The Main Functions Of The Maternity Nurse Health Essay

The Main Functions Of The gestation period Nurse Health EssayA Maternity Nurse is employed by Families who agree un theatrical roled born(p) babies and is qualified or experience to c atomic number 18 for babies. They usually work short term covenant and usually live in with the family and is generally on duty for 24 hours a twenty-four hours-6 days a week.The principal(prenominal) functions of a gestation period entertain arTo support p bents in all aspects of the tiddlers c ar, providing constant guidance on all aspects of care. dishing to establish good tending routines which can be main(prenominal)tained by the parent/s after the maternity nanny-goat leaves the familyShow mommy correct way to meet feed, show parents correct way to john and vary go badHelping to establish good balanceing routines which can be maintained by the parent/s after the maternity divvy up up leaves the familyHelp the parents to integrate a new baby into family lifeThe maternity nurs e whitethorn cut up during the night to feed and change the baby or to get up to support mum or dad whilst they feed or change the baby.Some Maternity nurses are happy to do spare duties such(prenominal) as basic grocery shopping and general errands, to ensure the house hold runs savorlessly and to give the parents some m alone with the baby. let off the importance of maintaining confidentiality in a maternity nurse role, including when and why you can break that confidentiality.It is important for a maternity nurse to maintain confidentiality as each parent may confide in her and if she breaks that confidence she willing lose the trust of that parent. Also, by breaking this confidence she may cause a respite between the parents especially if either parent has confided in her about the other. A maternity nurse must know the difference between what she must proceed private and what can be discussed openly. This confidentiality can be broken if there is a risk of infection of harm to the baby or if either parent is non coping well for example if a new mum had post innate falling off, she may need original jock if the maternity nurse can non pick out with the situation on her own. rationalize barriers to effective communication working with parents and how to overcome them.A maternity nurse may face the following(a) barriers when dealing with parents wrangle parents may non speak the aforesaid(prenominal) language as the maternity nurse or they may come from a contrastive part of the same country, e.g. a region with a distinguishable dialect. cultural different cultures communicate in different ship canal and their interpretation of the same message may very much differ.Biases this is largely due to our experiences and how we think of ourselves and other, for example a younger mum may find it difficult to communicate with an older maternity nurse as she may think she is mothering her or not taking her seriously.Assumption it is important th at a maternity nurse does not make the mistake of assuming that parents see to it or agree with everything she tells them.Some of the ways these barriers could be overcome areLanguage speak clearly and slowly using simple and concise language.Cultural consider where the parents are from and if there are any cultural differences which need to be taken into account when communicating.Biases it is important to empathise and try to relate to the parents. It is scarcely by overcoming our own biases can we therefore look to try and understand the bias of a parent.Assumption for the relationship between maternity nurse and parents to work, no assumptions can be made by the maternity nurse. The maternity nurse needs to be astute and ask questions in a way that does not alienate the parents.2.1 Explain the recognised causes of sudden infant death syndrome.The exact cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not known however it is certain that it may be a combination of a number of factors. Four main causes endure been identifiedInfant development may be ca utilise by a delay in nerve cell development in the brain which is essential for normal lung and heart function. Research has shown a delay in development in the function and formation of a number of serotonin binding nerve pathways in the brain. These pathways are vitally important to regulate seam pressure, breathing and heart rate.Rebreathing asphyxia ca utilise by a baby lying face down, it is difficult for the baby to take a breather and can cause the baby to breathe in expelled carbon dioxide. Bedding, blankets, soft mattresses are some types of balance surfaces that can impair breathing when the baby is face down.Hyperthermia (increase temperature) its not certain if increased air temperature can cause SIDS on its own or does it need to be in conjunction with a baby being futile to breathe. Usually a symptom of overdressing, when the baby has excessively much c quidhes on or too many blankets, covers which increase temperature and lead to an increased metabolic rate and eventually a loss of breathing control.Environmental factors could include people smoking tobacco near your baby, being exposed to wood or coal burning fires, excessive smog.2.2 Explain the ways in which sudden infant death syndrome can be prevented.Parents, family members or carers can take a number of steps to reduce SIDSSleep position when putting a baby to sleep, place the baby on their back as the risk of SIDS is higher when a baby sleeps on their