Nurse Midwife how-to
How to Support a Patient in Labor
Good labor support improves outcomes.
Quick answer
Good labor support improves outcomes. In short: assess; encourage; offer, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Assess progress and fetal heart rate.
Encourage movement and positions.
Offer pain relief options.
Support hydration and rest.
Monitor for complications.
Keep the family informed.
Safety reminders for nurse midwifes
- Follow infection control
- Monitor for obstetric emergencies
- Practice emergency drills
- Know when to consult or transfer care
Key terms
CNM · Prenatal care · Postpartum · Effacement · Dilation · Fetal heart tones: see the full nurse midwife glossary.