The role of midwives

Mrs Potel, independent midwife in the Paris region, France

Why did you decide to become a midwife?

In 1972, I was 18 years old and in my first year of medicine. My sister-in-law was pregnant and going to childbirth preparation classes. This was how I discovered the profession of midwife; I signed up for the school of midwifery in Rouen. I very quickly felt at ease and motivated on this path. I had a real passion for my studies and this job really became a vocation.

How long have you been a midwife?

I graduated in July 1975 and worked in a hospital environment for 25 years before setting up independently seven years ago.

What medical training does a midwife receive in France? Are there opportunities to specialise?

Training consists of a first year of medicine and then 4 years in a midwifery school.

Specialities:

• Diploma in pathological pregnancy and ultrasonography
• Breastfeeding consultant
• In childbirth preparation: haptonomy, preparation in the pool, sophrology, yoga, general support.
• Perineal reeducation and sexology

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

• The relational aspect: supporting women in becoming a mother. Helping women to accept their pregnancy and reassuring and advising them during pregnancy and after giving birth.

• Medical supervision: during and after pregnancy

What does your everyday job involve?
As an independent midwife:

• In the surgery: pre- and post-natal consultation, preparation for childbirth, perineal reeducation and baby massage.
• At home: supervising pathological pregnancies (with monitoring: recording contractions and foetal heartbeat) and post partum care.

Are the services of a midwife covered by healthcare insurance ( in France) ?

Consultations from 20 weeks’ amenorrhoea and post-natal consultations, pathological supervision with or without monitoring, post partum care (12 days after vaginal delivery, 20 days after a Caesarean), perineal reeducation and childbirth preparation are completely reimbursed by Social Security.

What is the initial care given to babies and mothers after giving birth?

• For the baby:

In the maternity hospital, care is often given by the paediatric nurses and paediatric auxiliary nurses.
On their return home: monitoring of weight, jaundice, diet (carried out by a midwife)

• For the mother

In the maternity hospital: medical supervision (involution of uterus, bleeding, episiotomy or Caesarean scar if there is one), assistance with breastfeeding, baby blues.
On their return home: breastfeeding, baby blues, scar care if necessary.

DDA