Labour and delivery (L&D) nursing combines joyful moments with fast-moving emergencies. In countries such as the US and Canada, L&D nurses are central to birth care in hospitals. In others, much of this care is led by midwives, with nurses supporting in obstetric units.
Imagine coaching a first-time mother through hours of labour, watching the fetal heart monitor, managing her epidural and keeping her partner calm. Then the baby’s heart rate drops, and within minutes you’re part of a team rushing to theatre. An hour later, mother and baby are safe, and you’re bringing them their first cup of tea together.
What L&D nurses do
- Monitor mother and baby during labour, including fetal heart monitoring
- Manage pain relief, IV fluids and medicines such as oxytocin
- Support during birth and immediate newborn care
- Respond to emergencies such as haemorrhage and fetal distress
- Assist in caesarean births and recovery
How to get started
- Become a registered nurse; some hospitals hire new graduates into L&D residency programmes
- Gain experience in postnatal, antenatal or medical-surgical nursing
- Complete neonatal resuscitation and fetal monitoring courses
- In the US, consider the RNC-OB certification after gaining experience
But should I become a midwife instead?
It depends on your country and goals. Midwives usually lead care for straightforward pregnancies and births, while L&D nurses work within a team led by obstetricians or midwives. In many countries outside North America, the route into birth care is through midwifery training. Check how roles work where you want to practise.
Your next step: Ask to shadow a shift on your hospital’s labour ward, and look at job adverts in your area to see whether they ask for nurses, midwives, or both.
Sources: Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), National Certification Corporation (RNC-OB), International Confederation of Midwives, World Health Organization. This article is for general information.
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