Joey, Shane and Paige

Leah, Guy and Garret

Peek a boo Kreed Cindy and Brian with PJ and W

Weseley the dancing KING

My dear parents

Paige, David and Kreed

Our wonderful big family!

Kreed turns ONE!

six weeks in review

It became over whelming to think of blogging everything that has happened, so I just quit blogging! But with the latest news about my application to NARM I want to say it once (write it) and then be done.

I received 'the call' last Thursday. "Hello" never dreamed that the voice on the other end would be the bearer of such bad news. She really could have been nicer about it all, but then we are always upset with the one bearing the bad news. "I just want to tell you we are returning your application." silence. Ahhhh, "could you tell my why?" So I was told that I had several errors, I had two duplicating client codes (my bad) and I had left one area on the application blank. What is funny, well, not really, is that I had asked my friend Lynnette about this and she took out her application and she had left it blank too. She was NOT audited for this and took her test a year ago August. Oh well, 'Lucky me'. I sobbed like a baby, I was devastated, disappointed, shocked and every other adjective of the like.
I do not understand it all, I am responsible for the two duplicate client codes, thought I had checked them all well. Oh yes, they were not pleased with the paper work from Belize, I am working that out, which will require some more signatures. I basically have to redo Three forms, signatures including and two forms from the CPM that was with me in Belize. This should all be do able, but in time for February testing or will I have to wait until August. God knows.

I was having such a hard time even sleeping, trying to work this out in my head, I feel 'ready' to test and I want this whole thing behind be so I can go on to what ever is next and we hope that next thing is Haiti. Then in all of this craziness in my head, I sent the day with our wonderful family at my sisters' wedding. I was reminded how blessed I am! Everything will work out, maybe not the way I wanted but the way God wants, and in the mean time I am so grateful to be surrounded with my family. Enjoy the pictures.

Short door tall women

Sorry I do not know how to turn photos so you will have to turn your head! This is my dearest friend Beth after working our last shift ot Mercy. We had finished out race and what a wonderful time we had!

Sunday the 9th of Sept out to lunch with Jonna

Three on a motto to Chruch

beach day

baby Ayanjay

Baby Harold

Friday Sept. 7

Maybe the women got together and decided that Friday the seventh of September was the perfect day to deliver. Twice there were two babies being born at the same time. This makes it very difficult for the supervisor to be in two different places at once. There are only 8 beds at Mercy, two of those are for postpartum. We had women everywhere. Friday was also my last double shift, so having a baby factory made the sixteen hours go faster.

Going back in time

I have not blogged in four days not because there has not been anything to blog about, I just haven't done it.
Today is Thursday and right now it is 9:00 pm. I have worked the swing shift with Beth and I am happy to report she got her first catch! I was in the next cubical with my delivery (a boy named Harold) so I did not get to see it but heard everything. Of course being Beth, she cried! So it has been a really nice shift with three babies born all with in two hours of each other. It was enough activity to keep us busy but not crazy.

Yesterday ( Wednesday) I was off because I worked Tuesday night shift. We ran to the mall to get some groceries. Beth and I wanted to treat the girls in the house to dinner because they have been so wonderful to us. WE ordered pizza and made a big veggie salad and bought ice cream. We ate upstairs on the balcony. I was great fun. The nights here cool off and the neighborhood streets become filled with children and adults playing basket ball or just hanging out.
After dinner Beth and I went with Laura (a student) to DMC to check on a patient that I had labor sat Tuesday night and Laura had cared for after shift change. They ended up transporting her because of fetal distress. I knew the baby was in a poster position but the lady would not cooperate with anything we asked her to do to help the baby rotate. Laura said she continued to act that way after shift change. We got to DMC and went into the postpartum ward. This is where it becomes difficult to write. How to give words to a sight so disturbing. One hundred and fifty beds pushed together. No dividers not even curtains. Evey women brought her own sheet and the family was responsible for her food. The mattresses looked very old and worn out. There were fans running but it was stifling hot in there.
We began looking through the sea of women for Joanna. If a women was transported from Mercy she will usually raise her eyebrows at us and give a little nod with her head. Filipinos talk with their facial expressions, and you learn to read them well. I saw Ana, the young women I transferred because of hypertension. She was happy to see me and was very proud of her baby boy. I would love to have had more information about her birth but with the language barrier it is not easy.
We continued to look for Joanna but could not find her. Found another women who had been transferred from Mercy. It is like a refuge camp, that is what that room reminds me of. We gave up the search, but thought we would try up stars in Pediatrics to see the 'shoulder dystocia baby'
The Peds ward was no better. There were cots lining the hall with children with out even a mat to lay on. We peeked into one small room and there on the floor was our boy with his mother and father. We were ecstatic to see he had survived and looked really good. They were happy to see us (their eyes said so). We only stayed for a short chat, again language barrier. It was a very small room. with three other families, all with their sick child on a mat on the floor.
Going into DMC is a very sobering experience.

