OBSTETRICAL COMPETENCE WHEN IMPLEMENTING A MODEL OF CARE IN THE PUERPERIUM

Abstract

The concept of competence (lat. competents - "capable") is defined as a dynamic set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and relations that are acquired in the learning process. The academically prepared midwife has knowledge, skills and competencies adequate to European requirements, she is a leading professional in providing effective prenatal and postnatal care.

In the maternity wards of our hospitals, the midwife has the duty to care for the recovery of the mother and the newborn, to observe, explain and encourage all attempts at independence of the young mother. After the woman is discharged from the medical facility, obstetric care for women after childbirth in Bulgaria is passive in nature.

In recent years, a number of publications have commented on the imperfections of the current organization of obstetric care after childbirth in our country due to the missing regulation on the mandatory participation of a midwife in providing care in the puerperium. Different models of maternity care, care for the health and well-being of pregnant women and newborns, care during pregnancy, birth and post-natal care have been developed worldwide, each with their own distinctive characteristics based on local, cultural or social traditions and knowledge. Usually the obstetrician-gynecologist is the leading medical specialist, but in some models the midwife is the leading one. This responsibility may also be shared between obstetricians and midwives.

The purpose of our study is to determine to what extent the midwifery competencies defined in Ordinance No. 1 of 08.02.2011 are present in midwifery care in the puerperium.

A documentary method was used, as various literary sources analyzing the problem were examined. Observation of parts of an experimental program conducted with parturient women for continuing obstetric care after childbirth.