First Embrace

Today was absolutely marvelous! At the invitation of one of the senior residents at the Philippine General Hospital, I attended a workshop put on by Unang Yakap about Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care. Lectures by Obstetricians and Neonatologists were given about how evidence should be guiding practice. Not only was this highly enlightening, but I got an offer by an Obstetrician to informally train me to perform and read ultrasounds! Praise God! I am so excited for how He is providing. I also made several connections with key doctors who may be able to train me and offer assistance now and in the future.

With St Luke's OB, Dra Manlapaz, Unang Yakap leaders and neonatologists, Dra Silvestre, Dra Capili, and Dra Sareno

These workshops are taking place all over the country by a key group of MDs who have given up their private practice in order to focus on reducing mortality rates among mothers and babies. Unang Yakap: Yakap ng Ina, Yakap ng Buhay literally translates to, "First Embrace: Embrace of Mother, Embrace of Life." Yakap can also be translated to "hug." I love it. The Philippine Department of Health has now mandated that all physicians, midwives, and healthcare personnel follow these guidelines regarding the standard practice of care during and immediately following birth.

One thing that made me excited was that it wasn't just big-wig physicians who attended this particular workshop at one of the top hospitals in the Philippines, it was also the nursing staff. Way to be empowered Filipino nurses!

during a group exercise, doctors & nurses working together :)