Wednesday 31st May 2023

Since March 2022, I have been involved in this small private maternity hospital as an educational counsellor introducing “Home away from home” birth, from proposing the project with timeline and strategy, designing workshops, designing workbooks, teaching sessions each week, training and facilitating practical sessions and policy writing, supporting the staff during their day to day work, liaising with management, and auditing the outcomes – empowering change to be kinder and more compassionate health professionals.

Most likely the highlight of my career so far.

I quickly grasped how the political, hierarchical and bureaucratic system works in this country, with it’s cultural and religious background, in order to be able to navigate carefully, using my skills, passion, empathy and understanding, to the benefit of the women and health care professionals I was cooperating with and empowering.

From junior nurses/consultant assistants (after a year of basic nursing training) to nurses/midwives with various experience in the field (3 months to 30 years) I developed a bond I never had before.

They were my work family when each Wednesday I was conducting lessons for them and having some fun at the same time. They trusted me, they knew I wanted the best for them and they listened with open minds. 

My last teaching session was a sad and happy occasion with some beautiful words spoken about me, nice personalised thoughtful gifts and of course English scones with strawberry jam to celebrate.

I am very proud of the staff and the way we influenced each other. I have learned a lot from them too and will cherish the time we had together.

The world is so small and I hope I will meet some of them at some point again.

Rennie