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Antenatal Care Overview
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Antenatal Care Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the aims of antenatal care according to the NICE Guidelines? (Select all that apply)

  • Improve pregnancy and birth experiences (correct)
  • Provide antenatal care based on social status
  • Optimize maternal and fetal health (correct)
  • Offer only medical interventions
  • What is the purpose of the partogram?

    To visually track important aspects of labor progress

    Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is recommended for all pregnant women.

    True

    Combined First-Trimester Screening involves Nuchal Translucency (NT) Ultrasound and ________ tests.

    <p>blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the screening test with the recommended gestational age at which it should be conducted:

    <p>Glucose Tolerance Test = 24-28 weeks Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening = 35-37 weeks Anatomy Scan = 18-20 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the key components of the mammary gland?

    <p>Parenchyma, Stroma, and Hormonal Reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fetal circulation involves the ductus venosus shunting deoxygenated blood away from the liver.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Foramen Ovale in fetal circulation?

    <p>Allows oxygenated blood to shunt across to the left atrium, bypassing pulmonary circulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    _______ ______ is the mechanism that involves heat loss when a liquid converts to vapor.

    <p>Evaporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following postnatal care needs with their categories:

    <p>Feeding Support = Breasts Hygiene and Nutrition = Cultural Needs Baby Blues = Maternal Wellbeing Safe Sleep Practices = Infant Wellbeing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the acronym SIDS stand for?

    <p>Sudden Infant Death Syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some common risk factors associated with Neonatal Jaundice? (Select all that apply)

    <p>Poor feeding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Midwives are generally known for focusing on natural childbirth and minimizing interventions. (True/False)

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following with their definitions:

    <p>Gravida = Number of times a woman has been pregnant Parity = Number of babies a woman has had past 20 weeks or weighing more than 400 grams Conduction = Use warm blankets or skin-to-skin contact if temperature is low Physiological Jaundice = Common, occurs around day 3-5, often harmless but may require management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the aims of antenatal care as per the NICE Guidelines 2017?

    <p>Optimize maternal and fetal health, offer maternal and fetal screening, provide medical or social interventions, improve pregnancy and birth experiences, prepare women for motherhood regardless of risk status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a model of antenatal care mentioned in the content?

    <p>Team Midwifery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Routine screenings in antenatal care may include blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasounds.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Gestational Diabetes Screening is typically conducted between ____ to ____ weeks of pregnancy.

    <p>24, 28</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following screening tests with their appropriate timings:

    1. Glucose Tolerance Test
    2. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening
    3. Anatomy Scan (18-20 Weeks Ultrasound)

    <p>A. 24-28 Weeks = Glucose Tolerance Test B. 35-37 Weeks = Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening C. 18-20 Weeks = Anatomy Scan (18-20 Weeks Ultrasound)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of placing cribs away from windows in relation to radiation?

    <p>To reduce exposure to radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected weight gain per day for a newborn at 1 week of age?

    <p>20-30 grams/day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Midwives provide care during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, excluding care of the newborn. Is this statement true or false?

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ____ and defecation patterns are monitored in newborns for health assessment.

    <p>Urination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the signs of placental separation?

    <p>cord lengthening, separation bleed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three stages of labor?

    <p>Onset of regular contractions to full dilation of the cervix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of effacement and dilatation in labor?

    <p>prepare the cervix for delivery, becoming thinner and opening wider</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following fetal presentations with their descriptions:

    <p>Cephalic = Head first Breech = Buttocks or feet first Shoulder = Shoulder first</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 5 P's that affect labor and birth?

    <p>Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psychological Response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the aims of antenatal care according to NICE Guidelines, 2017?

    <p>Optimize maternal and fetal health</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of antenatal history taking?

    <p>Essential for effective antenatal care</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (2023), midwife standards for practice were developed by the Australian _____ Collaboration.

    <p>Living Evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The partogram is primarily used for diagnostic purposes during pregnancy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following prenatal screening tests with their components:

    <p>Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) = Highly accurate for detecting trisomies 21, 18, and 13 Combined First-Trimester Screening = Includes Nuchal Translucency (NT) ultrasound and blood tests Second-Trimester Maternal Serum Screening (Quad Screen) = Components include AFP, hCG, uE3, and Inhibin A Glucose Tolerance Test (24-28 Weeks) = Used to screen for gestational diabetes Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening (35-37 Weeks) = Screening recommended for all pregnant women</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

    <p>Sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year during sleep, unexplained after investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the origin of the word 'midwife'?

    <p>Middle English words 'mid' meaning 'with' and 'wife' meaning 'woman'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Midwives are typically focused on natural childbirth and minimizing interventions.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Healthy newborns sleep approximately __ hours per day.

    <p>16-20</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their meanings:

    <p>Gravida = Number of times a woman has been pregnant Parity = Number of babies a woman has had past 20 weeks or weighing more than 400 grams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 5 P's that can affect labor and birth?

    <p>Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psychological Response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fetal lie allows the baby to be birthed vaginally?

    <p>Longitudinal Lie</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flexed attitude of the fetal skull presents the smallest diameters for birth.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ____ Station indicates the level of ischial spines during labor.

    <p>0</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following stages of labor with their descriptions:

    <p>Descent = Fetal head enters pelvis Flexion = Head flexes to present smallest diameter Internal Rotation = Head aligns with pelvic outlet Extension = Head passes through birth canal Restitution = Head untwists after passing pelvis Internal Rotation of Shoulders = Shoulders align with pelvic outlet Lateral Flexion = Shoulders and body follow head in birth canal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are key points to consider for postnatal care in the postnatal period?

    <p>Physical, Emotional, Cultural, Individualized and Woman-Centered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 5 P's that affect labor and birth?

    <p>Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psychological Response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three main presentations during birth?

    <p>Cephalic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Uterine involution refers to the uterus descending about ______ cm/day after birth.

    <p>1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures of the human lactation process with their functions:

    <p>Corpus Mammae = Mammary gland Parenchyma = Ducts, lobes, and alveolar structures Stroma = Connective tissue, adipose tissue, blood vessels, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth can help stabilize the cardiovascular system of the newborn.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary prevention method for Hyperbilirubinemia?

    <p>Early and frequent breastfeeding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is explained easily after investigation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a Midwife according to the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)?

