I'm 10 weeks into a placement block, I'm exhausted, mentally, emotionally and physically. The very last thing on my mind is my housework, my hair, my eyebrows, clothes - even taking pretty pictures. I have been scraping by on instagram with photos I took a month ago, or simply not posting...
I LOVE niaminicide in skincare, for anyone who suffers with adult acne or spot prone skin I would highly recommend adding some into your routine. Expecially now that my much loved brand Dermalogica has extended their range to encorporate Niaminicide to their line up.
I was so happy to try out these, they are right up my street, and something I would have looked to purchase myself. So of course I was thrilled when Dermalogica sent these across for me.
At last, feel as if I belong there, amongst my classmates. My hard work proving my place - that it isn't simply luck. This month has been full of incredible moments too, The Student Midwifery Conference was a definite high point. Meeting other Scottish student midwives was incredible, hearing their journeys and learning more than I ever thought possible in a day. We heard from some truly inspiring people about difficult topics within midwifery, and the part we all can play in improving care. we discussed: Trauma and PTSD in Labour, The Science of Human Connection, Pregnancy within the Criminal Justice System, The Impact of CSA in Pregnancy, FGM, Teen Pregnancy. It was really interesting.. and I had such a lovely time catching up with my Midwifery friends too!
We also took part in the Midwifery Insight Day for potential 2020 applicants, that was fun, answering questions and hoping to give some reality/inspiration to joining the course. Was lovely catching up with all the lecturers too!
T R I A G E / D A Y A S S E S S M E N T
My shortest placement was at Day Assessment, seeing high-risk women and appointments with their doctors. Highlights included seeing a successful ECV, where they turn the baby from breech (bum first) to cephalic (head first), I also saw a twin scan on new equipment, it was SO clear. The heart looked incredible on the scan, to see our learning from uni on a real baby in utero was incredible - the doctors were kind enough to facilitate this too, makes learning so much easier when the people around you are keen to help.
The triage phone was fun, as someone who has worked in a call centre for 11 years the phone is comfortable to me - taking details and listening to their call, I enjoyed the process.
The true highlight of Triage was my mentor though, she was incredible. So kind, so patient, so caring. She really knew how to encourage in the best way. I did two vaginal examinations in triage with her - and having someone really push you in the right direction was incredible. She was a good giggle too, I was sad to only have the two weeks with her by the end, I feel like she could have taught me far more in a few more short weeks.
C O M M U N I T Y
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed community placements. My mentor in this community placement is so lovely too, she is fun, kind, sweet. She also trusts you to go just beyond your comfort zone and pushes and helps you where appropriate - the best kind of teacher. Since starting with her my confidence with obtaining bloods has skyrocketed along with my confidence in assessing the baby's engagement.
I've also gained more experience with postnatal home visits and complications. My favourite aspect of community though is the Antenatal appointments, I love getting to know women and their families, building that relationship and trust with women through continuity is so lovely.
I've had two more births this month, taking my number to twelve. The first was a home birth - opening my eyes to that world, seeing the logistics of it alongside the role midwives play in a home setting. I must say I am undecided if I enjoy them as much as I thought I would - but I will reserve judgement for further experience.
The second birth was incredible. In a Midwifery Led Unit, the experience is just different. My mentor left me to catch, the baby came out tangled up within the cord, I shakily detangled and placed the baby up onto the mum's chest. It was perfect.
I have created an Instagram especially for my Midwifery Journey, you can follow it here, or search @Midwife_Erin on Instagram :)
I attend Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, studying Bachelor of Midwifery, you can apply or find out more here:
COMMENTS: I LOVE receiving comments, and I read every single one. I really am SO grateful for every comment you leave on my blog, but commenting "Thanks!" for every comment seems false to me. So, instead please consider the "Thanks" as a given, and if you have any questions or comments I will answer ASAP. Instead of replying to all comments, I will check out your content instead, after all, this is a community. So please feel free to leave your own link as a signature!
*This Post Contains Gifted Items and Affiliated Links
Is is July already? Almost...
I feel like I have slept this month away. And I'm not mad about it. All I can think about is how tired I am, so it makes sense the blog has had a back seat this mont...ooops. But here is everything I have loved this month.
I feel we are all now trying to reduce the amount of plastic we are using, for good reasons too. Some changes I had made years ago, others are new. But I thought I would talk through the bits I have been loving - and why I am enjoying them way more than their disposable counterparts.
I will place links where I can, but overall they have all saved me money changing over too.
