Me thinks so... 'Save our brains...'
xx

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I have just re-read your original post Josie,

I feel that giving a woman a hug is fine, they are emotional times for her, and that hug can mean the to the world to her at that moment, why shouldn't we do it? Holding her hand during an examination or contraction, telling her she is doing fine when expressing and only managing to get a tiny amount can mean the difference betweeen her having the confidence to carry on, or giving up.

I think so long as it is appropriate, not forced on her or for it to make her feel uncomfortable then why not?

I also love the idea of calling the baby by it's name, if the parents have chosen a name then why call it baby? That to me is treating the baby like it isn't important until it is born. To the parents it is soo important, has it's own identity and is already part of their family.

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I'm in, thanks & 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)

Ha ha, great idea lol. xx

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I'm in, thanks & 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)

Hi...what a subject! As an MCA I get to see both sides up close. If I am lucky enough to be in the room when a baby is born I always want to cry.....why wouldnt I?...I have just witnessed something spectacular. I do hold it in though. If I am involved with a sad situation for example a baby dying as I have recently, it is truly gut wrenching.
It was in theatre and a term baby had died inside the mothers womb and she came to theatre to help her give birth as it was a stubborn one. My job was to place the baby on the resusitaire and wrap her. The mother didnt want to see her. I so badly wanted to cry but kept taking deep breaths. Afterwards I did say to the parents that I was sorry for their loss and would be on hand if they needed anything whilst I was on shift. I did it without crying but it was clear I was affected by the situation. However, when I got home, 1 glass of cava later the tears came. The next day I went in and it was business as usual. What a job......such a humbling honorable job and yet a job where you witness things you wish you didnt have to. I cant wait to start at Brighton in Sept and take it further now I feel ready. Ho hum.......lecture over... xxxx

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42 Feeling 92 - as you can see.

Just come across this thread.

helibabes - so sorry you had to be in such a sad situation. Our MSWs / HCAs don't go to theatre.

Yes, I agree. I had a very sad incident a few months ago:

As a Christian I do not get involved in terminations. However, I do recognise that I have a duty of care to the women, following the birth. I was allocated to care for a woman whose pregnancy had been terminated at 22 weeks for fetal abnormalities. The baby was born alive. I took over her care soon after the birth and the baby lived for 2 hours. I felt so sad, for her, for her grieving family and for the poor wee baby. I held it together whilst at work, but the next day I went to pieces. It was during our church service, in a thoughtful, reflective time.

It didn't take me long to regain my composure. I think we need to acknowledge and express our emotions, but not necessarily at work. We are only human and some of the situations we come across are terribly sad.

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I love the fact that my new church has other midwives. Sometimes you need someone who know exactly where you are coming from. Luckily I haven't come across anything traumatic yet, but I do know that Church will be the place that I meltdown.

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can't believe i've come across this thread.

this is something i have been discussing with hubby tonight. i know i will have a weap for the first however many births i witness. i have often wondered how this will come across and what is classed as acceptable. so thanks for posting this josie, it has been so intresting to read the views of RM's and SM's x

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STUDENT MIDWIFE TO BE (HUDDERSFIELD 2008)