    <p>A person who has successfully completed a midwifery education program that is recognized in the country where it is located and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Midwifery is seen not just as a job but as a __________ and a calling.

    <p>passion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Gravida = Number of times a woman has been pregnant. Parity = Number of babies a woman has had past 20 weeks or weighing more than 400 grams. Sage-femme = A wise woman providing continuity of care. Mkunga = Midwife.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the aims of antenatal care according to the NICE Guidelines, 2017?

    <p>Optimize maternal and fetal health</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the partogram?

    <p>To visually represent the progress and interventions during labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) recommended for all pregnant women?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fetal heart rate should be monitored every __ to __ minutes on the partogram, typically after a contraction lasting __ seconds.

    <p>15, 30, 60</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following antenatal screening tests with the recommended timing:

    <p>Gestational Diabetes Screening = 24-28 weeks Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening = 35-37 weeks Glucose Tolerance Test = 24-28 weeks Combined First-Trimester Screening = 11-13+6 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Antenatal Care Overview

    • Aims of Antenatal Care (NICE Guidelines, 2017):
      • Optimize maternal and fetal health
      • Offer maternal and fetal screening
      • Provide medical or social interventions
      • Improve pregnancy and birth experiences
      • Prepare women for motherhood regardless of risk status
    • Phases: Pre-conception and pregnancy
    • Relationships: Building partnerships with respect for each other's knowledge
    • Cultural Safety: Consideration of cultural safety and addressing power imbalances
    • Promotion of Wellness: Supporting wellness and normality

    Models of Antenatal Care

    • Public Hospital Clinic Care: General antenatal care with midwives, specific clinics for refugees, young women, Indigenous women
    • Obstetric Care in Public Hospital: Includes specialist services such as maternal fetal medicine
    • Public Hospital Midwifery Care: Predominantly midwife-led, with some consultations with doctors
    • Team Midwifery: Small teams providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and birth
    • Birth Centre Care: Midwife-led care in a separate hospital section
    • GP Shared Maternity Care: Collaboration between public hospitals and local practitioners
    • Caseload Midwifery Care: Ongoing care by the same midwife
    • Planned Homebirths: Midwife-led care at home with hospital transfer if needed
    • Private Maternity Care: Care by private obstetricians or GPs
    • Private Midwifery Care (MyMidwives): Private midwives providing hospital births

    Importance of Antenatal History Taking

    • Systematic History Taking: Essential for effective antenatal care
    • Psychological History: Screening for mental health issues
    • Routine Screenings: Includes blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasounds

    Screening Tests in Antenatal Care

    • Initial Tests:
      • Blood group and rhesus factor
      • FBC and urinalysis
      • Syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and rubella antibodies
      • HIV and asymptomatic bacteriuria
    • Gestational Diabetes Screening: 24 to 28 weeks
    • Mental Health Screening: Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
    • Ultrasound and Serum Testing: For fetal growth, gestational age, and anomalies

    Role of the Midwife in Antenatal Care

    • Health Promotion: Educating about nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation
    • Emotional Support: Addressing mental health and domestic violence
    • Screening and Diagnostics: Performing and interpreting screening tests
    • Referral: Referring to specialists when necessary
    • Education: Providing antenatal education and facilitating informed choices

    Components of Antenatal Education

    • Passive Education: During antenatal visits, through brochures and media
    • Active Education: Classes covering various topics including labour, birth, and postpartum care

    Models of Antenatal Education

    • General Classes: Covering pregnancy, labour, and birth
    • Specialized Classes: For fathers, Indigenous parents, non-English speakers, multiple births, caesarean births
    • Alternative Methods: Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, active birth, antenatal yoga
    • Types of Antenatal Classes:
      • Pre-conception Classes: For those planning pregnancy
      • Early Pregnancy Classes: Covering the first trimester
      • Third Trimester Classes: More comprehensive, usually spanning 4-6 weeks
      • Refresher Classes: For those who have had previous pregnancies
      • Online Classes: Accessible option for those unable to attend in person

    Additional Education Topics

    • Postpartum Care: Breastfeeding, baby care, managing lifestyle changes

    • Support Resources: Community support, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques### Lactogenesis

    • Lactogenesis is the initiation of milk secretion in two stages:

      • Stage I: Secretory differentiation, colostrum produced at 16 weeks
      • Stage II: Onset of copious milk production after birth
      • Stage III: Maintenance of established lactation (galactopoiesis)

    Uterus and Lochia

    • Uterus involution:
      • Check fundus every 15-30 minutes post-birth
      • Uterus descends 1 cm/day, back to normal size within 6 weeks
      • If "boggy," rub up the fundus
    • Lochia:
      • Rubra (bright red) for the first few days
      • Serosa (light watery discharge) for a few weeks
      • Alba (yellow-white discharge) for 6-8 weeks
      • Monitor for signs of infection

    Perineum and Wound Care

    • Regular pad changing, showering, and side-lying inspections
    • Ice packs for 10-20 minutes intervals in the first 24-72 hours
    • Avoid constipation with urinary alkalisers and stool softeners

    Caesarean Section (LSCS)

    • Inspect wound each shift, protect during movement, and check for infection
    • Mobilize to avoid pressure areas and ensure suture line remains clean
    • Monitor for signs of infection and provide appropriate care

    Bladder and Bowel Care

    • Expect voiding within 6 hours post-birth
    • Normal bowel function can vary; stool softeners may be needed
    • Treat perineal discomfort and monitor for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

    Legs: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

    • Pregnancy increases VTE risk due to hypercoagulability, reduced blood flow, and vessel wall damage
    • Risk factors include previous thromboembolism, thrombophilia, and various obstetric and lifestyle factors
    • Prevention includes smoking cessation, weight reduction, hydration, mobilization, anticoagulation therapy, and compression stockings

    Vital Signs

    • Monitor temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure after birth
    • Assess fluid loss, signs of anemia, and overall condition

    Breastfeeding

    • Support the decision to breastfeed with education and practical guidance
    • Address common issues like nipple pain and trauma with evidence-based tips
    • Monitor infant feeding cues and ensure proper latch and positioning
    • Teach mothers to recognize effective sucking and swallowing

