Must be able to deal with MD temper tantrums - part of the job description

If you are a nurse or have been for more than a week, then you've been chewed out by a doctor.  I don't understand what happens to them during the course of med school and residency that makes them think they can talk to other human beings (especially nurses) like dogs/idiots/children...  Not all of them behave this way, but unfortunately, the polite and professional doctors are in the minority.  I can only think of a small handful of doctors I work with that I haven't been eye witness to one of their outbursts.  I used to cry when doctors yelled at me, but now I've gotten to the point where I can politely and professionally defend myself.  I once heard a nurse say that when a doctor starts yelling at her she just thinks, "The louder you yell, the slower I am gonna go."  That totally cracked me up.  Maybe when I'm on my way out of my nursing career, I'll have a chance to say this to someone.  Doubt I'd be able to do it, but it's fun to imagine=).
The doctor I was working with the other night chewed me out for something ridiculous and you know what kills me?  If I had talked to her the way she talked to me, I can guarantee, I wouldn't have a job.  The hospital seems to set the tone that it's okay for a doctor to yell at a nurse, but not vice versa.  I don't work for the doctors, I work for the hospital.  Nurses are just as vital to patient care as doctors are.  But apparently because I don't have and MD behind my name, I am less deserving of respect.
For any of you budding OB's out there, let me just clue you in on something.  OB/GYNs don't have a "great lifestyle" all the time.  It is a busy specialty.  So, if you don't like long hours and working late, this might not be the profession for you.  But if you do choose to go into OB, please don't take it out on your patients and nurses when you have a crappy week. 
Have a nice day!

Importance of Skin to Skin Contact in the minutes, hours,and weeks following birth

At work we had an inservice on the importance and benefits of STSC (skin-to-skin contact). So, I wanted to post some of the information to share with everyone. I knew it was beneficial for infants, but didn't know it was for mothers.

Benefits of STSC for infants:
-greater temperature stability
-blood glucose stability
-greater heart rate and respiratory rate stability
-decreased crying and anxiety
-accelerates weight gain
-better organized and restful sleep
Benefits of STSC for mothers:
-less anxiety at 3 days post birth
-greater confidence of childcare abilities at hospital discharge
-greater sense of well-being
-decreased pain sensation int he mom, as endogenous opioid are released as a result of the pleasing touch

It is important for mothers to continue this even after they get home for several weeks. So, make sure to tell your nurse this is very important to you after delivery, even if you have a C-section.

Recent Births

I have had two beautiful, natural deliveries recently. One planned, one unplanned. Both had done it before and both did awesome. One even delivered her sweet baby OP (head looking up). It reminds me why I truely love my job!! I love helping women through one of their greatest times of need. I love being right their reminding them that they can do it. I even started to tear up during one....I have been doing this for 5 years!! It just shows that I am absolutely doing the right thing if I still cry when seeing women giving birth! I hope I have many more natural deliveries coming up!

I'm getting a medal!

This email made my day!  Sheridan from "Enjoy Birth" is sending me a medal because she liked my blog.
Blog or no blog, all moms really should get a medal for the sacrifices they make for their families every day.  If you are a mommy or mommy to be, I want to take this opportunity to applaud you for all your hard work and self sacrifice which most of the time goes unnoticed.  Go hug a mom today and tell her she is doing a great job.  You just might make her day too!
Thanks to Sheridan for being a great example!

Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. 
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them...


Here is the email I received from her today!

I love how your blog supports pregnant moms and gives them information so they can make the best choices regarding their births!

I want to send you a medal, because YOU deserve one!
http://www.momsdeservemedals.com/
If you send me your snail mail address, I will get a medal out to you in the next few weeks. (I am heading out of town, but once I am back and settled I will mail out your medal!)


Thanks for all you do!
--
Sheridan mom of 3 boys.Hypnobabies Instructor.Doula


www.enjoybirth.com/blogs.html