When we walked into the hospital and passed through the door leading to obstetrics, besides the expectant new parents, there was also a figure busy in every corner. They are midwives, the guardians of every expectant mother at important moments in her life.
Looking back at the long river of history, the figure of midwives has already appeared in ancient China. At that time, most of the midwifery work was undertaken by experienced women. The advancement of medicine has promoted the professionalization of the midwifery profession, making their position increasingly prominent in the field of modern medicine.
The technical and operational abilities of midwives are directly related to the safety and health of every mother and newborn. Rich experience makes the skills of experienced midwives comparable to those of obstetricians and gynecologists. These experiences come from careful observation and clinical practice of every delivery, enabling them to keenly capture every change in the labor process and quickly respond to various emergencies. The deep trust established between them and the mother makes them the closest guardians and partners of the mother during the delivery process.
Midwives are indispensable members of the medical team, playing important roles in multiple settings such as delivery rooms, clinics, and wards to ensure the safety and health of mothers and infants.
1、 Delivery Room Work
1. Management of Supplies and Equipment
In the delivery room, every midwife is regarded as the guardian of this field. They not only assist in the arrival of new life, but also ensure the safety and cleanliness of the surrounding environment. Therefore, midwives bear the responsibility of managing items and equipment. All instruments used, whether commonly used or spare, need to be regularly cleaned and their functionality checked. They are well aware that any negligence can affect the health of both mother and baby, so there must be no mistakes in the maintenance of equipment.
In addition to equipment, various items in the delivery room also need to be properly stored. From drugs to dressings, from gloves to various small tools, each one has its fixed position, making it easy to quickly find when needed. In addition, midwives will regularly check the inventory of these items to ensure timely replenishment before material shortages occur.
2. Item Preparation
When the mother is about to enter the delivery room, the midwife has prepared a series of necessary items in advance. For example, sterile dressings, necessary medications, gloves, etc. The preparation of each item is based on a thorough understanding and accurate assessment of the specific situation of the mother. They always remain highly vigilant and prepared to respond to any possible emergency situations.
3. Difficult labor assistant
In some complex or urgent situations, such as difficult labor, midwives will closely assist doctors in their work. We will provide necessary tools for doctors to record critical medical information or perform specific operations under their guidance. In such a high-pressure environment, the calmness and professional judgment of midwives are particularly important.
4. Prenatal care
As the mother's labor pains begin, the midwife will provide necessary support and care in the waiting room. Guide postpartum women on effective breathing and relaxation techniques to alleviate the pain of childbirth. Meanwhile, continuously monitor the vital signs of both mother and baby to ensure everything is within normal range. Any abnormalities will be immediately addressed to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
5. Delivery and neonatal care
Finally, a new life is about to come. At this critical moment, midwives will take over the delivery work. They carefully handle every step, from cutting the umbilical cord, cleaning the newborn, to weighing and measuring body length. After completing these initial care tasks, they will safely hand over the newborn to the waiting family members and provide necessary follow-up care for the mother.
2、 Outpatient and ward work
1. Pregnancy examination and guidance
In the daily work of outpatient or ward, midwives are the closest medical partners of pregnant women. They provide regular physical examinations for every pregnant woman to ensure that the health of both mother and baby is in the best condition. These checks include the measurement of routine indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight, as well as more professional checks such as fetal heart rate monitoring. Through these data, midwives can promptly identify and address any potential health issues.
In addition to physical examinations, midwives mainly guide pregnant women to take good care of themselves during pregnancy. For example, personalized dietary, exercise, and rest recommendations will be provided based on the individual situation of pregnant women. At the same time, teaching pregnant women how to properly self-care, such as breast care, skin care, etc., to ensure that they can spend their pregnancy comfortably.
2. Pain free childbirth promotion and education
For many women who are about to become mothers, childbirth is a process full of both anticipation and fear. In order to alleviate their anxiety and fear, midwives will actively promote knowledge and techniques of painless childbirth in outpatient clinics and wards. It will provide a detailed explanation of the principles, methods, and potential risks of painless childbirth, helping pregnant women and their families make informed decisions. In addition, effective breathing and relaxation techniques will be taught to pregnant women to better cope with pain during childbirth.
3. Infant Health and Contraceptive Guidance
The arrival of a newborn brings endless joy to families, but also brings a series of new challenges. At this critical moment, midwives will provide comprehensive infant health guidance for novice parents. From feeding, care to vaccination, they will provide detailed answers to all questions related to infant health and offer practical advice.
In addition, contraception is a serious consideration for postpartum women who have just experienced childbirth. Midwives will provide guidance and advice on contraceptive methods based on the individual situation and wishes of the mother. They will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods, helping mothers choose the most suitable contraceptive method for themselves.
4. Postpartum observation and care
When the mother returns from the delivery room to the ward, the midwife's work is not over. They will continue to closely monitor the physical condition of the mother, especially the uterine contractions and the presence of bleeding. Through these observations, they are able to promptly detect and address any potential complications that may arise. At the same time, midwives will take a series of nursing measures to prevent cross infection and ensure that mothers can recover their health in a safe and clean environment.
In this world full of love and anticipation, midwives use their expertise and passion to provide the warmest protection for every expectant mother.