akmama75

thank you all so much for the quick responses to my question! The pt is still here so I will share all of this info with her. What an amazing resource this website is! Thanks again!:redbeathe

Does anyone have any tips, advice, info re: delayed lactogenesis due to postpartum hemorrage? The pt I have tonight lost close to 4 liters last night following delivery. She is doing fine now, after 8 L of fluid and 5 units of PRBC's. She is very concerned about breastfeeding as one of the RN's last night told her she may not lactate at all because of the hemorrage. I only have a couple yrs of experience in OB and have not had any pp hemorrage's to this extent. I looked for info online and in a couple books but didn't find much that definatively tied delayed or lack of lactogenesis to hemorrage. If you have any info I would love to hear it. Thank you!

I too lean more towards the 'natural' aspects of birth and had two wonderful home births. But I LOVE my job as an OB nurse. There are times that I feel like there are too many interventions. However, I think that as a pt advocate I am able to do my best to help them have the birth they are hoping for. Because of my experiences and my beliefs I tend to feel more comfortable with pt's wanting a natural birth than some of my co-workers. For some people it is hard to understand why anyone would put themselves through pain if getting an epidural is available, not too mention that in nursing school we are taught to be on top of pain control. So I think there are RN's who prefer to work with patients with epidurals. I love the challenge of getting someone through a natural as well as the bonding that happens while you provide intense support to these patients. So I think there can possibly be a niche for someone who enjoys natural birth. However, it is SO important to respect the pt's that choose otherwise, and, like a few other posts mentioned, if it seems like it would be hard to put your own opinions to the side, maybe it is not the place for you. The other big bit of info to have is what the stats are for inductions, c-sections, epidurals etc at prospective hospitals. If natural births are very few and far between it may not be the place for you. For me, I have felt like I found my calling in the OB dept acting not only as a pt advocate but also as a natural birth advocate and a bridge for pt's that may be transferring from our local birth center (run by direct-entry midwives and CNM's) to the hospital. I hope that helps! Good luck!

Thank you so much for the information, I can't wait to look into it! I do speak spanish and my husband and kids speak/understand a little. My spanish is enough for conversations anyway, grammer and med terminology needs some work though. Again, thank you!

THis years conference is June 12-16, with additional pre/post conference days. It is in Nashville. Can't wait to see the sun!! SHould be good, this will be the first time I've gone, really looking forward to it.

So it seems like there was some negative response to my post re: the birthing ball policy. I was trying to help the person requesting a policy. I too, think the policy is sort of ridiculous. Honestly, I didn't even know know we had a policy until last night. If someone would like a policy for their unit, I guess that is their perogative, but it does seem like it is overkill to have a policy.... Also someone asked about the stabilizer for it. It doesn't restrict any movement, more than anything it just keeps the ball from rolling away when not in use.

I am planning to go and am super excited. There is no harm is learning more. It is expensive but it is also another thing to add to your resume when applying to an OB unit. I think there is going to be a ton of great info there!

Okay, so reading this policy did get a few laughs, but apparently we DO have a policy. Pretty much common sense. I agree with the other posts though, what next??!! Good luck to you. :) PURPOSE: The Birthing Ball can be used to ease the discomfort of the laboring woman. It may facilitate labor progress and descent of the fetus by relaxing and stretching the pelvic muscles. POLICY: A. The Birthing Ball will be used only during the first stage of labor. B. Patient and support person will be taught proper use of ball prior to its use. C. The ball will NOT be used by women who have epidural, intrathecal, or spinal anesthesia. Additionally, the ball should not be used by women who are heavily medicated or are unable to stand without support. D. The laboring woman should not be left unattended while on the birthing ball. E. Document use of the birthing ball in labor record. PROCEDURE: A. Explain the purpose and use of Birthing Ball to patients during early labor. B. When patient is unable to ambulate due to monitoring needs, suggest sitting on the Birthing Ball as an optional comfort measure. C. Bring Birthing Ball to room, cover with sheet, blue pad or towel, and position for safety: C.1. Ball should always be on the floor and always set into black plastic stabilizing ring. C.2. Position ball against a wall or at end of birth bed so patient can hold mattress bar for stability. C.3. A support person should stand or be seated on a stool or chair (without wheels) near patient to help her balance. D. Move patient to birthing bed or birthing stool prior to her beginning to push. E. Ball will be wiped down with hospital disinfecting agent after each use.

Hello, I am hoping to take my family to Central America in about 2 yrs. I am looking for a volunteer program that would allow me to use my nursing skills (mostly obstetrics) while my family and I are immersed in the culture. Ideally we could live with a family, the kids could go to school, or at least take spanish classes. My husband could also lend a hand wherever needed. Our kids will be 6 and 10 yrs old at that point. We will be on a budget but hopefully could trade volunteer time for room and board. We are thinking 3 months or so. Thank you so much for any leads!