When I went on shift this afternoon, it didn't look hopeful that I would be able to get any witnesses, some ladies had already delivered, some were ante natal ladies that needed monitoring etc, and just one or two ladies were in early labour.
I was looking after a post section lady with my mentor, this lady was a type 1 diabetic, so needed regular monitoring for herself and baby, and this was done throughout the shift. It was a really good learning experience for me, as it was the first time I had helped to care for a diabletic lady post delievery before.
Later in the shift we also took over the care of another post delivery lady who had quite a traumatic delivery, but was fine.
I had just finished taking a tray to the kitchen when I heard my name called, I looked round and it was one of the other midwives, she asked if I wanted to go with her to witness a birth, the lady was already pushing and it shouldn't be too long. Of course I said yes I would, that would be lovely.
We got in the room, and the midwife introduced me, asked permission for me to stay, and Mum was fine with that. Mum then started having a contraction as I opened the delivery packs, and before I had chance to finish opening them, the baby's head was born, quickly followed by the rest of the body. I have never seen a baby born so quick, it was definately a case of blink and you would have missed it lol.
It was a beautiful baby girl, and she was fine, despite her rapid entrance into the world, Mum went from vertex visible to baby delivered in a little over five minutes. It was amazing.
So now, I need just one more witness and then I can be hands on, I can't wait for that, it must be even more special when you have actually been able to play a part in delivering the baby. But for now, that is for another day.