Some of you may remember my post about my
medical school reunion and the impressive number of babies my classmates had
produced, despite working in the high-pressure field of medicine. Now it is my turn to contribute. I am due in December!
One aspect of the pregnancy experience that has been
especially strange to me is the amount of interest it draws from others. I am a rather introverted person, not used to
calling attention to myself. Now that my
belly has reached very obvious proportions, random strangers will ask me when
I’m due and if it’s a boy or girl. Though
I am still rather startled to be addressed by people I don’t know, I take this
in the friendly spirit in which it seems intended.
I recently completed some intensive weeks of work in the
hospital and was even more surprised at how interested patients were in my
belly. I was there to help them with
their medical problems, not to talk about myself. But almost every patient who was alert and
oriented asked me about it. Rather than
being a distraction, it was actually a refreshing addition to the
conversation. After a serious discussion
about challenging clinical issues, they could focus on something
optimistic. Everyone wished me
well. I even got a hug from a patient’s
mother.
I had expected mixed feelings from my clinic patients,
since it will be an inconvenience to them when I am out for several weeks on
maternity leave. Instead, it has been
heart-warming to see how supportive they are.
Patients with complex problems and chaotic lives of their own are
inquiring after my health and genuinely excited to talk about babies. It has brought us closer together and allowed
them to open up more about their own families.
The clinic staff could also focus on the inconvenience of my scheduling,
but instead take the opportunity to share their parenting stories and
advice. I am thankful for excellent,
understanding colleagues, who can help out while I am temporarily away.
Of course, it is difficult to do my demanding work when I
am more tired than usual. I put off
taking care of myself until after I have taken care of everyone else. I can’t deny the mental, physical, and
emotional strain of being a pregnant doctor.
But there is also a benefit that I had not anticipated in brightening
the day for patients and their families.
