I guess I should say my "other", non-human (nor cainine), school-project-ish baby. This semester I am taking an Evidence-based practice and a Nursing Research course. For both classes I am working on writing a protocol for inducing lactation in adoptive or surrogate mothers (whether they have previously given birth/lactated or not). I'm excited to be working on a project that is so close to my heart....it makes school work more interesting and doable (I mean, it's still WORK). For the Research class I'm formulating a research proposal that would be needed in order to determine if the protocol I am writing is effective. I don't have to carry out the research portion, just formulate the protocoland proposal...but, in my dreams I would be able to carry out the research and have the protocol I write be made into a "standard of practice". I would love to be able to spread the knowledge, for both healthcare workers and adoptive/surrogate mothers...that they are able to nurse their baby if they so desire. Although not uncommon, many people are still unaware. I would love to see that changed and have a part, if small, in doing so.
I've spent a lot of time pouring over articles and books in the past weeks (well, this past week especially)....and because this remains so close to my heart, it's not just another school project that I've devouted a lot of time and energy to. I always take pride in the work I do for school, but this goes beyond that....this is personal. I want to be successful in this because, to me...this isn't just another hoop I have to jump through on my way to my degree....there is purpose in this, more than just a grade or, eventually, a degree...this is what Nursing, my career, is all about...making a difference, changing lives, helping those who would be helpless without you. This isn't the direction I ever saw my nursing career going, of course this isn't the direction I saw my life going either...but, here I am!
Even if my protocol helps one woman, it will all have been worth it...to know that something that I did helped someone in such a personal way.
