Contents
Childbirth professionals
The wise woman
Throughout your pregnancy, you have certainly been followed by a midwife. If you have opted for a global support, it is this same midwife who gives birth and is present in the aftermath of childbirth. This type of follow-up is recommended for women who want less medical treatment, but it is not yet very widespread. If you are in a more traditional approach, you do not know the midwife who welcomes you to the maternity ward. When you arrive, she first performs a small examination. In particular, she observes your cervix in order to see the progress of your labor. Depending on this analysis, you are taken to the pre-labor room or directly to the delivery room. If you give birth in the hospital, the midwife will give birth to you. She follows the smooth running of the work. At the time of expulsion, she guides your breathing and thrusts until the baby is released; however, if she notices any abnormality, she calls for the anesthesiologist and / or the obstetrician-gynecologist to intervene. The midwife also takes care of giving the first aid for your baby (Apgar test, vital functions check), alone or with the help of a pediatrician.
The anesthesiologist
Towards the end of the 8th month of your pregnancy, you must have seen an anesthesiologist, whether you want to have the epidural or not. Indeed, an unforeseen event can occur during any childbirth requiring local or general anesthesia. Thanks to the answers you give him during this pre-anesthetic consultation, he completes your medical file which will be sent to the anesthesiologist present on the day. During your childbirth, know that a doctor will always be present to perform an epidural. or any other type of anesthesia (if a cesarean section is necessary for example).
The obstetrician-gynecologist
Are you giving birth in a clinic? It is probably the obstetrician-gynecologist who followed you during the pregnancy who gives birth to your child. To the hospital, he only takes over from the midwife in the event of a complication. It is he who makes the decision to have a cesarean section or to use instruments (suction cups, forceps or spatulas). Note that the episiotomy can be performed by a midwife.
The pediatrician
A pediatrician is present in the establishment where you give birth. It intervenes if during your pregnancy, an abnormality has been detected in the fetus or if obstetric difficulties arise during your delivery. It supports you in particular if you give birth prematurely. After the birth, he has the task of examining your child. He or the intern on call remains nearby but only intervenes in the event of difficulty in expulsion: forceps, cesarean section, hemorrhage …
The childcare assistant
Alongside the midwife on D-Day, sometimes she is the one who performs the baby’s first exams. A little later, she takes care of the your child’s first toilet. Very present during your stay in the maternity ward, she will give you lots of advice on caring for your little one (bathing, changing a diaper, taking care of the cord, etc.) which always seem so delicate with a toddler.
The nurses
They should not be forgotten. They are in fact by your side throughout your stay in the maternity ward, whether in the pre-labor room, in the delivery room or after your delivery. They take care of placing the drip, administering a little glucose serum to future mothers to help them support a prolonged effort, prepare the preparatory field … The nursing assistant, sometimes present, ensures the comfort of the mother-to-be. She takes you to your room after giving birth.
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