As an expecting mom, walking into your first ultrasound appointment typically comes with a big wave of emotions, knowing that you’ll be seeing your little one for the first time. The images you receive now will go up on the fridge but will later become keepsakes you’ll reflect on years down the road.
And just as you’re feeling mixed emotions over your ultrasound appointment, the same goes for the sonographer. Anna Thachuk, a diagnostic medical sonographer of 16 years and a breast milk jewelry designer, spoke with Mom.com about what it’s like to be on the other side of the memories.
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As expected, Thachuk said the emotions of being a sonographer vary and depend on the situation. She said that while she sometimes feels a sense of joy and fulfillment doing her job, she also has a responsibility to examine and evaluate the development of parents’ babies.
“We understand the significance of this first ultrasound and ensuring that the images we capture are clear and accurate,” she told Mom.com, adding that sonographers play an important role in “enhancing” parents’ feelings.
“We engage with them, explaining what they see on the monitor and answering any questions they may have. We listen to their concerns and are supportive, with compassion and empathy. We involve them in the session, inviting them to watch while we explain what they are seeing,” Thachuk added.
The diagnostic medical sonographer spoke candidly about the pandemic and how that impacted ultrasounds for expecting parents. Thachuk said the pandemic created new challenges for many new moms who were already feeling anxious or worried about their pregnancies. She also added that some parents were hesitant to attend their appointments due to concerns about contracting the virus.
And on top of the uncertainty that came with the pandemic, Thachuk said that, overall, the work can be physically demanding.
“We often have to stand for long periods of time and may need to lift or move patients who are not able to move themselves. The environment can also be stressful. We work in a fast-paced and high-pressure setting, often dealing with patients who are anxious or in pain,” she said.
But the mom of three has chosen to focus on embracing the joys of the medical field and carving out some time for herself through her breast milk jewelry business, KeepsakeMom. With her jewelry boutique, Thachuk creates handcrafted sentimental pieces using the breast milk of her customers to celebrate their breastfeeding journeys.