    Safe Sleep Environment

    • Ensure safe sleep practices for the infant

    Transition to Extrauterine Life

    • Fetal circulation:
      • Oxygenation and Nutrition: Provided via the placenta
      • Ductus Venosus: Shunts oxygenated blood from the placenta away from the liver into the inferior vena cava and then into the right atrium
      • Foramen Ovale: Allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to shunt across to the left atrium, entering systemic circulation via the aorta, bypassing pulmonary circulation
      • Ductus Arteriosus: Shunts deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery into the aorta, facilitating the entry of oxygenated blood into systemic circulation, bypassing the lungs

    Midwifery Assessment Immediately Following Birth

    • APGAR Score:
      • Devised by Virginia Apgar in the 1950s
      • Low scores linked to long-term perinatal morbidity and mortality
    • Skin-to-Skin Contact:
      • Stabilizes cardiovascular system, increases thermoregulation, higher BGLs, and earlier and improved breastfeeding initiation and bonding
      • Maintain warmth, ensure baby is dried and in direct contact, continue observation of respiration rate, tone, temperature, and color
    • Managing Heat Loss:
      • Infants lose heat quickly; cold stress can lead to hypoglycemia and respiratory distress
      • High surface area to volume ratio; cannot shiver, rely on brown adipose tissue for heat
    • Four Mechanisms of Heat Transfer:
      • Convection: Heat loss to cooler ambient air
      • Radiation: Heat loss to a cooler solid surface nearby
      • Evaporation: Heat loss when a liquid converts to vapor
      • Conduction: Heat loss to cooler surfaces in direct contact
    • Preventing Heat Loss:
      • Convection: Keep birthing suite at ~24°C
      • Radiation: Place cribs away from windows
      • Evaporation: Dry newborns immediately after birth or bath
      • Conduction: Use warm blankets or skin-to-skin contact if temperature is low

    Examination of the Newborn

    • Initial Assessment:
      • Length: Top of head to heel
      • Head Circumference: Above ears
      • Temperature: Axilla
      • Heart Rate: Stethoscope
      • Respirations: Abdomen/chest
      • Weight: Monitored for expected gain
      • Output: Urination and defecation patterns
    • Weight and Output:
      • Expected Weight Gain:
        • Day 3: May lose up to 10% of birth weight
        • 1 week: 20-30 grams/day
        • 2 weeks: Back to birth weight
        • 3 weeks to 5 months: 150 grams/week
        • 5-6 months: 70-100 grams/week
      • Output:
        • Day 1: 1+ wet nappy, 1+ meconium (black)
        • Day 2: 2+ wet nappies, 1+ meconium (black)
        • Day 3: 3+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (black/brown/green)
        • Day 4: 4+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (brown/green/yellow)
        • Day 5: 5+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (brown/yellow)
        • Day 6: 6+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (yellow)

    Examinations by Medical Officers

    • Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips: Checked for abnormalities
    • Red Eye Reflex: Confirms lens clarity, checks for congenital cataracts
    • Palpation of Internal Organs: Check for abnormalities
    • Femoral Pulses: Check for cardiovascular anomalies

    Neonatal Jaundice

    • Definition: Accumulation of bilirubin causing yellow discoloration
    • Physiological Jaundice: Common, occurs around day 3-5, often harmless but may require management
    • Risk Factors: Poor feeding, low birth weight, prematurity, birth trauma
    • Types of Bilirubin:
      • Unconjugated: Fat-soluble, can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing kernicterus
      • Conjugated: Water-soluble, excreted in feces and urine
    • Recognition and Management of Jaundice:
      • Early Detection: Jaundice first appears in the sclera
      • Progression: Starts from the face, progresses to the trunk and extremities
      • Kramer's Rule: Depth of jaundice indicates bilirubin levels
      • Phototherapy: Treatment involves exposure to light; breastfeeding should continue

    Prevention of Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Primary Prevention: Early and frequent breastfeeding, monitoring for jaundice
    • Monitoring: Especially important for infants discharged before 72 hours of age

    Healthy Hearing Test

    • Offered to Every Baby: Free, early identification of hearing deficits to prevent speech and developmental delays

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    • Definition: Sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year during sleep, unexplained after investigation
    • Hypothesis: Caused by multiple stressors like prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and prematurity

    Neurological Development (Birth to 6 Weeks)

    • Vision: Sensitive to bright lights, focus at 15-20 cm, prefer human faces
    • Hearing: React to localized sounds, high-pitched sounds cause blinking/startle
    • Smell, Touch, and Taste: Respond to mother's milk, prefer sweet tastes, mimic facial expressions
    • Sleep/Wake Cycles: Newborns sleep 16-20 hours/day, wake primarily for hunger

    Thriving Baby Indicators

    • Signs of Good Health: Regular wet nappies, clear and bright eyes, calm breathing, good tone, and regular weight gain

    Antenatal Care Overview

    • Aims of Antenatal Care (NICE Guidelines, 2017):
      • Optimize maternal and fetal health
      • Offer maternal and fetal screening
      • Provide medical or social interventions
      • Improve pregnancy and birth experiences
      • Prepare women for motherhood regardless of risk status
    • Phases: Pre-conception and pregnancy
    • Relationships: Building partnerships with respect for each other's knowledge
    • Cultural Safety: Consideration of cultural safety and addressing power imbalances
    • Promotion of Wellness: Supporting wellness and normality

    Models of Antenatal Care

    • Public Hospital Clinic Care: General antenatal care with midwives, specific clinics for refugees, young women, Indigenous women
    • Obstetric Care in Public Hospital: Includes specialist services such as maternal fetal medicine
    • Public Hospital Midwifery Care: Predominantly midwife-led, with some consultations with doctors
    • Team Midwifery: Small teams providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and birth
    • Birth Centre Care: Midwife-led care in a separate hospital section
    • GP Shared Maternity Care: Collaboration between public hospitals and local practitioners
    • Caseload Midwifery Care: Ongoing care by the same midwife
    • Planned Homebirths: Midwife-led care at home with hospital transfer if needed
    • Private Maternity Care: Care by private obstetricians or GPs
    • Private Midwifery Care (MyMidwives): Private midwives providing hospital births

    Importance of Antenatal History Taking

    • Systematic History Taking: Essential for effective antenatal care
    • Psychological History: Screening for mental health issues
    • Routine Screenings: Includes blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasounds

