Thursday, February 12, 2009
Psycho Taxi Driver
I've never had a scarier taxi ride. My taxi driver on my way home from work this morning was without a doubt on some kind of drug. Probably the ubiquitous methamphetamine used around here called shabu. First of all it was one of the most beat up taxis I'd ever been in. It looked like it might fall apart. When I got in I immediately realized the driver was high on something. He couldn't sit still and I could see via the rear view mirror that his eyes were bloodshot and glossy. The words of a reporter on the radio were unintelligible because the station wasn't quite tuned into the right frequency. It only gave off high-pitched sounds of jumbled words. The guy didn't seem to notice or care. And his driving genuinely scared me. I thought he might kill someone. He weaved into oncoming traffic numerous times to pass the line up of cars we were in. This isn't that unusual except that this guy didn't do it only when it was clear. He just honked for people to get out of his way while accelerating as fast as the car would go, just to quickly weave back into traffic. I prayed and tried to get the courage up to stop him and get out but I kept telling myself it wasn't that much further. I was just scared to speak to this guy. But the atmosphere of the taxi felt spiritually dark. It was awful. Even though I was more than half way home, I finally worked up enough courage to listen and act on what my instincts were telling me. Get out of this taxi! I seriously thought I might get into an accident at any moment or worse yet hit and kill a pedestrian. So I stopped the taxi, paid my fare and got out. Whew!
Fast Birth
I worked last night. My shift started at 7:45 pm. At 8 pm a 27-year-old mother arrived in labor with her 4th child. She was 8 centimeters dilated and having strong, frequent, regular contractions. She asked to pull down the curtains around one of our beds downstairs for privacy. Of course, no problem. At 8:55 she declared, "I need to push!" We all rushed upstairs and got her onto the delivery table. She said, "I really need to push!" We said, "Wait. Just breathe," while I quickly put on a gown and sterile gloves. "Ok. Go ahead," I said. She bore down and I could already see the head. The amniotic sac was still intact so I reached in to gently pinch it after her first push. Immediately she started pushing again and suddenly, the head was crowning, the head was out, the body was out - baby out! All in one push. The time was 8:57 pm. I guess she really did have to push! While her baby was being suctioned on her abdomen she said, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you" with a big smile on her face. Her husband was also there, smiling.
Adorable little baby girl named Sherly. 6 pounds 12 ounces. Healthy, pink, cute, round-faced, head full of gorgeous black hair, champion breastfeeder. Sherly.
What could be more fun than to take part in stuff like this!!?? What a privilege.
Adorable little baby girl named Sherly. 6 pounds 12 ounces. Healthy, pink, cute, round-faced, head full of gorgeous black hair, champion breastfeeder. Sherly.
What could be more fun than to take part in stuff like this!!?? What a privilege.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Tuesday's Two Deliveries
I worked the day shift on Tuesday. When I arrived there was a woman in labor. This was her second baby. She progressed well throughout the day and I was her main labor support person. She's a sweet, cheerful woman. It was great working with her as she labored throughout the day. At around 4pm she gave birth to a healthy 7 1/2 pound baby boy. Here she is on Thursday morning.
Around 6 pm, while we were just finishing up in the delivery room, my continuity patient arrived in labor. Let me first explain what a continuity patient is.
A continuity patient is someone that I am responsible for caring for throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. I am required to have 3 continuity patients in order to complete my midwifery training. I have had 4 continuity patients in the past that for various reasons all ended up delivering in the hospital. Of course it's mostly unfortunate for them because that means they had some sort of complication - either during their pregnancy or during their labor - that required us to transfer their care to the hospital. But it's also a bummer for me because even though I cared for them for many months, I can't use that experience toward my requirements.
I've been praying (selfishly) for both of my continuity patients (the other is due in April) to have a healthy pregnancy and birth because I really want the opportunity to deliver their babies and care for them afterward as well, and of course, satisfy some of my requirements in the process.
I am happy to say that my first continuity patient (in photo below) delivered a healthy baby girl on Tuesday. Yeah! She arrived at 6pm and gave birth at 9:30 pm. It was the kind of birth I always hope for. She had very strong, effective and appropriately frequent contractions. Her labor progressed normally - quickly even. I was surprised at how quickly things were progressing and how amazing my patient was at remaining calm and in control. She was impressive. Clearly she had done this before. This was her 4th baby. I asked her if her other labors were like this one and she told me yes. I knew her past labors were fast so I knew to be on my toes.
