The Evolution of a Maternity Nurse

Maternal Positions for Childbirth A Historical Review of Nursing Care Practices

“…The more typical description of the care provided by the obstetric nurse and of the observations she should make relate to aseptic practices and maternal vital signs. Maternity care in hospitals was advanced to correct the high maternal mortality that was primarily related to sepis.^^," 73 An emphasis on scrupulous cleanliness and techniques, including perineal shaving, is apparent in descriptions of obstetric nursing care. 48,49,72,[74][75][76][77] The structure of a lying-in hospital, described by Burdette in the 10th Annual Report (1903) of the ASSTSN, was designed to prevent infection by allowing for proper ventilation and efficient cleaning.…”

Nurse‐Midwife in an Urban Health Department

“…As Mary E. Hilliard pointed out in her article, “The Evolution of a Maternity Nurse,” 4 “maternity nursing is at another crossroad in its evolutionary course.” She asks, “How is each of the nursing programs going to contribute to future maternity care?” We believe we have demonstrated the midwife's valuable role outside of the hospital setting and how she can add to the depth of knowledge the public health nurse needs in human reproduction and the maternity cycle.…”