Visits

I was thinking that I may not have to complete a separate journal, but could use my diary. I guess using this journal means my thoughts are sequenced and in one place.

Today's visits to recap. Visited L*. She is 40+5/40 and induction is planned for Friday. Her hoemopath is Therese Boyle who I was at university with. N* feels that it will be no problem for me to be at the birth even though she didn't take the opportunity today and ask. If the parent/grandparent who is travelling from Waikanae is not able to be there quickly enough for a precipitate labour then it will be my job to look after N*. It's great that I've met him twice so I won't be a cmplete stranger.

T* was a bit of a worry because of her living situation. She is living on a mezzanine floor above their business. The stairs up are really steep and shallow. The toilet is downstairs. I don't think T* had even considered the possibility of having to cope after a caesarean. T* had severe varicose veins and is being treated with hirudoid cream, support stockings, and willb e having surgery after the birth. T* doesn't think her husband will attend the birth so I may end up attending as a support person. This would certainly be a more hands-on and attentive role. T* is 32/40.

We did a final postnatal visit with J*. She has an absolutely gorgeous house. I weighed baby and she weighed exactly 4kg. J* was very organised and competent. She had a gift for N*. I remember how it felt to end the midwifery relationship and could sense the emotions that go into farewells.

Dear N* shouted me lunch. We discussed my request to work with N* again in 3rd year. N* was hapy to have me.

J* was a midwife in the UK. She had a wonderful older child. The palpation was tricky and I didn't pick up the ROL and had in fact thought baby was LOL. She seemed to be quite worn down with a cold.

J* and L* both had pre-35 week premature babies. Whenever I see premature babies I feel very protective. I have a strong urge to pick them up and cuddle them. I'm not quite sure what my subconscious mind thinks this will achieve. J* looked tired and her baby was doing really well. She is waiting for the magic 3kg mark as she can take him out. L* was very relaxed but her baby may have actually had too long between feeds and been relapsing into sleepiness.

What an exciting day! Seemed to have a strange time flow. Some moments went slowly and others seemed to be sped up. I am so enjoying working with N*. After all she was my inspiration.