    Screening Tests in Antenatal Care

    • Initial Tests:
      • Blood group and rhesus factor
      • FBC and urinalysis
      • Syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and rubella antibodies
      • HIV and asymptomatic bacteriuria
    • Gestational Diabetes Screening: 24 to 28 weeks
    • Mental Health Screening: Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
    • Ultrasound and Serum Testing: For fetal growth, gestational age, and anomalies

    Role of the Midwife in Antenatal Care

    • Health Promotion: Educating about nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation
    • Emotional Support: Addressing mental health and domestic violence
    • Screening and Diagnostics: Performing and interpreting screening tests
    • Referral: Referring to specialists when necessary
    • Education: Providing antenatal education and facilitating informed choices

    Components of Antenatal Education

    • Passive Education: During antenatal visits, through brochures and media
    • Active Education: Classes covering various topics including labour, birth, and postpartum care

    Models of Antenatal Education

    • General Classes: Covering pregnancy, labour, and birth
    • Specialized Classes: For fathers, Indigenous parents, non-English speakers, multiple births, caesarean births
    • Alternative Methods: Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, active birth, antenatal yoga
    • Types of Antenatal Classes:
      • Pre-conception Classes: For those planning pregnancy
      • Early Pregnancy Classes: Covering the first trimester
      • Third Trimester Classes: More comprehensive, usually spanning 4-6 weeks
      • Refresher Classes: For those who have had previous pregnancies
      • Online Classes: Accessible option for those unable to attend in person

    Additional Education Topics

    • Postpartum Care: Breastfeeding, baby care, managing lifestyle changes

    • Support Resources: Community support, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques### Lactogenesis

    • Lactogenesis is the initiation of milk secretion in two stages:

      • Stage I: Secretory differentiation, colostrum produced at 16 weeks
      • Stage II: Onset of copious milk production after birth
      • Stage III: Maintenance of established lactation (galactopoiesis)

    Uterus and Lochia

    • Uterus involution:
      • Check fundus every 15-30 minutes post-birth
      • Uterus descends 1 cm/day, back to normal size within 6 weeks
      • If "boggy," rub up the fundus
    • Lochia:
      • Rubra (bright red) for the first few days
      • Serosa (light watery discharge) for a few weeks
      • Alba (yellow-white discharge) for 6-8 weeks
      • Monitor for signs of infection

    Perineum and Wound Care

    • Regular pad changing, showering, and side-lying inspections
    • Ice packs for 10-20 minutes intervals in the first 24-72 hours
    • Avoid constipation with urinary alkalisers and stool softeners

    Caesarean Section (LSCS)

    • Inspect wound each shift, protect during movement, and check for infection
    • Mobilize to avoid pressure areas and ensure suture line remains clean
    • Monitor for signs of infection and provide appropriate care

    Bladder and Bowel Care

    • Expect voiding within 6 hours post-birth
    • Normal bowel function can vary; stool softeners may be needed
    • Treat perineal discomfort and monitor for urinary tract infections (UTIs)

    Legs: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

    • Pregnancy increases VTE risk due to hypercoagulability, reduced blood flow, and vessel wall damage
    • Risk factors include previous thromboembolism, thrombophilia, and various obstetric and lifestyle factors
    • Prevention includes smoking cessation, weight reduction, hydration, mobilization, anticoagulation therapy, and compression stockings

    Vital Signs

    • Monitor temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure after birth
    • Assess fluid loss, signs of anemia, and overall condition

    Breastfeeding

    • Support the decision to breastfeed with education and practical guidance
    • Address common issues like nipple pain and trauma with evidence-based tips
    • Monitor infant feeding cues and ensure proper latch and positioning
    • Teach mothers to recognize effective sucking and swallowing

    Safe Sleep Environment

    • Ensure safe sleep practices for the infant

    Transition to Extrauterine Life

    • Fetal circulation:
      • Oxygenation and Nutrition: Provided via the placenta
      • Ductus Venosus: Shunts oxygenated blood from the placenta away from the liver into the inferior vena cava and then into the right atrium
      • Foramen Ovale: Allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to shunt across to the left atrium, entering systemic circulation via the aorta, bypassing pulmonary circulation
      • Ductus Arteriosus: Shunts deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery into the aorta, facilitating the entry of oxygenated blood into systemic circulation, bypassing the lungs

    Midwifery Assessment Immediately Following Birth

    • APGAR Score:
      • Devised by Virginia Apgar in the 1950s
      • Low scores linked to long-term perinatal morbidity and mortality
    • Skin-to-Skin Contact:
      • Stabilizes cardiovascular system, increases thermoregulation, higher BGLs, and earlier and improved breastfeeding initiation and bonding
      • Maintain warmth, ensure baby is dried and in direct contact, continue observation of respiration rate, tone, temperature, and color
    • Managing Heat Loss:
      • Infants lose heat quickly; cold stress can lead to hypoglycemia and respiratory distress
      • High surface area to volume ratio; cannot shiver, rely on brown adipose tissue for heat
    • Four Mechanisms of Heat Transfer:
      • Convection: Heat loss to cooler ambient air
      • Radiation: Heat loss to a cooler solid surface nearby
      • Evaporation: Heat loss when a liquid converts to vapor
      • Conduction: Heat loss to cooler surfaces in direct contact
    • Preventing Heat Loss:
      • Convection: Keep birthing suite at ~24°C
      • Radiation: Place cribs away from windows
      • Evaporation: Dry newborns immediately after birth or bath
      • Conduction: Use warm blankets or skin-to-skin contact if temperature is low

    Examination of the Newborn

    • Initial Assessment:
      • Length: Top of head to heel
      • Head Circumference: Above ears
      • Temperature: Axilla
      • Heart Rate: Stethoscope
      • Respirations: Abdomen/chest
      • Weight: Monitored for expected gain
      • Output: Urination and defecation patterns
    • Weight and Output:
      • Expected Weight Gain:
        • Day 3: May lose up to 10% of birth weight
        • 1 week: 20-30 grams/day
        • 2 weeks: Back to birth weight
        • 3 weeks to 5 months: 150 grams/week
        • 5-6 months: 70-100 grams/week
      • Output:
        • Day 1: 1+ wet nappy, 1+ meconium (black)
        • Day 2: 2+ wet nappies, 1+ meconium (black)
        • Day 3: 3+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (black/brown/green)
        • Day 4: 4+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (brown/green/yellow)
        • Day 5: 5+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (brown/yellow)
        • Day 6: 6+ wet nappies, 1+ poo (yellow)

