Key Responsibilities of a Midwife

Provide Antenatal Care to Pregnant Women

• Conduct antenatal assessments including monitoring vital signs, fetal heart rate, and maternal health.
• Educate expectant mothers on pregnancy health, nutrition, and birth preparation.
• Identify risk factors and complications during pregnancy and refer cases to medical officers when necessary.
• Maintain accurate antenatal records and patient documentation.
• Provide counselling on family planning and maternal health issues.

Assist in Labor and Delivery

• Monitor labor progress using tools such as the partograph.
• Provide continuous support and care to mothers during labor and childbirth.
• Assist in normal deliveries and support doctors during complicated deliveries.
• Ensure a safe and hygienic delivery environment.
• Identify and respond promptly to labor complications.

Provide Postnatal Care for Mother and Baby

• Monitor the physical recovery of mothers after delivery.
• Assess newborn health and perform immediate newborn care.
• Support and educate mothers on breastfeeding and newborn care.
• Monitor mothers and babies for any post-delivery complications.
• Provide postnatal health education and discharge instructions.

Ensure Infection Prevention and Control

• Maintain strict hygiene and infection control practices within the maternity ward.
• Sterilize medical instruments and ensure a clean delivery environment.
• Follow hospital infection prevention guidelines and protocols.
• Properly dispose of medical waste and contaminated materials.
• Promote safe practices to prevent maternal and neonatal infections.

Maintain Patient Records and Reporting

• Accurately document all patient observations, procedures, and outcomes.
• Maintain maternity records, delivery registers, and nursing reports.
• Participate in shift handovers and communicate patient status effectively.
• Report complications, incidents, and emergencies according to hospital procedures.
• Ensure confidentiality of patient information at all times.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Midwifery from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 2 years clinical experience in a maternity or labour ward.
• Valid practicing license from the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) is an added advantage.