Wednesday, April 2, 2014

first month

i'm at the end of my first month working as a midwife in a women's health clinic at a rural hospital.

the first week included three births, one of which was my sister's.

into the fire.

this position is much different than any of my experiences during my training.

i see prenatal's most every day, most of who's births i'll not be attending. working within a funded health care system also allows women access to testing and screening that they need. and access to prescriptions. this is one of the biggest transitions that i'm making. writing prescriptions.

i have a great support network with the women that i work with here. another midwife, nurse practitioners, a psychologist, and two women's helpers that are probably one of the most important part of our care team. most of the women who come into our clinic are in shared care with an OB in the city, but it's easier and more comfortable for them to see us.

i'm grateful for all that i'm learning. there are some significant social and medical problems that affect the women who come to our clinic. hepatitis C, HIV, domestic violence, racism, drug addition, food insecurity, transportation. but there are also women of all ages who utilize our clinic. yesterday i sat with an 84 year old woman. she just needed to talk. i wasn't advising on her health care. just there to listen.

one of the most exciting parts of this new position is the low-risk birthing unit we are opening. i can't wait. i live about three minutes by car to the hospital and once the weather clears up and the snow melts i'll be able to ride my bike to work!

hello, call the midwife!


#mynewreality