Communication and relationship with the patient are fundamental aspects in the Obstetric Nursing course. The obstetric nurse plays a crucial role in assisting women throughout the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, from prenatal care to postpartum, including delivery itself. In this context, effective communication and the establishment of a good relationship with the patient are essential to guarantee quality and humanized care.
Communication in midwifery goes beyond the simple exchange of information. It involves the ability to listen carefully, understand and respond appropriately to the woman's concerns and needs. In addition, effective communication also includes the ability to clearly explain medical information, procedures, and health care to ensure that the patient fully understands and can make informed decisions about her care.
The midwife must be able to establish open, honest and respectful communication with the patient. This entails respecting the woman's privacy, maintaining the confidentiality of information, showing empathy and compassion, and avoiding judgement. Effective communication also involves the ability to sense and respond appropriately to a woman's emotions, which can vary widely during pregnancy and childbirth.
In addition to verbal communication, the obstetric nurse must also be aware of non-verbal communication, which includes facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact. Nonverbal communication can provide valuable information about a woman's emotional and physical state that may not be expressed verbally.
The relationship with the patient is another crucial aspect of midwifery. The obstetric nurse must be able to establish a relationship of trust and respect with the woman. This entails showing empathy and compassion, respecting the woman's decisions, and being available and accessible to answer her questions and concerns.
The relationship with the patient also involves the ability to work in partnership with the woman, valuing her opinions and decisions, and actively involving her in her care. This is particularly important in midwifery, where the woman is the protagonist of the pregnancy and childbirth process.
The midwife must also be able to establish a collaborative relationship with the patient's family, which can play a crucial role in supporting the woman during pregnancy and childbirth. This implies communicating effectively with the family, respecting their opinions and decisions, and actively involving them in the woman's care.
In conclusion, communication and the relationship with the patient are fundamental aspects in midwifery. The ability to communicate effectively and establish a good relationship with the patient and her family can significantly contribute to the quality of care and the woman's satisfaction with the care received.
Therefore, the Obstetric Nursing course must emphasize the importance of communication and the relationship with the patient, and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and interact with women throughout the pregnancy-puerperal cycle.
