Hello everyone, and welcome back to Introduction to Women & Neonate Care. I’m Emily Parker, and I’m here with my lovely co-host, Sarah Johnson. Today, we’re diving into the heart of what it means to be a nurse in women’s health—right from the first prenatal visit to those precious moments after birth and beyond.Hey folks, glad to be here! This is a topic that’s really close to both our hearts. Nurses wear a lot of hats in maternity and women’s health—care provider, educator, advocate, collaborator, you name it. And honestly, sometimes all of those in the same shift.Absolutely, Sarah. I think what’s so unique about this field is how we’re not just treating a client, but supporting a whole family. We’re building those therapeutic relationships, making sure women feel heard and respected, especially when it comes to their rights and preferences. I remember this one time, a woman had a very specific birth plan—she wanted minimal intervention, lots of skin-to-skin, the whole lot. The team was a bit skeptical at first, but I advocated for her wishes. We talked it through, and in the end, her plan was honored. She told me afterward how empowered she felt, and honestly, that’s what it’s all about—making sure women are at the center of their own care.That’s such a great example, Emily. I mean, sometimes the system can get a little, well, impersonal, right? Nurses are in this perfect spot to humanize care, to make sure the family’s voice doesn’t get lost in all the medical stuff. And it’s not just about the birth itself—it’s about respecting cultural backgrounds, family structures, and really embracing diversity in every sense.Exactly. And, you know, it’s not always easy. Sometimes you have to push back a bit, or remind the team that the client’s preferences matter. But that’s part of our job as advocates. We’re there to intercede, to make sure care is holistic and truly client-centered.And speaking of holistic care, education is such a huge part of what we do. I always say, teaching starts before the baby’s even born. We’re talking prenatal health, what to expect during childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care—the whole nine yards. But it’s not just about dumping information, right? We have to adapt to each family’s needs, their culture, their language, even their developmental level.Oh, for sure. I mean, you can’t just hand someone a pamphlet and expect it to stick. Sometimes you’re using diagrams, sometimes it’s a chat over a cup of tea, sometimes you’re working with interpreters. And you have to make sure the environment’s right for learning—no one’s going to absorb anything if they’re stressed or overwhelmed.Exactly. And we don’t do it alone. Interdisciplinary teamwork is key. I remember this one case—a young family, high-risk pregnancy, lots of moving parts. We had dietitians, social workers, physicians, all working together. There were some tough conversations, but we made sure everyone’s voice was heard, especially the family’s. In the end, we came up with a care plan that really fit their needs. It’s that kind of collaboration that makes a difference.That’s such a good point. When everyone’s communicating, you get better outcomes. And it’s not just about the professionals—empowering families to participate in their own care is huge. It helps them feel confident, especially when they’re heading home with a newborn and everything feels a bit overwhelming.Yeah, and sometimes, honestly, it’s about just being there to answer questions, or even just to listen. That support can mean the world to a new parent.Now, let’s talk about those advanced roles in nursing—Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists. These are nurses who’ve gone through extra training, and they’re doing everything from providing prenatal care to managing family planning and even conducting research. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.Yeah, and with those advanced roles comes a lot of accountability. We’re held to high ethical standards—our codes of ethics really emphasize that. We’re accountable to our clients, our communities, and our profession. That means staying up to date, using evidence-based practice, and always aiming for the highest quality of care.And research is a big part of that. Nurses are constantly looking for ways to improve care. I’ve been involved in training new nurses on evidence-based practice, and it’s amazing to see how even small changes—like new protocols for prenatal visits—can make a real difference in outcomes. There’s always something new to learn, and it keeps you on your toes.Absolutely. And I think that’s what makes nursing in women’s health so dynamic. We’re not just following orders—we’re leading, we’re innovating, and we’re making sure our care is grounded in the best evidence out there.Well, that’s all we’ve got time for today. Thanks so much for joining us as we explored the many hats nurses wear in women’s health. There’s so much more to cover, so we hope you’ll tune in next time.Thanks, Emily, and thanks to everyone listening. Take care, and we’ll see you in the next episode!Bye, Sarah! Bye everyone!

Episodes

Inside the Nurse’s Role in Women’s Health