stomach or side.Sleep surface it is best if a baby sleeps on a upstanding surface to prevent suffocation or smothering.Smoke ensure the baby does not inhale smoke of any kind especially tobacco.Temperature subjugate overdressing the baby or using too many blankets/covers. Regulate room temperature where possible. Let baby sleep in comfortable, light clothing.Sleeping arrangements dont let the baby sleep in the same bed as parents or another person includi ng a child.3.1 Explain the recognised causes of post natal mental picture.Some women experience depression after childbirth this is called postnatal depression, which usually starts in the first four to six weeks after they give birth, although in some cases it developed after several(prenominal) months.Its still not clear what causes post natal depression but some recognised causes may includethe stress of looking after a new-sprung(a) baby both somatogeneticly and emotionallyshortly after pregnancy hormonal changes occur some women may be more spiritualist to hormonesdepression during pregnancya difficult birthrelationship worriesfinancial problemslack of support from family or friendsafter birth there are physical health problems that occur , such as urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), or contumacious perturb from an episiotomy scar or a forceps deliverya history of depression or other mood dis frames such as bipolar disorder draw a previous history of postnatal depressionduring pregnancy experience anxiety or depressionIt could take months before people cope with the pressure of being new parents. It is important for the maternity nurse to support the new parents even if the mum shows no signs of post natal depression, simply having a baby can be stressful and life changing and that itself can trigger depression.3.2 Describe the ways the maternity nurse can support a mother by Post Natal Depression.The Maternity nurse can be very supportive and make the mum feel interchangeable she is doing a great job with her baby. She should make sure mum is get enough sleep and is well rested. The maternity nurse should help as much around the house, including doing errands around the house to ease the stress. She should also manage visitors, too many visitors equals too many conflicting advice. If mum is suffering from post natal depression, getting different advice can be confusing and will not help mum get better.3.3 Explain where the maternity nurse should seek help should they become concerned about a mothers condition.It is common for mums for mums to become humor or experience mood changes, and episodes of tearfulness after birth, this is known as baby blues. coddle blues is usually over within a hardly a(prenominal) weeks. But if the symptoms are persistent, it could well be the result of postnatal depression. It is important for the maternity nurse to recognise the signs of post natal depressionIf the maternity nurse is concerned about mums behaviour she should speak to dad or a close friend or family member to find out what mums character was like before baby was born. She would need to find out if the birth was not what mum expect as that can also trigger post natal depression. If mum has a flat expression, doesnt want to get dressed or go out and meet people, these are all signs of post natal depression. The maternity nurse should monitor the situation, if it doesnt get better after a couple of days then she sh ould let dad know and he should seek professional help.It is important for partners, family and friends to recognise signs of postnatal depression as early as possible and seek professional advice.There are many symptoms of postnatal depression, purport uneffective to cope, difficulty sleeping and low mood but many women are not aware they hasten the condition.5.1 Explain what wane is. What are the main reasons babies experience this condition. How can you support the baby through these times?Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) comm plainly known as reflux, happens when the draw baby has drank comes back up into his defile which is the food pipe or even into his mouth. It is a temporary which usually gets better on its own. It is not unusual for a baby to get reflux and it doesnt necessary a sign that baby is ill. During their first three months almost half of babies have reflux once or more a day (PRODIGY 2009). A small percentage of babies have trouble severe or persistent refl ux which affects their well-being. This is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).The babys food pipe connects his mouth with his stomach. Your baby has a ring of muscle (valve) where his food pipe joins his stomach. The muscular valve opens to let through milk the baby has swallowed, and closes to keep milk in his tummy. Babies usually get reflux because the ring of muscle hasnt developed fully yet.This means that when the babys tummy is full, milk and acid can come back up the food pipe, causation discomfort.If your babys reflux is mild, and hes still feeding well and isnt too upset by it, these tips may helpHold baby in an upright position when feeding. aft(prenominal) each feed upright for 20 to 30 minutes.Giving baby smaller but more frequent feeds.Bottle fed babies need to be burped every devil to three minutes while being fed.5.2 Explain what colic is. What are the main reasons babies experience this condition. How can you support the baby through these times?Colic happens when a healthy baby cries excessively and cant be