The February 2011 visit was a true test of endurance and perseverance. We were delayed in leaving Joplin, Missouri due to a blizzard leaving greater than 20 inches on snow on the roads and highways. Having great faith that the team was supposed to be in Haiti, we waited for some of the snow to melt and flew out two days later than planned.
HCM seemed like an oasis upon our arrival. Leaving record below zero temperatures and arriving in Haiti where the high was in the mid 80s it was a joyous break from the devastating winter we were experiencing in the states.
On the second day of our visit, the midwives called me to come over and evaluate a patient who was having "too big of a baby". Upon examination and a quick ultrasound, we determined that it wasn't one big baby but rather twins! The first baby was positioned vertex, or head down, and the second baby was breech, or bottom first. I discussed with the midwives that in the States this presentation was usually delivered by C-section. However, the patient was fully dilated and was pushing despite us telling her we should do a c-section. Soon it became apparent that we would need to proceed with a normal delivery. After all, if there wasn't an obstetrician available, the midwives would have to do this delivery on their own. The first baby delivered without difficulty once we aligned the baby to come out the birth canal. Let the teaching begin! With hands on experience I directed the midwives on how to deliver the second baby that was breech. Of great concern was the baby's head. If it was bigger than the rest of the body, we would be in grave danger that the baby would pass away if we couldn't get the baby out. After a few nervous seconds, a sweet baby girl was born! Praise God! In knowing all the things that could have gone wrong, we were truly blessed that none of them did!
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