FF, I can really empathise with you, my first delivery was a shoulder dystocia. My mentor ended up pushing me out of the way and I stood there like a lemon. My second had the cord tight round the neck, twice! The third was even worse as the baby was born following a very normal labour, with no concerns, except that the babe didn't breathe for 7 mins, apgars were, 1 at 1 min, 3 at 3 mins, 5 at 5 mins and 7 at 7 mins.

At the end of that day, I just told my mentor that I shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a woman in labour as it was bound to go wrong. She just laughed at me (in a nice way) and told me that it would all be normal soon.

Unfortunately, the next few weeks saw one section, kiwi and forceps after another, but although only having 8 deliveries by end of year one, I had 28 normal deliveries in year 2. I had all my required deliveries by the end of the first semester of year 3. So yes, it can be awful, but there are far more that are beautiful and a privlige to be a part of.
KS x

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Kentish Spitfire
Moderator, Student Services
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"It's better to be thought a fool - rather than proved a fool!"