A Client/Family Centered Maternity Care Study on Janet Owusuwaa

Abstract

The client and family centered maternity care study is a systematic approach, used in rendering holistic obstetric care to the expectant mother and family within her own community throughout pregnancy, labour, delivery and puerperium based on a thoughtful understanding of client as a unique individual with specific problems and needs. These needs include the social, emotional, spiritual, psychological and educational aspect of her health. The care provided is individualized and recognizes the importance of family support, participation and choice. This approach also helps the student midwife to identify the effects of pregnancy on the woman and the entire family and to use the knowledge acquired through training to meet the needs and problems of expectant mother and the entire family. The family centered maternity care study is part of the Ghana Nursing and Midwifery Councils requirements for awarding license or certificate to students at the end of their training. The objective of this script is to introduce the reader to the principles of family centered maternity care in obstetrics and how the idea has been utilized to provide care. It helps the student midwife to put in practice the knowledge and skills acquired during training. It again, improves the interpersonal relationship between the student midwife and client as well as her family and community. It also improves the skills and builds her confidence. She uses scientific approach to collect data, analyze and identify problems or needs and evaluate the effectiveness of the care rendered. The family centered maternity care goes a long way to decrease the incidence of infant and maternal mortality and morbidity rate when it is implemented effectively.