    Examinations by Medical Officers

    • Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips: Checked for abnormalities
    • Red Eye Reflex: Confirms lens clarity, checks for congenital cataracts
    • Palpation of Internal Organs: Check for abnormalities
    • Femoral Pulses: Check for cardiovascular anomalies

    Neonatal Jaundice

    • Definition: Accumulation of bilirubin causing yellow discoloration
    • Physiological Jaundice: Common, occurs around day 3-5, often harmless but may require management
    • Risk Factors: Poor feeding, low birth weight, prematurity, birth trauma
    • Types of Bilirubin:
      • Unconjugated: Fat-soluble, can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing kernicterus
      • Conjugated: Water-soluble, excreted in feces and urine
    • Recognition and Management of Jaundice:
      • Early Detection: Jaundice first appears in the sclera
      • Progression: Starts from the face, progresses to the trunk and extremities
      • Kramer's Rule: Depth of jaundice indicates bilirubin levels
      • Phototherapy: Treatment involves exposure to light; breastfeeding should continue

    Prevention of Hyperbilirubinemia

    • Primary Prevention: Early and frequent breastfeeding, monitoring for jaundice
    • Monitoring: Especially important for infants discharged before 72 hours of age

    Healthy Hearing Test

    • Offered to Every Baby: Free, early identification of hearing deficits to prevent speech and developmental delays

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    • Definition: Sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year during sleep, unexplained after investigation
    • Hypothesis: Caused by multiple stressors like prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and prematurity

    Neurological Development (Birth to 6 Weeks)

    • Vision: Sensitive to bright lights, focus at 15-20 cm, prefer human faces
    • Hearing: React to localized sounds, high-pitched sounds cause blinking/startle
    • Smell, Touch, and Taste: Respond to mother's milk, prefer sweet tastes, mimic facial expressions
    • Sleep/Wake Cycles: Newborns sleep 16-20 hours/day, wake primarily for hunger

    Thriving Baby Indicators

    • Signs of Good Health: Regular wet nappies, clear and bright eyes, calm breathing, good tone, and regular weight gain

    Antenatal Care Overview

    • Antenatal care involves two phases: pre-conception and pregnancy
    • Building partnerships with respect for each other's knowledge and considering cultural safety are essential
    • Promoting wellness and normality is a key aim of antenatal care

    Models of Care

    • Public hospital clinic care: general antenatal care with midwives, specific clinics for refugees, young women, and Indigenous women
    • Obstetric care in public hospitals: includes specialist services such as maternal fetal medicine
    • Public hospital midwifery care: predominantly midwife-led, with some consultations with doctors
    • Team midwifery: small teams providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and birth
    • Birth centre care: midwife-led care in a separate hospital section
    • GP shared maternity care: collaboration between public hospitals and local practitioners
    • Caseload midwifery care: ongoing care by the same midwife
    • Planned homebirths: midwife-led care at home with hospital transfer if needed
    • Private maternity care: care by private obstetricians or GPs
    • Private midwifery care: private midwives providing hospital births

    Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines

    • Maternity and neonatal clinical guidelines: developed by the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration
    • Midwife standards for practice: established by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

    Importance of Antenatal History Taking

    • Systematic history taking is essential for effective antenatal care
    • Psychological history: screening for mental health issues
    • Routine screenings: includes blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasounds

    Screening Tests in Antenatal Care

    • Initial tests: blood group, rhesus factor, FBC, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, rubella antibodies, HIV, and asymptomatic bacteriuria
    • Gestational diabetes screening: 24-28 weeks
    • Mental health screening: using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
    • Ultrasound and serum testing: for fetal growth, gestational age, and anomalies

    Role of the Midwife in Antenatal Care

    • Health promotion: educating about nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation
    • Emotional support: addressing mental health and domestic violence
    • Screening and diagnostics: performing and interpreting screening tests
    • Referral: referring to specialists when necessary
    • Education: providing antenatal education and facilitating informed choices

    Components of Antenatal Education

    • Passive education: during antenatal visits, through brochures and media
    • Active education: classes covering various topics including labour, birth, and postpartum care

    Models of Antenatal Education

    • General classes: covering pregnancy, labour, and birth
    • Specialized classes: for fathers, Indigenous parents, non-English speakers, multiple births, and caesarean births
    • Alternative methods: hypnobirthing, Lamaze, active birth, and antenatal yoga

    Types of Antenatal Classes

    • Pre-conception classes: for those planning pregnancy
    • Early pregnancy classes: covering the first trimester
    • Third trimester classes: more comprehensive, usually spanning 4-6 weeks
    • Refresher classes: for those who have had previous pregnancies
    • Online classes: accessible option for those unable to attend in person

    Additional Education Topics

    • Postpartum care: breastfeeding, baby care, and managing lifestyle changes
    • Support resources: community support, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques

    Midwifery and Obstetrics Key Concepts

    • Midwife: formed from "mid" (together with) and "wife" (woman), meaning "with woman"
    • Obstetric: derived from "obst" (to stand in front of) and the feminine suffix "trics," meaning "to stand in front of the baby as it is being born"

    Definitions of Normal Birth

    • Normal birth: spontaneous onset, low-risk at the start and throughout labor, infant born spontaneously in vertex position between 37-42 weeks, and mother and infant in good condition after birth
    • Queensland Health definition: includes spontaneous onset, progression, and birth in vertex position, with some medical interventions allowed

    Cascade of Intervention

    • Example: G1P0 with normal pregnancy in spontaneous labor, with a series of interventions leading to a cesarean section

    Cesarean Section

    • Rate in Australia: 32%
    • Indications: clinically indicated reasons, lifesaving
    • Risks: intraoperative and subsequent pregnancies

    Supporting Normal Birth

    • Principles: language, expectation, evidence, and practice
    • Women-centered language: avoiding terms like "delivery" and "catch"
    • Contractions and pain: understanding the subjective experience of pain and suffering

