Job Role

To provide comprehensive maternal and newborn care including antenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal services. The Midwife is responsible for monitoring the health of pregnant women, assisting during childbirth, providing newborn care, and ensuring safe and respectful maternity services in accordance with professional standards and hospital policies. 

2. Key Responsibilities of a Midwife

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. 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.

D. 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.

E. 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.

Qualification

4. 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.

5. Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of maternal and newborn care.
• Ability to conduct normal deliveries and monitor labour progress.
• Good patient care and counselling skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respond quickly to obstetric emergencies.
• Attention to detail and strong observation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a clinical environment.
• Teamwork and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.