Things couldn't have gone better. She didn't bleed and she didn't tear. She spent all of Wednesday at the clinic then was discharged early Thursday morning. Here she is with her incredibly cute baby girl (Kianna Jee) and husband just before they were sent home.
I really enjoyed working with this woman. As you can see she's quite tiny but thanks to her compliant nature she took my advice on taking vitamins that helped increase her appetite and then ate a lot more than she would have otherwise (including lots of protein!!!). Her baby weighed 6 1/2 pounds. Perfect! She even successfully increased her hemoglobin throughout her pregnancy by consistently purchasing good quality iron supplements and taking them as advised - every day! It's a simple thing but you have no idea how hard it can be to get patients to comply with just this one important thing. She really was a joy to work with.
She expressed an interest in family planning advice (she's only 27) so I'm going to make sure she finds something that works for both her and her husband. If things go as she hopes, she won't be back to our clinic for a while.
Thank God for this new life! Did I mention how cute the baby is?? She has chubby cheeks and when she cries she has a pouty lower lip that sticks out! She feeds like a champ, too!
Around 6 pm, while we were just finishing up in the delivery room, my continuity patient arrived in labor. Let me first explain what a continuity patient is.A continuity patient is someone that I am responsible for caring for throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. I am required to have 3 continuity patients in order to complete my midwifery training. I have had 4 continuity patients in the past that for various reasons all ended up delivering in the hospital. Of course it's mostly unfortunate for them because that means they had some sort of complication - either during their pregnancy or during their labor - that required us to transfer their care to the hospital. But it's also a bummer for me because even though I cared for them for many months, I can't use that experience toward my requirements.
I've been praying (selfishly) for both of my continuity patients (the other is due in April) to have a healthy pregnancy and birth because I really want the opportunity to deliver their babies and care for them afterward as well, and of course, satisfy some of my requirements in the process.
I am happy to say that my first continuity patient (in photo below) delivered a healthy baby girl on Tuesday. Yeah! She arrived at 6pm and gave birth at 9:30 pm. It was the kind of birth I always hope for. She had very strong, effective and appropriately frequent contractions. Her labor progressed normally - quickly even. I was surprised at how quickly things were progressing and how amazing my patient was at remaining calm and in control. She was impressive. Clearly she had done this before. This was her 4th baby. I asked her if her other labors were like this one and she told me yes. I knew her past labors were fast so I knew to be on my toes.
Things couldn't have gone better. She didn't bleed and she didn't tear. She spent all of Wednesday at the clinic then was discharged early Thursday morning. Here she is with her incredibly cute baby girl (Kianna Jee) and husband just before they were sent home.
I really enjoyed working with this woman. As you can see she's quite tiny but thanks to her compliant nature she took my advice on taking vitamins that helped increase her appetite and then ate a lot more than she would have otherwise (including lots of protein!!!). Her baby weighed 6 1/2 pounds. Perfect! She even successfully increased her hemoglobin throughout her pregnancy by consistently purchasing good quality iron supplements and taking them as advised - every day! It's a simple thing but you have no idea how hard it can be to get patients to comply with just this one important thing. She really was a joy to work with.
She expressed an interest in family planning advice (she's only 27) so I'm going to make sure she finds something that works for both her and her husband. If things go as she hopes, she won't be back to our clinic for a while.
Thank God for this new life! Did I mention how cute the baby is?? She has chubby cheeks and when she cries she has a pouty lower lip that sticks out! She feeds like a champ, too!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Delivery
I delivered a baby today. A 7.5 pound baby boy to a first-time mother of 20 years. I was actually only planning to work during the morning prenatal check-ups but then one of the women who came for a routine check up got an exam that revealed she was 4 cm dilated. She claimed she didn't feel any pain. There were signs she was having contractions as her belly would tighten frequently. Four hours later she was 6 centimeters dilated and still no pain or sign of even the slightest discomfort! We all were amazed and kept asking her, "Really? No pain yet?" She just giggled and said, Nope, not yet. So we gave her some herbal medicine to strengthen contractions and waited another 2 hours. Next check up she was 7 centimeters. Still no pain.
