The role of the midwife during childbirth

The role of the midwife during childbirth

In the case of physiological pregnancies, it is the midwives who conduct the delivery, and in most situations the doctor’s role is limited only to overseeing its progress. The work of the midwife during childbirth is therefore very important.  The midwife takes care of the patient from the moment she arrives in the delivery room. Depending on the hospital, one midwife may oversee several delivery rooms. The situation is different if you buy the services of a private midwife, who then deals only with her patient.

At the outset, the midwife should review the birth plan, and if not prepared in advance, work it out with the parturient. It is worth remembering that the plan is implemented when no complications arise. Some of the points may be bypassed if there are medical complications. The midwife should also familiarize the patient and the attendant with the delivery room, as well as the available methods of pain relief. During labor, the midwife’s role is to suggest various positions to the laboring woman and monitor the KTG recording. During II. period of labor, i.e. from full dilation to the birth of the baby, the midwife, working with the patient, helps the newborn come into the world. She can instruct when to push and when not to, although a great deal of attention is now being paid to making labor as natural as possible. If there are medical indications, the midwife may incise the perineum to avoid, for example, hypoxia of the baby. However, there should always be at least verbal consent from the patient for the procedure.

The role of the midwife, in addition to overseeing the course of labor, is to support the patient and give her encouragement. It is worth building a relationship with the midwife so that the birth can take place in the best and most relaxed atmosphere possible.

Private midwife during childbirth

Today, more and more women are opting for the service of a private midwife during childbirth. This gives the patient the assurance that she will be accompanied by a midwife who will not be conducting other deliveries at the time. The cost of such a service depends on the city and the specific hospital. Supporters of the private midwife point to the opportunity to get to know her before the hospital stay, which makes it easier to establish a relationship and, in prospect, to cooperate in the delivery room. This also allows you to choose a midwife who, with her approach and character, best suits the mother-to-be. This will provide a sense of security and increase freedom during childbirth. Of course, it is not necessary to purchase the services of a private midwife, and it is an individual decision of Parents depending on their needs, and financial capabilities.