The day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t wait
for what lay ahead that afternoon.
I was about to experience my
very first Caesarean section.
I’d worked in operating theatres for some time, but obstetrics was new to me. Orthopaedics, plastics and ENT had all become familiar. This hadn’t. When I transferred to the Women’s Hospital as an anaesthetic nurse, I loved it from the very beginning. It was a completely new direction in my nursing career, and I took to it like a duck to water.
I arrived early for my afternoon shift, checked my anaesthetic trolley, prepared the medications and made sure everything was exactly where it should be. I was ready.
Just before two o’clock, our patient arrived with her husband. She looked excited. He looked terrified. I couldn’t help smiling to myself. In just a few short minutes, both of their lives were about to change forever.
** Nurse Noels about to wittness her first caesarean section.
The spinal anaesthetic was completed, the drapes were in place and, while the obstetrician began the operation, Mum and I chatted about all sorts of things. Every now and then she’d ask, “How’s it going?” and I’d peek over the screen before reassuring her that everything was going beautifully.
** That moment that I’m sure every parent will always remember.
Then came the moment. The obstetrician reached in while his assistant gently pressed on Mum’s tummy, and slowly eased the baby into the world.
She was tiny, a little crumpled, covered in blood and vernix, and absolutely beautiful. For a brief moment she gave a little shiver, as though wondering what on earth had just happened. One minute she was warm and snug, the next she was in the bright lights of an operating theatre, and suddenly the whole atmosphere changed. This wasn’t just an operation anymore; a baby had arrived.
The midwife quickly wrapped her in warm blankets before carrying her around to her parents. I’ll never forget their faces. Tears streamed down Mum’s cheeks. Dad kissed his wife before he looked at his daughter. Then he looked, and it was written all over his face — wonder, relief and love.
As I stood there watching them, I realised why this moment had touched me so deeply. I couldn’t have children. Standing there in that operating theatre, though, there wasn’t an ounce of sadness. Only gratitude. Gratitude that my nursing had given me a front-row seat to one of life’s greatest miracles.
After the baby had been weighed, examined, labelled and wrapped up properly, she was brought back again. Mum cuddled her against her chest, Dad took a few more photographs, and then he handed me the camera. For a few precious moments, I became the family photographer, capturing the very first pictures of a brand-new family together.
I’ve witnessed many Caesarean births since then. Some were carefully planned. Others arrived in a great hurry. Every one of them was special, but I’ve never forgotten my first.
MEMORIES FROM THAT DAY
Let’s catch up again soon.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Is there a moment in your life that you can remember as clearly today as the day it happened? If you’d like to share it, we’d love to hear your story.