1. Working on the Labour Ward
Mercy Ughwujabo –
Delivery Suite (Labour Ward) Matron
University Hospital Lewisham

2. Background Nursing: American Baptist Hospital in a village in Nigeria.
Midwifery: Federal University Teaching Hospital in a city in Nigeria.
Worked in the NHS since 1990 as a nurse, midwife & Sonographer.
Worked in Guy’s, STH, CUH & UHL
Midwives in this country have 1st degrees.
UK has 4 countries with differing cultures
Some mws work in Ob led Units, others in BCs & others in stand-alone Units (In the community).

3. Introduction Why are you on the LW?
To ensure that both mother & baby have the best possible outcome and a positive experience.
Not just a delivery, but a ‘Birth’

4. Women centred Care "no decision about me without me“
Choice: Whose birth is it!
Does the Dr know Best?
Gain consent for everything you need to do
Birth Plans. Explain when there is a need to deviate from it.
Dignity & Respect
Say what you mean & document what you say
Debrief the woman & her partner
Read the BPs & discuss with the woman

5. Department of Health 6Cs
Communication (verbal & None verbal)
Care
Compassion
Competence
Courage
Commitment
No condescending mannerisms or tones

6. Documentation Dated Timed Facts
Clear (e.g., Prescription – Form, route)
Allergy status
Name
Signature
Status
Incident forms/ Safeguards
No judgements
Be aware of your own bias & opinions

7. Ethos on the LW Everyone is your colleague Inform staff what MTI means
Respect & Politeness will get you far
Expect to be challenged: don’t take offense. Don’t challenge inappropriately
2nd opinions may be sought
Ask experienced midwives what they think
Team handovers, briefs, meetings & discussions
Teaching: This goes both ways
Share your expertise, e.g.(Breech births) with gladness & modesty

8. Ethos on the LW (cntd) Great bedside manner will get you admired
Cultural awareness: make no assumptions. Get to know the culture of the women you will be serving & the Staff you will be working with
Share the load – you can’t do it all, but neither can the midwife
Remember there is always someone who can help you, or who you can escalate to

9. Ethos on the LW (cntd) Remember the midwives have
been in the system longer than you
I don’t know is not a
weakness
Even when you think you
know, ask what others think
Make yourself likable
Be helpful. Ask for help politely when you need it.
Unacceptable behaviour
Don’t come out of Theatre looking like you are the local butcher
Be sensitive to the needs of others
Goodies may help

10. Obstetric Emergencies
PPH
MOH
Fetal Bradycardia
Cord Prolapse
Shoulder Dystocia
Vaginal Breech
Maternal Collapse
Eclampsia

11. Team Player (MDT) Obstetricians (Con., SR, Reg, SHO)
Midwives (Bands 5 to 8)
Anaesthetists
Neonatologists
Medics
Midwifery students
Medical students
Ward Clerk
Maternity Health Care Assistants
Theatre Staff

12. Midwifery Hierarchy on the LW
Band 2-3
Band 5 -6
Band 7
Band 8
Matron
Ward Manager
Band 5 & 6 Mws
MSW/MCA,
Co-Ordinators

13. What is Labour Ward?
Hungry
Angry
Stressed
Tired
Human factors