A birth attendant provides care to pregnant patients before, during, and after birth, and can offer emotional support during labor. Midwives and doulas are examples of birth attendants, with some having formal education and certification. They can help manage pain and stress during childbirth and are especially helpful for women who choose to deliver without anesthesia. If a mother chooses a home birth, it is important to notify the hospital in case of complications.
A birth attendant follows the care of the pregnant patient before, during and after the birth of the baby. Also, the birth attendant can be called when the woman wants to give birth at home instead of in a hospital. The birth attendant may, however, accompany her patient to the hospital if a home birth is not recommended or desired. She can stay with the patient in labor throughout the labor and delivery process, providing emotional support for the patient and her partner.
Midwives and doulas are birth attendants. Also, a midwife can be a registered nurse with a master’s degree in maternal/infant nursing. A formal education is not required, however, to be a birthing assistant or doula. Certified nurse midwives typically have years of experience in midwifery, labor and delivery. They may be employed in hospitals and birthing centers or have independent practices. Certified Nursing Midwives can usually prescribe medications and, in some cases, administer anesthesia if they are also classified as Certified Nursing Anesthetists.
Childbirth can be the happiest day of a woman’s life, but it can also be the most stressful. The presence of a midwife can make a significant difference in the way a patient manages her pain and stress level. Sometimes, when anxiety levels are high, the perception of pain is heightened. On the other hand, when stress levels are low and when the patient has an excellent support system, including the midwife, she can cope better with labor pains.
For women who choose to deliver their babies without anesthesia or pain relief, a midwife can offer the emotional support needed to face this challenge. The attendant can help the patient focus on things other than the pain, help her facilitate proper breathing patterns, and even provide a little comic relief. Sometimes during the labor process, the patient may feel out of control and scared, and although she may have her partner close by, having another experienced person close by can be calming.
If a mother chooses a home birth, she must notify the attending physician or the nearest hospital of the impending birth. Chances are that the home birth will be uneventful and uncomplicated. It is still prudent to let hospital staff know if the patient needs to be transported there if complications arise for the mother or baby.
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