coping with sick whilst working

ok, this might sound ridiculus but i have emetophobia (fear of sickness and vomit) but i really really want to be a midwife. I am in the process of getting professional help to overcome my fear. I have a daughter and i always panic when shes sick it scares the life out of me. I am just a little worried that as a student midwife i will be made to hold the mothers sick bowl and even clean the sick up! What happens when you are a student in the hospital and the mother is sick, do the midwifes have to deal with it or do they make the students?

Well, Naomi, I may not have a phobia, but I don't do sick!!

However, it is very common with women in labour and us students often have to sort it out! Midwives don't make us clear it up or support the mum as it's happening, but it is often down to us as we are there, whilst midwives are often doing the really important things!

You do get used to it, it is not nice, and I do wretch at times, but I cover the bowl up well, and try to do things whilst she is being sick such as get more bowls or wash something! We all have worries about how squeamish we'll be, so you'll most likely be fine, it will take a while to get used to it!

Its a mind over matter thing, stop your self smelling and think of the poor woman too, it is really embarrassing bieng sick with a room full of people!
You'll be mazed what you get used to and that very soon does not bother you as you become so involved with the women and thier families, you forget about your own needs and wants

__________________

Hey hun, it's not ridiculous at all, I had this very severly when i was younger and i used to resent it like hell- I used to have panic attacks that used to keep me up half the night, and I still panic when i feel sick these days but I'm pleased to say its eased off as i've got older, so it is possible to overcome.

It is something you will experience on placement, especially labour ward, but somehow it's never that bad, i always distract myself by talking to the partner (who usually finds it really distressing too) or doing something else, and if you really can't deal you can always just go to the loo and compose yourself till you get used to it.

I recently was looking after a lady who was retching whilst i was holding the CTG on, and there was nothing i could do about it other than rub her back and talk to her. It was something i never thought i would do very well, so you will probably surprise yourself at how well you cope. And my overwhelming emotion was concern and empathy for the woman, who was really struggling.

I am sure you will be fine, if you are still worried you can private message me anytime xxxx

__________________
"With my hands, i have felt the strength it takes to grow, and release new spirit......."
"All the best births are the ones where you only have time to record times on a paper towel..."- a midwife, somewhere in the middle

You are not alone! I too had a real fear of vomit - I used to get really panicky if I thought someone was going to blow. However, since working in a maternity unit I have got used to it - a bit like immersion therapy. Most women do vomit before, during or after labour and I have found that it is much less 'scary' than unpredictable nightclub vomit if you know what I mean!! I used to have the fear that someone would be sick on my shoes, down my back etc etc. Also as most women haven't eaten much if anything, it tends to be quite biley - slightly more pleasant.

Hope this hasn't made you too queasy, but I worried about it to and the first few times were horrible, but it has got less and less so. Please don't let it ruin your dream - ok?

xx

__________________
waving, not drowning!!

I will admit to vomitting during all three of my labours !!!!

All on the poor students!!!

I am sure someone will be laughing at me when i get my 'reward' !!!

xx

__________________
HAS JUST SUBMITTED UCAS FORM !!!! ( 22/10/08)
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind......Gandhi.

I never thought about this, I don't do sick very well. Even when my eldest is sick I am normally heaving alongside him.
Does it get easier to bare?
Donna
XxXxX

__________________
Doing my access course september 2008

It really does get easier, so please try not to worry!

__________________

I'm glad i'm not the only one who has a fear of sick. I fear people being sick and i have a fear about being sick myself. If i know theres a sick bug going round i stay away from people as much as i can, i just don't go out! pmsl I'm hoping i get used to it while a student, i won't let this fear ruin my dream. x

__________________
I can't get rid of that stupid damn nodding head in my sig! arrrggghhh

I used to have a fear of sick too, actually used to run out of the room and hide when someone was vomitting, even when at home, i was very bad indeed, i got over this fear on one of my placements when i had to hold a girls hair out of the way while she was sick, now i am not too bad and can be with my patients at this time.

It does get easier so please don't worry.

__________________
misscurious x
JLS to win x

I must admit I haven't got a fear of sick or being sick, but it does make me heave whenever someone is sick near me. I find that when a woman is about to be sick I'm so concerned about getting her a bowl that I don't really notice her retching. I usually try and distract myself if it does start to get to me, as it can't be pleasant for the woman to have us all stood staring at her. I usually try and be useful and get her some water to swill her mouth with and I always ask her if she'd like to brush her teeth afterwards.

It really is something you get used to, you just have to get in there. Distraction is the key!

__________________
Student die Hebamme und ich liebe es!
(Student Midwife and I love it!)