I don’t think I’ll ever quite get over the pure awe of hearing a baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler.
Years ago, my introduction to prenatal care meant manual assessments because ultrasounds were just a dream.
In that area, the local midwives did not have or know how to use blood pressure cuffs, and the ambulances would not travel to that area at night for a mom in labor.
Access to healthcare was limited so simple blood and urine tests, and a doppler felt like the height of technology! It was incredible just to be able to listen in, timing and searching for those tiny thumps.
On one occasion trying to distinguish between suspected twins! We of corse sent that mama on to a facility for an ultrasound, along with any other unusual thing we found.
Fast forward to today in the mountains– Much is the same. Many local midwives still don’t use assessment tools like blood pressure cuffs because they haven’t had the training to understand and apply the numbers, even if the equipment were automatic.
But that has led to a beautiful relationship with the midwives, as they will often accompany their patients into town to come to us for a visit to make sure that everything looks ok. That’s pretty helpful sometimes if our mama doesn’t speak Spanish!
These midwives care for their patients, and working together, we can confirm that all is well with mama and baby to continue with their midwife and deliver at home.
We also always encourage the women we see to visit the health center nearby at least once during their pregnancy. This ensures they get essential blood tests and officially register their pregnancy which helps the midwives later when they report the birth.
But what truly makes a difference, and what we hear over and over, is how valued and seen the women feel when they come to us. We have the time to really listen and connect.
It often feels less like a clinic visit and more like sitting down and talking with friends.
Lately, we’ve especially loved hitting the mountain trails to visit moms who are nearing their due dates right in their own homes.
This saves a heavily pregnant mama from having to trek hours into town when she’s most uncomfortable.
And- our equipment is portable!
It hikes up with us for a full appointment right there at the mountain top!
Ok- but getting back to the heart of my post (poor attempt at a pun intended)– I’m sorry!
Right, even with amazing advancements like ultrasound which gives us crucial visual information about growth and position, there is still something incredibly special and beautiful about the simple act of hearing that little heart beat.
Often, with even older equipment, we can hear that beat before a mom can feel those first fluttery kicks.
It feels like the baby’s very first communication– a tiny voice shouting, “Hey there! I’m doing great in here and can’t wait to meet you!”
Hearing that audible thumping brings such a rush of excitement and palpable relief to moms waiting to know their baby is okay. You can see it instantly on their faces.
Being present for that moment is truly one of the most incredible privileges.
I love getting to be a part of that special connection. It’s a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the simple wonders we get to witness.
