The heartfelt side of obstetrics

Follow Amina Berour on her transformational journey as an obstetrics trainee. Amina shares some wonferful insights around the human element of obstetrics and the need to be fully trauma-informed when caring for others.

Introduction: First steps into the delivery room

“Hi I’m Amina Berour,” I said with a nervous smile as I stepped into the labor and delivery room for the first time as a wide-eyed medical student. Little did I know that the experience would etch itself into my memory in ways I could never have imagined. The fluorescent lights hummed softly, the air was thick with anticipation, and I was about to witness the raw strength and vulnerability that childbirth brings forth.

A Hand to Hold: More than Just Pain

Among the Labour & Delivery Room fast pace hushed voices, I found myself by the side of a labouring woman, her grip on my hand tight enough to reflect the intensity of the moment. When the pain hit her hard, it wasn't just about her body hurting. Her tight hold on my hand showed she was wrestling with emotions as tangled as the wires around us. At that exact moment, I could sense how much she was feeling. I realized that this journey was not just about the pain, but about the uncertainty and fear that often remain unspoken.

Beyond Protocols: The Human Element of Obstetrics

In the world of obstetrics, where protocols and medical procedures are crucial, it's easy to become so caught up with checklists, assessments, and emergencies. Amidst the urgency, however, the human element sometimes gets overshadowed. It struck me that while managing her complications and ensuring the baby's well-being was paramount, there was an unmet need for emotional support and reassurance for the mother.

Being a Healthcare Professional Cost

Becoming a healthcare professional comes with a cost: endless shifts, a lot of pressure, and functioning in a healthcare system that doesn't always remember to put our well-being on the to-do list. But here's the twist: in the midst of all this chaos, there's a must-do – offering care that understands the impact of tough experiences. It's like a little nudge that says: "Hey, while we're busy superhero-ing, saving lives, let's not forget the feels that come with birthing moments."

Trauma-Informed Obstetrics Care

Obstetrics demands more than just medical know-how; it calls for a part of your very soul. Each successful birth doesn't just mean adding a new life to the world, but also nurturing the mother's journey into motherhood. It's about recognising that with each patient, you're saving two lives – the baby's physical existence and the mother's emotional well-being. Trauma-informed care is a realisation that shapes the heart of a profound connection between birth, motherhood, and a woman's evolving identity.

Transformative journeys

In a world where protocols and procedures often dictate the pace, let's not forget the power of a reassuring touch, a compassionate word, and a listening ear. As medical professionals, we have the privilege of accompanying women on one of the most transformative journeys of their lives. Let's make sure that the care we provide encompasses not just medical expertise, but the empathy and understanding that every birth deserves.

P.S. Amina hits the nail on its head here with the importance of compassionate care. But compassionate care can be extremely challenging in a fast-paced, high-pressured, understaffed environment. What tools can you put into place to keep looking after yourself and prevent burnout? How can you prevent the cost of caring getting too high? Do you realise trauma-informed care involves putting psychological safety for YOU in place too? We cover all of this in our Birth Trauma Training Programme. Read more here.

We also recommend looking at our Support for Professionals pages here.