Catch #31

Grab a hanky or a tissue and take a seat.  This is a precious story, that, well, it almost brought me to tears, but it definitely touched my heart deeper than any other birth!

Yesterday my shift was swing, from 2-10pm.  It was quiet except for one girls continuity patient (cont).  Then, just before 2:00 a labor walked in reporting BOW rupture at 12:30pm.  She was checked in by day shift and endorsed to us on swing.  I was first up!

Upon reviewing her chart there were two things that stood out.  The first was that an ultrasound had been requested back in March, but no report made and no copy of the ultrasound was anywhere to be found in her chart.  Second was that since her second visit (of five visits) her fundal height had not matched her gestational age (GA) by anywhere from 5-7 cm.  Quite odd.  So, i just asked, "Gang, Na'ay ang ultrasound?"  "Oo." (yes) was the reply.  Oh, "Can i have it?"  This was, hopefully a good sign, except nothing was really going for her.

She was already BOW rup, thus on a 12 hour time limit before we would be required to transport...she was only 2cm and a G1 (her first baby).  She was 70% effaced though, so that was in her favor.  Not in her favor, either was the continued discrepancy between current gestational age of 39 weeks and fundal height of 34cm.  Hmmm.  My gut was feeling a transport.

According to LMP (Last Menstruation) she was 39 weeks, according to the ultrasound she was 36 weeks.  Hmmm....  Normally we transport, unless they are 37 weeks.  We had a little problem though, we had made a little intervention.  Castor Oil.  This can help labor progress well and because she was 39 weeks and BOW Rup, this was good management.

So, my supervisor continued to struggle with the best choice.  We will give better care, but if the baby really is little, then we will have to transport.  Her fundal height was still small, even for 36 weeks...  still, she was stalling.  What's the best option.  At least she would see her little baby if it was born here.

She began getting active, so we prepared for birth.  Within about 20 minutes her little man was born.  Her bana had gone home at some point and was still not present, but we had a lovely time!  Her baby was sooo little.

Please pray for and welcome Robert Gabriel, 2000g (4lbs 7oz) length: 49cm

Of Clusters and Moves

Just a little update from life, apart from babies.  Though, i do love them and they are a very integral part of living here, there is much else that goes on.  Mostly, just common place, regular ol', garden variety living. So, here's sharing some of that "mundane" living with you (actually it's quite exciting to me - because Jesus, well, He prepares it for me each day!)

1. Granola with clusters.  For those of you who love granola, we all know everyone has a preference.  Some like the big clusters of oats, while some prefer individual little toasted oats covered in sugary goodness.  I am a cluster fan.  However, in making my own, it has been an almost life long pursuit to create such clustery goodness in my own kitchen.  The result has been many recipes and "tips and tricks" over the years.  Finally one who had the key to such joys...

Can you see it?  Clusters!  The secret?  Well, it wouldn't be a secret if you knew.  Just kidding!  There are two important components: No.1 there should be a mix of oats, regular and quick cooking.  The ratio of quick cooking to regular should be such that there are more quick cooking to regular.  Got it?  

No.2 Heat up the syrup (whether you are making a syrup or using pre-made) to boiling. No.3 when stirring while cooking, gently fold.  This stirring should not break up the clusters.

Mmmm.  So good.  (Thanks to my friend Krys for the secret!!)

2. "When Helping Hurts" by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.  So, i'm not really very far into the book (still need to finish the first chapter), but based on the forward and the preface, this is a GREAT book and well worth the time to read it.  It could also be easily used in a group setting.  

Thus far a favorite challenge from the book (summarized), "How do you interpret James 1:27?" It's real practical, real practical.

Sorry it's sideways...  

3. We moved!  Actually twice.  The house myself and the other volunteers have been in for the past 9 months is no longer our residence.  While those were conveniently close to the clinic, it is absolutely fantastic to be home, like away, when we are home.  Ahhh.  It's about a 20 minute walk (or 12-15 minute walk if really walking fast) or one jeepney ride.

The second move?  Two of the girls and myself are house sitting for a family who are home on furlough at the moment.  We will be here from just a month.  It is even further away from the clinic, but it's lovely to have some rest...of course, we spend a little more time in transit and do not really have the option to walk...that would take a good hour or more!  It is great thought and the neighborhood is pretty quiet.

That's our kitchen, no pics from the outside, but ya, that's the kitchen!

So, that's it.  Just a little catch up.  

Catch #30

Happy Birthday Princess Mae!  Born on May 23, 2012 at 5:30 am.  

May the Lord keep you and shine His face upon you Princess Mae and guide you through your life that you might know Him.

Catch #29

This was the only labor on night shift.  She was great.  This labor was the second in a row of having a cervical lip throughout labor, which greatly prolonged labor.  She changed positions frequently to try and alleviate the pressure from the lip.  Finally we did have to give some extra support.  About an hour and a half later her precious baby was born.

Congratulations to this proud Sibay family!!

5/16/12 @ 2:48am

Catch #28

Happy Birthday to Dhainney Rujane!!

5/13/12 at 8:53am 

2900 g (6lbs. 6oz.), 55cm long

Happy Mother's day to Rujane!  Proud momma of two and wife of one. :)  Blessings!!

WELCOME ACHILLES EDRIAN

3000g (6lbs. 10lz.)

5.8.12 at 2:24am

Congratulations to his mother Dina for her precious little boy!  

If you remember them pray for them!  She is no longer with the baby's father, but now will join the many young, single mothers.  She lives with her older sister and although she will continue to nurture this baby needs to know the goodness of GOD for her.

Shout Out!

Just wanted to alert you to a new little spot on the side bar.  Remember a post a while back about "Outland Adventure"?  Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of the founders hands, Outland has had to shut it doors.  However, there is another aspect to it and that is a consultation business started by a friend of the McNeils.  So, do check out the side bar and link!  Thanks for looking.