MotherStories takes you behind the scenes of a birth at Clinique Générale-Beaulieu. Throughout the year, you'll discover our Interviews highlighting the different players present during childbirth and the role of each one before, during and after the birth. Today, find out more about the wonderful profession of midwife with the Interview with Marion Coffy.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Marion Coffy, and I'm 28 years old. I'm a midwife and I've been working at Clinique Générale Beaulieu for over 3 years now. I work in the delivery room and, at the same time, I give birth preparation classes, both traditional and in the pool.
What is your role during childbirth?
As a midwife in the birthing room, I monitor labor and provide the couple with tools such as mobility exercises, breathing exercises and massages to ensure the birth goes as smoothly as possible. I regularly inform the patient's obstetric gynecologist of the progress of labor, and assist the anesthetist when an epidural is required.
At the time of delivery, I prepare the necessary equipment and medication. I'm there to encourage and reassure the mother/couple, and to assist the obstetrician/gynecologist. Once the birth has taken place, I monitor the mother and baby for 2 hours, during which time they receive various treatments.
As you can see, childbirth is a real team effort!
In addition to the doctors, I also collaborate with my care assistant partner, my midwife colleague and a nursery nurse or midwife colleague who will come to look after the baby at birth.
What do you do in the event of a Caesarean section?
I prepare the mother and the person accompanying her for the operating room. I'm there for the birth, along with the obstetrician-gynecologist and the pediatrician. Once the baby is born and the mother is settled in the recovery room, we join her, the baby and the caregiver for skin-to-skin care and the first feeding.
And afterwards, during the maternity stay?
I will carry out the mother's obstetric check-ups and help the parents with their baby's first care: facial care, cord care, weight check, diaper change, temperature check, bath... I also help the mother with her baby's feeding, whether breast or bottle-fed.
At the end of the stay, I organize departure from the maternity ward by contacting the pediatrician, an independent midwife and the mother's obstetrician-gynecologist.
Let's go back to the birth preparation classes. Can you explain their purpose and how they work ?
The aim is to give future parents the tools they need to prepare for the birth of their child. At the clinic, we offer 4 courses, each of which is divided into a practical part, particularly with the balloon, and a theoretical part. Topics covered include
- The physiological changes of pregnancy
- Maternity ward at Clinique Générale Beaulieu
- Home equipment for the baby
- Packing for the maternity ward
- Reasons for maternity consultations
- Physiological childbirth
- More medicalized childbirth
- The epidural
- The maternity ward
- Back home
Mums-to-be can also take courses in prenatal gymnastics in the pool, breastfeeding and hypnosis, to help them maintain a gentle physical activity during their pregnancy. Find out more about all the clinic's courses here.
Why did you choose this profession? What drives you every day?
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to paediatrics. Initially, I didn't really know much about the midwifery profession, but I soon realized that it was comprehensive, varied and rewarding. We know that we'll never experience the same day twice. What's more, playing an important role in the health of women and newborns is very rewarding for me.
What drives me most is being able to accompany parents through this very important stage in their lives. We experience unique emotions and moments together. It's magical to see them arrive as a couple and leave as a family!
Do you have a memory of a birth that particularly stands out for you ?
I remember a patient who wanted to go into a squatting position to give birth, as she was only comfortable in this position. My colleague and I had to adapt. We ended up lying on the floor, flat on our stomachs, to carry out this physiological birth. I remember looking at each other and smiling, "This is why I love my job! We live incredible moments!
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