Midwifery with Martha

  What’s the difference  Commonly Confused Midwifery Terms (Made Simple) In midwifery, some terms sound alike but mean very different things. Understanding the difference is important for safe care of both mother and baby. Here are some commonly confused terms explained simply. APH vs PPH APH (Antepartum Haemorrhage):  Bleeding from the vagina  before the baby is born , usually after 28 weeks of pregnancy. PPH (Postpartum Haemorrhage):  Heavy bleeding that happens  after the baby is born . Main difference:  One happens before delivery, the other after delivery. GHPT vs CHPT GHPT (Gestational Hypertension):  High blood pressure that develops  during pregnancy  and usually disappears after delivery. CHPT (Chronic Hypertension):  High blood pressure that was present  before pregnancy  or continues after delivery. Main difference:  One starts in pregnancy, the other existed before pregnancy. IOL vs AOL IOL (Induction of L...

  Clinical placement has taught me that nursing, and especially midwifery, is not just about skills, it’s about how you carry yourself, it’s about attitude, connection , and how you show up every day. These are five things I intentionally avoid during my clinicals placement , because they shape the kind of midwife I am becoming. 1. Talking Back to Nurses I don’t talk back to nurses. They are my seniors and my teachers in the ward. Even when I’m tired, confused, or upset, I remind myself that I am there to learn. Talking back creates unnecessary tension and ruins the image of a student. I choose to listen, accept guidance, and grow. Being humble makes a better person and I’ve learned to respect my seniors, no matter the situation. 2. Gossiping About Nurses  I avoid gossiping, about nurses with other students. Gossip creates a negative environment and sets a disrespectful mindset . I don’t believe in learning through complaints or side conversations. I want to maintain professio...

  What is first stage of labor? Is the period between the onset of labor until full dilation. It is divided into two phases, Latent phase and Active phase of labor.  Differentiation between the phases of first stage Latent phase Is characterized by moderate, irregular or adequate contractions and cervical dilation from 1cm to 4cm. In primigravida it can last up to 8 hours and multigravida is shorter than 4-6 hours (Not initially evident) It differs from women to women. Active phase Is characterized by adequate a strong uterine contractions and cervical dilation from 5-10cm. Duration in primi and multi takes 3-6 hours, or it doesn’t go beyond 10 hours. Management of first stage of labor Provide emotional support and reassure the patient  Nurse the patient on the left lateral position  Monitor vital signs (BP, HR, Urine, temperature, FHR) Insert Intravenous line Assess for contractions in 10 mins, the frequency, duration and strength  Print CTG to monitor fetal we...

Before we dive deeper into midwifery complications, here’s a simple guide to help you understand  10 major conditions  you’ll meet in maternity care. In the next posts, I’ll explain each one of these in detail, including causes, signs, dangers, and midwifery management, but for now, here are the  basic definitions  made easy and clear. 1. Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) Excessive bleeding after the birth of the baby, usually more than  500 ml after vaginal delivery  or  1000 ml after a cesarean section . 2. Placenta Previa A condition where the placenta is implanted  low in the uterus  and partially or completely covers the  cervical opening . 3. Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy (CHPT) High blood pressure that  exists before pregnancy  or is diagnosed  before 20 weeks  of gestation. 4. Gestational Hypertension (GHPT) High blood pressure that develops  after 20 weeks  of pregnancy  without protein in the u...

MidwiferywithMartha If I’m being honest, I didn’t fall in love with nursing from the beginning. In fact, for a long time, I was simply showing up, not because I wanted to but because l just had to. Three years into my journey, midwifery found me in a way I can’t fully put into words. Because the first time I stepped into maternity care, I realised this wasn’t just a job. It was a calling. A place where you witness women at their strongest, most vulnerable, most beautiful. A place where life begins. A place where a midwife can make a woman feel safe, heard, respected, and protected during the most intense moment of her life. Suddenly, nursing wasn’t just tasks and procedures, it became connection, presence, and purpose. Midwifery taught me to see the strength of women, the miracle of life, and the soft power of being the calm in someone’s storm. It brought out qualities in me I didn’t know I had,patience, confidence, gentleness, and a deep sense of calling. That’s when I realised: This ...

A nursing student: I believe that opportunities come in different directions, it just depends which direction you’re facing. To all the students out there, your smile brings peace to the souls you trying to heal, never hide it.

 Her story was mine to finish!

I’m sure every nursing student looks in their midwifery logbook and says “ I will do this later” . I’m one of those students lol. The whole year went by and I keep postponing witnessing my theater cases until it was too late, we had to give in the logbooks for review and there I was stranded without any theater case just because I was anxious and afraid of being in theater. I got a last minute placement to finish off my theater cases. I remember that day like it was yesterday, I put on scrubs and confidently walked in theater. Nothing could have prepared me for that moment. The bright lights, the smell of antiseptic and the machines beeping non stop. I had seen deliveries in the ward but theater was a whole new world. As a student I was in theater with my senior nurse. She pulled me closer to her and whispered “Are you ready to receive the babies” I looked her deep in her eyes as I stood the clueless. “Don’t worry I will show you” she said. A wave of relief came rushing in.  The su...

 When you walk in the ward, you’re not just dealing with contractions and vitals, you’re dealing with fear, stress, pain, trauma and emotions. RMC helps you handle all of that with compassion and professionalism. What is RMC (Respecful Maternity Care) This refers to giving care that is safe, respectful, kindness, fairness and women centered. It ensures every women is treated with dignity throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum.                                                    It is based on the seven components of child bearing women. The 7 rights of childbearing women Freedom from harm and ill treatment No physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse. Midwives must provide gentle and respectful care. No shouting, no slapping, ignoring or rough handling.       2. Right to information and informed consent  Clarity is the key to a ...