What are midwife assistants do?

1. Provide Emotional and Physical Support:

Midwife assistants offer companionship and reassurance to women during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They provide emotional support by actively listening to women's concerns, guiding them through breathing exercises, and helping them feel comfortable and supported.

2. Assist with Basic Nursing Care:

Midwife assistants assist with various nursing tasks such as taking blood pressure, monitoring vital signs, and providing hygiene care. They also help prepare the woman for labor by assisting with shaving, showering, and enema administration (if necessary).

3. Monitor Labor Progress:

They closely monitor the woman's labor progress by observing contractions, assessing dilation of the cervix, and ensuring the baby's position is optimal. They assist the midwife or obstetrician by providing relevant updates and observations.

4. Provide Comfort Measures:

To enhance the woman's comfort during labor, midwife assistants may suggest and implement relaxation techniques, positioning changes, and the use of comfort aids like birthing balls and warm compresses.

5. Help with Positioning and Pushing:

When the active phase of labor begins, midwife assistants assist the woman in finding comfortable birthing positions and guide her through pushing effectively to facilitate the delivery of the baby.

6. Care for the Newborn:

Immediately after birth, midwife assistants assist with drying and warming the newborn. They may also assist with the initial assessment and care of the baby, including cord clamping, Apgar scoring, and the administration of medication (as directed by the midwife/doctor).

7. Provide Breastfeeding Support:

Midwife assistants help initiate and support breastfeeding after the birth. They assist with positioning the baby to ensure a good latch and may offer guidance on breastfeeding techniques.

8. Postpartum Care:

After birth, midwife assistants assist in monitoring the mother's vital signs, providing perineal care, and helping her with personal care tasks. They also provide emotional support and guidance during this early bonding period.

9. Documentation and Communication:

They assist with documenting relevant observations and information throughout labor and the postpartum period. This documentation is essential for continuous care and monitoring by the midwife or doctor.

10. Education and Resources:

Midwife assistants may also provide information and resources to the woman and her family about newborn care, parenting techniques, and available community services post-delivery.

In summary, midwife assistants play a crucial role in supporting midwives and obstetricians by providing invaluable physical and emotional support to women during the childbirth process and the early postpartum period.