soothed. It is also called persistent exacting. For a new mum this sort of instantaneous can be very upsetting, trying to comfort a crying baby over many hours is hard work and leaves mum feeling helpless. This persistent crying can drive mum to tears herself. It is important for the maternity nurse to let mum know that she is doing nothing wrong and baby is crying for no particular reason. It usually starts between two weeks and four weeks and is usually over by the time baby turns three or four months old.When babies have colic, they cry more often and for longer periods. After some time their crying will become the same as babies who do not have colic.It is not known why some babies will cry more than other babies. Colic affects boys and girls in equal measure and breastfed and verbal expression babies. It is important to ensure new mothers that their crying is not a result of anything they are doing.(Barr et al 2005) There are a number of reasons a baby may be cryingIndigestion and wind may be caused by a maturing gutBabies have to learn how to stop cryingBabies may need to be cuddledThe following suggestions may comfort baby by simulating the environment of the uterusEnsure your heartbeat is regular and hold baby close to your body bind baby if he is less than a month old and snugly wrap baby.Make sure it is quiet and dark.A warm calming bath can soothe baby.Rocking or swaying can also be calming.5.3 Explain a range of allergies or intolerances which may contribute to colic or a baby being chatoyant and how would you recognise them.In certain cases, babys crying is caused byAn allergy which is temporaryA possible intolerance to milk protein in breast or formula milkA lactose intolerance which may be temporaryA breastfeeding position which is awkward (baby may not have latched on correctly)Other illness such as fever, upset tummy etc.In rare cases (1 in 10), babies may cry for different reasons , the symptoms will beCry which may be high pitched or not sound normalBringing up or smooth tummy, possible loss of incubus or blood in stoolProblems with feeding or not keeping milk down6.1 Explain expected weight patterns of a new-sprung(a), and identify why and when to seek help.The middling neonate weighs around 7.5 pounds, although birth weights can range between 5.5 to 10 pounds. Babies lose 6 10 percent of their body weight in the initial days after birth, most of this weight loss is surplus body water. After close to 3 4 days the newborn will start to regain weight and should equal or pass the birth weight between 10 14 days. In the following 3 months, an infant should grow around an ounce a day. Between 3 6 months weight gain will normally slow to 4 5 ounces per week. Between 6 12 months weight gain reduces to 2 3 ounces a week.It is important for the parents of new born babies to remember the weight of an infant is only one indicator of harvest, others are h eight and head circumference. A useful way of monitoring a childs fruit is to plot all three growth measurements.The following are good indicators of why and when to seek helpNewborns growth measurements are significantly lower than averageNewborn is not eating or sleeping well, may affect weightNewborn starts to lose weight without any extra activity6.2 Explain best practice in caring for the cord, circumcision, nails, scalp and eyes. Include what could cause a problem, and how you would rectify this.CordImportant to keep drySponge baths recommended, avoid immersing newborn in waterIf the cord is too moist or begins to ooze, the base of the cord should be wiped with water or rubbing alcohol and then dried offOnce cord falls off, continue to clean baseCircumcisionAfter every nappy change put petroleum gel (Vaseline) on the head of the penisInitially the penis head will be red and swollen and a yellow sticky coating may appear, continue to apply petroleum jellyOnce coating is gone, petroleum jelly does not need to be appliedNailsNewborns kick the buckets can be covered to stop scratchingOnce nails are long enough, the tips may be peeled away manuallyNail clipper can be used to remove part of the nail which is not connected to skinEmery board or nail file can be used to smooth sharp edgesScalpShould be treated with baby or mineral oil either once or twice a weekIf cradle cap develops, oil should be massaged into scalp and a fine comb used to loosen the scalesEyesOutside of the newborns eyes should be cleaned carefully when cleanIf red spots are noticed on the white part of the eye or iris, nothing needs to be done as these are spots of blood and do not affect the babys vision or cause painIf thick yellow or green discharge occurs, a GP should be consulted6.4 Explain how best to support a mother in making the change from breast to bottle. Provide information for 2 ways to handle this transition, listing the pros and cons for each.Making the change from breas t feeding to bottle can be very difficult for new mums, often they can have feelings of inadequacy and guilt. They need to be supported by the dad or friends and family during this time. Also, it may help if a professional speaks to them to explain these feelings are normal. It may be useful to speak to other new mums as they will have similar feelings.When weaning from breast to bottle, there are a number of different ways to go about this, however whichever way is chosen it should always be gradual so both mum and baby have a chance to get used to it.One method acting is a combination of breast and cup feeding, pro