Obstetric Nursing: Caring for the Whole Family
In the 24 years since I began as a postpartum nurse at BWH, I find that the most positive change in obstetric nursing has been that the baby’s father, grandparent or a close friend can share in the birthing experience. It means, however, that for each delivery we actually have three patients—the mother, the support person and the baby. Each has their own learning needs.
Most new parents come prepared for childbirth. They have attended
prenatal and parenting classes. They often have read several books to help prepare them for the new arrival. The only problem is, the babies haven’t attended any classes. They don’t come with directions. It becomes the nurse’s role to educate and support the new families through the process.
I use a lot of humor and concrete examples to allay any fears. There is no pass/fail to parenting, only constant learning and compromising. With nine children of my own, I’ve discovered it’s important to expect the unexpected. And as an obstetric nurse, I try to help parents draw upon their inner strengths during difficult times.
I remember a young couple who had lost their first full-term baby. The day after their second son’s birth, I assessed symptoms that suggested cystic fibrosis, confirmed by a neonatologist. On the night of the baby’s transfer to the NICU, I gave the parents some religious medals that I always carry with me. Thirteen months later, a joyous couple brought their son, now walking, to visit me and return my medals so that I could give similar strength to other parents. Twenty months later, I cared for this family again with the birth of a healthy daughter. Three years later, they still send me photos of their children.
In addition to supporting patients, it’s important to assist our colleagues. As night nurse-in-charge on CWN 9, it is my responsibility to support the staff through high-volume shifts. Our patient population can double within hours. In addition, the increase in multiple births and the wide range in new mothers’ ages—from teens to 50—have added new dimensions to our work. Our patients’ needs vary dramatically. But whatever the challenge, our nurses always rise to the occasion. In my view, I work with the most supportive, intelligent and caring nurses in the profession.
Maureen F. Cunniffe, RN, BS
Nurse-in-charge, Overnight
Postpartum, CWN 9