    Stages of Labor

    • First stage: onset of regular contractions to full dilation of the cervix
    • Second stage: full dilation of the cervix to complete expulsion of the fetus
    • Third stage: expulsion of the fetus to expulsion of the placenta and membranes

    Mechanisms of Labour

    • Fetal movements: the fetus negotiates the curved birth canal
    • Pelvic planes: inlet, outlet, and midpelvis
    • Importance: knowledge of mechanisms of labour and diameters of the fetal skull and maternal pelvis helps midwives facilitate birth with minimal trauma

    Importance of Mechanisms of Labour

    • Understanding fetal positioning and movements
    • Knowledge of pelvic diameters and maternal pelvis

    Fetal Positioning and Movements

    • Determined by abdominal palpation
    • Fetal lie: longitudinal, transverse, or oblique
    • Fetal attitude: normal or abnormal
    • Fetal presentation: cephalic, breech, or shoulder

    Pelvic Diameters

    • Outlet: widest in the anteroposterior diameter
    • Inlet: widest in the transverse diameter
    • Importance: knowledge of pelvic diameters helps midwives facilitate birth with minimal trauma

    Cardinal Movements of Labour

    • Descent: fetal head enters pelvis
    • Flexion: head flexes to present smallest diameter
    • Internal rotation: head rotates to align with pelvic outlet
    • Extension: head extends as it passes through birth canal
    • Restitution: head untwists after passing through pelvis
    • Internal rotation of shoulders: shoulders rotate to align with pelvic outlet
    • Lateral flexion: shoulders and body follow head through birth canal

    Third Stage of Labour

    • Separation and expulsion of placenta
    • Active management: prophylactic oxytocic drug and controlled cord traction
    • Physiological management: hands-off approach, waiting for signs of placental separation

    Care of Neonate

    • Place baby on mother's chest
    • Keep mother and baby warm
    • Encourage breastfeeding
    • Clamp and cut the umbilical cord as directed
    • Monitor maternal blood loss

    Professional and Ethical Behaviour

    • Language: using empowering, non-paternalistic language
    • Protection: birth is a vulnerable time; focus should be on the woman
    • Intra-partum care: assessment, prevention, and management of complications

    Postnatal Period

    • Physical and psychological changes
    • Care for women: physical, emotional, cultural, and individualized
    • Key points for midwives: first education, rapport, and trust

    Maternal Wellbeing

    • Normal emotions: baby blues and postnatal depression
    • Infant wellbeing: parental mental wellbeing and secure relationships

    Partner Wellbeing

    • Partners play a vital role in the baby's development
    • Involve partners in baby care and teach them to support breastfeeding

    Maternal Postnatal Physiological Changes

    • Breasts: undergo significant changes from birth to pregnancy, lactation, and involution
    • Uterus and lochia: uterine involution and lochia changes
    • Perineum and wound care: regular pad changing, showering, and side-lying inspections
    • Legs: venous thromboembolism prevention

    Bladder and Bowel Care

    • Expect voiding within 6 hours post-birth
    • Normal bowel function can vary
    • Treat perineal discomfort and monitor for urinary tract infections

    Legs: Venous Thromboembolism

    • Pregnancy increases VTE risk
    • Risk factors: previous thromboembolism, thrombophilia, and various obstetric and lifestyle factors
    • Prevention: smoking cessation, weight reduction, hydration, mobilization, anticoagulation therapy, and compression stockings### Vital Signs and Newborn Care
    • Monitor temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure after birth to assess overall condition and fluid loss.
    • Support breastfeeding with education and practical guidance to address common issues like nipple pain and trauma.
    • Ensure proper latch and positioning, and teach mothers to recognize effective sucking and swallowing.
    • Create a safe sleep environment for the infant.

    Fetal Circulation and Transition to Extrauterine Life

    • Fetal circulation involves oxygenation and nutrition via the placenta.
    • Ductus venosus shunts oxygenated blood from the placenta away from the liver into the inferior vena cava and then into the right atrium.
    • Foramen ovale allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to shunt across to the left atrium, entering systemic circulation via the aorta, bypassing pulmonary circulation.
    • Ductus arteriosus shunts deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery into the aorta, facilitating the entry of oxygenated blood into systemic circulation, bypassing the lungs.

    Midwifery Assessment Immediately Following Birth

    • APGAR score assesses newborn health and well-being, with low scores linked to long-term perinatal morbidity and mortality.
    • Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes cardiovascular system, increases thermoregulation, and promotes earlier and improved breastfeeding initiation and bonding.

    Managing Heat Loss in Newborns

    • Infants lose heat quickly due to high surface area to volume ratio and inability to shiver, relying on brown adipose tissue for heat.
    • Four mechanisms of heat transfer: convection, radiation, evaporation, and conduction.
    • Prevent heat loss by keeping the birthing suite at ~24°C, placing cribs away from windows, drying newborns immediately after birth or bath, and using warm blankets or skin-to-skin contact.

    Examination of the Newborn

    • Initial assessment includes length, head circumference, temperature, heart rate, respirations, weight, and output.
    • Monitor weight gain, expected to lose up to 10% of birth weight on day 3, and return to birth weight by 2 weeks.
    • Assess output, including urination and defecation patterns.

    Neonatal Jaundice

    • Definition: Accumulation of bilirubin causing yellow discoloration.
    • Physiological jaundice is common, occurring around day 3-5, and often harmless but may require management.
    • Risk factors: Poor feeding, low birth weight, prematurity, and birth trauma.
    • Types of bilirubin: unconjugated (fat-soluble) and conjugated (water-soluble).
    • Recognize and manage jaundice by early detection, monitoring bilirubin levels, and phototherapy treatment.

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    • Definition: Sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year during sleep, unexplained after investigation.
    • Hypothesis: Caused by multiple stressors like prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and prematurity.

    Midwifery Philosophy and Definition

    • The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) definition: A midwife is a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education program and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.
    • Australian College of Midwives (ACM) definition: A midwife is a person recognized by their country's midwifery regulatory authority as a qualified practitioner who provides care to women during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
    • Midwifery philosophy: Focus on natural childbirth, minimizing interventions, and providing woman-centered care.

