The missions of midwives extend well beyond the supervision of pregnancy and the days that follow.
Limiting these health professionals to work rooms would be a mistake. The job of a midwife is actually much broader than just monitoring pregnancy. On the occasion of the World Day dedicated to this profession, Why actor takes stock of a specialty that supports more than 21,000 French people.
The vast majority of midwives work in public hospitals or clinics (68%) and a quarter in private practice. They are there, most of the time, in total autonomy. Even to give birth to pregnant women, this profession can do without a gynecologist-obstetrician. It is only in the event of a proven health problem or complications that they should refer to a doctor.
Because midwives represent a health profession, resulting from a 5-year training course with a common foundation for health studies (PACES).
Source : Ministry of Health
Post-natal care and vaccination
The main activity of midwives remains linked to pregnancy, at its various stages. During gestation, these professionals are empowered to ensure the follow-up of the pregnant woman, including obstetric and gynecological ultrasounds. Their participation in medically assisted procreation (MAP) is also permitted.
Before childbirth, eight preparation sessions are possible with a midwife. They are fully covered by Health Insurance. In the labor room, midwives take care of the entire delivery. It is only in the event of a complication that they call an obstetrician.
Their missions do not end there. After childbirth, these professionals provide care for the mother and her newborn. They can prescribe and perform vaccines up to 2 months after birth. Rehabilitation of the perineum and sphincters also falls under this specialty.
Contraception, abortion …
In fact, midwives can intervene much more widely in the lives of women, and more particularly in their reproductive health. They have the right to ensure gynecological follow-up, to prescribe contraception and to carry out screening examinations. The profession then provides a welcome relay to overworked gynecologists. On average, you have to wait 68 days before getting a consultation.
Medicated abortion is not limited to hospitals. Liberal midwives can also practice it recently. The Ministry of Health wanted to facilitate women’s access to this routine act.
Parallel acts are also allowed for midwives, provided they obtain a complementary diploma. Osteopathy, acupuncture and ultrasound examination are thus possible.
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