What new skill or information have you learned over the last few weeks?
Let’s see, I have learned so much it isn’t funny and you know that I think everything is funny. Mostly, I am learning what to say or how to say it. I have learned what herbs to give for varicose veins (horse chestnut) or PTL (Black Haw). However, I wish I could learn some of these other skills right now, like the newborn exam or something else helpful. It just seems like some days I am following the midwife around like a puppy and not able to do much except lick her face and chase butterflies.
Well, I have learned how to wet a diaper to make a heated booty for the baby before performing the pku. Also, it appears that you have to really squeeze the baby’s foot to get all the blood out, if you use a small lancet. This makes so much sense! I am used to seeing the baby’s tortured in the hospital where it seems like a huge nick is placed on the babies heel. Poor babies. But the blood comes flowing like water. I have seen a washcloth used to warm up babies heels, but a diaper booty is too cute and practical to pass up. I will have to remember that for my practice.
I learned how to wash and sterilize instruments per the midwife’s liking. I learned that it is best to complete your birth clinical forms as soon as you can coherently write them. I learned that it is ridiculous how long these journal entries take me. Journalling is not for me.
My Journey as a Licensed Midwife in Louisiana 