We have all heard of midwives at some time, but despite the fact that we know their work perfectly from other health professionals, of midwives it seems that we are not so clear about their functions. Today May 5 is the International Day of the MidwifeWe want to put a little light on this profession and that you know more about the work of the midwife and its role in pregnancy.
What is the role of midwives?
The profession of midwife is one of the oldest that exist. In Spain it is a regulated profession with 5-6 years of study. They are nurses with a specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology. That is, they are healthcare professionals with extensive training. Its main function is to accompany pregnant women from the moment of conception, through childbirth and postpartum until the pueperium. (until day 28 of the baby's life).
Pregnancy is a time of many changes and doubts for women, and midwives resolve their doubts in all aspects: sexual, parenting, maternity, baby's first care ... Midwives will provide the care, attention and information that future moms need.
In the public health a low-risk pregnancy is monitored and supervised by them month by month (and they, there are also midwives), in addition to gynecological examinations. The gynecologist intervenes if there are any problems. Instead in the Private sanity the follow-up of the pregnancy is reached only by the gynecologist, and the midwife only appears at the time of delivery. Both functions are not incompatible, but if you need or want the attention of a midwife you have to go to public safety.
The midwife and her role in pregnancy
From the moment a woman is aware that she is pregnant, the first contact with the midwife begins. It will be a fundamental support in this new stage.
- Advise on healthy habits for the future mom.
- Inform about the tests to be carried out the pregnant woman.
- Help solve typical pregnancy discomforts like cramps, nausea, insomnia ...
- Periodic checks: weight, blood pressure, heart rate and laboratory tests. It will monitor both the health of the baby and the mother.
- Conduct childbirth classes.
- It helps to solve all kinds of doubts and fears. He becomes our guide in such an exciting time for a woman, and will help her prepare for the new stage that is presented.
Roles of midwives in childbirth
Its functions do not remain only in pregnancy, also will be very present at the time of delivery. On function is assistance and accompaniment. He receives you the moment you arrive at the hospital, makes the admission and checks the state of dilation.
If its function was important during pregnancy, it is even more so during childbirth.
- Pay attention and care to the woman during the dilation.
- Monitor everything to detect possible risk situations that require a gynecologist.
- If everything is normal, attend the delivery.
- It cares for the newborn and favors skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby.
Roles of midwives in the postpartum
Doubts do not end with childbirth, quite the contrary! A lot of doubts assail the mother, who finally has her son in her arms.
- During the hospital stay, he monitors the progress of the mother after delivery, and of the newborn during the first 2-3 hours.
- Once at home, you will have an appointment to do a review. He will monitor the status of the points.
- Advises the mother in all doubts you have: breastfeeding, colic, ...
You don't have to wait to get pregnant to get in touch with a midwife. If you have already made the decision to go for the baby, it is a good time to ask all your questions. He will advise you on healthy lifestyle habits that will prepare you for motherhood.
Why remember ... if you have any questions, ask your midwife. He will be there to support you both physically and emotionally in this beautiful project of your life.