Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Miracle of Life

This has been a week of ups and downs at the hospital. Things started out dark. I saw a baby almost die from anesthesia problems on the operating table. Struggling to get the intubation tube inserted in the tiny airway of the baby who’s already paralyzed by the anesthesia, the anesthesiologist called for help, “Haraka, Haraka!” (Hurry, Hurry). Monitors start to beep as the baby’s blood oxygen saturation drops from a healthy 98 down, down, down, until it’s struggling to stay at 5. Blue lips remain quiet instead of struggling for air. As the assistant, I held the button for the emergency oxygen pressed. The doctor massaged the baby’s chest, trying to push in some life. The room is silent for the beeping alerting us of the dire situation, as everyone waits for the baby to respond. Finally, there’s a gasp for air. The oxygen saturation rates start to climb. Relief floods the room. I look down and see that my thumb had turned white from pressing the oxygen button so hard.

The rest of the week was far brighter. I moved to the maternity ward and have gotten to see two babies be born so far! The first birth happened 15 minutes after I entered the ward on my first day—quite the welcoming experience. Seeing the new life emerge and hearing the little boy’s first cry I almost began to cry myself; this is what a miracle looks like. My third day on the ward, things got even more exciting… I delivered a baby! I applied counter pressure, gave an encouraging “Sukuma, Mami!” (Push!), grabbed that cute little head, pulled out each shoulder and caught the infant. It was a healthy baby boy, weighing in at just under 6 pounds. Taking part in this experience was easily one of the most gratifying and life-changing things I’ve ever done— I ushered a new soul into this world.

This week reaffirms my decision that I’m interested in being a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse after I graduate before I go get my Master’s in Public Health. Nothin’ like the miracle of life.

The baby I delivered


A preemie I've been taking care of

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