Midwifery Edjimication

Today is day 8 away from Fairvilla, and day 7 of 14 in Hyden, Kentucky. Its been one learning experience after another for this group of 7 women, away from family and friends. We have definitely bonded well as a group, not without the help of a little chocolate and margaritas (for those who are alcoholly inclined). But back to the learning...The things I’ve learned so far: the complete head-to-toe physical assessment (and I mean complete), assessment of a newborn, how to deal with postpartum depression, how to estimate blood loss in a postpartum hemorrhage (that was the jello demonstration), and that pretty much every food you like to eat is contaminated with toxic materials. Things that aren’t such a good idea to eat: fish, red meat (ouch!), chicken, vegetables, cheese, milk, butter and ice cream! So, I’ve decided that my diet from here on out will consist of water (but only bottled water and not in plastic bottles), and…well, I’m not really sure what else will be safe. Oh yeah, and pesticides are used a lot in cotton, so now I’ll be naked drinking water. Innocence sure was bliss. We’ve still got lots left to learn in the last week, climaxing with our women's health exams next week. Don’t you all wish you were here? I miss you muchly! See most of you in Chicago, and Sara, I'll see you on your wedding day!