Here's my Christmas wish list for the clients I serve and myself.
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• See through bellies so there's no need for ultrasound to determine baby's position if palpation doesn't make it clear
• Self cleaning homes, both for clients and myself
• paid parental leave with no exceptions
• more lactation consultants
• better collaboration between midwives and OBs
• easy, efficient births for clients
• lots of support for clients in the postpartum period. This could be doing laundry, bringing meals, watching baby while Mom takes a shower etc.
• A chef to make healthy, tasty meals on the days I'm recovering from attending a birth, or very busy with appointments.
• massaging seats in cars
• self driving cars so I can take a nap if I'm coming home after a long birth (this may be a viable reality soon).

​One day I hope some of the things on my wish list are reality like paid parental leave with no exceptions and massaging seats in cars.  

​Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's December which means the year is coming to a close. This year has been a journey, just like the years before. I like to sit back and reflect on what the year has brought and what changes have come as a result. I decided this year I want to share the changes in my practice I've implemented as I continue to learn and grow as a midwife..

I created two new informed consents, one for ultraound, and one for hospital transfers. After hearing about a birth experience a midwife who practices in a different region had, I decided I needed an ultrasound informed consent to explain the risks and benefits of ultrasound. Having clearly spelled out information about what to expect in a transfer, what I do, and what my assistant does, makes transfers smoother and less stressful when they do happen.

I purchased ultrasound equipment and completed a course to gain a basic understanding of how to do ultrasound. I wanted to be able to do a quick check to confirm if baby is head down when I was unsure from palpating. I am not a sonographer, so I am not doing any other evaluations or assessments with ultrasound. If we need or want more information, I refer clients to a sonographer.

I have totally revamped how I chart. I feel more comfortable with my new charting. It gives a clearer picture of what was covered and discussed during prenatals, and it helps with being consistent with the care I offer clients during prenatals.

I now have multiple blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and pulse-ox sensors so I don't have to remember to shift them from bag to bag, or use them in my office.  It's nice to know my bags are always ready and I will always have access to equipment I need wherever I'm at while doing midwifery work.

I am doing more initial prenatal labs. I now check thyroid levels, Hemoglobin A1c and Vitamin D levels.  Thyroid function can impact pregnancy if it is outside of normal ranges. Hemoglobin A1c gives a picture of what blood sugar levels have been in the past 90 days. This is helpful for evaluating if we want to do gestational diabetes testing or blood sugar tracking. Vitamin D is essential for both baby and Mom during pregnancy. I was surprised when I began checking Vitamin D levels that over 90% of clients were deficient.  

I have made all these changes and additions to how I provide care to help clients have the healthiest, most amazing pregnancy possible. These changes help me in providing better and more consistent care as well as making life a little smoother for me as a midwife.  
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