[Abishag]

I am currently waiting to begin NS to become an RN and my main interest is L&D.

I'm just curious if its frustrating for those of you that have to deliver at the hospital and have your hands tied on how "natural" you can let the patient be with labor/delivery. Is it something you fight with daily or do you have to learn to give up a little of yourself and/or feelings toward labor/delivery?

I want to work in L&D but not sure if it would make me angry?? I noticed a thread a few weeks back about OB nurses that knew the doctors would "fudge" cervical measurements because they wanted to section and get home. I was appalled to say the least.

How do you do it? I would love to be able to help a mother as a doula would during L&D but know there are lines. How much can an RN go to bat for her patient? How much influence would I have on the labor? (plus be able to do all my other duties) I'm almost wondering if I would enjoy L&D or if I should consider another field??

[mommy2boysaz]

I've been in L&D for almost 11 years now and am in school to become a CNM. I think the experience I've had has been a blessing. I have seen many examples of the kind of thing you mentioned. Docs encouraging inductions, sections, epidurals for their own convenience, not for the best interest of the patients.
I've also seen beautiful, wonderful births where women were permitted to choose the path that their labors took.
I've seen the end results of both: babies that required NICU care because of an elective 37 week induction, happy, relieved moms who had healthy babies after both vaginal or necessary Cesarean deliveries.
Without all of these experiences to draw from, I don't think I would know for certain how I wanted to practice as a CNM. Kind of like, you're never as happy as you are AFTER you've experienced unhappiness.

Now, having said all of that, there are definite frustrations to the job.
I was becoming quite tired of my job and the frustrations until I took the step to start midwifery school. Now I just keep in mind that in the near future, I WILL be able to make a difference. For now, I just try to keep in mind that I can influence the experiences of these women in a positive or negative way. I can be attentive to them in labor, encourage them, and affirm them. I can do all that is within my power at this point, to give them wonderful memories of this special time. Eventually, I will have even more power to help them through, but for now, I think I still have plenty to offer and that is still a good feeling.

We need more nurses in L&D who share these beliefs and are willing to give of ourselves for our patients.
I wish you luck with your decision!


Britte