Hello!
So, the internet is pretty intermittent here but it’s possible so I’m trying again for the third time this week. I am keeping a good journal so don’t worry, I can still update you with every detail on my return!
I think I have mentioned about the ant FGM group Cath has been spear heading. It is officially up and running and goes by the name of ‘Kepstano Rotwo’ which means ‘let’s abandon the knife’. It had its second meeting (which I sadly missed due to a caesarean section-more info to come) and is now officially going well. I will be able to fully update you of that on my return as I don’t have time to write the details but basically, it’s all good!!
Now, as for these caesaren sections: I was enjoying a quiet brunch with Cath after a busy few days when Dr Felix came and joined us. While here he received a ‘call’ (A student running up the hill to fetch him-no pagers here!!) to say 2 women in labour ward needed reviewed. Great. The one day I have a quiet morning in the house, 2 labourers!! Anyway, I asked if I could join him and the answer was yes. To cut a long story short (in case the internet connection goes) both women needed caesaren section. Both circumcised, then one for meconium stained liquor and ruptured membranes >24 hours, the other for prolonged second stage and no descent. So, these women are taken for theatre but not in that order. Baby number one is born healthy and much the same as back home. Until the suturing! Then I have never been so gob-smacked in all my life! Dr Felix proceeded to extract the uterus from the abdomen in order to suture it!!! There it was, like a football, sticking out of the woman’s incision! ARGH!!! I admit I felt a little sick, but when I got over that it was very interesting. It was perfectly contracted, very hard and everything, but weird!!! Though interesting to look at what we’re feeling when we check for involution!! This woman was then sterilized but cutting and tying the fallopian tubes (maternal request-she was para6) which was again very very interesting and kinda gross. He then pushed the uterus back in (no easy task) and sutured the remaining layers. It was so weird!! I’ve never seen anything like it. Anyway, lady number two-SAME PROCESS!! At least I was getting a little used to it by this point I suppose!! This time the baby was a little flat at delivery but after about 15 minutes it was fine. Scary time though when the staff are literally picking the baby up by its feet and swinging it around!! Both mothers and babies are now well and home.
On Friday I was called to labour ward (I bought a sim card so left my phone number) to say a woman was in labour. Great! Para 5, all previous deliveries normal. No circumcision. Looking good!! And it was. Contractions went off a bit before during second stage so I suggested the mother stands up or at least moves position (the insist on laying on the left) which was poo-pooed instantly for fear of cord prolapse! ARGH! I had chance to explain that with good application of the presenting part this was EXTREMELY unlikely but they admitted it’s mostly fear of change and in fact they didn’t want to get this woman up. Anyway…. She went on to have a normal delivery of a healthy baby girl and I was lucky enough to take the baby. She had apgars 9/1 10/5 and was a gorgeous 2.5kgs. Very cute! The mother went to recovery room and I followed with the baby. As I handed it to the mother the grandparents said she liked to give it my name- how sweet!!! But the grandmother was called Sarah so instead she is to be Joanne!! This made me smile so much. I was very excited and honoured. Still am. My first normal delivery!!!! 

I have been on the mobile clinic this week to some far out places. Exceedingly remote. Never seen anything like it! I can’t believe people live these places. Was great fun though and again more details on my return but it’s basically like out community midwifery back home but also includes infant immunization.

Anyway, this week I have also visited a friend of mine’s house. She lives at the top of a mountain, literally. I cannot tell you how hard this walk was. It felt like the end of the world!! She has no water so has to carry it for over an hour from the river. I really felt like I was in Africa and look forward to showing you photos when I return.
Did you know, there is an African version of the Myles Textbook for Midwives?!!! And it’s on sale in the supermarket!

Cath has officially retuned to England so I am alone in Kenya! ARGH!!!! I miss the company and it’s scary not having the feeling of having Cath around, I feel somewhat more vulnerable but I have made many friends so I’m sure I’ll be just fine!

Anyway, best go. Please keep the comments coming, I enjoy reading them.
Much much much love, Sarah x