A 'B'

I was really disappointed in getting a 'B' pass in Introduction to Midwifery for the health concepts assignment. I shouldn't be, because of the amount of time I spent on it, but the marking indicates that I was marked down mainly because of layout. I have learnt something, but a 'B' for the assignment means a 'B' for the course. I'm worried because I made the same mistakes in my interview assignment.

Shaped by Practice

Nearly the end of my clinical practice. It has been fantastic and I have learnt from every midwife I've worked with. Even though J* had had a large break in her career she had heaps of experience. While she respected the old school midwives, she tended to a social model and definitely believed that less intervention was better, but didn't mind the odd formula feed if that was the woman's choice.

I got a completely different perspective about autonomy and safe practice observing and working with J* (a different one). As an independent midwife working as a casual resource at the hospital she was very cautious in her measures when caring for women. This included expressing breast milk and giving it to babies on a spoon if baby had not had a reasonable feeding atttempt before 8 hours. Also in respect to autonomy she believes that midwives working hospital shifts do not really have the same right to make care decisions when they go home at the end of a shift and leave care of the woman to the next midwife.

My most enjoyable experience was working with B*. She was a direct entry midwifery graduate and is really easy to talk to and understands my perspective because she's been through it. She was accomodating, helpful and friendly. What I most liked was the response she got from women. Everyone seemed relaxed and confident in the care and advice she provided. Out of the three she, I believe, best served the needs of all women she cared for.

I will continue to experience different ways of practising and differend personalities. I can see that i will take it all in over the next three years and mould and shape my own unique style and methods for practice.

I am slightly curious about how I will react in my first emergency, at the first caesarean, at the first normal delivery, and after my first big mistake. Needles are another area of wariness and nervousness. Lots of firsts to come, but at least I survived my first clinical practice.