L/D vs CNM

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

I have noticed many nurses, including L/D nurses as well as other specialties, speak very disparagingly about birthing women on AN (comments referring to the dirtiness of birth, how gross it is, etc.) I must say that this is rather disappointing. Sure, assisting a birthing woman is admittedly NOT for the faint of heart, however, as nurses you would assume that this natural process would at least be respected and not viewed as some disgusting, disease infested abomination. I mean, aren't nurses supposed to be empathetic?

I admit that I have never heard anything of the sort from CNM's on AN nor in person. That being said, what is it that happens that separates the CNM so much from the L/D nurses?

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Specializes in Nurse-Midwife.

Be careful not to group all L&D nurses together!

I've found an overwhelming majority of L&D nurses to be empathetic, supportive of women's bodily rights and autonomy, and experts at the subtle negotiations between provider and patient - for the patient's benefit. Those who find birth gross or dirty usually don't last long in that area. Nurses who have aversions to bodily fluids, smells, sights, sounds of the human body are not going to last long providing direct patient care in any nursing specialty.

I guess I would suggest reading AN less, and talking to L&D nurses face-to-face more. The internet can create warped versions of reality. I don't think the difference is as stark as it seems.

Yeah, there are a few L&D nurses who don't share my opinions about birth - same with midwives - but I've found most nurses and midwives who go into the field do so very purposefully, and have a very supportive attitude toward women, women's bodies and birth in general.

Another thing to remember - it's hard work. And the maternity ward is full of not only joy, but grief. I think it is a field that constantly challenges one's beliefs and comfort zones. It keeps you on your toes!

And I'm pretty sure I've had the experience of being covered in too much of another person's bodily fluids - and if you caught me after a night of no sleep, I might have complained too.

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

I think that is great advice (read less AN, talk to more L/D nurses)! I was not intending to lump all L/D nurses together, although in hind site it does appear that way. I guess I was just shocked to see such negative opinions of a common, healthy bodily function.

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Specializes in Nurse-Midwife.

I just wanted you to not feel so discouraged! But I do know what you're talking about. Sometimes (especially online) the negativity can spiral out of control.

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I am L&D nurse...one night after I had just done a cervical check, the pt was complete with a bulgy bag, she pushed and her water broke and sprayed all over the front of me....I made sure the baby wasn't coming right behind it and after someone else was available to cover, I went and changed. I didn't think it was gross, dirty, disgusting...I thought it was funny! Lesson learned...with a bulgy bag and pushing, GET OUT OF THE WAY! I haven't read enough of the posts to have picked up on negativity, but I know a few of my coworkers thought it was gross and didn't see the humor in it. Too bad for them. The last thing I wanted to do was make that mama feel any worse than she already did...they worry so much about what comes out of their bodies anyway. Keeping your sense of humor gets you through a whole lot of things in nursing.

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

LOL LBRN2000- that is hilarious! It is reassuring to see your humor :)

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Ah yes. That happened to me once. That is something that usually only happens to you once because you make sure it doesn't happen again. I even had blood in my hair! Loved that shower....

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