Tuesday We went to the beach. Taxi ride to the Pier, then a ferry boat ride to the island. Enjoyed being out of town for awhile, swimming, food and.. a sunburn, oh well. Worked Tuesday night. I do not remember Monday. LOL I am sure I worked.

It is now Friday 11:30am. I just came in from a 'sorry' run, nothing to be proud of but it felt good to get out. The heat is hard for this Colorado girl.

I am about done with this 'race' and the last stretch is the most difficult. I want to run this race that is set before me. I know that my Lord gave all for me, so can I not give all of me for his service? To be His hands and show his compassion is what moves me one step forward at a time. I am inspired by the group Third Day's song 'Love Song' What love has been shown to us, He gave us all. So this mountain I can climb, I will finish the race. Praise be to God.

Durian; sort of yummy but not.

Sunday continued with two more of my patients sent back home. Then Elizabeth brought in a Durian for us to try. Right before she cut it I had a women come in and she said that her pains were 10 min. apart. I did her vitals and stepped out of her cubical to try the Durian. Well, ...... It is sweet and creamy in a garlicky kind of way. Not as bad as I had imagined. I returned to my lady to find that her water had broke (mod mec stain) and she had her hand between her legs! I had her get in bed, Jonna was with me, and we called for someone to chart. The head was visible and with one push the baby girl was there! That is the way to do it!

Today (Monday) I work the clinic and then swing (2:00-10:00). Another day in Davao City at Mercy Maternity.

Shoulder Dystocia

After a slow shift on Friday (it is Sunday evening) the labor room heated up again. Some experiences are difficult to communicate. My midwife friends will have a closer understanding. That feeling when the emergency is over the baby did live, the mother is worn out her perineum is a mess and she will hurt for days from being in a McRoberts position and bruising from super pubic pressure. The baby sat five minutes on the perineum, absolute shoulder dystocia. I had read in the book about calling out seconds and found myself doing that naturally. The emergency bell was pushed to alert the midwifes that were off duty that they were needed. They were there in seconds and what an education, to watch them in action. These women have each delivered 100's to thousands of babies. We did not need to say anything we all knew, and the tension filled the cubical. Finely baby boy was out after some very extreme measures that I will not share here, and the resuscitation began. One min apgar 1. I said in Beth's ear "take this all in you do not see this often" (thank God). The baby was transported to the hospital, we hope to find out his condition. This drama was followed by two normal uneventful deliveries and I had one transport for hypertension. We have shared some nerves laughs and some tears over it all. The unity that midwifes share, I am grateful to be one of them.

IV Class!

Anderson

3:40 Tuesday morning

Hello from your tomorrow

It is Tuesday the 28th of August at 7:00 in the evening and you are just waking up or not yet, to your Tuesday. There used to be a TV show about a guy who got the morning newspaper every morning at his door, that is no big deal, but the twist is it was the next days news. He spent his day 'saving people'. Though I am 'ahead' of you I am sorry to say I do not have the scoop on any pending tragedies, and I am certainly not a hero.
I got a few hours of much needed sleep. I worked the night shift last night (your yesterday) Had another delivery this morning (your yesterday)a baby girl. Another nuchal hand. I looked at it with my mind in warp speed trying to decide the right way to rotate that arm. I am happy to announce that she has two arms both going the right direction. (there is a lunar eclipse right now) They named her...... Lady Queen. Sounds like a dog name, 'come here Lady" "good girl lady" Well any way sweet couple.
Beth and I had to go get pictures for out visa extensions. The photographer said to her "you look like your younger sister". He said nothing to me! Okay so I had been up all night and I know that I looked bad but that was just not nice.
I was thinking this morning early at about 2:00 am (remember your yesterday) that I am not home sick. I was pondering the 'why' of that . I was sure I would have had a melt down by now, but I have not. Here is why... the good and the bad of it all. The good, I have not broken up one fight, the girls in the dorm do not fight, the laboring women do not fight, sometimes they do not stop pushing when we tell them to. The bad, "stop bothering your brother" .... "stop eating in there"
"stop bouncing that ball in the house" I have not had to tell one lady to go to time out!! Really I haven't. I did send a women home from the Birth Center last night (your yesterday) because she was not in active labor. and she did not mind doing that, no back talk. The good, only four loads of laundry done so far here. The bad; four a day at home. The good, I have not cooked one meal here. The bad; at least one meal a day for six at home. The good, I have not swept one floor or vacuumed. The bad, every day doing that at home. Okay before you think I am very mean please understand that I must be on some strange vacation...I sleep on a hard bed in a dorm room (when I do sleep). I work in bloody conditions. I work in stressful conditions, "how am I going to get that baby out". But for some GOOD reason I am really enjoying it. I do look forward to seeing my boys smiles, and experiencing their hugs. Holding my grandsons. But the truth is..... I REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO DRIVING THAT CUTE JETTA DON BOUGHT! I love you Don and I do miss you.

