Fascinating facts regarding the differences between active management and truly physiological second stage.  It’s not a very big book, but I have been engrossed with it, very well written and easy to read.  It is written in a way that makes you examine your own practice.  If you have ever encouraged the use of Val Salva maneuvers, then this is definitely a book for you!  After reading it and now having a much deeper understanding of the detrimental physiological effects it has on the woman and fetus, I will never say the word “push” ever again.  The evidence is astonishing, and the way the author links many different interventions and outcomes is excellent.

All finished and handed in!  I love the afternoon of the day when a piece has been handed in - the relief is amazing and I wish I could bottle this feeling up.

Worked rather hard on it and very pleased.  Subject was Eating Disorders in relation to pregnancy, scary stuff really.  When I get it back, if it's any good e.g. not a shit mark, then I will add it to my "Academic Corner"  Hopefully I’ll get my last one back next Monday, so I’ll add that one too.  That was the one on Parent Education, I found that one very valuable as I purposely went for twins to challenge myself.

Thought I’d go out tonight, but I started on the alcohol and therefore can’t drive, so looks like a nice relaxing night in.  I’ve got the last section of my PBA to do on Wednesday – which coincides with my last shift on the birthing unit.  It’s a shame but I’m quite relieved to be moving away from “catching” little’uns and quite looking forward to postnatal ward.  My last shift was way too stressful!

I really need to get my head round this allocation of “off duty” I’ve been given a link to have a word with these techie guys so if I have any luck I’ll share it lol

My bloody outfit still hasn’t arrived and I’m getting a little tetchy – I’ve only got my gloves, and nothing else, I wanted to order some white boots as well but haven’t decided which ones.

Anyway in a good mood and have just bought an Alison Moyet CD call “Singles” and a “Best of George Michael” CD and am currently listening to Spandau Ballet singles collection.

McLaren Mercedes SLK……………. Nice! I absolutely would have eyeballed it!!  I was looking at hiring a car when I go over to Dublin at the beginning of August.  I just can’t bring myself to hire a little farty “economy” thing.  Some nice 5 series BM’s, well it’s my b-day, so what the hell!!

In a more positive frame of mind today.  Got loads of work done today and well on my way for handing in a good essay.  Even had time to have a chat with a few friends, even though some were fairly brief.  Am definitely going to go to the ARM national meet, just need to book the hotel.  I’m hoping I may be able to see some friends while I’m there too – I love Edinburgh!!

Still a non smoker!!!!

My nurses outfit hasn’t arrived yet, so I’ve sent them a mail, getting quite excited about mine and Joys birthday bash now!

I have now been a non-smoker for over 3 and a half weeks.  I stopped using the patches a couple of days ago and haven’t needed a chewing gum either.

I'm so busy and stressed, I actually feel nauseous.  I haven’t had time to update any of my usual sites and just know that when I do there’ll be bloody hundreds of new replies.

My next essay is due in 3 weeks, a critique of the evidence relating to Eating Disorders and pregnancy.  The next one is a couple of weeks after that, not sure on the topic yet but it’s gona be heavy research stuff again.  I actually like doing it but with everything else, I just feel like I’m drowning in a sea of books!

I have the second half of my PBA in 4 weeks, so I should swot up on that as well.  Had a very interesting couple of weeks on the Antenatal ward, back to Birthing Unit next week.

Apart from that I am quite excited as I booked my trip to Amsterdam, which is gona be absolutely fab, with my dear friends and my little sis.

Oh and it’s now 2 and a half weeks of being a non-smoker !!!!

I’ve decided I really like doing research, might even go into the field when I qualify.  A lot of the profession is still based on “that’s how we’ve always done it” which is quite scary when you think of all the studies carried out over the last 10 years or so, and the impact it’s had on the profession. 

I’m in quite a philosophical mood today, I feel the need to analyse fundamental assumptions and beliefs. 

Well, I went and had a look at the books I have and made a lovely list of them all.  I'm pleased to say that I have found most of them invaluable and recommend them to any student midwives.

An appropriate place to see "student midwives" I think lol

Well, I finally finished my essay in the early hours of this morning, and it's pretty good even if I do say so myself

Going to chill out tonight with a nice bottle of red and a curry I think.  And I'm still a non smoker!!!!!

Thanks for the comments Spike, I am having a bad day today and could really do with going down the shops and getting a pack of ten to see me through the night as I still haven't finished this essay   So reading that was a really boost - cheers

I can hardly believe I have now reached my 3rd day without a ciggy - I am so pleased with myself.

Still haven't finished my Parent Ed essay that is due in on Tuesday