Definition
Maternal-child nursing refers to the combined nursing specialties of obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, and neonatal nursing The care of childbearing and childbearing families is a major focus of nursing practice. To have healthy children, it is important to promote the health of childbearing woman and her family from the time before children are born until they reach adulthood. Prenatal care and guidance are essential to the health of the woman and fetus and to the family's emotional preparation for childbearing. As children grow , the family needs continued health supervision and support. As child reach maturity, a new cycle begins and new support becomes necessary. the nurse's role in all these phases focuses on promoting healthy growth and development of the child and family in health and in illness.
Although the field of nursing typically divides its concerns for the families during child bearing and childbearing into two separate entities, maternity and child health, the full scope of nursing practice in this area is not two separate entities, but one; maternal and child health nursing.
Although the field of nursing typically divides its concerns for the families during child bearing and childbearing into two separate entities, maternity and child health, the full scope of nursing practice in this area is not two separate entities, but one; maternal and child health nursing.