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 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 pediatric nurses and pediatric 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.
