INTERFACING WITH THE NHS

It is a while since writing on the blog but as I am unable to drive at the moment and need a break from studying thought I would share a bit of what I have been through lately.


Whilst riding my push bike a few weeks ago I took a tumble and landed very badly on my left arm. I immediately knew my wrist/arm was broken. This would mean a visit to the previously unattended Emergency Department of our local large teaching hospital, supporting my poor painful deformed wrist in my rather old and tatty t shirt.

After a reasonable short length of time I was x-rayed and was informed that I had what is termed an unstable smiths fracture of my left distal radius…hope you like my jargon; this basically meant that my broken arm needed an operation to fix it. 3 hours later I was finally plastered up and sent home. The staff had informed me that I would have to ring several days in a row to see if they had a bed/theatre space available so they could carry out the impending op.

Spending several painful days in plaster whilst awaiting surgery was not pleasant but worse was yet to come. My first experience of major surgery was at the age of 7 and that was an awful experience. This was to set me on the road to becoming a nurse (the nurses at the time seemed to me to be so horrible that I had decided in my heart that I could be much kinder)
I was extremely anxious about the whole anaesthetic and operation thing for other reasons not necessary to go into on here, so during my waiting I spent much time praying and reading the word, feeling somewhat better by the time I was admitted.

I was finally admitted 6 days later to the Trauma Lounge aka theatre waiting room. I was there on my own for 4 hours. However in all this time I was not once asked if I was anxious or nervous, whether this was my first op etc or if I had any questions. I was asked how much I weighed 3 times (though nobody appeared with any scales to actually weigh me). Yes I do appreciate that I am an adult but I was still in pain. On mentioning to the anaesthetist that I was feeling anxious and would I have a pre-med I was told that pre meds were “old fashioned”.
After a couple of hiccups in the theatre recovery I was transferred to an orthopaedic ward where I spent approximately 24 hours recuperating. This I am sorry to say brought back many of the feelings I had experienced as a child in hospital. It also bought memories of the many hours I spent in labour feeling vulnerable and frightened. Dont get me wrong the staff were pleasant enough in a task oriented sort of way (observations. Giving out drugs etc) but not great at the caring aspect as there was little verbal communication. I was desperate to get home so that I could rest properly as the ward was very busy and noisy during the night. I left the ward clutching my discharge papers but without having any further instructions about my newly pinned and plated arm and how I should care for it. The only instruction I had was to return to fracture clinic in 2 weeks’ time for physio. Since them I have received a letter with an appointment for 4 weeks’ time. Still no instructions have been given on wound care or if/when I have to have the stitches removed.


Having been a nurse for many years you would of thought this would be a busman’s holiday for me and yet I felt like a fish out of water; confused and bewildered and at times literally gasping for air. Also somewhat disappointed at the lack of what amounts to basic nursing care.(kindness, compassion and empathy)


Since returning home I have spent many hours reflecting on this experience. My thoughts have also turned to the many mums and dads I have supported at hospital births. I can now understand how vulnerable and frightened they must feel when entering this alien medical environment for what is essentially a very natural part of life.

As a Doula I am often in awe of midwives and their expert knowledge, but since my own encounter I feel I need to be more alert at recognising that “my mums” may not understand all the’ medicaleeze’ that trips off the tongues of midwives, doctors and doulas alike. I will endeavour to be more astute in empowering them to ask the right questions and not to make assumptions as to their understanding and comprehension of what is going on, more as your whole concept of what to expect can change within minutes of entering this unfamiliar environment or if things don’t go according to plan.
Watch this space for updates!!

SPRING IS HERE!!

Well almost,it has been a fabulous sunny day and I have had the pleasure and honour of attending the Christening of one of my "ladies" of 2010.It was great to see the handsome little chap 10 months on and what a character he is too!It is not always easy keeping in touch as life just seems to zoom by so this was especially nice to see This little fella and his fab Mummy looking so happy and relaxed.

The year has begun in a flurry of activity,in terms of birth and post natal ladies so time has been a bit short,especially as I (Yvonne) am busily studying to take the IBCLC exam in July.Of course I have apply to see if I am even eligible to take the exam.I have done enough study hours so now I have the task of working out what the perentage of hours spent with ladies has been breatfeeding support,I have a few days to do this before the March deadline.

I will keep you updated with my studies over the next few months and will hope fully be an LC by the end of the year.Which will hopefully mean we will be in a better position to support breastfeeding ladies as they face challenges!!

Confident Mother: The Pain of Reflux!!!

Confident Mother: The Pain of Reflux!!!: "I am not going to talk about what reflux is as you can find all the information you need from a medical point of view on this website http:..."

The Pain of Reflux!!!

I am not going to talk about what reflux is as you can find all the information you need from a medical point of view on this website

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/

But what I have been thinking about is the impact on the baby and parents who have a baby with reflux especially if the baby is feeding frequently and maintains their weight.

After having heartburn towards the end of pregnancy and the agony of that,I can only assume that for a small baby it must be excruciating.My own Sons constant crying and his distress were testiment to this,the main problem being that as he was gaining weight I was told he had colic,and that a lot of the things I was told to do with him probably made it worse.

As a Mother I felt heartbroken that my baby was in distress and of course like a bad mother because I couldnt help my own baby,there were times that I even felt he didnt like me because when I tried to comfort him he cried even more!!

I suppose what I am saying is FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS.... I didnt I listened to people who I thought knew more than me and am forever sorry that I allowed my baby to suffer.In those days the internet wasnt around but PLEASE,PLEASE if in doubt check it out.Call someone for advice,there are lots are free breastfeeding advice lines
nowadays and lots of forums you can join(mind you trouble is when you have a distressed baby finding time is difficult)


You of course are very welcome to call me !!

Happy 2011

It is a new year and a new decade,I love the beginning of the year as it is an opportunity to review what worked and what didnt in the previous year. It is the time to revisit my vision and look to how I can achieve my goals and dreams for the year ahead.

As well as my personal goals,I try to set some for my professional developement and business,one of the things I am aiming to do is to try and write more frequently in the blog,reflect on my doula journey and generally ponder anything birth and babies!!

I will try and post items of interest and would value your comments and am looking forward to some lively discussion.

So without further adue I would like to wish all my readers a year in which you will know Gods abundants blessings throughout your life.

and of course keep checking the blog !!


Yvonne xxx

Having a baby ?

Well you have come to the right place!

Confident Mother Doulas are women and mothers like you are about to become,who have travelled your journey.We know the highs and lows the joy and frustration that being a new parent brings.We want to travel your journey with you and give you encouragement as you birth your baby and confidence in your mothering skills.

To find out how a Doula can help you visit

www.confidentmotherdoulas.co.uk

Have a bumptastic week

Yvonne

Its Friday!!

And the end of a hectic week,despite not being very busy with Post natal ladies,still had lots to do this week,several meetings as well as trying to design a new flyer.Fish and chips for supper tonight and an early night in case I am called out to my lovely homebirth lady who is due any day now.

There was a gtreat article in the Gaurduian today about Due Dates have a look if you get chance.


Have a great weekend ,signing off now till next week.