The Obstetrics ward during the festive season
Senior midwife PAULINE BORG tells Giulia Magri that, whilst Christmas is a special time, all midwives feel privileged to share such precious moments with new mothers everyday.
The month of December is full of Christmas cheer and festivity. At the obstetrics ward in Mater Dei, the Christmas shift is like any other; anxious and excited mothers coming to give birth and, waiting for these mothers, will be the caring and supportive midwife team.
The midwives do their outmost to ensure that the mothers-to-be and their families feel comfortable and prepared for the birth, and ensuring they too feel the Christmas spirit in the ward.
Senior midwife Pauline Borg, who has been a midwife for 12 years, spoke to The Malta Independent about the atmosphere at the ward during December. “As care-givers, we make sure that the environment is more welcoming and ‘Christmassy’.”
She explained that mothers come into the ward for numerous reasons; some come in for child birth, a special and joyful time, whilst others come in for postpartum check-ups. There is also a sense of bonding between the staff during this time, as it is a sacrifice they take on to work during the holidays away from their families. “I believe that most of us get used to it and we all support one another during this time. We make it special for us too, and I do believe we have an advantage as we are in a more happy area of the hospital.”
It is hard to estimate now how many children will be born in the month of December, but Pauline recalls how some Christmases in the past were busy whilst some weren’t. “We are pretty busy throughout the whole year, as we have around nine to twelve babies born in a day.” She explained that whilst the birth can be a long process, the period of getting to know your baby is just as long. “We have mothers learning how to take care of their newborns, and we even have a group of midwives, better known as the Community midwifery, who go to the mother’s homes and support them during this big life change. You cannot expect to immediately bond with your baby; it takes time.”
Pauline recalls how, during this time, the extended family come and provide a lot of support for the mother. “As midwives we like to not call the mother a patient, she is a healthy woman and we want them to feel healthy, informed and empowered through this important experience.” She said that whilst pregnancy, birth and postpartum are all challenging times, it can also be a beautiful process and women can come out feeling empowered and proud of their ability to bring new life into the world.
“Relatives spend hours waiting in the Blue foyer, and even though we inform them that labour sometimes takes hours, they all remain waiting patiently till they receive the good news,” said Pauline. She highlights that such support and love from the extended family is extremely important for the wellbeing for the mother.
Are mothers excited to have a Christmas baby?
Pauline said that it varies, as some mothers like the idea of giving birth during Christmas, whilst others have mixed feelings about having a Christmas or New Year’s Eve baby. “I believe every birth is special and for us at the maternity ward every day is Christmas as we are privileged to share the first special moments with these families.”
When asked if Pauline has a special memory from the many Christmas’ she spent in the ward she recalls how her own niece was born ten minutes to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
As midwives we like to not call the mother a patient, she is a healthy woman and we want them to feel healthy, informed and empowered through this important experience.
“It was all much unexpected, as we were getting ready to go out for a party, and my sister went into labour earlier than we were expecting. I am so happy that I experienced that special moment with my family. Every birth is a special gift.”