INTRODUCTION TO MIDWIFERY EPISODE 1

Summary

This video highlights the critical role of midwifery in maternal health, focusing on the education and training of midwives in Kenya. It explores the importance of skilled care for both mothers and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. The video discusses the challenges faced in the healthcare system, including workforce shortages, and the impact of initiatives like the Beyond Zero Campaign in improving access to free maternal services. The speaker emphasizes the need for continuous professional development, collaboration among healthcare professionals, and ongoing investment to strengthen healthcare systems and reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Midwifery plays a crucial role in ensuring maternal and neonatal health by providing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
• 😀 There are various types of midwives, including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Granny Midwives, Lambie Midwives, and Doulas, each with different levels of training and responsibilities.
• 😀 The education of midwives is essential for ensuring competent and skilled care; it includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience under mentorship.
• 😀 Midwives must be prepared to handle both the medical and emotional aspects of childbirth, providing holistic care that includes counseling and support for mothers and families.
• 😀 The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Workforce 2030 strategy is focused on developing a competent and motivated nursing and midwifery workforce through education and professional development.
• 😀 One of the key goals of the WHO strategy is to improve policy development, leadership, and governance within the healthcare system to support the potential of nurses and midwives.
• 😀 Effective collaboration between healthcare professionals, both intra- and interprofessionally, is crucial to optimizing healthcare delivery and the capacity of midwives.
• 😀 Political support and investment are necessary to build an evidence-based midwifery workforce that can effectively address healthcare challenges, particularly in maternal and neonatal health.
• 😀 The Beyond Zero campaign in Kenya has made significant strides in improving maternal health by introducing free maternal healthcare, though it has led to overwhelming patient numbers and capacity challenges in hospitals.
• 😀 Despite the challenges posed by increased demand for services, the Beyond Zero campaign has made a significant positive impact on access to maternal healthcare in Kenya.
• 😀 There is still a need for ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure and training to ensure that every woman can access safe and quality care, especially in rural areas where resources are limited.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video series introduced in the script?

The primary focus of the video series is midwifery, covering various aspects of the profession across 10 episodes. The first episode is an introduction to midwifery and its key concepts.

What does midwifery involve according to the script?

Midwifery involves the care of women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, as well as the care of newborns. It also includes sexual and reproductive health, family planning, and counseling.

What are the different types of midwives mentioned in the script?

The script mentions certified nurse midwives (CNMs), Kenya registered community health nurses (KRCHNs), granny midwives, limbo midwives, and traditional birth attendants as different types of midwives in practice.

What role do midwives play in health counseling and education?

Midwives provide essential health counseling and education not only to the mothers but also to the family and the broader community. They offer guidance on pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, including sexual and reproductive health.

How does the script explain the importance of a midwife's competence in practice?

The script emphasizes that midwives must be competent and well-trained to provide quality care. They are responsible for detecting complications, providing emergency care, and ensuring positive outcomes for both mother and baby. Their competence also extends to knowing when to refer a patient to a higher level of care.

How are new midwives supported during their training and early career?

New midwives are supported through mentorship, hands-on experience, and reflective team meetings with more experienced nurses and obstetricians. This includes observing deliveries, gaining practical skills, and being apprenticed into midwifery practice.

What is the significance of the 'Beyond Zero Campaign' mentioned in the script?

The 'Beyond Zero Campaign' is a key initiative in Kenya aimed at improving maternal health by providing better access to healthcare services, especially for pregnant women. It has contributed to free maternal services and improved healthcare delivery, despite the challenges posed by high patient numbers.

What challenges do midwives face in terms of workload and resources?

Midwives often face overwhelming workloads, particularly when there is a sudden influx of patients, as seen during the introduction of free maternal services. The script highlights the shortage of healthcare professionals and the need for more trained midwives to ensure quality care.

What does the script suggest about the need for more midwives globally?

The script emphasizes the global need for more midwives due to the high demand for maternal and newborn care. Nurses and midwives account for nearly half of the healthcare workforce, and the shortage of trained professionals affects the quality of care.

What are the strategic directions outlined in the World Health Organization's plan for strengthening nursing and midwifery?

The WHO's strategic directions include ensuring an educated, competent, and motivated nursing and midwifery workforce, optimizing policy development, promoting effective leadership, and fostering intra- and inter-professional collaboration. The goal is to build an evidence-based workforce through continued education and professional development.