My ex partner and midwife extraordinaire returned to Sierra Leone last month ( after a short home break ).
Tonight I wanted to lament the woes of returning to 10 days on call 24/7, until I read her e mail . Of all the mails in two years , this one truly made me feel helpless and extremely grateful at the same time . I will ask her permission to add it .
Dealing with maternal deaths and stillborns on a daily basis, due to lack of equipment and skilled staff , will affect a midwife forever . Add to that, the disdain from indeginous medical staff , who should be working as a team and the extreme disadvantage the population are at , and you have extremely stressfull circumstances.
My exceptionally strong Katie - I salute you ! You are a shining light ♥
Oh my goodness... I can't even begin to imagine, but have heard stories. Two of my cousins have done medical assistance in certain parts of Africa, and their stories can be just as heartbreaking as they can be uplifting. I'd love to join you in that salute, because it takes a special person to make that her life's path. Much respect and love.
With all the good antenatal care and diagnostics available to us, it is sobering to think that in some places, childbirth is still one of the most dangerous journeys a women can undertake. A salute to Katie and all of the "Katie's" who try to make a difference.
good luck with your on-call hours, you are a true champion too