baby has a chance to get used to a new way of feeding, con it may take longer to wean baby off breast.Another method is to wait a minute of arc longer and then switch from breast to bottle, pros transition may be quicker and gives baby no other option but to get used to it, cons can be a shock for baby and mum.6.5 Explain how the feeding will change over the first 6 weeks in a formula feed baby.Week 0 3 between 30ml to 60ml at each feed, every 2 3 hours about 8 times a day. Baby will only be able to manage small amounts of formula.Week 4 6 between 90ml to 120 ml at each feed, every 3 4 hours about 6 times a day. Daily consumption may be between 400 to 800 ml per day.As weight is gained, the baby should start eating more at each feed, also time between feeding will increase. Growth spurts often occur at 7 14 days old or 3 6 weeks.7.1 Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of on demand feeding.Advantages on demand feedingPromotes trust and soldering as needs are met instantlyCan help baby reach a good weight quicklyAlleviates and prevents engorgementBabies have also been fix to have fewer digestive problemsDisadvantages on demand feedingHarder to predict and manage a childs feeding schedule if there is no schedule totality of food not regulatedFeeding cannot be planned in advanced7.2 Analyse the main differences between two opposin g theories of the sleep patterns of babies.The two sleep pattern theories I will be looking at are hunger and comfort.HungerBabies have small stomachs and cannot hold a lot of food in their stomachsBabies wake up to refill because their stomachs are emptyComfortBabies are not always hungry when they wake upBabies are looking for contact and comfortBabies need to be held and loved7.3 Explain the need to start good sleeping and feeding practices with a newborn and how you help a mother implement them.It is very important to start good sleeping and feeding practices with a newborn. In the first few weeks newborns typically sleep for up to 18 hours a day. They require a lot of sleep for their development and growth, thus the need to develop good sleeping patterns early on. soundly sleeping practices become really important when the newborn reaches 3 months as they start to settle into a pattern and it up to the parents to have made unwrap decisions such as when and where the newborn s leeps. Good feeding practices are equally important for growth and development as newborns typically sleep for 2 to 4 hours at a time, waking up for a feed. The first 12 months in a childs life are crucial as more growth happens in this period than at any other time in a childs life. Also, as with sleep, good feeding practices early on will check over how a newborn gets used to feeding.A mother can be helped to implement good sleeping and feeding practices by establishing a daily routine. Although the newborn is too small to understand, they will start adapting to the habits of doing the same things over a period of time. A few helpful tips areEnsure the room where the newborn sleeps is dark, leaving the light off at night.Dont make any noise when feeding, practice feeding without the light on.Establish a pre bed routine such as warm baths, soothing music before nap time.UNIT TITLE Breast Feeding Support Skills1. Why might Luke be unsettled at the breast? Give solutions to the reas ons you have suggested.Luke may be unsettled at the breast as he may not be latched onto mums breast properly. It is very important that the latch is done properly and many new mums need help with it. It is a common mistake new mums make they only put the tit into babys mouth. To latch properly the nipple and part of the areola needs to be in babys mouth while feeding. To help mum discover a good latch, ask mum to hold baby in arm she is not feeding with and line baby to nipple. Use feeding hand to help manoeuvre the nipple in.Its less likely for the nipple to get sore if the latch is done correctly. Annabelle will need to check to see if mums nipples are sore which may be causing her to tense up while feeding baby.If it is sore she can suggestTo keep feeding Luke because if she stops breastfeeding, it may be difficult to restart once her breasts in particular her nipples have healed. A short term option in the case of worse pain on either side, may be to feed from the breast whic h is not as painful.A nipple shield could be used in order to avoid further damage to mums nipple, although using the nipple shield can create a suction which can open the cracks on mums breasts. The main disadvantages to this method may be a re lineion in the give of milk and the nipple shield can alter how baby sucks.Many mothers have show relief by rubbing breast milk over their nipples after a feed or purified lanolin ointment, until healing occurs. This principle is called moist would healing.2. What could be causing the pink patch? How would you remedy this?The pink patch could be caused by milk getting blocked in the ducts. Mastitis is caused when blocked ducts are not removed which turns into breast infections, mum will feel like she has the flu. Its advised to feed on the breast that has the blocked duct,nurse frequently empty the breasts thoroughly. study for nursing at least every 2 hours, keeping the affected breast as empty as possible, but not neglecting the other b reast. When unable to breastfeed, mum should express milk frequently and thoroughly (with a breast pump or by hand).Mum will need to rest and have lots of fluids and nutritious