Yesterday was so exciting. Mainly, because we had three deliveries in three hours, but really because it was my first chance to really assist a Nepali woman through labour. There are so many brick walls I face daily when attempting to work with women- the language barrier, other staff, women being confused by a blonde, white person, indifference, a lack of trust, cultural barriers, along with everything else that comes with a labouring woman. A smile is universal and it's always a good indicator of my welcomeness. Today I was blessed. A woman returned my smile and needed assistance getting comfortable. Usually the family provide a lot of help, but only her mother was present and appeared frail. Next thing I knew all doors were open and she tried to communicate with me. I spent time helping her move, rubbing her lower back and holding her hands during and between contractions.
I've become aware of the fact that interns on an OB/GYN placement usually hate is. One commonly voiced reason is the mess, but an underlying factor seems to be the lack of control they have over the situation. Today I loved the fact that my entire agenda for the day flew out the window because that woman needed to hold my hands and have me be with her while she laboured. It's not that I need to be needed, but that I thoroughly enjoy being what is required by the woman in her time of need.
Update: currently all 3 mothers and babies are doing well.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Week 2: Stark realisations
Monday was exciting. Not because of my first delightful experience with 'travellers bowels' for the trip, but because we met our host families. Honestly, I was more excited to be able to unpack my bag and not have to pack it again for another 7 weeks! My family is beautiful, I'm sure I'll have more stories to share along the way.
What marked this week more though was my experience in the Obstetrics/gynecology department at the hospital. I have seen physical and emotional abuse in all sorts of epic proportions. It's the sort of stuff no one should ever see, but mostly the sort of stuff people should never have to experience. Some people would openly share all the details publicly, but people have a right to not know information of they wish, just as they have a right to information if they want it. Just know that either you as a woman, or the women you know are so freaking blessed it's ridiculous. Most likely, you are treated morally and ethically well, and most definitely humanely, and not as a piece of meat. Also, being stoic throughout your stay is not a concern. Here, I have the utmost respect for the women undergoing dressing changes, c-sections, deliveries and abortions. I don't believe I have ever respected anyone quite as much. They need to go down as the definition of bloody troopers.
What marked this week more though was my experience in the Obstetrics/gynecology department at the hospital. I have seen physical and emotional abuse in all sorts of epic proportions. It's the sort of stuff no one should ever see, but mostly the sort of stuff people should never have to experience. Some people would openly share all the details publicly, but people have a right to not know information of they wish, just as they have a right to information if they want it. Just know that either you as a woman, or the women you know are so freaking blessed it's ridiculous. Most likely, you are treated morally and ethically well, and most definitely humanely, and not as a piece of meat. Also, being stoic throughout your stay is not a concern. Here, I have the utmost respect for the women undergoing dressing changes, c-sections, deliveries and abortions. I don't believe I have ever respected anyone quite as much. They need to go down as the definition of bloody troopers.
Week one: Kathmandu
Problems quickly begin immediately after one lands. It's just how it works. I thought my luggage was lost, that the driver taking me to my hotel for the night way taking me down some back alley, then I was taken to the wrong hotel and knew no one. I now have fond memories of laying on that bed, arms sprawled out, crying and asking myself 'What the hell am I doing here?'
After picking myself up I got out of the hotel the next morning, found the right hotel and explored the city. Kathmandu, well Thamel anyway, is a 24/7 hustle bustle. So much is going on it actually drives you nuts. The horns, the music, the talking, the smells, the lights, are endless. I suppose that's why I ended up hating being in Kathmandu after a few days. I'm glad I arrived early and got to explore the city, but I'm not a lover of touristy check list destinations, and unfortunately that's exactly what Kathmandu is.
I found some fabulous shops and incredibly cheap and beautiful food, but everything and everyone is in your face. It's a tough way of life for Nepalese people, but it's also tough for tourists.
I look forward to visiting Kathmandu again. Mainly because this time it means I'm almost home.
Xx
After picking myself up I got out of the hotel the next morning, found the right hotel and explored the city. Kathmandu, well Thamel anyway, is a 24/7 hustle bustle. So much is going on it actually drives you nuts. The horns, the music, the talking, the smells, the lights, are endless. I suppose that's why I ended up hating being in Kathmandu after a few days. I'm glad I arrived early and got to explore the city, but I'm not a lover of touristy check list destinations, and unfortunately that's exactly what Kathmandu is.
I found some fabulous shops and incredibly cheap and beautiful food, but everything and everyone is in your face. It's a tough way of life for Nepalese people, but it's also tough for tourists.
I look forward to visiting Kathmandu again. Mainly because this time it means I'm almost home.
Xx
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Eggs please!
So, I have arrived in Pokhara. If I had more time at the moment I'd catch you up on the last seven days but I don't, so instead I'll catch you up on a slice of today.
One of the most unfortunate aspects of living in the 21st century first world is the inability to partake in or see first hand biblical concepts that seem primordial, but still exist in countries such as Nepal. I was given the unexpected gift of seeing such a concept today.
On the bus ride from Kathmanu to Pokhara majority of the land is used for farming. Most of the ground has been ploughed and seed sown. That can't be said for one man along my merry way. He had two buffalo (now endearingly called 'buff' by me for the rest of my posts) yolked together, ploughing his land. My thoughts were simple- the buff worked so effortlessly and naturally together. I remembered Gods command to not be unevenly yolked with another, and the reference to the buff could not have been better. Without attaching an emotional, heart tangling story here (I make it sound more dramatic or realistic than it actually is), I, for once, had a simple and tangible image of a concept of how I'm meant to marry. Mind blown.
On another note, I realized how at ease I am with being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone. Thats normal for some people I'm sure, but the contrasting factor is that my heart weighs heavily at home. Yes, my heart should be here. But, isn't it awesome that this feels so incredibly normal. I feel at home (mainly when the power, and thus hot water are working).
Over and out from the glory that is Pokhara.
Xx
One of the most unfortunate aspects of living in the 21st century first world is the inability to partake in or see first hand biblical concepts that seem primordial, but still exist in countries such as Nepal. I was given the unexpected gift of seeing such a concept today.
On the bus ride from Kathmanu to Pokhara majority of the land is used for farming. Most of the ground has been ploughed and seed sown. That can't be said for one man along my merry way. He had two buffalo (now endearingly called 'buff' by me for the rest of my posts) yolked together, ploughing his land. My thoughts were simple- the buff worked so effortlessly and naturally together. I remembered Gods command to not be unevenly yolked with another, and the reference to the buff could not have been better. Without attaching an emotional, heart tangling story here (I make it sound more dramatic or realistic than it actually is), I, for once, had a simple and tangible image of a concept of how I'm meant to marry. Mind blown.
On another note, I realized how at ease I am with being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone. Thats normal for some people I'm sure, but the contrasting factor is that my heart weighs heavily at home. Yes, my heart should be here. But, isn't it awesome that this feels so incredibly normal. I feel at home (mainly when the power, and thus hot water are working).
Over and out from the glory that is Pokhara.
Xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)