    History of Midwifery

    • Ancient Egypt to Aristotle: Women being with mothers in childbirth depicted in art.
    • Middle Ages: Epistemology of midwifery (pseudo-Aristotle) and association with witchcraft.
    • 17th Century: Medicalization of midwifery.
    • Last 100 Years: Modern movement of midwifery, woman-focused midwifery training, and being a midwife as a passion and calling.

    Woman-Centered Care (WCC)

    • WCC themes and sub-themes: Defining characteristics of woman-centered care, the role of the midwife, and woman-centered care in education and research.
    • Consensus on woman-centered care: Care should be holistic and tailored to the individual woman, rather than routine.
    • Concept analysis of woman-centered care: Education, models of care, and midwife characteristics are antecedents, attributes include choice, control, empowerment, and relationships, and consequences involve shared decision-making and improved health outcomes.

    Responsibilities and Characteristics of a Midwife

    • Provide care during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, including care of the newborn.
    • Midwifery encompasses antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care.
    • Good midwives possess specific personal characteristics, organizational competencies, and promote physiological reproductive processes.
    • Five themes identified: Professional caring, professional wisdom, personal and professional development, interpersonal competence, and professional competence.

    Antenatal Care Overview

    • Antenatal care involves two phases: pre-conception and pregnancy
    • Building partnerships with respect for each other's knowledge and considering cultural safety are essential
    • Promoting wellness and normality is a key aim of antenatal care

    Models of Care

    • Public hospital clinic care: general antenatal care with midwives, specific clinics for refugees, young women, and Indigenous women
    • Obstetric care in public hospitals: includes specialist services such as maternal fetal medicine
    • Public hospital midwifery care: predominantly midwife-led, with some consultations with doctors
    • Team midwifery: small teams providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and birth
    • Birth centre care: midwife-led care in a separate hospital section
    • GP shared maternity care: collaboration between public hospitals and local practitioners
    • Caseload midwifery care: ongoing care by the same midwife
    • Planned homebirths: midwife-led care at home with hospital transfer if needed
    • Private maternity care: care by private obstetricians or GPs
    • Private midwifery care: private midwives providing hospital births

    Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines

    • Maternity and neonatal clinical guidelines: developed by the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration
    • Midwife standards for practice: established by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

    Importance of Antenatal History Taking

    • Systematic history taking is essential for effective antenatal care
    • Psychological history: screening for mental health issues
    • Routine screenings: includes blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasounds

    Screening Tests in Antenatal Care

    • Initial tests: blood group, rhesus factor, FBC, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, rubella antibodies, HIV, and asymptomatic bacteriuria
    • Gestational diabetes screening: 24-28 weeks
    • Mental health screening: using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
    • Ultrasound and serum testing: for fetal growth, gestational age, and anomalies

    Role of the Midwife in Antenatal Care

    • Health promotion: educating about nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation
    • Emotional support: addressing mental health and domestic violence
    • Screening and diagnostics: performing and interpreting screening tests
    • Referral: referring to specialists when necessary
    • Education: providing antenatal education and facilitating informed choices

    Components of Antenatal Education

    • Passive education: during antenatal visits, through brochures and media
    • Active education: classes covering various topics including labour, birth, and postpartum care

    Models of Antenatal Education

    • General classes: covering pregnancy, labour, and birth
    • Specialized classes: for fathers, Indigenous parents, non-English speakers, multiple births, and caesarean births
    • Alternative methods: hypnobirthing, Lamaze, active birth, and antenatal yoga

    Types of Antenatal Classes

    • Pre-conception classes: for those planning pregnancy
    • Early pregnancy classes: covering the first trimester
    • Third trimester classes: more comprehensive, usually spanning 4-6 weeks
    • Refresher classes: for those who have had previous pregnancies
    • Online classes: accessible option for those unable to attend in person

    Additional Education Topics

    • Postpartum care: breastfeeding, baby care, and managing lifestyle changes
    • Support resources: community support, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques

    Midwifery and Obstetrics Key Concepts

    • Midwife: formed from "mid" (together with) and "wife" (woman), meaning "with woman"
    • Obstetric: derived from "obst" (to stand in front of) and the feminine suffix "trics," meaning "to stand in front of the baby as it is being born"

    Definitions of Normal Birth

    • Normal birth: spontaneous onset, low-risk at the start and throughout labor, infant born spontaneously in vertex position between 37-42 weeks, and mother and infant in good condition after birth
    • Queensland Health definition: includes spontaneous onset, progression, and birth in vertex position, with some medical interventions allowed

    Cascade of Intervention

    • Example: G1P0 with normal pregnancy in spontaneous labor, with a series of interventions leading to a cesarean section

    Cesarean Section

    • Rate in Australia: 32%
    • Indications: clinically indicated reasons, lifesaving
    • Risks: intraoperative and subsequent pregnancies

    Supporting Normal Birth

    • Principles: language, expectation, evidence, and practice
    • Women-centered language: avoiding terms like "delivery" and "catch"
    • Contractions and pain: understanding the subjective experience of pain and suffering

    Stages of Labor

    • First stage: onset of regular contractions to full dilation of the cervix
    • Second stage: full dilation of the cervix to complete expulsion of the fetus
    • Third stage: expulsion of the fetus to expulsion of the placenta and membranes

    Mechanisms of Labour

    • Fetal movements: the fetus negotiates the curved birth canal
    • Pelvic planes: inlet, outlet, and midpelvis
    • Importance: knowledge of mechanisms of labour and diameters of the fetal skull and maternal pelvis helps midwives facilitate birth with minimal trauma

    Importance of Mechanisms of Labour

    • Understanding fetal positioning and movements
    • Knowledge of pelvic diameters and maternal pelvis

    Fetal Positioning and Movements

    • Determined by abdominal palpation
    • Fetal lie: longitudinal, transverse, or oblique
    • Fetal attitude: normal or abnormal
    • Fetal presentation: cephalic, breech, or shoulder

    Pelvic Diameters

    • Outlet: widest in the anteroposterior diameter
    • Inlet: widest in the transverse diameter
    • Importance: knowledge of pelvic diameters helps midwives facilitate birth with minimal trauma

