Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative processes that require specialised care and support. At Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology, we seek to provide all patients with empowering, safe and evidence-based maternity support, and this includes having the right healthcare professionals on our team. One key healthcare figure who fosters positive pregnancy and childbirth experiences is the midwife. While you may be familiar with the title, many new parents are unsure of a midwife’s specific role in their parenting journey. Put simply: midwives provide individualised care to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Preparing for Birth: Prenatal Care
One of the primary roles of midwives is in providing comprehensive prenatal care. This includes physical exams, blood tests, and ultrasounds that monitor the health of the mother and baby. Future mothers may also discuss their emotions and feelings towards their pregnancy and birth with their midwife for holistic care. Midwives also educate pregnant individuals about healthy nutrition, exercise, and childbirth preparation for the best possible birthing experience. With their patients, midwives develop a birth plan that aligns with their values and preferences. Specifically, the birth location and pain management measures will be chosen here.
Assisting your Labour and Delivery
During labour and delivery, midwives play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the child-bearer and baby. They monitor the mother's vital signs, the foetal heart rate, and the progression of labour. Pain management options, including non-pharmacological techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises, and pharmacological options such as epidural anaesthesia, are offered by midwives. If a patient desires an epidural, this will not be conducted by the midwife, but by an anaesthetist.
Midwives may also assist with low-risk, natural deliveries, providing guidance on pushing and positioning. If complications arise during labour or delivery, an obstetrician will facilitate the birth.
It's important to note that the same midwife may not provide care throughout your entire pregnancy. This will depend on the duration of your labour and where you birth your child.
Looking After the Postpartum you
After delivery, midwives provide postpartum care to promote the mother's physical and emotional recovery. They conduct health checks and monitor the mother for any signs of complications, and provide – or organise for another medical professional to provide – any required pain relief. Midwives also help you learn to breastfeed, change nappies, bathe your child, and settle your child. Family planning assistance can also be provided. Midwives offer emotional support and guidance during the postpartum period, which can be a challenging time for many new mothers.
A home visit is conducted a few days after childbirth, and advice via the phone may be offered for the first weeks of parenthood.
Midwives work with obstetricians, paediatricians, and other healthcare providers to ensure a seamless transition of care from pregnancy through the postpartum period.
TOAG recognises the significant role of midwives in promoting safe and positive birth experiences for child-bearers and their families. We are grateful for Danielle, our midwife and registered nurse, who contributes valuable insights and is passionate about building relationships with expectant Mums and sharing excellent pregnancy tips. If you have any questions about your pregnancy journey and how our TOAG team can support you, please contact us online or at (07) 4592 8350.