foods to help strengthen her immune system. She should wear her bra loosely and remove any constrictive clothing to aid milk flow. horninessand gentlemassagebefore nursing also helps with blocked ducts. If the blocked duct doesnt clear then mum has to consult the doctor. If the blocked duct is not cleared it can turn into an abscess and may need to be drained.3. What questions should you ask Susan about her feeding patterns since she got home, and why?I would ask Susan the following questionsHow many times is she feeding Luke per day? Susan should be aiming to feed Luke between 8 10 times a day. Frequent feeding encourages good milk supply and will reduce engorgement.Is she feeding Luke on a schedule or when he appears to be hungry? There are differing viewpoints on which method is better. Personally I woul d recommend feeding when hungry as Susan has just brought Luke home from the hospital.How long does she allow Luke at the breast when feeding? It is important to allow Luke unlimited time at the breast when feeding to ensure he feeds well and has a good sleep.4. Develop a plan to help Susan breastfeed successfully, saying why you recommend this.Breastfeed Luke according to his needs (on demand feeding)Breastfeeding Luke on demand will help prevent engorgement, reduce sore nipples and help to ensure the supply of milk matches babys hunger.Encourage Susan to keep Luke skin-to-skin for the first few weeks.This will encourage bonding between Susan and Luke and assist with stimulating the hormones needed to produce milk.Susan and Luke should sleep in the same room for the first few weeks.This will help Susan to learn Lukes feeding cues, this should not affect Susans sleep as research shows that even if new mums sleep in a different room, their sleep patterns often mirror their newborns.E ncourage Susan not to use dummies or bottles.When feeding by bottle, babies have to use different tongue and jaw movements, this can confuse babies when switching between nipple and bottle.Encourage Susan to only feed Luke breast milk unless it becomes necessary to feed him something else.Breast milk provides all the nutrients and antibodies needed by Luke.If there are concerns about Lukes weight, Susan should try frequent feeding.Most mothers can produce enough breastmilk for their babies so it is best to try and feed baby more instead of resorting to supplementary feeding.Unit title Breastfeeding Support SkillsAnalyse the main benefits of breastfeedingBreastfeeding is good for a newborn as breast milk contains substances which cannot be reproduced or replaced by formula. Breast milk contains nutrients which newborns need and antibodies to protect newborns from infection.Breastfeeding is a positive experience for both mum and the newborn as it strengthens the maternal bond and mak es the infant feel safe and nurtured. It allows the mum to provide the newborn with everything needed for good growth and development.The main benefits of breastfeeding areContains good balance of nutrients and antibodies in an easily digestible form.Can reduce onset of common allergies such as asthma and eczema.Minimises occurrence of illness such as diarrhoea, ear infections, respiratory illness and stomach bugs.Enhances special bond between mum and newborn.No cost involved and burns calories for mum.2.1 Explain how the main structures of the breast are involved in lactationThe main structures of the breast involved in lactation are the nipple, areola, lactiferous duct (milk duct) and the lobes of the mammary gland. When the newborn takes the nipple and areola into their mouth to suckle the areolar glands provide lubrication during breastfeeding. The milk ducts transport milk from the mammary glands to the nipple allowing the newborn to feed. Breast milk is released from milk duct orifices (holes) on the nipples surface.2.2 Explain the role of hormones in producing and releasing breastmilkThe below diagram and explanation alongside best explain the role of hormones in the production of breastmilk, obtained from the following websitehttp//www.mhhe.com/biosci/esp/2001_saladin/folder_structure/re/m2/s6/index.htm2.3 Identify and summarise the constituents of colostrums, foremilk and hindmilkThere are 3 types of breastmilk, colostrum, foremilk and hindmilk.ColostrumYellowish colour.Produced before lactation begins, in the initial days after birth of the newborn.Rich in antibodies and nutrients.ForemilkIs the milk the newborn first tastes during a feeding.Thin and lower in fat content.HindmilkFollows foremilk during feeding.High in calories and richer in fat content.5.2 Explain how the effects of drugs can be passed to babies through breastmilk and ways in which this can be minimisedWhen breastfeeding if the mum takes drugs, it is excreted into the milk which the newborn drinks. Depending on the drug taken by the mum, this can then have adverse effects on the newborn. Although these passed on substances are mildly filtered by the mothers metabolism their harmful effects still impact the newborn because of the small body-weight ratio.These harmful effects may be minimised byLimiting the intake of the drugs. expatiate the time between taking the drug and the babys feed, at least 2 to 3 hours.Try to feed newborn before taking drugs.Where possible take substitute drugs which are less harmful.References (below sites accessed between 1 February 2013 5 April 2013http//www.nhs.ukhttp//www.nct.org.ukhttp//www.babycentre.co.ukhttp//www.mummypages.iehttp//www.babycenter.com.auHome