The midwife picked me up at 7:10 and we began our long day first by stopping by the farmhouse to pick up some items. It was so awesome to drive with her and to be able to learn her philosophy and management and style. She seemed to be quite together for having such a busy practice. Our first prenatal was at a young Amish couple’s house. I was so nervous and excited. I had not been to prenatals in a long time, so I was unsure of just how this would go and usually it was for English people who were comfortable with everything from bubble gum to tank tops. The couple was cute, polite, and attentive. It was their first baby and there house was immaculate. I took care of the urine dip. Squinting, I could make out the colors and realized I needed way more sleep than I was getting if I was going to make this apprenticeship thing work, especially if I was to try and see in the dark. The midwife was awesomely cool and allowed me to feel this mama’s baby belly, except for the fact that I said ‘oh, there is nothing in there.’ Ok. Deep breath. Breath out. Check connection in brain to make sure filter is being applies to EVERY word coming out of my mouth. DUH. I know that I don’t say this to moms, ever and I just did. Way to go. (Shaking head). Thankfully, the midwife was uber kind and said you know these Amish women hang on every word we say. Yes, I understand and will remember lesson one. At least the other student had called in sick to clinic today, so I got to look foolish in front of one less person.
We had a breastfeeding call to attend to after this visit, so we went over and visited a mama with a 1 year old. She had a suspected clogged duct and I got to take BP and pulse again. And boy was I rusty. I kept forgetting which way the air thingy was turned so I was pumping it up a bit much I think. Poor mamas. I need to get my act together. I don’t think I was hurting them, just annoying I am sure, or at least they were looking at me like that. I ask the midwife if I could offer a piece of advice for the mom after she disclosed that she did not have a pump and her baby was not breastfeeding anymore to get the milk out effectively. I had learned an old trick to take a warm canning jar—a big one—maybe a quart and heat it up with warm water then quickly dump the water out and apply the mouth of the jar to your breast. This heat will act like a suction and draw out the milk. Now hopefully these women will not scald themselves, but this technique seemed right up their non-electronic alley.
I was a bit surprised to see how different each Amish house was. I guess I had a preconceived notion that they were these entire hand hewn log house with huge wood burning stoves and kettles—nope, not all. Their houses are open though and the bedroom seems to have a movable wall made of doors? I saw this in two houses today. I was also surprised by the cribs in the parents’ room. I guess I would have thought they co-sleep with their kids. I guess you learn new things everyday.
My Journey as a Licensed Midwife in Louisiana 