The baby's head was well engaged in her pelvis so we decided to break her water. Almost immediately she went from no signs of labor to being in very active labor. She started sweating profusely and her toes were curling. I stayed with her and encouraged her to breath and keep her body relaxed, which she was already an expert at somehow. Amazing.
She started to bear down spontaneously. She said she wanted to push. We encouraged her to breath. She really insisted she was ready. So we took her upstairs to the delivery room. Checked to see if she really was ready and she was 9+ centimeters dilated. We supported her cervix and waited for the baby's head to move low enough for the cervix to slip behind the baby's head, which was accomplished after about 20 minutes.
After trying several positions and finding the right one that allowed her to push effectively and after about 1 hour of pushing, her baby was born. Cute baby James Ronald.
Thankfully the placenta was delivered without incident but her uterus was just so reluctant to contract adequately that we had to give her pitocin intramuscularly and then soon after when it became apparent this wasn't enough, we hooked her to Dextrose IV and added more pitocin to the IV fluids. After that, her uterus had enough power to contract properly. Whew.
I ended the day by spending an hour and a half suturing in three different areas. Ouch. I used to be so dead against episiotomy but one has to wonder, could three jagged tears in difficult to heal areas be prevented by inflicting one straight tear? I honestly don't know but it makes me wonder. All primis (first time mothers) in hospitals and most clinics in the Philippines get routine episiotomies. I have to say, I can kind of understand it. I still have never cut an episiotomy and I'm not sure I ever could unless it were an emergency but I can at least say I understand where others are coming from. I really felt for this poor young mom who will have a very sore bum for a few weeks. I will say, that with Hilary's help and expertise, our young mom will look as good as new once the healing is done. And that's what we told her. "You'll be back to beautiful." Despite her discomfort, she gave us a genuine smile and said, "Thanks."
The baby's head was well engaged in her pelvis so we decided to break her water. Almost immediately she went from no signs of labor to being in very active labor. She started sweating profusely and her toes were curling. I stayed with her and encouraged her to breath and keep her body relaxed, which she was already an expert at somehow. Amazing.
She started to bear down spontaneously. She said she wanted to push. We encouraged her to breath. She really insisted she was ready. So we took her upstairs to the delivery room. Checked to see if she really was ready and she was 9+ centimeters dilated. We supported her cervix and waited for the baby's head to move low enough for the cervix to slip behind the baby's head, which was accomplished after about 20 minutes.
After trying several positions and finding the right one that allowed her to push effectively and after about 1 hour of pushing, her baby was born. Cute baby James Ronald.
Thankfully the placenta was delivered without incident but her uterus was just so reluctant to contract adequately that we had to give her pitocin intramuscularly and then soon after when it became apparent this wasn't enough, we hooked her to Dextrose IV and added more pitocin to the IV fluids. After that, her uterus had enough power to contract properly. Whew.
I ended the day by spending an hour and a half suturing in three different areas. Ouch. I used to be so dead against episiotomy but one has to wonder, could three jagged tears in difficult to heal areas be prevented by inflicting one straight tear? I honestly don't know but it makes me wonder. All primis (first time mothers) in hospitals and most clinics in the Philippines get routine episiotomies. I have to say, I can kind of understand it. I still have never cut an episiotomy and I'm not sure I ever could unless it were an emergency but I can at least say I understand where others are coming from. I really felt for this poor young mom who will have a very sore bum for a few weeks. I will say, that with Hilary's help and expertise, our young mom will look as good as new once the healing is done. And that's what we told her. "You'll be back to beautiful." Despite her discomfort, she gave us a genuine smile and said, "Thanks."
Our Nerd Guests
Yeah, Isn't it great!? Even Sheri didn't know she was coming so that's why we couldn't say anything. All she knew was she was going to Hong Kong with Kevin. She didn't really get what was going on until they checked in for the flight to Cebu. Kevin pulled off a great surprise. So fun! Our first Nerd visit!!
They arrived yesterday and will be in Cebu till Monday. We have a few fun things planned including watching the Cebu Provincial Prisoners perform on Saturday. If you're not sure what I'm talking about watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H6mmTvDUdA
They arrived yesterday and will be in Cebu till Monday. We have a few fun things planned including watching the Cebu Provincial Prisoners perform on Saturday. If you're not sure what I'm talking about watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H6mmTvDUdA
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Blogging and Exercise
I was doing so good. I was blogging regularly. I thought to myself... Yeah, I'm finally in the groove with this, I've kept it up. I felt good about it.
