I'm a birth fanatic. I love it. I am a major breastfeeding proponent and do plan on being IBCLC eventually. Had two kids of my own; helped out with two home births... this is my passion, no doubt. I was SO PSYCHED to do my OB rotation. Now, half way through the rotation I am feeling completely underwhelmed. 95% of the nurses at my site (Connecticut) sit at the station and watch the fetal monitors. Go in, check on the patient, return to cushy chair in front of monitor. BS with doctors, eat copious amounts of junk food, laugh about someone's hairy nipples. That other 5%? I haven't seen them yet, but I'm truly hoping they exist!
I had visions of educating and empowering patients during their labor. Suggesting positions, rubbing feet, telling her she is the most awesome woman ever and she can do this even if it is hard. And now I'm so disappointed. I have yet to even see one do a vag exam... they let the ob/cnm do them. I have yet to see anyone's second stage in a position that doesn't involve holding a leg and having them sit there. Was I completely naive? Is this L&D? Please tell me it's just this hospital!
I did have one good day of helping a mom go from "I give up, give her a bottle!" to breastfeeding like champ... which was nice since the RNs here regurgitate the breast is best mantra but have a bottle in the kid's mouth before they even finish the sentence.