A professional assistant to the midwife.
During a home birth the maternity assistant is provides vital professional aid to the midwife. She prepares everything for the delivery, supports the woman towards the end of the dilation and while she is pushing, and gives practical help to the midwife and the partner. She helps create a calm and quiet atmosphere and stays with the women in labour if the midwife unfortunately has to leave for a while. The maternity assistant then supports the woman, and helps her cope with the contractions by breathing with her, massaging her or just by being a quietly and calmly present. When the baby is born, she notes the exact time. She provides soothing warm cloths and creates a peaceful atmosphere for the first contact between the mother and baby together with the father. Later she assists the midwife during the birth of the placenta, in taking a blood sample from the placenta, and in giving injections if necessary. During the first important hours after the birth, she is an invisible angel who watches over the mother and baby, making sure they aren’t unnecessarily disturbed as they make the first subtle contact that is so important for bonding. She patiently helps the mother and baby with breastfeeding for the first time. After a while she assists the midwife with stitching any tears. She makes something to eat and drink, tidies up and changes the bed. She washes the woman after the birth or helps her under the shower. Finally she gives instructions and information about the first night.
The supporting and monitoring role of the maternity assistant
Together with the midwife, the maternity assistant supports the new parents during the first eight days. She introduces them to the ABC of baby care. She keeps a careful eye on the medical condition of the mother and baby. Among other things she checks the level of the womb, the discharge, and the mother and baby’s temperature and pulse. She keeps the stump of the umbilical cord clean and checks if the baby is urinating and defecating enough. The maternity assistant has a supporting and monitoring role. If she thinks something isn’t quite right, she calls the midwife straight away. The maternity assistant and midwife are a team. Of course it is the midwife who supervises and takes final responsibility. She makes regular visits during the first period after the birth.
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Obstetric Practice 
