Nurses receive ultrasound training, ‘mama models’ receive free sonograms

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Nurses at the Hope For Life Pregnancy Center in Charles City received some specialized training this week, and as part of the bargain, about a dozen “mama models” received free ultrasounds.

The nurses who volunteer at the center received ultrasound tech training from an expert sonographer.

“I know a lot more than I did at the beginning of the week, that’s for sure,” said volunteer nurse Hannah Cook. “It’s a lot to learn.”

A sonographer is a specialized health care worker who performs diagnostic medical sonography, or diagnostic ultrasound.

The sonographer, who just wanted to be called Kim, came to Charles City from Michigan to conduct the training. A veteran radiology manager who has also done cancer research, she has conducted training throughout the U.S. and internationally, and said she has started two ultrasound schools and universities.

Kim said she teaches for Care Net and Heartbeat International, and teaches for various mission groups around the world. She said the nurses at Hope for Life were able students.

“They came pretty well prepared, being OB nurses, and they have the right spirit about it,” Kim said. “They had the desire to learn and to show life of the unborn.”

In all, 11 area mama models — which is what the center was calling the expectant mothers who volunteered — participated in the training. They ranged from eight weeks to 34 weeks along in their pregnancies.

“We’ve been practicing on new moms who are just pregnant, to moms who are ready to deliver,” said volunteer nurse Darla Henely. “The ultrasound is very different between the two, and we’ve seen many different things.”

Both nurses said they learned a lot. Cook was impressed with some of the things that can be seen on an ultrasound.

“We get to see a visual interpretation of the baby’s heartbeat,” she said. “That’s pretty amazing.”

Hope for Life Pregnancy Center describes itself as “a Christ-centered, pro-life ministry, committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and upholding the sanctity of human life by providing compassionate, life-affirming services to women, men and their families facing an unplanned pregnancy and related issues.”