Durian man

Did 8 initial visits this morning in clinic. I had lunch in the kitchen, enjoyed the usual; white rice and vegetables with a sauce, little fish were available but I passed on them. The fish still have the head eyes and all, how is it the gore of birth does not bother me but eating fish with the head and eyes still there does?.

Walked in to the birth center to do a postpartum visit on Tess and baby Marco (Polo). He is gaining weight and looks great. I ask Tess how much sleep she was getting and she just laughed, so it is universal that there is no sleep with a new born.

One labor came in right as I was finishing up with Tess. She delivered 20 mins later, a baby girl. second degree rip. Seeing a lot o rips and repairs. Most women work in like that, in active labor with little time to spare. So it ended up being a good shift after all.

I came back here to the dorm, got a couple hours sleep and now it is time for dinner and then I work the night shift. It's all good I am enjoying it immensely!

busy

I really will post again, I have just been real busy. Worked Friday night and had Saturday off. I got a couple hours sleep and then went to the market with Beth. Saturday evening I went to the SM mall with Jonna one of the supervisors. We had dinner and then went to a movie ($1.70) What a sweet girl! Sunday went to a coffee shop and then work where the labor jeepee showed up! 13 women went through here, we had several transports. I caught my first girl in a long time. First time mom. She named her Milky Shane, Ya that is right HA! I don't think I would want to grow up being called Milky, oh well. The night continued in craziness, but today (working the day shift) the birth center is empty. I am going to go up stairs and help with prenatal visits. I will get some pictures on here soon.

Just another day in Davao City

Got to sleep in till 7:30 today! Then Beth and I Went for our first run since arriving here. I think we only ran two miles, I have a head cold and was experiencing some vertigo. Even a short run felt good.

I called home, well really I called Don's cell because the whole family was out having dinner in honor of Mitch's 18th birthday. Thanks guys for passing the phone around so I could hear your dear voices! But why didn't I get to talk to Weseley? I think he speaks bisayn, the language spoken here, I think now when I get home I will understand what he has been trying to tell us for so long! LOL

Beth,Jean and I caught a motto to the mall where he enjoyed lunch and did some quick shopping before I had to be back for swing shift at 2:00. Ended up Beth was supposed to work too but she had forgotten ! lol She checked her schedule ant 2:30 and then ran to the birth center!

So here we sit with one lady in labor. Because this is her first child it could take awhile. Most of them women come in at 8cm or more. So to have someone labor here for much time is unusual. I work night too so I am for sure to be here when she delivers hopefully more will come in. always waiting and hoping!!!!!

Labor and birth

Alexander was born at 1:24 this afternoon. I was the blessed recipient of an amniotic fluid bath just prior to his entrance into the world. He is a very special boy because he's was the first nuchal hand delivery I have had. He was born ready to shake hands with me. We had wondered why his decent was taking so long being his mother has three other children. He took his time since his arm came down with his head. Everyone is fine, I was all wet (not good but part of the business) Of course it was a boy, that is all I deliver!

The pictures are of the l and d center. The first is the girls waiting for something to happen and the others are of the 6 cubicles for delivery divided by curtains.

Went last night with Jean to a big mall and had dinner and did some shopping. The clerks follow you around and say "you want to buy this mum?" it gets a bit irritating after awhile. "mum" "mum" "mum".......
Hi Mom and Aunt Cile and Jane if she is with you. Thanks for reading and sending me comments! Hope you are all doing well! Love you!

