Help! Im having a wobble!

lella · #1 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 19:18

I really want to be a midwife. But over this weekend I have had been having a wobble. It comes from me reading about Shoulder Dystocia. this filled me with horror. I thought, what if that was me, how would I cope? I know that they wont let you loose until you are competant, but I came to thinking how would I cope if I couldnt save a baby. I always thought I would be ok, but now im not so sure.

I think it stems from being a novice, I dont know an awful lot about procedures in these sort of situations. im just frightened that I couldnt do the job competantly enough to deal with these situations.

I sat down to have write a personal statement for nursing just. The thing is I cant complete it, as i dont have enough passion. When I wrote my statement for midwifery, it just flowed. This is how I know I want to do it. i guess Im just scared because its a very responsible job.

Sorry for going on, i just thought someone would maybe have any advice? How did they feel when applying? Did any of you have a wobble like me?

Mads · #2 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 19:29

I just started collecting back issues of the Practising Midwife and last year's May issue had an article about Shoulder Dystocia. It does get you thinking 'how the heck would I cope in that situation?' but in a hospital setting there is always help available and you have to remember that we will be far more prepared to recognise and deal with these emergencies when we've done our training. As you said even then we won't just be let loose on the public as soon as we qualify (if I ever get that far, lol). I think we all have a wobble from time to time, it hits you just how much responsibility a Midwife has. It can be daunting, but that's why the course is so tough. It prepares us for the challenges ahead.

Butterfly · #3 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 19:36

I helped to look after a woman with a Shoulder Dystocia once, and although it was scary and i was totally unsure what to do, within seconds the room had filled with people and they worked as a team using various manouevres to get the baby out. Now i know more about it, i know the theory but obviously have never physically taken part in a situation like that, i like to think that the training i'l get in the years to come will prepare me for that kind of eventuality. Noone knows how they will react to an event, but if you don't put yourself out there you'll never know, and also remember that there are always people around in a hospital setting, you're never alone.

good luck xxxxx

mummymidwifetobe · #4 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 20:58

Things like this scare me to. Sometimes i think how would i ever cope, and how would i stop myself from panicing, like everyone says you a trained to the highest standard and theres always people to help. x x

goddessmomma · #5 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 21:08

If the time ever came you would cope my love and admirable I'm sure. If we thought of the possible pit falls in many situations we would never do anything. Life is scary and we have to get out and face it everyday. The fact that you are questioning is a good thing. It shows that you are really conciensous (sorry about the spelling) and you will ensure that you will do everything in your power to be prepared (as much as you can be) for that kind of possibility. Easier said than done but try not to let your fears prevent you from entering into a profession which I feel you will be a natural and an asset to. Good luck hun xxxxxxxxxx

wannabemidwiff · #6 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 21:19

Oh sweetie you will cope just fine!! Shoulder distocia happened to me, as a mum not a midwife. My mw remained calm, and asked my partner to press the emergancy button!! everyone flew in the room within seconds. You will cope, adrenelin and instinct will take over. You can do it xxx

lella · #7 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 21:21

Thanks for all your kind words. Im beginning to calm down now. xx

motherconfessor · #8 (**permalink**) 29-Sep-2008, 08:38

I know how you feel! I have wanted to be a midwife for 29 years, OMG that makes me feel old!!, but I am scared to death of the responsibility. I have moments when I doubt if I will be able to cope with a 'normal' birth, let alone a complex one, but I hope that that is what the 3 years training is for, and that at the end I WILL be able to do it. Good luck honey, I'm sure its perfectly normal to feel like this, at least I hope so. xx

dizzygee123 · #9 (**permalink**) 29-Sep-2008, 09:07

I agree - to be honest I would think a prospective midwife who wasn't scared of the responsiblity to be a bit odd! I'm assuming that training and experience will get us through...

and then we can be the calm ones in the knowledge that we are helping others!

smwife · #10 (**permalink**) 29-Sep-2008, 12:21

Lilla, try not to worry, you're not alone!!

Fear in some form is healthy in midwifery I think really.

Shoulder Dystocia is an obstetric emergency and is a core skills updated regularly as a midwife, it warrants the pulling of the emergency buzzer and there are set manouvres to perform to get the baby out.

Having seen a few emergencies now, I stick with the Mum hold her hand and watch the midwives work brilliantly dealing with the emergency, whilst being glad it's not me just yet! I just keep out of the way and try to learn!