My first test as a nurse

The first time I helped someone deliver away from the hospital environment was when I was in college just after my midwifery course. I had little experience in midwifery; but I had to help a life come safely into the world. I was about to start doing the evening rounds in the delivery room when I got a call from my roommate.

All along she had been pregnant but she had not shared her status with me. I went back and found her squatted on the floor. She was in so much pain, she could not talk. She could only whisper that the baby was coming! Amidst the panic that I strove to hide. I was to remember the knowledge that I had learnt in school. And l had to be strong. I was to assist her deliver, and believe that everything would be fine.

I was not experienced enough but at least I remembered we had to prepare to cut the cord when the baby arrived. She had put a towel on the floor and I got a blade. I tore a bed sheet into two so that we could tie the umbilical chord with it. She was to lie in a comfortable position that would enable her to push. Meanwhile, she was crouched on the bed.

Amid the excitement of the forthcoming baby, and my being a bit green in this field of midwifery, I had to ensure that all would go well. A trickle of sweat was running down my face: I put on a brave look for my friend. Her contractions were becoming more intense and I knew sooner than later the baby would be out. I started encouraging her to push. When I saw the baby’s head push its way out. I was exhilarated! I had done it. It was an opener for me in the medical field. I saw the smile and look of relief on my friend’s face as I held out the baby to her. I was elated to have been the one lo assist her.

Using the bed sheets that I had torn, I tied the baby’s cord in two different points and cut in between. I did not want the blood from the placenta to mix with the baby’s so I had to act fast. Lack of gloves did not deter me either and I went for the next available items, dear polythene papers.

A baby girl was born weighing 2.8kgs. I handed her to the mother immediately to start breastfeeding. After ten minutes, the placenta was delivered. I then cleaned her up, before wiping off the amniotic fluid, which can cause a baby to catch a cold. Then I wrapped the baby in a shawl. We then headed to hospital to have the mother and baby checked. The mother did not have any tears or a cut at her perineum. So they went back to the hostel. We had done it. The child I delivered is now eight years old and still healthy.

END: PG18/28