Unexpectedly, I find myself having had a lapse from blogging. And now the longer I go without blogging the harder it is to start again. I haven't even kept up with reading other blogs. It's like I've just chosen to ignore that the entire realm of the blogosphere exists.
I have such similar conversations about exercise, which unfortunately has also dropped off in my life the past couple of months. I have been trying to convince myself that the need for exercise doesn't exist. Thankfully I can't get away with that for too long. Thanks to the fact that I am so in tune (insert extreme sarcasm here) with my body that eventually I begin to hear it screaming at me saying, "You lazy A-hole! Your muscles are turning into jello!"
Well I started back at they gym this week and I think I may get back into it...
Unexpectedly, I find myself having had a lapse from blogging. And now the longer I go without blogging the harder it is to start again. I haven't even kept up with reading other blogs. It's like I've just chosen to ignore that the entire realm of the blogosphere exists.
I have such similar conversations about exercise, which unfortunately has also dropped off in my life the past couple of months. I have been trying to convince myself that the need for exercise doesn't exist. Thankfully I can't get away with that for too long. Thanks to the fact that I am so in tune (insert extreme sarcasm here) with my body that eventually I begin to hear it screaming at me saying, "You lazy A-hole! Your muscles are turning into jello!"
Well I started back at they gym this week and I think I may get back into it...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
BIG NEWS
The approval we've been waiting for has finally arrived. Yesterday afternoon we got word that we have been added to the Roster of Approved Applicants of the Inter-country Adoption Board of the Philippines(ICAB). So we are now officially approved prospective adoptive parents in the eyes of the Philippines government. Woohoo!
Apparently we were approved on December 8th but our adoption agency (Holt) only got word of it yesterday. Interestingly, the approval date is almost exactly one year from the date we mailed our initial application to Holt.
If this past year is comparable to preconception counseling and preparation, then I'd say it's safe to say, we're pregnant! Now this would be the time to tell you our due date.
We have been told that the families most recently matched with Filipino children waited between 12 and 15 months from approval, however last March ICAB issued a notice to all agencies that new families could wait 2 years.
Therefore, we are technically due at some point between Dec 2009 and Dec 2010. Anyone want to pray for premature labor?
Our hope and our prayer is that we would become parents by the end of 2009. In our minds, we've waited long enough and the fact that we actually live in the Philippines must give us some edge over other applicants! Would you pray with us specifically for that? Of course we trust in God's timing so we ultimately yield to His wisdom in regards to timing but at the same time, we are encouraged to pray specifically. And Jesus tells us to ask, seek, knock and to keep knocking.
All that to say, WE'RE EXCITED!!!
Apparently we were approved on December 8th but our adoption agency (Holt) only got word of it yesterday. Interestingly, the approval date is almost exactly one year from the date we mailed our initial application to Holt.
If this past year is comparable to preconception counseling and preparation, then I'd say it's safe to say, we're pregnant! Now this would be the time to tell you our due date.
We have been told that the families most recently matched with Filipino children waited between 12 and 15 months from approval, however last March ICAB issued a notice to all agencies that new families could wait 2 years.
Therefore, we are technically due at some point between Dec 2009 and Dec 2010. Anyone want to pray for premature labor?
Our hope and our prayer is that we would become parents by the end of 2009. In our minds, we've waited long enough and the fact that we actually live in the Philippines must give us some edge over other applicants! Would you pray with us specifically for that? Of course we trust in God's timing so we ultimately yield to His wisdom in regards to timing but at the same time, we are encouraged to pray specifically. And Jesus tells us to ask, seek, knock and to keep knocking.
All that to say, WE'RE EXCITED!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Aha!
I'm so behind on blogging and the way things are looking it's going to be February before I get back on track. So in the meantime, check out my mother-in-law's blog for photos and brief descriptions of the past month. She's great at blogging and there's lots of pictures. Check it out if you like:
http://wwwblackberryridge.blogspot.com/
http://wwwblackberryridge.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas everybody!
