Which professional is tasked with performing postpartum examinations?

The professional responsible for performing postpartum examinations is a certified midwife. Certified midwives are trained to provide comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This includes conducting physical examinations and assessing the mother’s recovery after delivery, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring both the mother's and the newborn's health.

Postpartum examinations include evaluating the mother's physical and emotional well-being, monitoring vital signs, examining the uterus, and assessing any perineal healing. Certified midwives have the expertise to identify potential complications and provide appropriate interventions or referrals to other healthcare providers if necessary.

Other professionals listed, such as CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists), CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), and RN 1st Assistants, have different scopes of practice. CRNAs focus on anesthesia care, CNAs provide basic patient care under supervision, and RN 1st Assistants work alongside surgeons in the operating room, none of which directly involve postpartum examination duties. Thus, the role of a certified midwife is specifically aligned with the responsibilities of conducting postpartum examinations.