Postnatal bliss
I have only been a patient in hospital a handful of times, mostly in the maternity ward. I remember the first time I gave birth; wrapped up in post-natal euphoria, I said to the midwife, “You have the best job in the world.” And I meant it. To be on the front line of care; to see women in their most raw and vulnerable state, and to assist them through an often traumatic experience, is a great privilege.
But they also have a stressful job. In a delivery suite, midwives witnesses pain, heartache, joy and grief daily. They play such an important role in the birthing experience. During an eight-hour shift, they have the capacity to alleviate pain and discomfort, to connect emotionally with a patient and to impart compassion and significantly influence a patient’s experience….
