So, the semester has finally ended. I prayed for this moment the day my women's health course started. Unfortunately I miss my beloved speculum already. My awesome preceptors and fabulous mentors Dr. J. and Dr. C.L. totally changed my grimey view of certain male and female body parts. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching woman self-breast exams; despite the fact that the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force says that its a waste of time. I met many woman who found the thought of feeling their own breasts unsettling. There were even more woman who thought looking at their own vaginas was repulsive, and yet they allow strangers to look at them and touch them and they often don't remember these peoples' names. Ummmm...no comment.
I also loved teaching young, first-time moms about maintaining their bodies during pregnancy. You would be amazed at how many pregnant woman get STIs during pregnancy. For example, a 23 yo patient presented 6 weeks pregnant, she tested positive for chlamydia. The nurse midwife strongly suggested that her partner get treatment and that she refrain from sex until after delivery. She presented one month later complaining of a weird discharge. She had trichomonas. I mean really!! So this time I not-so-subtly demanded that she shut down shop until she delivers the baby. Nothing is that good to risk endangering your unborn child.
That being said, I have registered to become a certified prenatal educator. I want to create an environment where young moms can ask questions and receive honest answers, and yes sometimes "Mama Nikki" will come out and tell them the real deal.
I had a challenging but wonderful summer semester. I have three weeks to prepare for pediatrics in the fall...the saga continues. LOL
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