The Heart, Hands and the Mind in Midwifery

The Hegraphics, Hands and the Mind in accoucheuseryThe subterfuge of MidwiferyMidwifery places the cleaning woman and the midwife at the centre of obstetrics make do. It is said that tocology is an art that uses the heart, the pass and the mind. In relation to working(a) with woman in childbirth this bear witness will discuss this statement. The essay will look at these three essential brokers of midwifery, the heart, the manpower and the mind, viewing detail of how from each one are related and the importance of each element when working with women in childbearing. The heart looks at the key values of compassion, take to be for the women, the sis and oneself, and the importance of women centred occupy. The manpower focus on the skills, techniques and therapeutic molecule of the midwife and the mind highlights reflective and ethical formula, and the knowledge required to practice safely and efficiently.The HeartAt the heart of midwifery practice is the kin am ongst the midwife and the woman. This involves a relationship of assertion. The women, relies on the midwife to grant her confidence. The midwife is trusted by the woman to know what is take up for herself and her body. The midwife benefits the childbearing woman with clinical knowledge, skills and recommendations, forming a relationship of mutual trust and respect (Alef Thorstenson, 2004). The breed and the baby are the central focus for the midwife.Pelvin (2006) describes the midwifes parting as one of privilege. The intimate relationship between the midwife and the women exists, done a personal and momentous event in the life of a woman. The physiological procedure of birth and the post natal relationship between mother and baby is facilitated by the midwife however the midwifes influence does non end on that point, the role attempts to assist the women to have a deeper understanding of herself and of her family relationships. A fundamental value of midwives as stated in the (Australian treat and Midwifery council ANMC Code of ethics, 2005) is the value of kindness and compassion to others and self, by respecting the fundamental rights and choices of the mother and ensuring that practice is ethically and culturally appropriate. Acts of kindness such as existence gentle, considerate and caring should be a constant approach to midwifery safeguard.The art of midwifery involves achieving a balance between being competent and professional whilst showing heart by still demonstrating emotion. Hunter (as quoted in Jacob and Lavender, 2008, p. 78), says that expressing emotion and sharing olfactory propertys with others is immensely valuable, both for enhancing relationships and also for developing a type of practice that is open-hearted and genuine. This relationship is extremely valuable with pregnancy outcomes which whitethorn involve unexpected miscarriage, where supporting women and their families croup be difficult.The HandsThe hands in the art of midwifery looks at the benefit of therapeutic repair. remediation touch can reassure the woman of her safety with the knowledge that her midwife is confident in her actions and sensitive to her invites. When situations do non allow actors line, the hands can convey reassurance and express confidence, compassion and deal (Ernst, 2009). Touch can be used in more forms including close contact for sensual support, helping the women to maintain her posture or just being there as a shoulder to lean on. Touch can displace different responses by different women. While massage can be good for relieving pain for some, others find a simple light touch to the forehead is all thats needed to reassure a woman she is not alone and that the midwife is there for her (Page McCandish, 2007).Another important hands on skill for the Midwife is the ability to use palpitation and touch inquiry of the mothers abdomen to assess and determine the babys growth, position, size and wellheadbeing (G rigg, C. 2006). Other skills utilizing the hands can include, teaching breastfeeding, blood pressure measurement, supporting the women through confinement and birth, baby assessments and supporting the newborn infant and the use of interventions such as epidurals.The (Australian Nursing and Midwifery council ANMC, Code of Professional Conduct for Midwives in Australia, 2006) describes many other midwifery skills not only relating to the care of the woman still also her family and the community. It is the duty of the midwife to provide antenatal and parenthood education. The midwife is committed to working with the women, providing support and advice during her pregnancy/birth and through the postnatal period. The midwives responsibilities also extend to preventative care, detections of complications, forwarding of standard birth and accessing the need for aesculapian intervention and the carrying out of emergency procedures should an emergency occur.Creating a exacting atmos phere and environment for the birth is an important factor for many women. well-nigh women have their babies in the unfamiliar and unwelcoming environment of the hospital, a positive perspective assists in reducing anxiety and stress, allays fears and allows the woman to feel secure in her surroundings. Page McCandish (2007) suggest that simply by making more lay and moving furniture in the room offers the woman more ambit to move and by providing different props such as benches, pillows, and cushions institute the women more choices so as for example she can lean or rock when experiencing the intense pain of contractions. The skills of the midwife are many and varied and the hands are vital in conveying messages to the woman.The MindAs the Australian College of Midwives, ACM Philosophy for Midwifery (2004) states midwifery is informed by scientific narrate, by intuition and by experiences. This involves the midwife using knowledge gained from look for evidence, individual values and preferences, seeking out evidence to support decisions and discussions with the woman to decide on her individual birthing plan. Page McCandish, (2007) describe evidence based clinical practice as the judicious use of the best evidence available, so that the clinician and the patient arrive at the best decision, fetching into account the take and values of the individual patient.(p.205)Birth is a normal life event and not a disease process consequently making health onward motion the basis for midwifery care. Health promotion and education involves more than the provision of information to woman in antenatal classes lead by a midwife, where the midwife discusses topics the professional deems relevant. Education needs to move to a more client-led agenda (Beldon Crozier, 2005).When working with women it is important to eer focus on women centred language and effective communication. Thinking and imagining how the woman is feeling assists in providing comfort and rea ssurance to the woman. Giving women information about the progress of the tire in positive terms that the woman will understand is almost valuable. Knowing when to be quiet is also important. The midwife has to be evocative of her own facial expressions as these can have a long impact on the womans feelings, a smile conveys reassurance that everything is ok and going well (Page McCandish, 2007).The midwifes mind needs to be aware of the changes occurring in maternity care and know that the traditional medical model that once served the doctors and the hospital, is antiquated. As we move towards emerging midwifery models of care which favour continuity of mother and baby care by the same midwife throughout the womens pregnancy, birth and beyond (Barlow, 2008). A midwifes autonomy is increasing in maternity care. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, Code of Ethics for Midwives in Australia (2005) also states midwifery care includes the promotion of normal birth, preventi on and detection of complications in the mother and baby, medical care access and the carrying out of emergency measures as important responsibilities of the midwife. final resultThe heart, hands and the mind all play important roles in the midwifery model of care. Each area can be difficult to rationalize as separate components of midwifery as the three areas are intertwined and each just as valuable as the other in providing women with women centred care throughout the life changing experience of childbirth. It is evident from research into the art and science of midwifery that midwives are essential in providing care to the childbearing women that supports and guides women through healthy pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. Midwifery care involves the promotion of normal birth, prevention and detection of complications in the mother and baby, medical care access and the carrying out of emergency measures. Our role is to work in partnerships with women and their families by helping them to explore their options and make informed decisions.WORD COUNT 1440 words with in-text referencing.