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Having had a better nights sleep and a bit of a lie in we set out for Kibuli hospital again. Guess what we took another wrong turn on the way, in another direction, but made it eventually! Bit apprehensive today as on our own without Jean but hoping for some deliveries and met by lots of smiley docs and midwives :-) We had not been there long when we were called to the antenatal ward where a woman was pushing, she was taken to the labour ward and we witnessed the birth of our first Ugandan baby!! Although very different practices were observed, nothing can deter from the privilege of witnessing the miracle of birth!!! Meanwhile another very vocal lady was labouring inches away- it was amazing to see the instinctive behaviours and coping mechanisms without the option of pain relief. However, slow progress was recognised and an obstructed labour was diagnosed, so off to theatre we went! The only way to describe the theatre is basic- and that is an understatement! No anaesthetic machine (BP was taken manually twice and anaesthetist chatted on his mobile for most of the procedure), no resuscitaire although someone did bring in a nasal canula!!! Again very different practice observed, after a very slow start in theatre a beautiful baby boy was delivered in good condition. Was interesting to see the uterus being sutured outside of the abdomen - we all had a good view!Home to rest and sunbathe, weather today is beautiful!Met up with Dianne again this afternoon to visit her friends who live in the poorer area of Kampala in the slums. The people we met, again were very friendly and although they have very little they made us feel very welcome, offering us food and juice. Some of the women are very talented and we found out about their skills in making jewellery and bags. The children were all adordable, they were all so excited to see us, wanting to be picked up and to hold our hands. There was a real sense of community and genuine caring for each other. Many families have experienced such horrendous times and conditions. Recently, with the heavy rains in Uganda many have seen their homes washed away. A fabulous day had by all.
- comments
Louise Sayer very interesting Rachel, Sounds like it is an amazing experience. Ill look forward to reading the rest of your blogs x
Jane Sounds amazing, girls!! Just aswell your skills are better in midwifery than they are in map-reading!!
Faye Wow sounds fab :) loved the theatre scrubs btw!
Graham Two things I've learnt after reading this post: 1. What resuscitaire means (thanks google!) 2. That I don't have went to have *MY* anaesthetist chatting on the phone! Glad you are all having a good time!
Karen Am loving reading your updates girls. x
Katrina :) Sounds like such an amazing experience. Can't wait to see the pictures when you get back. Missing you Stacy x
Diana Lovely to read about the amazing experiences you are having, its sounds like you are all having a great time, cant wait till you come home and tell us more.Jamie, Sammy and of course me send all our love Stacy and miss you. xxx
Diana, Samantha and Jamie Congratulations Stacy on your fantastic news, we are all very proud of you x We all miss and love you lots xxxx Congratulations to Rachel and Sam too xx
sheila francis Hi Rachel, your mum kindly forward the link to me... brilliant work you are all doing, makes me sorta proud to know you! Now I can share your experiences daily. Keep up the good work, keep safe x