When I
perform a delivery, I employ certain ingrained maneuvers that result in the
baby lying along my left arm cradled against my side. Similar to how a running
back holds a football. It keeps my right hand free for other things and
provides a stable platform for the newborn.
That is not
how it’s done here! Here there are no gowns to cover ones arms and clothes. And
yes, those babies are messy and slippery when they’re born. Gowns are not
really an option. Paper ones would be too expensive, and disposing of them
would be a problem. Cloth gowns aren’t feasible as nearly everything is washed
by hand. Here the midwife wears a standard pair of gloves and a long rubber
apron over her pristine white dress. The maneuvers she uses result in the
newborn hanging upside down by its feet, clear of her body and the apron. When
the cord is clamped and cut a second nurse takes the baby to a nearby sink to
wash and dress it. No one gets messy and no one gets dropped! Just another
example of adapting to the circumstances and getting by with less.
Hi Carol, my first instinct after reading your post was to research biodegradable surgical gowns, compostable surgical gowns. Find out how to raise funds in order to provide the hospital with paper gowns. The truth is that their, now your, system works. The old adage came to mind, "You don't miss what you don't have." Stay well. You're in our prayers. We look forward to your next post. - DeDe and Stuart
ReplyDeleteFascinating tale of maneuvers, Carol. When I worked at the World Bank, the lead public health specialist was a Swedish doctor. She pointed out that the US is so unusual in the world at large in having so few midwives, especially when they can be so effective.
ReplyDeleteThe conditions of your hospital there remind me of an AIDS hospital I once visited in Ethiopia. Related question: Where do mothers in Douala go if they need PMTCT treatment?
Be well. Looking forward to your next post.--Laura