Headlamps for OB nurses and midwives... WDYT?

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Specializes in critical care.

At the moment I am working on certification as a labor doula. Next year I'm starting nursing school with the eventual goal of becoming a midwife. From my minimal experience at labors & births, I had what I thought was a genius idea...

Why don't OB nurses and/or midwives use headlamps like you sometimes see doctors wearing? It's always frustrating when a nurse/midwife/doctor comes into a quiet, darkened room where a woman is laboring and has to turn on the harsh overhead lights to do her job. Wouldn't a headlamp help alleviate this problem?

I'm guessing there must be some reason why I've never seen ANY type of birth attendant utilizing this piece of equipment. So tell me, all you experienced L&D nurses... where is the hole in this seemingly genius plan? :confused::bowingpur

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At the moment I am working on certification as a labor doula. Next year I'm starting nursing school with the eventual goal of becoming a midwife. From my minimal experience at labors & births, I had what I thought was a genius idea...

Why don't OB nurses and/or midwives use headlamps like you sometimes see doctors wearing? It's always frustrating when a nurse/midwife/doctor comes into a quiet, darkened room where a woman is laboring and has to turn on the harsh overhead lights to do her job. Wouldn't a headlamp help alleviate this problem?

I'm guessing there must be some reason why I've never seen ANY type of birth attendant utilizing this piece of equipment. So tell me, all you experienced L&D nurses... where is the hole in this seemingly genius plan? :confused::bowingpur

...because hospitals are not styled for the comfort of laboring women regardless of best practice? You ARE a genius:p, but you're fighting a losing battle in the hospitals. That's why you're going to make great changes when you become a midwife.

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I always wondered this too. And why is it that we need spotlights on mom's perineum when she's pushing. I think the baby will be large enough to be seen without a theater light show, really. I can see during stitching or if there is an issue. I could certainly do without it as well. Although my CNM left the lights off and used a small exam room light that directed the light really well and wasn't a spotlight like I have seen other places.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I think it is a great idea. My friend lives off the grid and wears a spelunking light attached to a elastic band that goes around her head when putting the kids to bed after the reserve runs out. It has a halogen light that is really bright to have shinning in your face but has a Orange film that can be slipped down that is much soothing. However, if a mama wants a peaceful birth she would best to have a home birth; hospitals seem to be more equip for what is convince to the medical providers. I am also a doula and just finished my OB round in nursing school and I am yet to see a birth that does not include a brightly light room, 4 nurses and "PUSH!!!" being commanded. I too want to become a CNM. When we graduate maybe we should get together and practice!:yeah:

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