Maternity & Midwifery Forum

Let’s Talk Genomics #GenomicsConversation week

Debra
The understanding and development of genetics and genomics is accelerating. The 24-28th June is Genomics conversation week and the regional Lead Midwives in Genomics discuss how midwives are already starting the conversation, but what does the future hold? Are you having an informed conversation with the families you look after?......
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Oh We of Little Faith… have midwives lost their faith?

Debra
Midwifery in the UK has had challenges for a long time and has taken a battering in recent years. Have we lost our direction and purpose? In this passionate article, Lola Ornato, Midwifery Education Fellow, Middlesex University, questions our faith in women and birthing people’s bodies and calls for returning......
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What the Manifestos mean for Maternity and Midwifery

Debra
In the UK, as across many countries at this time, the election takes place on Thursday for Members of Parliament for the next season. Neil Stewart, Editorial Director, looks into the Manifestos from the main parties and draws out what may be relevant for maternity services going forward.  _____________________________________  We......
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Support ME Maternal Project: Culturally-aligned postnatal support

Debra
We are sadly becoming more aware of the trauma some women experience after birth. But what about those from more culturally diverse backgrounds? Illustrating with her personal story Manisha Sheth, Support ME Maternal Project CIC Director, explains why more needs to be offered and the background to the charity. __________________________________________________________________ ......
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Early pregnancy loss care and support: research invitation 

Debra
Pregnancy loss at any time is traumatic for women and their families. If you are involved in care during early pregnancy. The Pregnancy Loss Research Network at the University of Bedford would like your help as they research support and care experiences.   __________________________________________________________________  Do you provide early pregnancy loss......
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Birth Companions: Considering new guidance on sentencing pregnant and postnatal women to prison 

Debra
In April, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales issued new guidance on sentencing pregnant and postnatal women to prison. Birth Companions is a national charity working to support perinatal women in the criminal justice system and Katherine Miller Brunton, Policy, Communications and Engagement Officer, reflects on this development.   __________________________________________________________________ ......
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Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood

Debra
A book has recently been published in paperback that considers the concept of motherhood. Dr Jenny Hall, Midwifery Editor, MATFLIX and the Maternity and Midwifery Forum, presents the book and discusses why it may be important to read it. __________________________________________________________________  A new book to consider – Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis......
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New International Guidelines for Pregnancy and Childbearing with Hypermobility: A Person-Centred, Evidence-Based Approach 

Debra
May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness month. It is a condition that may affect a significant number of people considering pregnancy. Dr Sally Pezaro, Assistant Professor (Research), Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry university, and an international research team, have been working on new guidelines for pregnancy to help support those......
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The Birth Trauma Report: Midwifery’s Opportunity & Dilemma

Debra
Increasing levels of trauma from the birth process is being recognised globally. In the UK a cross party Parliamentary group has published a report on Birth trauma, Listen to Mums: Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care. Neil Stewart, Editorial Director for the Maternity and Midwifery forum, reflects on the......
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Midlands Maternity and Midwifery Festival Trailblazer Awards 2024

Debra
Last week the Maternity and Midwifery Forum’s Midlands Festival took place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. Take a look at the winners from the Midlands Maternity and Midwifery Trailblazer Awards Ceremony. The Awards recognised outstanding achievement and commitment to maternity and midwifery services over the past year across the Midlands. __________________________________________________________________________________________________......
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