pregnancy
The process related to conception and development of the fetus in the mother`s womb, the symptoms of pregnancy, risks and complications, diseases and timing of childbirth.
Maternity support workers work together in a team with midwives and health professionals within the occupational fields of nursing and midwifery. They assist midwives and women in childbirth by providing the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, assist births and assist in providing care for the new-born.
Competences and skills
50 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
4 competenceschildbirth
The process of delivering a baby, the symptoms and signs of labour, the expulsion of the baby and all the related steps and procedures, including the ones related to complications and pre-mature birth.
health education
The factors affecting health and of the educational approach to assisting people to make healthy life choices.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
Essential skills and competences 27 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
15 competencesadvise on family planning
Provide advice on the use of birth control and methods of contraception available, on sexual education, prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases, pre-conception counselling and fertility management.
advise on pregnancies at risk
Identify and provide advice on the early signs of risk pregnancies.
advise on pregnancy
Counsel patients on normal changes occurring in pregnancy, providing advice on nutrition, drug effects and other lifestyle changes.
assist on pregnancy abnormality
Support the mother in case of abnormality signs during the pregnancy period and call the doctor in emergency cases.
care for the new-born infant
Take care of the newly born baby by performing actions such as feeding him/her at regular hours, checking his/her vital signs and changing diapers.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
examine the new-born infant
Perform a neonatal examination to identify any danger signs, to assess the normal adaptations of a newborn after birth and to identify birth defects or birth trauma.
monitor basic patients signs
Monitor and analyse basic patient vital signs as vital signs of heart, respiration, and blood pressure. Take action by reporting them to the nurse.
provide basic support to patients
Support patients and citizens with activities of daily living, such as hygiene, comfort, mobilisation and feeding needs.
provide postnatal care
Provide care to the mother and the new-born child following birth, ensuring that the new-born and the mother are healthy and that the mother is capable of taking care of her new-born.
provide pre-natal care
Monitor the normal progression of pregnancy and development of foetus by prescribing regular check-ups for prevention, detection and treatment of health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
work with nursing staff
Work together with nurses and other health professionals in supporting the delivery of basic patient care.
Cross-sector
12 competencescommunicate with nursing staff
Communicate with nurses and other health professionals ensuring the delivery of quality and safe patient care.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
empathise with the woman's family during and after pregnancy
Demonstrate empathy with women and their families during pregancy, childbirth labour and in the post partum period.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
identify abnormalities
Identify what is normal and abnormal concerning the well-being of patients, through experience and instruction, reporting to the nurses what is abnormal.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
support nurses
Support nurses with the preparation and delivery of diagnostic and treatment interventions.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
work under supervision in care
Work under delegation and supervision of nurses to support nursing care and administration.
Optional knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
8 competencesanaesthetics
Anaesthetics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
analgesics
The types of medication used to relief pain in various medical cases.
embryology
The normal development of the embryo, the aetiology of developmental anomalies such as genetic aspects and organogenesis and the natural history of abnormalities diagnosed before birth.
microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
neonatology
The branch of paediatric medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the new-born.
postpartum period
The changes and possible problems that can occur in the six week period after birth.
preparation for child delivery
The procedures to follow for delivering babies and the needed technical equipment in obstetrics.
preparation for parenthood
The changes, such as the psychological aspects, affecting the parents after childbirth.
Cross-sector
1 competencesex education
Programs targeting human sexual reproduction, emotional relations between sexual partners, birth control and human sexuality in general.
Optional skills and competences 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencesapply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
assess the course of breast-feeding period
Evaluate and monitor the breast-feeding activity of a mother to her newly born child.
distribute meals to patients
Provide meals to patients or residents, following the dietary requirements and medical prescriptions.
monitor pregnancy
Carry out the examinations necessary for the monitoring of normal pregnancy.
promote health and safety
Promote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.
use obstetric sonography
Apply medical ultrasonography to obstetrics to show the foetus in the mother`s womb.
Cross-sector
3 competenceshave computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
use different communication channels
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.