Duties of a midwife: Pre and post care

Diverse tasks of a midwife

Many women who suspect that they are pregnant first go to the gynecologist and then have all the check-ups there. Most first-time mothers do not even know that they are actually entitled to the care of a midwife. Many only see a midwife for follow-up care. Almost all midwives also offer preventive care, birth preparation, obstetrics and longer care during breastfeeding. If you are interested in the different aspects of midwife care and preventive care at the doctor’s, take a look at our article ” Midwife or gynaecologist? “.

1. Midwife’s task: Counseling and prevention

A midwife has many tasks related to pregnancy. She can answer your questions about nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy, gives you helpful tips on how to deal with your baby after the birth and can discuss with you which places of birth ( clinic, birth center, at home ) are suitable for you and how you imagine the course of the birth to be. Once you have established a basis of trust with your midwife, you can also ask her about partnership and sexuality and discuss your problems or fears with her. The longer she knows you, the more individually and intensively she can support and advise you. Another focus of the tasks of a midwife is medical care: your preventive care. In this way, she gets an idea of ​​your state of health at an early stage and examines how your baby is doing. The following examinations are carried out by her and entered in the maternity record :

• It measures your weight and blood pressure
• She examines your blood and urine
• It determines the position, growth and size of your unborn baby
• It monitors your child’s heartbeat and your contractions towards the end of pregnancy
• Irregularities and the birth risks associated with them can thus be identified and remedied at an early stage

Unlike the doctor, the midwife trusts her eyes, ears and hands more during the examinations. For example, she feels the abdomen to determine the position of the child. Doctors trust their medical-technical equipment more. Learn more about the differences in our post Midwife or gynaecologist? “.

2. Midwifery task: childbirth preparation

Most midwives now offer much more than just preventive care and support during childbirth and postpartum. Many midwives have expanded their duties to include childbirth classes, yoga, acupuncture, and other prenatal care. Find out more about this in our special “Childbirth preparation courses “ and ask your midwife about the offer that interests you the most.

3. Midwifery Task: Hospital

Other tasks of a midwife are to welcome you in the clinic and look after you in the delivery room: she supports you with breathing and relaxation between contractions. In addition, she carries out regular checks and examinations and creates a log of the course of the birth. You can make do with the midwives who are currently on duty in the clinic. Or you can bring your own midwife with you. It is interesting that in Germany the presence of a midwife is required for every birth, but not that of a doctor. When you have survived the strenuous birth, she will examine your baby’s health and help you breastfeed the baby. Learn more about this in the article “This is how the midwife supports you after the birth ”.

4. Midwifery task: out-of-hospital birth

• Home birth : You can also give birth to your child at home: the midwife will look after you from the moment your pregnancy is determined, support you during the birth and is also an important contact for you after the birth. A home birth is possible if your pregnancy is normal and you have no complications or serious general illnesses.
• A birthplaceis an independent out-of-hospital facility run by midwives. Doctors are not present. You will be advised by a midwife during your pregnancy and you can get tips from her after the birth. In a birth center, the birth is tailored to your individual wishes and ideas. The birth takes place in a calm and safe atmosphere. In addition to your partner, other family members or your friends may also be present. Your birth is considered a natural process that normally does not require intervention. If your pregnancy has been uncomplicated, nothing stands in the way of giving birth in a birth center. Should complications arise, you will be taken to the hospital during the birth if in doubt.

5. Midwife’s task: care in childbirth and breastfeeding

After the birth, one of the midwife’s tasks is to monitor the regression and the development of the weekly flow  and to follow the healing process of a cesarean or episiotomy. Your midwife will also help you with baby care and breastfeeding . She monitors your baby’s weight and carries out navel care. In addition, you can have her show you exercises for postnatal and pelvic floor exercises . You can find out more about the care of the midwife during childbirth in our article “Follow-up care midwife : How the midwife supports you during childbirth “.