I tried to get that toothless grin outta her, but it just wasn't happening |
Between her strong contractions she sipped on hot tea... (okay... so maybe it doesn't hurt as bad) Finally, the pain hinted to her to recline back and prepare to welcome her next child. I quickly prepared her oxytocin for her intramuscular injection after the birth, as I knew that once the baby was ready it was practically going to Rollerblade out. I sliced my finger open on an a glass ampule of medication and just as I saw the head coming my thumb leaked out a significant amount of blood.
No time to bandage it, shoot.
I put on a pair of non-sterile gloves, and somehow managed to quickly slip on two pairs of tight, sterile gloves over my injured hand...in just enough time to welcome baby Abigail with one, brilliant push into the world.
Baby let out an immediate cry, and I knew she was going to be okay. No resuscitation needed today. Salima and I both laughed as she rubbed her new little one on her back.
"Wakiume? Wakike?" she asked me.
and I lifted her daughter off her tummy for her to see the gender.
"wakike," we both said as we looked between her legs with a laugh.
I wondered how many of those she already had, but knew there was no sense in even trying to ask because of our language barrier.
Abigail continued to whimper and mama just shushed her with a proud glow on her face. I silently whimpered along thinking about my throbbing thumb that was filling my first glove with my own blood. Never a dull moment around here, even if the delivery is "normal"
It was a good day. And every so often, they just are. Period
she might look like she doesn't love me or want me to take the photo, but I am pretty sure she's just never had her picture taken before. We were buds. |
enjoying some porridge after her delivery. girls gotta eat. |
cry, baby Abigail! |
This mama, is 15 and was laboring just across from Salima. What a stark contrast to what I was working with. Reality. |
You are having such incrediable experiences I so admire you and what you are doing. We have never met but I grew up with your Mom, and you know my son Jeremy Mason who spent time with your family the summer between his Junior and Senior year of college.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a great post, Laura! That woman was indeed amazing! I loved how she just looked at the other screaming women in the room with a "seriously-get-yourself-together"-look in her eyes, as she quietly endured her own pain :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was great getting to know you a bit, Laura! Hope you are having a great week!