November Update, from Midwife Chris
What a delightful summer into fall it has been. And then there was SNOW!
We were busy, busy with births this summer. So many memorable times with families as they welcomed their sweet babies into their arms.
Twice this summer we had two babies born on the same day! What a fun surprise that was.
The first time it happened it was clear that we needed all hands on deck, so Julie and Anna went to one birth while Emma and I went to the other. Thanks to electronic health records we were able to peak in on the progress of each other's birth. That was exciting for us because the timing was so close. The second time it happened, Julie came to the office for the day of scheduled appointments while Emma and I finished one birth and headed to the next. Are we lucky or what? Another first for me was a long swim across the pond where the second family lived while waiting for the “next phase of labor” to kick in. Definitely a couple of sweet days to remember.
Another special birth happened out on Little Cranberry Island—the first birth on the island in over ninety years! It was an honor for us to be the attending midwives on this special occasion. Maybe some of you saw the article in the Bangor Daily News. If not here's the link to it. It goes to show that midwives and birth workers just never know where this work will take us!
One place we never thought midwifery would take us was into a world of navigating how to respond to a pandemic, but here we are trying our best to do just that.
Here are our current guidelines:
We are doing in-person visits.
Partners/support people are welcome to come.
We ask that children do not come to office visits.
Limit of 2 support people at births.
If anyone in your family/close contacts has a cough, fever or isn't feeling well, please reschedule your appointment (and seek medical advice).
Anyone who comes in for an appointment at Holly No. 7 must wear a mask at all times in the building. Forgot your mask? No problem. We have masks available for those who need them. Once in the building, please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. We’ll take a quick temperature and ask you a few questions before you enter the prenatal office. Please maintain at least six feet from anyone who is not part of your family unit/close contacts.
Thank you for keeping us all safe!