    Cardinal Movements of Labour

    • Descent: fetal head enters pelvis
    • Flexion: head flexes to present smallest diameter
    • Internal rotation: head rotates to align with pelvic outlet
    • Extension: head extends as it passes through birth canal
    • Restitution: head untwists after passing through pelvis
    • Internal rotation of shoulders: shoulders rotate to align with pelvic outlet
    • Lateral flexion: shoulders and body follow head through birth canal

    Third Stage of Labour

    • Separation and expulsion of placenta
    • Active management: prophylactic oxytocic drug and controlled cord traction
    • Physiological management: hands-off approach, waiting for signs of placental separation

    Care of Neonate

    • Place baby on mother's chest
    • Keep mother and baby warm
    • Encourage breastfeeding
    • Clamp and cut the umbilical cord as directed
    • Monitor maternal blood loss

    Professional and Ethical Behaviour

    • Language: using empowering, non-paternalistic language
    • Protection: birth is a vulnerable time; focus should be on the woman
    • Intra-partum care: assessment, prevention, and management of complications

    Postnatal Period

    • Physical and psychological changes
    • Care for women: physical, emotional, cultural, and individualized
    • Key points for midwives: first education, rapport, and trust

    Maternal Wellbeing

    • Normal emotions: baby blues and postnatal depression
    • Infant wellbeing: parental mental wellbeing and secure relationships

    Partner Wellbeing

    • Partners play a vital role in the baby's development
    • Involve partners in baby care and teach them to support breastfeeding

    Maternal Postnatal Physiological Changes

    • Breasts: undergo significant changes from birth to pregnancy, lactation, and involution
    • Uterus and lochia: uterine involution and lochia changes
    • Perineum and wound care: regular pad changing, showering, and side-lying inspections
    • Legs: venous thromboembolism prevention

    Bladder and Bowel Care

    • Expect voiding within 6 hours post-birth
    • Normal bowel function can vary
    • Treat perineal discomfort and monitor for urinary tract infections

    Legs: Venous Thromboembolism

    • Pregnancy increases VTE risk
    • Risk factors: previous thromboembolism, thrombophilia, and various obstetric and lifestyle factors
    • Prevention: smoking cessation, weight reduction, hydration, mobilization, anticoagulation therapy, and compression stockings### Vital Signs and Newborn Care
    • Monitor temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure after birth to assess overall condition and fluid loss.
    • Support breastfeeding with education and practical guidance to address common issues like nipple pain and trauma.
    • Ensure proper latch and positioning, and teach mothers to recognize effective sucking and swallowing.
    • Create a safe sleep environment for the infant.

    Fetal Circulation and Transition to Extrauterine Life

    • Fetal circulation involves oxygenation and nutrition via the placenta.
    • Ductus venosus shunts oxygenated blood from the placenta away from the liver into the inferior vena cava and then into the right atrium.
    • Foramen ovale allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to shunt across to the left atrium, entering systemic circulation via the aorta, bypassing pulmonary circulation.
    • Ductus arteriosus shunts deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery into the aorta, facilitating the entry of oxygenated blood into systemic circulation, bypassing the lungs.

    Midwifery Assessment Immediately Following Birth

    • APGAR score assesses newborn health and well-being, with low scores linked to long-term perinatal morbidity and mortality.
    • Skin-to-skin contact stabilizes cardiovascular system, increases thermoregulation, and promotes earlier and improved breastfeeding initiation and bonding.

    Managing Heat Loss in Newborns

    • Infants lose heat quickly due to high surface area to volume ratio and inability to shiver, relying on brown adipose tissue for heat.
    • Four mechanisms of heat transfer: convection, radiation, evaporation, and conduction.
    • Prevent heat loss by keeping the birthing suite at ~24°C, placing cribs away from windows, drying newborns immediately after birth or bath, and using warm blankets or skin-to-skin contact.

    Examination of the Newborn

    • Initial assessment includes length, head circumference, temperature, heart rate, respirations, weight, and output.
    • Monitor weight gain, expected to lose up to 10% of birth weight on day 3, and return to birth weight by 2 weeks.
    • Assess output, including urination and defecation patterns.

    Neonatal Jaundice

    • Definition: Accumulation of bilirubin causing yellow discoloration.
    • Physiological jaundice is common, occurring around day 3-5, and often harmless but may require management.
    • Risk factors: Poor feeding, low birth weight, prematurity, and birth trauma.
    • Types of bilirubin: unconjugated (fat-soluble) and conjugated (water-soluble).
    • Recognize and manage jaundice by early detection, monitoring bilirubin levels, and phototherapy treatment.

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    • Definition: Sudden and unexpected death of an infant under 1 year during sleep, unexplained after investigation.
    • Hypothesis: Caused by multiple stressors like prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and prematurity.

    Midwifery Philosophy and Definition

    • The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) definition: A midwife is a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education program and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.
    • Australian College of Midwives (ACM) definition: A midwife is a person recognized by their country's midwifery regulatory authority as a qualified practitioner who provides care to women during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
    • Midwifery philosophy: Focus on natural childbirth, minimizing interventions, and providing woman-centered care.

    History of Midwifery

    • Ancient Egypt to Aristotle: Women being with mothers in childbirth depicted in art.
    • Middle Ages: Epistemology of midwifery (pseudo-Aristotle) and association with witchcraft.
    • 17th Century: Medicalization of midwifery.
    • Last 100 Years: Modern movement of midwifery, woman-focused midwifery training, and being a midwife as a passion and calling.

    Woman-Centered Care (WCC)

    • WCC themes and sub-themes: Defining characteristics of woman-centered care, the role of the midwife, and woman-centered care in education and research.
    • Consensus on woman-centered care: Care should be holistic and tailored to the individual woman, rather than routine.
    • Concept analysis of woman-centered care: Education, models of care, and midwife characteristics are antecedents, attributes include choice, control, empowerment, and relationships, and consequences involve shared decision-making and improved health outcomes.

    Responsibilities and Characteristics of a Midwife

    • Provide care during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, including care of the newborn.
    • Midwifery encompasses antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care.
    • Good midwives possess specific personal characteristics, organizational competencies, and promote physiological reproductive processes.
    • Five themes identified: Professional caring, professional wisdom, personal and professional development, interpersonal competence, and professional competence.

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    Explore the importance of antenatal care, including models of care, guidelines, and education. Discuss the role of midwives and screening tests in antenatal care.

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