1. ANDREA FERNÁNDEZ ALMEIDA
MIDWIFE´S FUNCTIONS
ANDREA FERNÁNDEZ ALMEIDA

2. DEFINITION:
It’s a specially nurse dedicated to the care of woman from a point of view focused on
REPRODUCTION
Other topics:
- sexuality
- contraception
- menopause

3. MIDWIFE VS OBSTETRICIAN
medical +
patological
aspects of the:
PREGNANCY AND BIRTH
MIDWIFE
normal

4. MIDWIFE’S FUNCTIONS: During the pregnancy During the birth
During the puerperium

5. DURING THE PREGNANCY (I):
She realizes controls
She gives advice to the future mother about:
- hygiene
- diet
- rest
- habits of health

6. DURING THE PREGNANCY (II):
The most important function is:
* Listening
DOUBTS
* Answering

7. DURING THE BIRTH (I): She examines the pregnant woman
She acomodates her in a room
She realizes the vaginal palpation
She controls her contractions and the baby’s pulse rate

8. DURING THE BIRTH (II): She examines the amniotic liquid’s bag
She warns the anesthetist
In expulsions phase:
- she helps the parturient to expel
- she recieves the baby
- she can do the episiotomy

9. DURING THE POSTPARTUM (I):
She helps the mum to put the baby on the chest
She teaches her how to suckle him
She checks that her womb is in right position
She controls the suture

10. DURING THE POSTPARTUM (II):
When the mum is moved to the ward  the midwife’s hospital labour finishes
In the health center she can examine the postparturients and give her advice about:
- rest
- diet
- lactation
- baby’s care

11. DURING THE POSTPARTUM (III):
It’s important that she transmits to the mum a positive message:
“ YOU ARE DOING VERY WELL”

12. THE END

13. Any questions?