Transport

It is what it is. Davao Medical center. We want to be respectful of all elements of our host country. This would include the hospital we transport to. I can say I have seen worse in Haiti, but being a product of the Western World this hospital was hard to take. I felt horrible leaving Weng Weng there, even though her husband was with her. Huge room, lots of gurneys with all ages of people suffering from many different ailments. The elderly women with no teeth I thought she was smiling at me but I was not sure. Small child with an I. V. being monitored by his mother. Did I say anything about the noise? Voices echoing, babies crying, coughing.....

Weng Weng arrived at Mercy at about 6:00a. right as I came on shift. She a G2 P1 and the IE was just 4 cm. We monitored her every thirty min. At 12:00 I checked fht's again and got 80 after a contraction and 160 during. Called the supervisor. Administered oxygen and started I.V. At 12: 30 still tacky cardia 170 + Got the paper work, guard became ambulance driver and we were off. I went with her because I was her Midwife.

Don't you ever complain about the health care system in the U.S. To do so would only display your ignorance. That lump in my throat stayed with the for the ride home. This same day eighteen years ago I delivered a healthy eight pound baby boy. In a clean hospital. I am blessed. Happy Birthday Mitch miss you and love you so. Mom

Worked the day shift (6:00 -2:00) we had three deliveries. I had one catch in those three, a baby boy of course! Mom's name is Tes. She was a G6 P4. They now have two boys and two girls. One baby died and she had one miscarriage. I almost didn't make the catch. I had stepped out of the room and Joyce came running for me. These women are hard to read they deal with labor so different then American women. I had checked her and she was 8cm but showed no sign of being uncomfortable! She must have been because not too much later that baby was in my hands! Then the fun began..... retained placenta, yep I knew I would see the "fun" stuff here. Carmen the supervisor said that was the first for her in the 300 deliveries she has attended here! Everyone is fine, just some more bloody details I will not include. They named the baby Marco. The dad would say "Marco Polo" and start laughing. ??????? Okay' so I would just laugh with him, Marco Polo lol lol HA!

Vocabulary

Here are some labor and delivery vocab words, I know it is just what you wanted to know!
ihi= pee, C.R. restroom, busog = contraction, sakit = pain, dugo= blood, (board yet?) tubig = water, ginhawa = breath, there is a lot more but my favorite is.. kalibong = poop, really isn't it just easier to say poop??? I can hear Mitch now "Oh kalibong" I will save the rest for later.

Beth and I worked together yesterday swing and night, 16 hours. Four babies born during that time, all straight forward (no pun intended) no big deal. We have today off to recoup, do laundry and what every else we want, I think that will include going to eat this evening. We try to get out as often as we can, it helps us to feel more a part of the culture. Yesterday (Saturday) we went to the annual festival and parade. I guess it was a big deal. Lots of media. We were pounced on by the media wanting to interview us live on TV, how strange is that. At first we were 'no that's okay ' but they were persistent and I thought 'oh why not'. Seize the day! When would I ever have that opportunity again?? After the interview we were lead into a media only viewing section to watch the dance troups compete. We had been trying to get a view of this but because of the massive crowd we could only hear the drums. The special viewing area was worth the few moments of national embarrassment, What a show!!!!! so amazing! The pictures just don't do it justice, try to hear the numerous drums pounding out the dancing rhythm, fantastic! After our moment of fame Beth and I hailed a cab and got back to work.

It is Saturday morning Beth worked the night shift and I worked yesterday swing (2-4:00) We took motto's out to a coffee shop that has reliable Internet and got some breakfast. It is great to get out even with the lack of sleep, finally my head has quit spinning and I am feeling more "normal" not saying I am normal! There is a big festival and parade today that we will check out and then we both work swing and night! Sleep? who needs it.

Interesting fact, they serve Durian drinks here at the coffee shop! Haven't tried the Durian yet but I will before I leave just so I can say I did.

Had my first assist yesterday, a baby BOY of course. Birth center has been slow only a couple births a day. The interns really work a lot of hours just so we are sure to get the experience we are wanting. Very different routine here, not real in pressed with the use of universal precautions or lack there of! The women that delivered yesterday that I was in on, had tested positive for uti and std's, this is difficult for me to get beyond but I will in time. I wash my hands a lot and double glove. They do not use masks or protective eye wear, good thing I wear glasses. I am always thinking about how it would work in Haiti, definitely would use more pro cations, I know that you loose that "personal touch" but we have to protect .ourselves
Getting ready to leave here, back to the dorm and then to the festival.

Dorm (home)

Prenatal Clinic