| Local Playa del Carmen Doctor Does House Calls |
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| Monday, 10 July 2006 | |
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Dr. J. Alf Barajas, a local naturopathic physician tells of his experience of his first home delivery in Playa del Carmen. Rodrigo is a carpenter; he makes those cool rustic looking signs on 5th avenue. His brother-in-law owns a candle shop on 1st South, and his brother is an upholsterer. All of Rodrigo’s family is from Uruguay. His wife Andrea was pregnant and had about a month to go when they visited us at our home. They explained that Andrea’s due date was the 20th of June. Almost “Summer Solstice” I mentioned. We were friends and had met about six months before when he and his family were our neighbors in El Colosio. He was a great neighbor and we often helped each other out when there was a need. He had known that we were starting an Alternative Medical Clinic here in Playa del Carmen, and that I was a Physician.
As he began to work at our home and at the clinic, he noticed acupuncture needles, Chinese cups, strange looking computers, and herbs and natural medicines. He asked exactly what I did and I explained that I was a naturopathic doctor. They came over to talk to me because they remembered that I had mentioned that I attended a natural birth, and they were interested in finding out more information about it. So, they came over to talk about the details and soon Rodrigo had bought a spa tub for his home so Andrea could have a natural water birth. Andrea was already under the care of an Ob/Gyn and I suggested that she continue with her because she was also open to a natural home birth. I instructed Rodrigo on what to prepare for and what to buy, and June 20th arrived and Andrea had just come from her gynecological appointment, and the baby was in the correct position for an uncomplicated delivery. But they told her they thought she had another few days before the baby would arrive. When they arrived at my office, we prepared three homeopathic remedies for Andrea to start on. She immediately took the Arnica and I accompanied them to Wal-Mart for some last minute supplies. When we got to the register she started to have contractions, but she was able to walk without assistance so I sent her home to rest and gave her my number to call when things began progressing. The day was nice, so my girlfriend and I decided to go the beach. As we were heading out the door we got a call from Rodrigo saying that Andrea’s water had broke. “Ok,” I said,” I’ll be right there.” I quickly changed and took off to their house. Rodrigo’s brother- in- law was there helping fill up the tub for the water birth and I darted in to see what was going on. Fernando, Rodrigo’s brother was helping Andrea with contractions already! He said they were about 30 to 40 seconds apart. I placed her in position and in two pushes we had a bouncing baby girl. So much for the natural water birth! Rodrigo barely made it in time to cut the cord. I had brought a camera to film it, but the birth happened so quickly that we couldn’t get the camera ready fast enough. But in no time someone had hooked up the computer and webcam, and their family in Uruguay was watching the cutting of the cord. Incredible! I followed them to the hospital and everything was fine, the pediatrician happily greeted us and said the baby was very healthy and attentive. During the next week I attended Andrea to give her homeopathic remedies, herbs and nutrition tips to ensure a speedy recovery from the birthing process. Welcome to the Mayan Planet Baby “Abril” and to Playa del Carmen.
Dr. J. Alf Barajas B |
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