Taking a wound swab
52Taking a wound swab The principles of specimen collection are set out in Chapter 51. A wound swab is required if there is a clinical suspicion that infection is present. ‘Just…
Artificial rupture of membranes
56Artificial rupture of membranes Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) is one of the most commonly performed midwifery procedures. The argument often given in favour of ARM is that of ‘speeding…
Specimen collection – stool specimen
51Specimen collection – stool specimen Specimens are taken to support decision making with regard to treatment; in maternity care common specimens include blood, urine, faeces, sputum and wound, umbilical or…
Cord blood and neonatal capillary blood sampling
48Cord blood and neonatal capillary blood sampling Cord blood is a sample of blood taken at birth from a baby’s umbilical cord. It is not a requirement to obtain cord…
Formula feeding
44Formula feeding Breastmilk is the optimum source of nutrition for babies under 1 year and mothers should be supported and encouraged wherever possible to breastfeed or give expressed breastmilk. However, despite…
Administration by injection to the woman
73Administration by injection to the woman All midwives must be proficient in the administration of medication by injection. An injection is the process by which medication is given using a…
Assessing fetal wellbeing in pregnancy and labour
33Assessing fetal wellbeing in pregnancy and labour The aim of assessing fetal wellbeing in pregnancy and labour is to achieve the birth of a healthy baby. This is can be…
Medicine administration by oral, rectal, vaginal, topical and inhalation routes
75Medicine administration by oral, rectal, vaginal, topical and inhalation routes Medicines are administered by various routes depending on the condition being treated, the desired site of effect and anticipated speed…
