Kelly Silk, I know you're going to be just fine on postnatal ward!
You know how much I enjoyed it, and am now finding DS so damn scary!

All I can say is that the posts above have hit the spot really.

Make lots of Tea (but take it into handover room, and tell any staff member who walks past that it's there or it'll go cold...)

Don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure of anything - as someone above pointed out, they are a lot less stressed on PN.

If you get a spare five mins, have a mooch round in the clean utility and find out where things are.

Take your time to get to know the women you're looking after. It's especially nice in the evenings when visitors have gone to go and chat to them and make sure they have everything they need.

Also, if you have a spare five minutes, give the HCA's a hand - making beds or doing bed baths - they will appreciate the help, especially on a busy day and (those immortal words...) "it's a great learning opportunity....!"

As for breastfeeding, You'll find some you win, some you lose. You may find that the slightest suggestion on positioning works and the woman is sorted. You may find that you've tried everything and nothing seems to work at all.

PLEEEEESE don't let yourself get wound up about it! If you find nothing you suggest is working, grab someone else to take over - they may think of something you haven't thought of.
Oh, and get yourself a chair by the bed/chair the woman is on or you'll have a bad back forevermore!
AND get yourself onto one of the breastfeeding study days that PT does. Yes, you get to play with a doll and a knitted boob, but you do learn a hell of a lot.

I KNOW you're going to be fine sweetie - the women will love you, and the staff over there will look after you.

Just keep smiling. And you know I'm only round the corner on DS when you need me!

Very wise words, Riabirt

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Why thankyou, Little Noo!

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I'm looking forward to my placement on postnatal in july, so thanks for the advice, even though i didn't ask the question!!! I think as a previous MCA i would really have appreciated a student making the time to help me out and ask a few questions, that would have made me realise the knowledge base i actually had acquired while making beds!! actually quite a lot i reckon! There is something magical about tea while at work, it has special calming ingredients! except i'm the only one who ever takes sugar...xxx

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