PART 4

Midwives are incredible people who are at the cutting edge of a woman's journey into motherhood.  I have asked a group of midwives to share their wisdom and insight with us here at the Birthmark Sisterhood through this blog series.  

Midwife - 5 years experience, Hamilton New Zealand

1. What brings you the greatest joy and sense of purpose as a midwife?

Supporting women and whanau to become families.

2a. What is your role in the C-section surgery/recovery? 

In surgery, supporting mum and partner emotionally. Advocating for mums wishes...skin to skin, assist with breastfeeding. Reassuring my and partner. Post surgery , giving advice on emotional and physical level. Managing pain mobilizing monitoring wound site, avoiding infection, mobilizing and building strength. Long term effects

2b. Microbiome and gut health is really popular in the health industry at the moment. Is “seeding” something that you would give information to expectant mothers?   Yes, if they are interested, I will give advice and let whanau research and make decisions themselves

2c. What is the greatest thing a woman can do to enhance connection between her and her baby once baby is born? Skin to skin Being as relaxed and grounded

2d. How can a woman be involved in her C-section delivery?  Be Informed of the procedure, what to expect, what happens to her body...what to expect afterwards

3a. What challenges do women face in first six weeks, which have the potential to inhibit their journey back to health?  How do you suggest these are managed?

• Infection
• Manage wound better Pain 

3b. How does a woman's mental health and attitude to the birth affect her recovery progress?  Hugely...main factor 

3c. What differences do you see, if any, in the recovery from elective C-section verses unplanned C-section? Mentally prepared and better recovery

3d. What are signs of infection, (or any other adverse signs) you are looking for which may impede recovery?   Heat, redness, pain, Lack of mobility

4a. Have you seen a change in expectations over your career towards C-section mums? If so what?   No

4b. How has the medical industry improved their care towards C-section deliveries?   Implementing guidelines for delayed cord clamping and skin to skin

5a. Can you describe a ‘gentle C-section’?   Unsure, assuming it would mean assisting in the surgery

5b. What are your thoughts regarding the development of ‘gentle’ C-sections?   Infection risk

6. What does a woman need to be aware of when planning another pregnancy/birth following a C-section.   Possible fertility issues, timing, guidelines for situation

7a. Do you have any further comments you would like to add that could empower, support and enhance the recovery journey for C-section mothers?  Every person is different and every situation is different. People will heal in different ways depending on the context of their birth 

Note from Naomi:

A huge thank you to this beautiful midwife for sharing her wisdom and knowledge with us.  First hand experience can be so empowering.

If you are a midwife and would like to share your wisdom and insight please get in contact at birthmarksisterhood@gmail.com