In Birth Attendant School we’ve covered a lot of topics these past 9 weeks. It still amazes me how much we process, practice, and prepare for in such a concentrated time. Here is a quick overview. Obviously, each point contains a lot more than is noted; I’m always game to share more if you’re interested!
Week 1: The Character and Nature of God.
This is so foundational, and it is appropriate to begin with. As we anticipate some tremendously difficult settings and prepare to face grave injustices against the most vulnerable, we need to know who God IS, and be sure of it. Consider:
-God is “holy”. What is this, this set-apartness? Besides being the Creator of all, and so the one in position to have defined what is natural and unnatural, consider His goodness. God is love, and love is not self-seeking. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. Consider that “God is good” means everything that God made or does is for our good. He did not need us to satisfy Himself; He wanted to share more of Himself, so He made children. He is a good Father, good Brother, good Teacher.
-Jesus, the expressed image of the invisible God (Col 1.15), never used his power to control. He humbled Himself completely (Phil 2.6-8) to a least-of-the-least among men. In loving, serving, giving, and saving, He reveals who God is: and then is glorified “as the first among many brothers” (Rom 8.29). This is what God is like, and what He wants for His children.
-Satan, the enemy of God, uses pride, fear, and bribery to influence the world and gain enemy control. Enticing us with the eyes and the flesh, convincing us this God-given identity of glory is ours to grasp (leading to pride in seeking it for ourselves instead of receiving honor from God our Father). We are highly vulnerable to pride, highly subject to control by fear, and highly attracted to bribery. One example: Genesis 3, in the Garden of Eden- “you will be like God” (v 5) Satan tempts her to disobey. She already was like God (Gen 1.27). In this choosing-something-other than all the “very-good” God has given, in attempt to do a little something more for ourselves, we actually open the door to knowing both good and evil. Man’s selfishness (not God) in innumerable variations brings the evil into the good of the world.
-Our views of authority tend to be much more influenced by the power humans force from their positions, rather than the relationship and provision God extends from His. God is GOD and is holy, and is unchanging; there is a severity of cost in coming to him -nothing imperfect can approach this level of authority. He paid the price Himself, so what is left for us is simply humility to receive.
-God is a God of comfort more than explanation. Even when the inconceivable is happening right before our eyes, He is with us. When our children are ill, they don’t need the detailed lecture of the pathology and the medical strategy… They need mum and dad at their side. God is a God of comfort (2 Corinthians 1). Explanations can come later, when thought and understanding are more clear and prepared.
Week 2: The Godly Midwife & Anatomy of Birth
-Godly midwifery is predominantly about being humbly present. A woman is laboring. A woman is bearing a child. She needs support and assistance from someone trained to do so well, and to watch for complications requiring intervention. Comfort, gentle instruction, encouragement, and skill. I find contrast here between being an emergency medicine provider, and being a quiet helper who lifts up the weak to accomplish what they need to do, but can’t do well alone. So appreciate this angle that looks so much like Jesus.
-Studying the fetal skull anatomy and diameters in relation to pelvic shapes, dimensions, and diameters. So fun to puzzle-piece anatomy together, and look at it all afresh!
Week 3: A & P and ANC
-Again amazed at the miracle of conception, embryology, the precious and precarious beginnings of life. Blessed by God’s good design to grow us deep inside our (naturally) most sacrificial giver, greatest advocate, and fiercest protector. To show us being formed, being provided for in our vulnerability, before we grow into strength made to intentionally relate.
-803 women die daily due to pregnancy and childbirth related complications. 70% of maternal deaths are caused by: 1) Hemorrhage. 2) Infection. 3) Unsafe Abortion. 4) Eclampsia. 5) Obstructed Labor. 90% of these deaths occur in the developing world, and are absolutely preventable.
Week 4: Global Health Issues & Serving in Humility
-Malnutrition, still highest cause of child mortality, is greatest risk during and immediately following a conflict.
-HIV is on the rise in India, Asia, Madagascar, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Awareness and education are lacking, people are paying less attention, the infection rates are claiming.
-Malaria: stable v. Unstable, and impact of eradication/control plans.
-Top Priority needs: 1) Clean Water. 2) Sanitary disposal of waste. 3) education of women.
-Must have balance in considering the rights of an individual v. The rights of a community.
-Initiating presence and influence in a community: 1) come with humility, not as an expert. 2) Come open-minded to a new place, unprejudiced. 3) Come with prayerful commitment to serve in any necessary capacity. 4) Come with love shed abroad (Rom 5.5)
-Skills are acquired not necessarily just to use or even impart, but to serve with and invite to. Enter others’ spheres with grace and attentiveness. Be present, serve, and offer wisdom when appropriate and desired.
We’re just wrapping up Week 10 now.
….more to come….
