Sad, frustrating, yet touching lives

We can be so frustrated with the way things are. We can watch things that are so wrong, that we want to scream, We can be so sad for the deep awfulness, but in the midst of all these feelings, we can touch a few lives, comfort a few moms, encourage a few students. If nothing else we can smile at people, give a tender touch or hug, so they know someone cares, we can try to calm a young girls fears or make a mama more comfortable as she progresses through labor. But it gives you a helpless feeling! I always want to fix things I see wrong and I can't fix this.

I'm going to copy and paste a post from my roommate:

"Super tough day, 5 mommas lost their babies in a 5 hour span.

I cared for a sweet 19yo momma who miscarried at 14 weeks. I arrived just after the baby was born so I saw him with all of his teeny tiny fingers, toes, mouth, arms, legs. I then held momma's hand as they helped to compete the delivery. Then helped her wash and get dressed, then just held her in my arms as she sobbed tears. And my own rolled down my cheeks as well. This was her second loss.

Then immediately after, walked over to check on a full term momma whose baby's heartbeat wasn't able to be found. She delivered suddenly... Don't want to recount the rest...💔.

Just after that, I went to check on a 16yo momma whose labor was progressing. I got tucked in just the right spot and was able to co-doula her though to a healthy delivery. My first full third stage labor doula opportunity this trip."

Gives you an idea of what the day was like here. I came in later, but it was a hard day for the students! I helped teach a few skills and just was there to talk and listen mostly.

Once we got home, I was able to cook a nice pasta dish for my room mates while one of the girls made a lovely salad. Making a salad can be quite a bit of work since all the veggies have to be cleaned in bleach water and rinsed again with bottled water!