Mustela. The skin care specialist for babies and mothers-to-be.
The role of midwives
The role of midwives
Mrs Drevault, midwife at Saint Michel Sainte Anne maternity hospital in Quimper, France
Mrs Potel, independent midwife in the Paris region, France
Mrs Drevault, midwife at Saint Michel Sainte Anne maternity hospital in Quimper, France
Why did you decide to become a midwife?
When I was younger I couldn’t decide between becoming a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist…
During a summer job as a sales assistant, I really enjoyed coming into contact with pregnant women, whom I found to be more serene and attentive to others…
I then looked into the professions surrounding them, and after spending an observation day in a birthing room… my decision was made… I was going to become a midwife!
What are your favourite aspects of the job?
Being in contact with the parents to be, supporting them in becoming parents…
Being present at the birth of a child is a magical, timeless moment… a source of immense joy!
What are the different types of delivery?
There are two major categories of delivery:
- Vaginal deliveries: with or without instrumental assistance (vacuum extractor, spatulas, forceps).
They can take place in different positions, depending on the choice of the patient, the position of the baby, the obstetrician, etc.
- Caesarean deliveries.
Is preparation for the birth identical regardless of the delivery method chosen?
During preparation for the birth, we try to prepare women by explaining to them all of the possible types of delivery (vaginal, instrumental extraction, Caesarean).
If the patient does not wish to have an epidural, we pay particular emphasis to breathing, relaxation and pain management techniques, etc. Certain women can prepare for birth in the swimming pool, with sophrology techniques, yoga, prenatal singing, haptonomy, etc. in order to give them confidence in themselves and their body…
Does the midwife’s role change depending on the different types of delivery?
It is obvious that the role played by a midwife during a Caesarean section is much less important than during a vaginal delivery.
In the same way, a woman giving birth without any pain relief requires the midwife to be very much on hand… (help with breathing, antalgic movements, support, etc.)
How long does labour last on average? Are there factors that have an influence on the duration of labour?
In primiparas (women giving birth for the first time), you should count on an average of 12 hours of labour and half an hour of pushing. The time is shorter in multiparas and for certain women whose cervix dilates quickly.
