Today's Midwife: Equipped
The TV scene that flashes through our heads about having a baby at home only requires hot, boiling water and towels! While the exact content of a home birth midwife's equipment bags may vary slightly from practice to practice, they are designed to handle many unforeseen events at home. Most carry resuscitation equipment for both Mom and Baby, as well as Emergency Medications for management of hemorrhage and other complications. A prospective client can ask what equipment a midwife brings (she should have a list), and what emergencies she can handle. Naturally, midwives practice sterile technique, and bring sterile equipment to each birth.
Medical Equipment
This is a list of equipment and supplies used by most midwives to assure the safety in the home birth setting. There will likely be further equipment and supplies that individual midwives will choose to carry depending on their particular practice location and clientele served. It is expected that all equipment and supplies will be appropriately cleaned and functional to ensure safety. It is expected that all midwives will have access to appropriate communications and transportation equipment.
Equipment:
- Fetoscope
- Doppler fetoscope
- Stethoscope
- Pediatric stethoscope
- Sphygmomanometer with appropriate sized cuff
- Thermometer
- Two hemostats
- Portable suction equipment compatible with intubation
- One pair of blunt-ended scissors
- One pair of scissors for episiotomy
- Newborn resuscitation bag and mask
- Suturing instruments
- Baby Scale
Supplies:
- Cord clamps or ties
- Antiseptic solution
- Sterile gloves
- Non-sterile gloves
- Sterile lubricant
- Syringes
- Needles (appropriate sizes)
- Suture material
- Urinary catheter
- Urinalysis supplies
- Cord blood tubes
- Sharps container
- IV supplies
- Maternal oxygen masks
Medications:
- Oxytocic drugs
- Local anesthetic
- Oxygen (sufficient for transport)
- Eye prophylaxis
- Vitamin K
- IV Fluids
Other Equipment
The Midwifery Philosophy doesn't ever forget that birth is a life experience, not just a medical one. In addition to all of her medical equipment, your midwife might carry (or suggest that you provide for yourself) massage equipment, heating pads, cold and hot compresses, candles or music. Midwifery's holistic approach allows for your emotions to be cared for as well as your health.