LEAH P. AT SAN IGNACIO MATERNITY WARD

My nursing observation was at the San Ignacio maternity ward. The hospital itself is so different than what one would see and experience in the United States. Separate rooms did not exist so all the mothers were together in one room with six beds and a curtain which was the only privacy they experienced when doctors were doing their rounds. Belizean mothers go through the labor process alone, and because of this, often to wait to come to the hospital until right before they are ready to deliver. Also, mothers never stayed more than 24 hours after delivery unless there were complications. I shadowed three different midwives, and was blessed with the opportunity to see the births of five beautiful babies. Everyday was so unpredictable and exciting. I never knew what I was going to see or experience. Since the fathers are not allowed in the delivery room, I was often the mother’s only source of encouragement during delivery. I was able to do many tasks such as taking vitals, measure the fetal heart rate, bathing babies after delivery, distributing medications to mothers, help start IVs, and so much more. I also had the amazing opportunity of sharing Christ’s love and comforting a teen mother who lost her baby late in the pregnancy. Overall, it was an incredible experience.