How midwives support women during childbirth | Monash University

Summary

Join Kym, a midwifery lecturer at Monash University, as she demonstrates a birthing simulation using Victoria, an advanced simulator. This engaging video takes you through the labor process, from contractions to birth, highlighting the role of midwives in supporting women through pain management and the birth process. Learn about important concepts such as labor positions, skin-to-skin care, and the significance of muscle memory in midwifery. This hands-on experience prepares students for clinical placements, boosting their confidence and skills, while offering valuable insights for those interested in pursuing a career in midwifery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The birthing simulation at Monash University allows students to experience labor and birth hands-on with a simulator named Victoria.
• 😀 The simulation helps students practice the entire process of labor, from contractions to the birth of the baby, building muscle memory and confidence.
• 😀 Midwifery students learn to manage different stages of labor, including crowning, shoulder birth, and the delivery of the baby.
• 😀 The semi-recumbent position is practiced in the simulation, though women in labor may choose the position that best suits them in reality.
• 😀 Midwives are encouraged to support women in labor by suggesting pain relief options and maintaining strong communication throughout the process.
• 😀 Pain relief for laboring women includes both physical support (e.g., movement and positioning) and pharmacological measures when necessary.
• 😀 Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately after birth to regulate the baby’s temperature, blood sugar, and promote bonding and pain management for both mother and baby.
• 😀 Leaving the umbilical cord intact after birth ensures the baby continues receiving nutrients and blood from the placenta until it is fully transferred.
• 😀 Muscle memory from repeated practice in simulations plays a key role in preparing students for real-life clinical placements.
• 😀 Midwifery students are provided with hands-on experience in the simulation, allowing them to develop their skills before clinical placements, increasing their confidence in real-world settings.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the birthing simulation at Monash University?

The purpose of the birthing simulation is to provide midwifery students with hands-on experience of the labor and delivery process, allowing them to practice key skills such as assisting with contractions, crowning, and the birth of a baby, all in a controlled, simulated environment.

What role does the simulator named Victoria play in the demonstration?

Victoria is a highly realistic birthing simulator used to simulate the labor and birth process. She helps students experience the entire process from contractions to the birth of the baby, providing a safe space for students to practice midwifery techniques.

Why is it important for midwifery students to practice with a simulator like Victoria before clinical placement?

Practicing with a simulator like Victoria helps students develop muscle memory for assisting in labor and delivery. This hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares them for real-life clinical placements, ensuring they are better equipped to handle various birth scenarios.

What position is demonstrated for labor during the simulation, and why is it used?

A semi-recumbent position is demonstrated, where the laboring woman sits upright. This position is commonly used because it supports gravity, helping with the process of labor and delivery, although women may choose other positions during real labor.

What is the role of gravity in the birthing process?

Gravity assists in the labor process by helping the baby move downward through the birth canal. Maintaining an upright position supports this natural process, which is why midwives encourage such positions during labor.

What should midwives do when a woman starts to experience intense pressure during labor?

Midwives should reassure the woman that the pressure is a normal part of labor and communicate with her to provide support. It's crucial to maintain a strong connection with the woman, especially when she feels the need to push, to help manage the pain and guide the delivery process.

What are some common misconceptions about labor, and what is more important to identify?

A common misconception is that a woman's waters must break for her to be in labor. However, the more important indicator of labor is the presence of contractions, which may occur in various parts of the body, such as the tummy, back, or legs.

How does the baby's head emerge during the birthing process in the simulation?

During the simulation, the baby's head begins to crown and gradually emerges with each contraction. The midwife applies gentle pressure to the baby's head to support its controlled delivery, preventing injury to the perineum.

What happens after the baby's head is born in the simulation?

After the baby's head is born, the midwife assists with the restitution process, where the baby turns to help the shoulders pass through the birth canal. The midwife ensures the shoulders are supported to avoid perineal injury, and then the rest of the baby is birthed with the next contraction.

Why is skin-to-skin contact encouraged immediately after birth?

Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged because it helps regulate the baby's temperature, blood sugar, and breathing. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby through the release of oxytocin, which aids in breastfeeding and pain management for both.