Hi All,
My name is Rosalind, I have been a Midwife now for 2 years and enjoying every minute of it.....well, most of the time :-)..
I live on a rural property no too far away from Nelson, and tend to look after women who also reside in this area. My caseload is fairly full at present, coming up to spring time I suppose.
One lady who I have come to look after, and who doesn't live too far away from me either, is Diana. She is a 26 year old Gravida 2, Para 1, currently at 14 weeks gestation. I met with herself and her partner Dave at the booking appointment last week..They seem like neat people. Totally in to living off the land, and enjoying a natural lifestyle, something I like too.
Part of my initial assessment began with establishing a relationship with them, and working out their wishes for their pregnancy. They appear to be a very "close" couple and care for each others well being. That's why I call it "their" pregnancy. Afterall, it is their baby, and Diana appears to involve Dave in her decision making.
I have recieved Diana's booking blood results back. There has been a backlog, lots of babies arriving in this chilly weather.
HHmmm....haemoglobin 110g/L and Ferritin 9ug/L..... I am aware that this family are vegans, and pretty much live off their own produce, which is great, however she does not consume dairy products. They also have a son called Peter.
My concerns...
-Is Diana still breastfeeding Peter? Dave mentioned "all that breastfeeding". Also, how old is Peter?
-How involved is Diana in handling of animals on the farm? Such as newborn lambs?
-Does she have allergies?, paticularly to bee stings, as they have a few hives on site.
-Diana's overall responsibility on the farm, now that she is pregnant.
-Vegan diet. Her blood results are a concern for me!
-Her physical appearance. Diana appears tired, pale and lethargic. She's quite a petite lady, with peeling nails, and white spots all over the nail beds. I won't phone her to discuss these results, I'd like to see her and Dave, and discuss options face to face. I 'd also like to give her some easy to read info. about diet and recipe suggestions, and most of all, explain these blood results to both of them. 4 ears are better than 2! I'll phone them later today, as I am in clinic till around 5pm.
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8 comments:
Hey Ros,
Just a minor detail, and I certainly have my fluff ups (Dave was Bruce for a while shezzz) but what gestation is Di? 22wks, or 14 wks?
Hi Ros
I have a friend who is pregnant and lives of a sheep farm in Australia. The only water source is from a bore. I see that you suggest that water should be boiled before drinking. Should I be telling my friend to do the same? Also what's the deal working round farm animals?
Hi ya,
I was following my character description from megan. It says - "you have had a booking appointment at 14 weeks with Diana at whic time you took bloods. You have receieved her her blood results.......and plan to discuss them" I know..this is a pain in the *ss :-)
I have lived myself, at a place with a rain water tank, and bore. If you'd seen our 180year old plus bore, you'd want to boil the water yourself...I'm sure. According to the water testing lab here in Whangarei, (I've forgotten it's proper name at the moment), we had the bore water tested, and even though it tested "fine" to drink, the scientist still recommended us to boil prior to drinking.
During the summer, a water delivery was very cosly, so we were lucky to have a bore supply ....I suppose.
I would strongly advise your friend to take a sample of water to a lab and make sure it's safe for her to drink.
According to the NZ Food Safety Authoity Guidelines, Pregnant women should not drink untreated water. Risk factors include, campylobacteriosis, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Perhaps after she has her water tested, she may decide to consume bottled water. At least she has info to base her decision on.
Apart from the intense physical work on a farm, there are lots of bugs to steer clear from, that can be harmful to mum and bubs.
Once again the NZ Food Safety Authority, recommends to wash and dry hands well after handling farm animals. Avoid handling still born animals, as farm animals in general carry Listeria (as well as siliage), campylobacter, salmonella, and cryptosporidium.
These guidelines also recommend to boil water, if it is from a roof tank, well, bore, lake or stream.
Can someone please let me know if Di is 14 weeks or 22 weeks. Thankyou.
Now I have to do some work for the STI's paper. (I'm doing 2 papers at the same time)
Kerryn
Not sure what sheep has to do with anything?
I menat to leave that last question as 'anonymous' - gosh this is confusing!
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