Maternity & Midwifery Forum

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......

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......

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. __________________________________________________________________ ......

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......