Back when I was still in training I delivered my first baby, was damn glad to still have my trainer hanging out over my shoulder for that.
It was almost a perfectly by the book, no complications delivery
Except that they had their doula on another line giving competing instructions to me.
In general unless there are complications, our instructions are pretty much the classic birth position, woman on her back, knees bent, legs spread
And the doula had her on all fours, which is something we instruct for certain complications
But again, everything they were telling me was that there were no complications.
So eventually I basically had to say something like “our instructions are to have her on her back, I can’t make you listen to me, but I have to give these instructions, so I’m going to proceed as if she’s on her back”
Phrased maybe a bit more diplomatically
I have no idea what position she was actually in when the baby finally popped out, but he was healthy, so that’s all that matters I suppose.
And they made me do a photo op with the parents and baby. I don’t like babies. Not much of a fan of having my picture taken either. Not my favorite day at work. I’d rather take a call for a shooting. No one makes you take a picture with a shooting victim.
The primary reason for birthing on one’s back has been often cited as due to it being more accessible for the medical staff. The doula’s job is to make it more comfortable for the woman, which happens to contradict your training that prioritizes the comfort of the medical staff.
I’m not saying you were wrong for following your training, I get that and appreciate that the job is diffcult, just wanted to offer an explanation for what would’ve been a frustrating situation for you.
I work in 911 dispatch
Back when I was still in training I delivered my first baby, was damn glad to still have my trainer hanging out over my shoulder for that.
It was almost a perfectly by the book, no complications delivery
Except that they had their doula on another line giving competing instructions to me.
In general unless there are complications, our instructions are pretty much the classic birth position, woman on her back, knees bent, legs spread
And the doula had her on all fours, which is something we instruct for certain complications
But again, everything they were telling me was that there were no complications.
So eventually I basically had to say something like “our instructions are to have her on her back, I can’t make you listen to me, but I have to give these instructions, so I’m going to proceed as if she’s on her back”
Phrased maybe a bit more diplomatically
I have no idea what position she was actually in when the baby finally popped out, but he was healthy, so that’s all that matters I suppose.
And they made me do a photo op with the parents and baby. I don’t like babies. Not much of a fan of having my picture taken either. Not my favorite day at work. I’d rather take a call for a shooting. No one makes you take a picture with a shooting victim.
The primary reason for birthing on one’s back has been often cited as due to it being more accessible for the medical staff. The doula’s job is to make it more comfortable for the woman, which happens to contradict your training that prioritizes the comfort of the medical staff.
I’m not saying you were wrong for following your training, I get that and appreciate that the job is diffcult, just wanted to offer an explanation for what would’ve been a frustrating situation for you.
I thought down on all fours was the more natural and preferred position? Not sure it’s practiced, my rug rate children came out with mom on her back.
I’ve been privileged to be primary medic on 2 field deliveries. Text book. Happy shift afterward.