The midwife, important during maternity
Nurses, doulas, salus… There are many health professionals who support women during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum, and often the most forgotten are midwives. The importance of the midwife throughout the entire pregnancy, birth and postpartum process is vital for women.
The midwife is the professional who provides comprehensive care throughout the entire maternity process, ensuring that the pregnancy develops normally and caring for the well-being of the mother and the future baby.
During the consultations, the expectant mother will be able to resolve doubts, talk about her fears, and receive guidelines on diet, daily activity, changes related to pregnancy, and hygiene habits…
The midwife monitors the mother's health and provides the necessary care to relieve the discomforts that occur during each trimester of pregnancy. She also provides information on the tests that the mother should undergo during pregnancy and on the baby's development checks. In coordination with the gynaecologist, the midwife is responsible for monitoring normal pregnancies, controlling the measurement of different parameters such as blood pressure, weight, etc.
Above all, the woman's safety and peace of mind are paramount. We must not forget that a well-controlled pregnancy will result in healthier and happier babies. Ultimately, the midwife's goal is to assist the woman before, during and after the birth of her child and prepare her for motherhood.
After delivery, the midwife continues to look after the well-being of the mother-child binomial, encourages contact between both, resolves any doubts that the new mother may have during breastfeeding, re-evaluates the state of the pelvic floor after delivery, advises on eating habits during the breastfeeding period, the mother's sleep, hygiene, physical activity that can help her recover... And she also monitors the baby's well-being and gives new parents guidelines regarding cord care, sleep, hygiene, care of the newborn's skin and will help establish breastfeeding as the method of choice for feeding the baby.
Increasingly, it seems that the architecture of maternity wards, healthcare professionals and hospitals are adapting and considering the most humanised birth as optimal, in which respect for the woman and the unborn baby is exquisite and care is excellent. A space in which the mother, the baby and all their needs are covered in a comprehensive and flexible way, in an appropriate and welcoming environment.
