Last night I saw a vaginal birth for the first time since my own. I don't remember much of my own birth. I've been told that it was messy and painful. Apparently, that much hasn't changed.
I didn't have much to do. With an attending physician, a resident, a nurse and a few family members, my responsibilities comprised staying out of the way and not adding to the confusion. Toward the end, I did become more actively involved when I wiped some blood from the resident's face and helped her suture a small laceration. You might call them baby steps of doctoring (no pun intended).
I also spoke with a midwife about the difference between a midwife and a doula. She seemed a little surprised that I even knew the word "doula." She offered a concise explanation that seemed to also say "Silly med student, shouldn't you be studying biochemistry?" I smiled and walked away before she gave me a pat on the head.
I didn't have much to do. With an attending physician, a resident, a nurse and a few family members, my responsibilities comprised staying out of the way and not adding to the confusion. Toward the end, I did become more actively involved when I wiped some blood from the resident's face and helped her suture a small laceration. You might call them baby steps of doctoring (no pun intended).
I also spoke with a midwife about the difference between a midwife and a doula. She seemed a little surprised that I even knew the word "doula." She offered a concise explanation that seemed to also say "Silly med student, shouldn't you be studying biochemistry?" I smiled and walked away before she gave me a pat on the head.