Pharmacology Student Experience with Funke

February Service Hours: 8.5 Total Service Hours: 9.5 This month we had our in-person birthing companions training session for the Tulane Labor Support Initiative. During training, we met the leadership team as well as other new volunteers. We also practiced different techniques that we can use to assist clients during labor. Some things we learned are the hip squeeze, with and without the robozzo scarf, as well as massage therapy and breathing techniques. During my first birthing companion volunteer shift, I was unable to get the chance to work with any clients, but I am looking forward to hopefully getting to work with clients during my upcoming volunteer shifts. As birthing companions, we are also expected to play a role in the recruitment of new clients from the prenatal clinic. I have had two recruitment shifts and even though we were unable to recruit clients I am still hopeful that we will get some clients recruited in the future. In class, we have completed the Endocrinology mod...

J anuary Service Hours: 1 Total Service Hours (Spring Semester): 1 This year I have started a new community service opportunity. I will be a Tulane Birthing Companion through Tulane’s Labor Support Initiative. This means I will have opportunities to support individuals before, during, and after giving birth. This can look like attending appointments with the clients, offering techniques to improve their labor experience like music, breathing techniques, massages, and serving as someone who can advocate for the patient. We also recruit clients from University Medical Center and Tulane Healthy Mother’s Clinic.  So far I have only completed our online training and our in-person training is scheduled for Saturday, February 1. I am looking forward to getting to work with clients, nurses, physicians, and other birthing companions. I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to have a positive impact on the pregnancy and birthing experience of the clients I will get to work with. ...