Because the field is growing, new technologies and ideas are constantly being developed in order to make childbirth safer and easier on both the mother and baby. Attitudes and expectations towards childbirth have changed throughout the years and new methods of easing pain during the process have made a huge impact on mothers. New technology is being by nurses in order to give the best quality care to patients and make the childbearing experience as easy, safe, and painless as possible.
Attitudes towards childbirth have changed drastically over the past hundred years. Today, pregnant women expect their journeys through childbirth to be healthy. Because of the new developments in the past years, this is a reasonable way to think after so many technological advances have made labor and delivery both safe and sanitary tasks.
To enhance better understanding of birth and skills, simulation mannequins have become extremely helpful in labor and delivery training units. There are both baby and mother mannequins that make sounds and are able to display a real birth. These simulations are excellent team building activities for groups of nurses and can be used without the risk of harming a mother or child.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAzmC0uYKAY
Nurses monitor the baby before and during birth using Doppler ultrasound technology to detect the heartbeat. New technological advances have made this task easier on the mother known as wireless fetal monitoring. This wireless telemetry monitor detects the heart rate and contractions of a baby without the use of cables fastened to a unit. Some researchers have said it may shorten the first stage of labor and make a difference in pain level.
Oxytocin is a drug used to start or increase the frequency of contractions in labor and is usually administered by an IV. Smart pumps are tools used to administer oxytocin in precise amounts. They are programmed using specific dosage guidelines and will not go beyond the certain level they are set to.
All of these new developments in labor and delivery units have made childbirth easier and less stressful on mother’s, nurses and doctors. Technology will continue to make a difference and be utilized in order to give the best quality care to patients.
There have also been multiple advances in education of how to educate new families after delivery. Many expecting couples will read up on how to prepare themselves for their new addition, but reality sets in when the mother is in labor. The role of a nurse has evolved into being a parent educator for the many question they may have.
Education on what to Expect:
- Physical Symptoms(Soreness, constipation, hemorrhoids, hot and cold flashes, urinary or fecal incontinence, after pains, vaginal discharge, weight fluctuations, Cesarean section)
- Emotional Symptoms(Postpartum Depression, Anxiety)
- Daily Life(Responsibility changes, careers, finances, planning, birth control, breastfeeding)
http://www.babycenter.com/0_what-happens-to-your-baby-after-delivery_182.bc?page=1
Until recently, many mental disorders have been discredited by society; however, postpartum depression has become a serious issue for new mothers to be aware of. Nurses are now discussing with patients the signs and treatment options to build awareness of the mental disorder.
Symptoms:
-Starts off as Baby Blues (crying, mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irratability)
-insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, lack of joy in life, constant apathy and sadness, withdrawl from family and friends, difficulty bonding with baby, thoughts of self harm)
-lasts longer than two weeks
-psychosis: paranoia, confusion, delusions
Causes:
- Physical (hormone levels, immune system)
- Emotional (sleep deprived, overwhelmed, anxiety, poor self esteem, loss of control)
- Lifestyle Influences (lack of support, demands, stress, finances)
Treatment:
-hormone therapy, antidepressants, counseling
-self help: set reasonable expectations, make time for self, optimism, healthy lifestyle choices
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546
allisonmckinley88
Labor and Delivery Nursing 