Our thoughts on caregivers

Our thoughts.......

An experienced caregiver will usually allow the woman space to labour how she needs to. A knowing caregiver senses when to come in and out of the labour, when to guide the woman and when to just observe. Sometimes your caregiver will look to you for guidance, if they are unsure how you are coping. A woman needs time to adjust and work with the rhythm of her labour. This rhythm can at times be very fragile and easily lost, especially if the caregiver feels that they need to control the labour instead of 'tuning in' to the rhythm of the woman.

If you feel your caregiver is offering you things you are not ready for, and you and the baby are well, let them know you will ask them if you need anything, and will ask them for advice if you are not coping. This could communicate to them your need for more space.

Caregiver's observations consist of performing the following checks:

	Woman's blood pressure.
	Woman's temperature.
	Woman's pulse.
	Feeling the position of the baby, through 'palpating' or feeling your belly.
	Noting any vaginal loss.
	Listening to your baby's heart rate, possibly suggesting continuous monitoring.
	Checking your cervical dilation with an internal vaginal examination (sometimes).
	Observing the frequency and intensity of contractions.

The caregiver records your labour observations and progress on their records. This is a legal document and must show an accurate account of the labour. Observations and any procedures carried out are documented, with the time and date (verified with the caregiver's full signature and printed name).

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