February Volunteering Update

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 module and are about to complete the Neurology module. I did not have a great background in diabetes or various thyroid disorders before this module so I enjoyed learning about them. As someone who has family members with Type 2 Diabetes, I appreciate having a better idea of how this occurs, how you can treat it, and things you can do to decrease your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes. During the Neurology module, we are learning about different neurological diseases like Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, and Addiction as well as various treatments for these diseases. With diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s where there is no cure, there are often new research developments that are coming out. Now that I have a better background in these diseases, I think it will be nice to be able to apply what I know to have a better understanding of the progress that is occurring in trying to find cures for them. 

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