The role of the maternity support worker in personal hygiene/pressure area care of the childbearing woman

Abstract

Personal hygiene is fundamental to physical and psychological health. Most childbearing women are able to care for their own personal hygiene needs and normally only need minimal support. However, there are some situations where the woman may be confined to bed and unable to care for herself. In these circumstances, she is reliant on her carers to meet her hygiene needs, including pressure area care and toileting needs. She may find this experience upsetting and care must be competent, kind and sensitive. Maternity support workers are essential to providing compassionate, skilled and safe personal hygiene care for childbearing women.