What Say Ye?

What Say Ye......

To a woman who appears to be pregnant?

When you become pregnant you seem to become a magnet for many things to be said or even done to you! It can be overwhelming, create feelings of anger or even fear or just a feeling of being uncomfortable.

Personally, through my pregnancies it has always been insinuated that I get rather large, maybe too large. I must be carrying twins. People even asked me if I was sure about that! After six pregnancies and the third baby to be born this Summer, I know full well the weight I put on is just right for me and my baby. It is not indicative of twins. And yes I am sure there is only one!

So what is okay or NOT okay, when YOU KNOW a woman is expecting? 

1. Let Her Tell

Even if you think she is definitely pregnant let her be the one to share the news. Sometimes it is not so obvious yet and you don't want to ask if a mother isn't really pregnant. There can also be many more scenarios. Maybe she already had her baby, or she was pregnant and suffered a loss. You never know the story so let her share that news. If she doesn't then do you really need to know? Safe to never assume either. 

2. Ask to touch!

Ask before you rub her baby bump PLEASE! Some people are not comfortable with being touched by friends or family, let alone strangers. It amazes me how pregnancy seems to automatically change boundaries. It doesn't, so hands off unless the mother says it is okay. 

3. Don't Guess/Ask Due Date

"So your due in a month?" 

"No 3 months left." 

Don't ask for a due date or assume a mother is getting close to it or has a ways to go. How a woman grows a baby and carries that baby is unique and can be very different from someone else you may know. Also a due date is not exactly accurate. In fact it is a birth month as average gestation is 265-300 days. Exact dates create more pressure for a mom, especially in a social media world. " Hey have you had the baby yet?" "Any news yet?" Which brings us to our next point.

4. She will announce arrival!

Ugh! This is obvious you would think, but don't be surprised it is very common for people to ask close to the due date if baby has arrived. Don't ask or tell the mother something that is clearly obvious. She will announce the arrival when she is ready either in person with a baby or on her social media, texts or phone calls. Stop nagging her and let her relax as she prepares for the upcoming birth of her baby. 

 5. Compliment Her!

She is going through a miraculous change with growing a baby and it isn't always easy. A compliment can always help boost confidence in the midst of fatigue and pregnancy inconveniences. The amazing change that occurs in the woman's body to accommodate the growth of the baby is miraculous and every woman should be treated with reverence for such a beautiful thing from life. Confidence on her part and confidence in nature can come from uplifting words of encouragement from those around her. That confidence can help carry her through from pregnancy to mothering.

Dr. Jack Ayoub of Virginia Obstetrics and Gynecology

Our provider spotlight features Dr. Jack Ayoub, of Virginia Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Jack Ayoub is the 130th President of the Medical Society of Northern Virginia and the Chairman and Medical Director of the New Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, Virginia. 

What called you to be a Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology?

After seeing my first birth in Omaha in medical school I was in complete amazement and shock, and I was never the same in terms of I knew right then that was what I would like to do the rest of my life.

How long have you been serving women and families in Northern Virginia?

11 years total including residency

What makes Virginia Obstetrics and Gynecology unique from other practices in Northern Virginia?

We are a boutique OBGYN office that strives to be the top notch in customer service and for the needs of our patients.  We have one of the nicest and cleanest and newest offices in Northern VA.  Also I have the ability to customize the experience to each individual patient, whether it is an unmedicated, medicated or cesarean which is needed.   Even though I have medical training as an obstetrician I deliver as would a home birth midwife…without breaking down the bed and at the patients side, using perineal massage to help prevent tears, put baby straight to mom’s chest, allowing cord blood to stop pulsating and really all the expectations at home with the safety of a hospital in the event of an emergency.

What do you enjoy most about supporting women?

Everything!  I love delivering babies, seeing patients year after year, doing surgery and office procedures.

What is your favorite part of witnessing birth?

 I have delivered over 4000 wonderful babies and each time I do another delivery it always makes me smile. After I always feel as if it were the first!

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My wife and kids are what I am most proud of! Other than that, becoming the 130th President of the Medical Society of Northern Virginia and becoming the first Chairman and Medical Director of StoneSprings Hospital are close to the top.  Also my passion for Woman’s Healthcare is evident in my life. 

What’s the single most important reason for your success?

The hunger to learn more and serve people.  I never stop learning and I am driven to be the best out there!

Stone Springs Hospital - Aldie, Virginia