Before, during, and after the birth of the baby, a birth attendant monitors the pregnant patient’s care. In addition, if the woman prefers to give birth at home rather than in a hospital, the birth attendant may be called. If a home birth is not recommended or desired, the birth attendant can accompany her patient to the hospital. She can stay with the laboring patient and her partner throughout the labor and delivery process, providing emotional support to both.
Birth attendants include midwives and doulas. A registered nurse with a master’s degree in maternal/child nursing can also work as a midwife. Being a birth attendant or doula does not, however, necessitate a formal education. Certified nurse midwives usually have a lot of obstetrical and labor and delivery nursing experience. They may work in hospitals or birth centers, or they may have their own practices. If they are also certified nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives can often prescribe medication and, in some cases, administer anesthesia.
Giving birth can be both the happiest and the most stressful day of a woman’s life. The presence of a birth attendant can have a big impact on how the patient manages her pain and stress. When anxiety levels are high, the perception of pain can be exaggerated. In contrast, if the patient’s stress levels are low and she has a strong support system in place, including the birth attendant, she may be able to cope better with labor pains.
A birth attendant can provide the emotional support needed for women who choose to deliver their babies without anesthesia or pain relief. The attendant can assist the laboring woman in focusing on something other than the pain, facilitating proper breathing patterns, and even providing some comic relief. The patient may feel out of control and scared during the labor process, and while she may have her partner nearby, having another experienced person nearby may be calming.
If a mother opts for a home birth, she should notify her attending physician or the nearest hospital of her impending delivery. The home birth is likely to be uneventful and uncomplicated. It’s still a good idea to notify the hospital staff in case the patient needs to be transported there due to complications for the mother or the baby.