2.1. NURSING CARE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Introduction
The unique function of a nurse is to assist an individual,
sick or well, by performing those activities contributing to his/her recovery
(or even to a peaceful death), that he/she will perform unaided if he/she had
the necessary strength, will or knowledge to do this, in such a way as to gain
independence as soon as possible [26].
In general obstetric nursing care, the objectives are aimed
at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through a careful follow-up during
labour and delivery, as well as prevention and management of eventual
complications during the postpartum period
Therefore understanding the role of nursing care during these
periods is integral.
B. Nursing role during labour and delivery
The goal of nursing care during the birth process is to
instill maximum physical and emotional wellbeing of both the woman and the
foetus. This goal includes the transition of woman to mother and foetus to baby
[32].
To implement proper care, the nurse must be familiar with
normal physiology of labour, deviations from the norms and adjustments,
self-confidence and skill required to cope with the stressful and emergency
conditions. However, knowledge and technical ability are not sufficient in
themselves the nurses must also address the psychological aspect of care by
conveying warmth and empathy [33].
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