The Passion Continues to Grow
So far in this process the most fearful event for me was the neonatal resuscitation program. In order to be a birth assistant I had to become NRP certified. I had heard more than once how challenging the online testing could be and more than the fear of failing a test, but the fear of actually having to be responsible and utilize my NRP skills! I knew once I completed the training for neonatal resuscitation I could possibly end up in a situation where I would have to utilize this knowledge and sometimes ignorance is bliss!
I read the entire neonatal text book cover to cover and prepared myself for the online testing as best I could. I passed both tests (one of them just by a hair) and the e-simulation was quite interesting and challenging as well. The feeling of pride was immense when I was completed after spending an entire Sunday testing, and weeks reading, I had learned so much and was ready for the in-person training.
The class was different than I expected and in a good way. The instructor, Karen, has so much passion for natural birth and proper resuscitation you couldn’t not feel her passion within yourself. I know she wants everyone who will listen, to gain knowledge on what she has learned over the years when it comes to a better birth experience not only for the mother but for the baby itself!
To practice breathing into mannequin baby is nothing like it will be in real life but now I know I will be prepared. If I ever have to witness a resuscitation I will have the knowledge to keep the parents calm and tell them exactly what is happening. Just knowing what is happening will be so powerful for myself as a doula and an assistant. Though I hope to never have to use it, if the time does come I will now be prepared and I know without a doubt that knowledge will be much better than ignorance! The weeks I spent on this process have increased my knowledge, confidence and passion within myself to continue on this journey to dedicating my life to birth work.
With more to come…
Brooke Elizabeth
