Originally Posted by Shoshana  smwife, I am absolutely sure that it is not you that is the jinx!  It is strange how some people seem to have far more than their share of complications. But, as the student I am sure this has nothing to do with you.
I do wonder, however, if some midwives convey their anxieties to the woman, causing the woman to produce high levels of adrenaline, which can slow down the process of labour, lead to interventions .... etc. If this is the case, I would suggest that it could be the mentor you are working with, who is somehow conveying her anxieties. - It's just one of my theories. Nothing proven! 
I believe the most effective midwives are those that are quietly confident in their conduct. They are happy to be with the woman, without being obtrusive. They don't engage in deep, meaningful conversations with the woman, whilst she is in advanced labour. They are in tune with her and respond to her needs, as and when they arise. - Sadly you don't often get the chance to do this in busy consultant units.  |
Thanks Shoshana, That makes me feel better and at least I am getting high-risk experience for my portfolio! You may well be right. But isn't this fear quite regular now? Alot of midwives I work with practice defensively, I can imagine I may be affected by this too? Dory and yourself sound fantastic, confident midwives, I do not see this all that often. Those who are lucky enough to have the best student/mentor relationship are often with highly experienced midwives.
Oh, I don't know! Does that make sense?
It's a pity there are not enough quietly confident midwives about, there certainly isn't enough to mentor all of us. I would like to choose, but obv we can't!