midwife's muse

I don't know if anyone out there reads Chippy's blog, but Beachutman left me a message yesterday to request I pass on the news that Chippy has some problems, very sad.

In a previous post I talked about a woman in my caseload who has issues with virtually everyone involved in her care during her last pregnancy. I declined to go over her notes with her as I was unsure about how neutral I could be, but from the 'details' she reported to me I was intrigued, concerned, and downright nosey as to what had happened. Anyway, yesterday I pulled the relevant notes and went through them. It is amazing how different they are from the catalogue of issues she has with the care. I'm so pleased I opted not to debrief her, I would have real problems with reconciling the facts set down in the notes, by several different, unconnected caregivers, with the complaints she has. This is often the case though, and it is a matter of perspective, add the fact that analgesics are involved, relentless contractions and exhaustion and you have a recipe for a resentment aimed at anyone connected with the pregnancy, labour and birth. It is enough though that she has issues from that experience which are colouring her attitude this time. Yes, to me this is a 'nightmare' in which, at present I am innocent, but I know that one wrong look or comment could stir up a hornets nest. I feel as if I'm treading on very thin ice. I just hope we both manage to get happily through the next 14 weeks and she finds it a better experience. 

7.11.06 10:36