Big news for this month was that I was able to doula at my first official birth! I don't have a release to do a whole birth story, but short story is that the VBAC client went into labor with spontaneous rupture of membranes (after an accupuncture appointment that morning) three days before her due date and 5 days before her scheduled repeat c-section. We had a great experience with the hospital staff and Mom was happy with her birth and didn't end up with another c-section. I feel pretty good about how I can apply my skills. There is no magic pill, just being present and doing whatever Mom needs at that moment. My biggest problem with that birth was fatigue. I didn't follow my "go to bed at a reasonable time" rule and ended up with only 1 hour of sleep before I got the call. I was in rough shape by the time I got home. Although, I feel like I recovered pretty well after one really good night of sleep.
I'm still on as a back-up/primary during the day for the December couple. We had two prentatls with them this month and I really like this couple too. I'm a little worried that I might not make this birth. I go on-call on Sunday this week, but next week at school I have can't miss presentations on Wednesday and Friday, a SIM on Monday, and an exam on Friday. Then Grace is having a sleep-over birthday party on Saturday and I have a final on the following Monday. I really hope they wait until I finish up finals, so I can be sure to be there.
I had a prental appointment with my January couple and it went well. I'll be seeing them again mid-December and on-call by the end of the month. She'd love to go before the end of the year and I'd love to have that one done before school starts back on 1/3, so I don't have to worry about missing any week 1 of class stuff.
Even though the being on-call and scheduling stuff is more stressful than I expected, I'm trying not to get uptight. Things will work out as they are supposed to and I will make it to the births I'm supposed to be at.
My midwifery class is winding down and has been quite pleasant. I have enjoyed the discussion board format and debating some of the major issues in the profession. Sometime in December I'll find out my clincial placement for next quarter. I'm crossing my fingers for an L&D or post-partum assignment.
I'm sure I could have written much more about the birth and stuff, but I don't want to give more info than I've been permitted to disclose.
