What are the challenges you're facing as a midwife practicing during the pandemic?
Physical distancing during clinic visits and especially during labour and delivery. It is quite the adjustment given the imitate nature and proximity when providing labour support and care.
Not having partners during the visits to minimize the exposure. We are asking them to participate virtually or on the phone instead.
Wearing PPE for prolonged periods and breathing in a mask for 12 hours or so.
How has your midwifery practice changed since the pandemic?
Clinic visits schedule, appointments are less frequent now with our low-risk population. We are working hard to maintain connections and providing ongoing support to our clients and their families during the COVID pandemic.
Very time consuming and strict infection control measures in between patients.
Can you please describe a snapshot of a recent workday?
I work in an alternative interprofessional practice with high caseload volume.
I started my shift at 07:15 at BCW. As I was finishing my first postpartum round, another client was ready to have a baby. It was in a fast and furious fashion.
I then went to assess another labouring client on the ward.
I finished four postpartum rounds and discharged a few of them.
Triaged/assessed two clients at the Urgent Care Centre (UCC).
Lastly, the labouring client from earlier that morning, she was ready to have her baby as my shift was coming to its end. I handed over to my colleague.
What, if anything, is helping you get through this crisis?
My parents are staying with me.
My mom's delicious cooking and daily meals.
I am very grateful to have PPE despite its challenges.
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