Maternity & Midwifery Forum

Urgent Appeal: Support Pregnant Women, Mothers and Infants Affected by Hurricane Beryl

Debra
The recent Hurricane Beryl has devastated many areas. The charity The White Ribbon Alliance is appealing for help to support women, mothers and infants affected. More information in the article and on their website.  _____________________________________________ Following Hurricane Beryl, countless mothers, pregnant women, and their children in the Caribbean face immense......

Infection Control in the Maternity Department

Debra
Reducing infection risk is a priority concern in maternity care, particularly in the post-Covid era. Neil Stewart, Editorial Director for Maternity and Midwifery forum, reflects on the results of the recent infection control survey undertaken in relation to vaginal examinations.  ___________________________ 84 % of the survey participants were midwives and......

#BeBodyAware – Sounds simple, but is it?

Debra
Cancer in and post-pregnancy may often be missed or mis-diagnosed. Pete Wallroth, Founder and CEO of charity Mummys star shares their latest campaign to encourage those who are pregnant, and us all, to #BeBodyAware, to increase earlier diagnosis.  _______________________________________________________ For over 10 years now we have worked to raise awareness,......

Worry and sleep during pregnancy and after birth: research project

Debra
Worry and insomnia appear to be concerns that are rising and more needs to be understood around mental wellbeing. Doctoral student Sophie Windsor at the Royal Holloway is undertaking a study and invites women to contribute.  ___________________________________________________________ Are you currently in your 2nd or 3rd trimester (13+ weeks pregnant) and interested......

Obstetric Emergencies: Developing competence in Abu Dhabi

Debra
Student midwives globally need to be prepared for emergency situations across the pregnancy continuum. In this next article in our continuing series about the new midwifery curriculum in Abu Dhabi, Karradene Aird, Senior Instructor of Midwifery, Fatima College of Health Sciences, shares her experiences of creating the emergencies course.   ___________________________________________......

Northern Maternity and Midwifery Festival Trailblazer Awards 2024

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

‘Stranger in the Birth Room – Child Sexual Abuse and Maternity Care’

Debra
In this powerful and personal article Dr Kathryn Gutteridge, Independent Consultant Midwife, explains the importance of addressing the impacts of Child Sexual abuse in maternity care. She points to a forthcoming book to help practitioners. Trigger Warning: this article contains information that may be cause distress. I have worked for......

The Birth Experience Study (BESt) UK

Debra
Establishing the experiences of women during birth is key to making improvements to care. Dr Claire Feeley, principal investigator, and Dr Gemma McKenzie, research associate, at King’s College, London, are undertaking such a study (BESt) and invite us all to be involved. The state of our maternity services is in the......

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?......

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......