top ten things I've learned...on the maternity ward

In the short two weeks that I've been here, I've been fortunate to see two c-sections and two live births. In fact, on my second day for the first C-section I got to be the 2nd assist, which means getting scrubbed in and holding back retractors etc. It was pretty cool....until the MD made his incision into the sac and out "sprayed" the amniotic fluid over you know who. Now I know why both the doctors pulled their heads back - I thought they were giving me space to look in!! The nurses laughed and said I got "baptised", and in some ways it was kind of a baptism into this world of maternity. From my experiences on the maternity ward, I've been amazed at the whole birthing process - truly incredible when you think about it. I've also learned a few things, which I've summarized here in my "top 10" list for maternity...


10. During contractions, do not be the person holding the basin for the woman to throw up in to

9. Wear appropriate gowning and gloves!

8. Bring a book – this may take a while...

7. If you’re the dad, bring a camera!

6. Encourage the mom during contractions as much as possible

5. Epidurals are amazing drugs

4. If you offer your hand during contractions for the mom to hold, make sure you’re willing to have it crushed

3. Always follow up with your patients the next day – they really appreciate it!

2. Baby to mom skin contact after deliver is best (whenever possible)

1. Deliveries are terrifying, but exhilarating at the same time!