Topic: Midwifery 222 MID203 HEALTHY CHILDBEARING 2
Discussion Board 1 Topic: Privacy, labour and pain
You have 2 tasks to do as outlined below.
Choose one of the questions and write a 200-word answer (include references)
Provide an evidence-based comment on at least one of your fellow students’ posts (the aim here is to build on your knowledge of the topic).
Choose one topic from following:
Questions
How would you address Freda’s concerns? How would you address the situation if the health service at Amaroo used hand-held notes? What would you suggest to Freda about recording the termination issue?
What legislation, standards, codes and guidelines govern the issue of privacy and confidentiality? Why are midwives obliged to abide by these?
What effect does pain have on vital signs? How can this effect present challenges to professional decision-making when caring for women in labour?
What is pain and specifically pain in labour? How can this knowledge help midwives assist women in labour??
Can or should labour pain be equated with other forms of pain e.g. from cancer or post-operatively?
Why do some women respond well to pain relief and for others it is ineffective? How can midwifery philosophy assist you to provide flexible and individualised care?
Why do women have different experiences of pain in labour (e.g. lower abdominal pain versus back pain etc.)? As a midwife, how can you respond to these different situations?
Reflect on your feelings and behaviours when you see a woman in pain. Do her vocalisations make you want to ‘do something’ i.e. rescue her? How can your personal instincts be in conflict with your professional responsibility?
Should all women be offered ‘pain relief’ if not why not and if yes, why?
Does asking women about what they want for relief undermine their confidence in their ability to birth?
What is the impact of the woman’s positive or negative attitude on how she perceives pain in labour? What is the impact of the midwife’s attitude on how pain in labour is managed?
How can you work with pain in labour in a way that promotes the woman’s self-confidence and ability?
Why is it important for midwives to be able to assist women to use non-pharmacological methods of pain relief effectively and safely? How can this be achieved?
Describe the physiological principles which underpin the use of hydrotherapy. How can midwives ensure the safety of women and babies using hydrotherapy?
How can midwives ensure epidurals are used appropriately and safely?
Can women provide informed consent for a procedure when they feel they are in unremitting, unbearable pain?
Why is knowledge of physiology fundamental to best practise midwifery care?
Discuss the phrase “knowledge dispels fear” in relation to both the woman and the midwife during the intrapartum period
In what ways do midwives facilitate normal birth?
How can midwives work with their medical colleagues to reduce intervention rates in normal labour?
