Being a "Catcher"

The area I'm focusing on at work right now is "catching babies." On our maternity floor, that means doing all resuscitation and care of the infant directly after birth.

I've been easing my way into it, slowly. First by observing my preceptors catching. Then by assisting by doing some of the care after the baby is stabilized, like giving vitamin K or erythromycin ointment, etc.

Recently, before a birth, my preceptor informed me that I would be doing the next catch on my own - with her in the room in case the infant needed resuscitation (as I am not NRP certified until next week).

I was both excited and terrified. It was a c-section. So, before surgery my preceptor asked me to prepare the warmer. I did this without any problem: This involves making sure it is turned on and set to the correct temperature, gathering the correct equipment (neonatal stethoscope, measuring tape, newborn medications, thermometer, security bracelets, blankets and towels, newborn scale, etc.) It also involves setting up oxygen and suctioning equipment, making sure they are on the right settings. Then we ensure there is a DeLee and a working laryngoscope in case of emergencies. Finally, we have to ensure all of the correct paperwork is there for apgar scoring, vital signs, etc.

After I set up the warmer successfully, my confidence was boosted, somewhat.

Then, surgery began. When it gets to the point in the surgery where the bladder blade is removed from the tray, we know that birth is close at hand. So, that's when I picked up the sterile blue drape from the operating tray and carefully draped it around myself. This is easier said than done. My preceptor helped me by pulling the corners back around my neck for me. I then prepared to catch the new baby in the drape, putting my arms out in front of me. creating a pocket-like area.

I was so nervous, trying to hold the sterile blue drape the correct way. How will I grasp the wet, squirming infant? I heard fluid being suctioned... I knew this meant the amniotic sac had been punctured and the baby would soon be appearing.

I held my breath and clenched every muscle in my body as I saw the head being delivered.... Then the shoulders. I stood there waiting...hoping...and praying for that first initial cry - Please let the baby I receive be pink and crying. How dreadful would it be to receive a pale or blue limp baby.

Then, with great relief, I heard the lusty cry announcing the entry of a new life into the world that early summer morning.

I greedily cradled the wet, squalling infant that the doctor handed to me into my body draped in sterile blue.

How perfect. I dry and stimulate the baby, rubbing the vernix from it's body. The baby was pink, crying and had adequate muscle tone... that meant I was now singularly responsible for the little bundle during this transition period after birth.

I've discovered that it is amazingly hard to distinguish what you are hearing through the stethoscope when your own heart is beating a mile a minute!

My job is going so wonderfully, I feel like it is all but a dream come true. Next week I will be certified in neonatal resuscitation. I dread the day I have to use that training. I know it will come, but just cannot even imagine how I will pull myself together and be able to use my training and knowledge to bring a baby through who has 'one foot in heaven.' I know it won't be through my power, but God's will. I will only pray that I can be used by God in that way at that special time.