I really want to apologize for having fallen off the blogosphere this past month or so. I've been crazy out of my mind and so the blogging has suffered. I just quickly want to post so people know we're alive and well. There is much to share from the past weeks including lots of parties and events, numerous clinic shifts, and cramming in 2 modules-worth of midwifery assignments that must be completed by mid Jan along with tests on all of them and paper work of my clinical experience. That's a big part of the being overwhelmed lately.
I regret that this has happened around Christmas (which contributes to the busyness, of course) as it takes away from being really present during this special holiday. I regret that I haven't taken time to think and be silent, to reflect on the year, to be thankful for God's gracious gift of Jesus. Of course, these thoughts and quick prayers happen but I've not made it the priority and given it the attention it deserves. There may be some belated Christmas thoughts forthcoming in future posts.
For now, the thing at hand is to pack for a weekend trip that we are taking with Lou & Marilyn (A's parents) tomorrow. They have been here for 2 weeks already and will stay with us until early February. It is a rich blessing to have them here with us in Cebu these days. We'll be staying on Camotes island for two nights, then back to Cebu for 2 nights, then we'll go to another island nearby, Negros, for 5 nights. It's our big vacation time together as a family during their visit. They have been such troopers so far, remaining very flexible and laid-back, cooking, cleaning and shopping for us, encouraging us and coming along to all of the various event and social involvements that demand our time lately (including a Christmas event today that our church put on for 900 people!, yes, 900!). Quite impressive actually how they just dive in and experience what there is to experience here.
So once I get these assignments done and tests taken and holidays done with, and I get caught up on some much-needed sleep, I'll be much more present. I'm looking forward to a break. Much love and blessings!!
Here are a few photos from our church's Christmas event today in a gym at a local elementary school. All 900 people were fed lunch and juice, received gifts, heard about God's gift and were given the opportunity to receive it freely. They also got family photos taken and the kids got their faces painted, balloons, and ice cream. It was wild!
I really want to apologize for having fallen off the blogosphere this past month or so. I've been crazy out of my mind and so the blogging has suffered. I just quickly want to post so people know we're alive and well. There is much to share from the past weeks including lots of parties and events, numerous clinic shifts, and cramming in 2 modules-worth of midwifery assignments that must be completed by mid Jan along with tests on all of them and paper work of my clinical experience. That's a big part of the being overwhelmed lately.
I regret that this has happened around Christmas (which contributes to the busyness, of course) as it takes away from being really present during this special holiday. I regret that I haven't taken time to think and be silent, to reflect on the year, to be thankful for God's gracious gift of Jesus. Of course, these thoughts and quick prayers happen but I've not made it the priority and given it the attention it deserves. There may be some belated Christmas thoughts forthcoming in future posts.
For now, the thing at hand is to pack for a weekend trip that we are taking with Lou & Marilyn (A's parents) tomorrow. They have been here for 2 weeks already and will stay with us until early February. It is a rich blessing to have them here with us in Cebu these days. We'll be staying on Camotes island for two nights, then back to Cebu for 2 nights, then we'll go to another island nearby, Negros, for 5 nights. It's our big vacation time together as a family during their visit. They have been such troopers so far, remaining very flexible and laid-back, cooking, cleaning and shopping for us, encouraging us and coming along to all of the various event and social involvements that demand our time lately (including a Christmas event today that our church put on for 900 people!, yes, 900!). Quite impressive actually how they just dive in and experience what there is to experience here.
So once I get these assignments done and tests taken and holidays done with, and I get caught up on some much-needed sleep, I'll be much more present. I'm looking forward to a break. Much love and blessings!!
Here are a few photos from our church's Christmas event today in a gym at a local elementary school. All 900 people were fed lunch and juice, received gifts, heard about God's gift and were given the opportunity to receive it freely. They also got family photos taken and the kids got their faces painted, balloons, and ice cream. It was wild!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Andrey's Birthday
Thursday was Andrey's 33rd birthday. We went out for Italian food. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner and good conversation. I love Andrey's birthday. Mainly because it means we are the same age for the next six months and he can no longer tell people that he married an older woman. Happy Birthday, Andrey!
Turkey Day 2008
Sorry I've been MIA lately. It's been busy. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day. It was a ton of work and I was exhausted by the end but it was worth every hour in the kitchen. I didn't have to cook for a whole week after, that's how many left-overs we had. I was in turkey heaven! Here a few shots of my favorite holiday...
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