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.
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