Fundamentals of Midwifery: A Textbook for Students (69 page)

Watch, listen and feel the progress of a woman’s labour, and your craftsmanship as a midwife

will develop rapidly.

Caring for a birthing woman brings many midwives immense pleasure in their professional role.

It is an emotive time, laced with hard work, assessing risks and monitoring signs of wellbeing. Within the parameters of normality a midwife has a great opportunity to minimise unnecessary interventions and protect the birthing environment. Observing birthing behaviour through its phases as well as the bio-physical observations ensures that compassionate, woman-centred

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Formulate rationale

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Evidence based practice/Experiential knowledge of woman and Midwife/Women’s intuitive view/Midwives (professionals) Impression/Benefits, Risks and Alternatives - Collective understanding

Evidence based practice/Experiential knowledge of woman and Midwife/Women’s intuitive view/Midwives (professionals) Impression/Benefits, Risks and Alternatives - Collective understanding

Psychological

Perception, fear, beliefs, emotions, expectations, coping strategies, relationships and interpersonal dynamics

Perception, fear, beliefs, emotions, expectations, coping strategies, relationships and interpersonal dynamics

Physiological

Breathing and relaxation, one to one support, nourishment and fluids, position and movement, massage, birthing ball, Pharmacological/Non-pharmacological pain management

Breathing and relaxation, one to one support, nourishment and fluids, position and movement, massage, birthing ball, Pharmacological/Non-pharmacological pain management

Environment

Un-stimulating, dim lights, use of complementary therapies, quiet, music, feeling safe, nesting Endorphins/Oxytocin/Adrenaline

Un-stimulating, dim lights, use of complementary therapies, quiet, music, feeling safe, nesting Endorphins/Oxytocin/Adrenaline

Behaviour

Talkative, Descriptive, Dependant, Tearful, Excited, Tired, Movement, Unsure, Happy

Talkative, Descriptive, Dependant, Tearful, Excited, Tired, Movement, Unsure, Happy

Concept map guideline for decision-making in normal labour.

care is provided, leading to a better potential for women to feel they have had some control. A midwife, therefore, can help the woman to achieve an optimal hormonal balance, even when medical intervention is needed to assist the birthing process, ensuring the best outcomes for mother and baby and satisfaction with the experience.‌

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5 6

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10 11 12

13 14

15

16

Stage of labour when the cervix is fully dilated until the birth of the baby

Biofeedback mechanism

Chemicals which have roles in the central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system

Hormone which stimulates the sympa- thetic nervous system

Describing the phases between the stages of labour

Person in control during labour and birth162

Stage of labour involving delivery of theplacenta and membranes

Electronic monitoring of the fetal heart
Down
2.
Surgical operation where the baby is deliv- ered via an incision in the abdomen

The phase when the cervix is effacing in the presence of the hormone prostaglandin

The arrest of bleeding involving blood coagulation and contraction of blood vessels
16.
Surgical incision to widen the vaginalorifice

Includes a graphical record of progress oflabour

What midwives should be facilitating and maintaining

Artificial rupture of the amniotic sac
13.
A regional anaesthetic
Find out more
Below is a list of things you can find out about to enhance your knowledge of the issues and topics covered in this chapter. Make notes using the chapter content, the references and further reading identified, local policies and guidelines and discussions with colleagues.
1.
Read the Hospital Trust guideline/policy for midwifery-led care in labour.
2.
Read the Royal College of Midwives (2012) Evidence-based guidelines for midwifery-led care in labour.
3.
Find out what resources are available to facilitate an active birth in the area you are working.
4.
Find out about the local provision for birth preparation for pregnant women and birth partners.
Glossary of terms
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at certain points on the body. It is a complementary therapy.
Adrenaline
Hormone secreted by adrenal gland, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.
Amniotomy
Artificial rupture of the amniotic sac.
Caesarean section
Surgical operation where the baby is delivered via an incision in the abdomen.
Cardiotocograph
Electronic monitoring of the fetal heart.
Catecholamines
Chemicals which have roles in the central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system.
Craftmanship
A person who is skilled.