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Who's who

Many mothers would like to be able to get to know the people who care for them during pregnancy and the birth of their baby. The NHS is now working to achieve this. However, you may still find that you see a number of different carers.

 

Professionals should, of course, introduce themselves and explain what they do but, if they forget, don’t hesitate to ask. It may help to make a note of who you have seen and what they have said in case you need to discuss any point later on.


Below are the people you’re most likely to meet. Some may have students with them who are being trained and you will be asked if you mind them being present:

 

  • A midwife is specially trained to care for mothers and babies throughout normal pregnancy, labour and after the birth, and therefore provides all care for the majority of women at home or in hospital. Increasingly, midwives will be working both in hospital and in the community so that they can provide better continuity of care. You should know the name of the midwife who is responsible for your midwifery care.
  • A hospital midwife will probably see you each time you go to a hospital antenatal clinic.
  • A midwife will look after you during labour and will probably deliver your baby, if your delivery is normal. If any complications develop during your pregnancy or delivery, a doctor will become more closely involved with your care. You and your baby will be cared for by midwives on the postnatal ward until you go home. You will probably also meet student midwives and student doctors.
  • A community midwife will probably get to know you before your baby is born and will visit you at home, after you leave hospital during the early weeks. Community midwives are sometimes attached to GPs’ practices and may be involved in giving antenatal care. They are also involved in delivering babies in community and GP or midwife units and are responsible for home deliveries. Some community midwives also accompany women into the hospital maternity unit to be with them for the birth.
  • Your general practitioner (GP) can help you to plan your antenatal care. This may be given at the hospital, but it is quite often shared with the GP. Sometimes the GP may be responsible for all your antenatal care and in some areas may be responsible for your care in hospital. If you have your baby in a GP or midwife unit or at home, your GP may be involved in your baby’s birth. If your baby is born in hospital, your GP will be notified of your baby’s birth and will arrange to see you soon after you return home. Don’t forget to register your baby with your GP.
  • An obstetrician is a doctor specialising in the care of women during pregnancy, labour and soon after the birth. If you are having a hospital birth you will usually be under the care of a consultant and the doctors on his or her own team, together with other professionals such as midwives. In some hospitals you will routinely see an obstetrician; in others, your midwife or GP will refer you for an appointment if they have a particular concern such as previous complications of pregnancy or labour or chronic illness. If everything is straightforward, a midwife will usually deliver your baby. You should ask to see your consultant if you wish to discuss any matter you think is important.
  • A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children. The paediatrician may check your baby after the birth to make sure all is well and will be present when your baby is born if you have had a difficult labour. If your baby should have any problems, you will be able to talk this over with the paediatrician. If your baby is born at home or your stay in hospital is short, you may not see a paediatrician at all. Your GP can check that all is well with you and your baby.
  • An obstetric physiotherapist is specially trained to help you cope with the physical changes of pregnancy, childbirth and afterwards. Some attend antenatal classes and teach antenatal exercises, relaxation and breathing, active positions and other ways you can help yourself during pregnancy and labour. Afterwards, they advise on postnatal exercises to tone up your muscles again. When no obstetric physiotherapist is available your midwife can help you with these exercises.
  • Health visitors are specially trained nurses concerned with the health of the whole family. You may meet yours before the birth of your baby. The health visitor will contact you to arrange a home visit when your baby is ten days old to offer help and support. You may continue to see your health visitor either at home, or at your Child Health Clinic, health centre or GP’s surgery, depending on wherethey are based.
  • Dietitians are available to adviseyou on healthy eating or if you need to follow a special diet such as that recommended for women with gestational diabetes.

 

Research

You may be asked to participate in a research project during your antenatal care, labour or postnatally. This may involve a new treatment or be to find out your opinions on an aspect of your care, for example.

The project should be fully explained to you and you are free to decline, but your participation will be most welcome. Such projects are vital if professionals are to improve maternity care.

 

Students

Many of the professionals mentioned have students accompanying them at times. They will be at various stages of their training but will always be supervised. You can choose not to be seen by a student at any time but agreeing to their presence helps in their education and may even add to your experience of pregnancy and labour.

  

 Information provided by Health Promotion England.