On second thought, I think I should have told my brain that I would be done with the semester at the beginning of June. It's starting to depart from me. I think if I went outside and around the corner, I would find it lounging by the pool sipping on a margarita.
I love labor and delivery. I went for an extra day today and was definitely happy that I did! Did you know epidurals slow down the process of labor and drop your blood pressure (which makes your baby get less blood flow)? I know I didn't know that before taking this class. I think that's why I want to work in Women's health. It is so very broken. Most nurses (and definitely most doctors) encourage women to get epidurals. Why??? Because they're more relaxed. You tell them when to push (because they only feel pressure, no pain). It makes the delivery room scream free (pre-baby that is). It's not better for mother or for baby. It prolongs labor, which increases the time mom will be pushing. It increases the baby's chances of have decelerations (which means the baby's heart rate goes down with contractions) which means the baby isn't being oxygenated as well during that time. AHHH.. Labor and delivery is so broken. That is why I want to work there. I want to help fix it. Really, my plan is to work in labor and delivery for a couple of years and then become a midwife. I want to work in a place where I can coach mom through her pregnancy and teach her all of the things that are best for the baby during labor. I know I didn't know these things, and there's a decent chance that most pregnant women don't either.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if birth were a natural thing again? Wouldn't it be wonderful if our maternal mortality rates weren't higher than most of Europe and part of Asia? Shouldn't a "WORLD POWER" be creating stronger, healthier mothers?
While pondering these things, I'm skipping out on studying what you do when the baby comes out. I guess I should learn that part, too....
YOU ARE AMAZING! I am so excited to read about what you are learning in your classes!! I wish more moms were aware of their options (and the risks involved in "typical" birth interventions!) It is sad how much women don't know and even typical "childbirth classes" don't teach them!
ReplyDeleteMidwives are the best, by the way. I had one for my delivery for Allyn and it was awesome! We'll have to chat more about this when you come!
Okay, confession time - I totally stalk your blog! I am a freshman honors nursing major and I love reading your posts about nursing school and updates on your wedding plans!
ReplyDeleteAllie-- I actually got really excited to find out that someone is reading my blog! :) I was certain that Kirstin is the only one who reads it!
ReplyDeleteI added you on Facebook. If you have any questions about nursing school or anything, let me know!
kaelyn i read your blog too! i love it! and i think it's so exciting you want to do labor and delivery. back when i wanted to be a nurse i was really interested in this area too. you are going to be a GREAT nurse/midwife! i agree with you, i think births should be natural (i say that now that i am not pregnant and in tons of pain, haha...)
ReplyDeleteNatural birth is so the way to go.. if Occupational therapy school ever bottoms out for me Midwifery is definitly high on my list... : )
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