I was back on placement yesterday after my two days off, and my mentor and I started to care for a lady coming towards the end of the first stage of labour, and she was coping really well with the contractions.

She moved into the second stage with no problems, and was pushing well with each contraction. But progression seemed to be quite slow despite her efforts. The head was visible during each push, but became less so once the contraction had ended.

Things didn't seem to be moving as well or as quickly as my mentor expected and hoped they would, so the doctor was called to reassess the situation. He agreed to giving Mum a little while longer before intervening as both Mum and baby were coping well.

Baby's head was finally delivered and with the next contraction my mentor tried to deliver the shoulders, but couldn't, and realised it was a Shoulder Dystocia, extra help was there within seconds, and the Mum was put into the McRoberts position, and then supra pubic pressure was applied, the baby was finally delivered much to the relief of everyone.

Baby weighed 10lb+, he has a bit of a problem with one of his arms which needs physio, and needed a few rescue breaths, but otherwise is fine thankfully. Mum was exhausted but fine too, she coped wonderfully through all that with just Entonox and pethedine.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

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A difficult one, with a happy ending! What an experience for you!!
Little medical intervention and a successful delivery - just what we all like to hear!
Glad mum and babe are well!

xx

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Thanks Kate,

I have to say I held my breath when the doctor came in, I know it would have been for the best, but would have been such a shame if it had been necesarry to have an instrumental delivery or a c/section.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

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I hope you will get the opportunity to debrief with your mentor. x

Yes, it would have been a shame; the doctor must have been a nice one! Lol We need more like that as most will request a section at the first sign of trouble. Well, they will in Wales anyway! Haha...

xx

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Hopefully I will when I am back on shift on Tuesday, not had chance today as although it has been a quiet shift for me, my mentor was called into theatre twice, and time just went before we had the opportunity.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

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Educational Resources Manager

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I was very surprised to be honest Kate.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

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Its odd to say but as students we need to get the experence of an many emergency situation as possible. It will aid as later down the line. I still have not seen a Shoulder Dystocia.

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I had a similar experience in Year 1, did you instinctively know something wasnt right but you were not sure what? Thats how I felt, the head took a while to be delivered and then I was asked to pull the bell and was given a leg!

It can be quite a shock cant it? as I always do, Id suggest a reflection, it helps get out how you feel

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Josie
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I agree with that Tink, I know we are supposed to focus on 'normality' in the first year, but I think it is good to experience as many different things as possible as early as possible. That way you get a good grounding to build on.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)