or instead of buying to let client's borrow, maybe know how / where to rent one from online.
Books: Some HGers are unable to read (I certainly couldn't) but books like I have one called from conception to birth and it has pictures of what the blastocyst looks like, an embryo and has photos taken every couple of days. It gives a real visual reminder of how baby is developing. Also, maybe Ashli McCall's book on hand so they know she's not alone (maybe borrow it from a library if they have it). I also have a book, not HG related called 'Pregnancy Sucks: what to do when your miracle makes you miserable'. I also have a range of books not remotely related to HG but good for a doula's bag e.g. Baby Catcher, The Doula Advantage, Spiritual Midwifery
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