Maternity & Midwifery Forum

Inequities in Maternity Care: Insights from Amma’s ‘Birth Outcomes & Experiences Report’

Debra
Inequity in maternity care is still of concern across all areas of services. Maree Aldam, CEO, and Amanda Purdie, Head of Advocacy and Communications Amma Birth Companions share their recent report that adds to the evidence and points out that so much more needs to be done. _________________________________________ At Amma......
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Birth Trauma – time for a big conversation

Debra
The traumatic experiences some women and partners experience at birth is once more in the news. Neil Stewart, Editorial Director, looks at the ongoing developments related to birth trauma and points to the political responses going forward. _________________________________________ Childbirth comes with risk. Mothers are not ill with an infection; pregnancy......
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All-Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival Trailblazer Awards 2024

Debra
Last week the Maternity and Midwifery Forum’s All-Ireland Festival took place at the Helix, Dublin. Take a look at the winners from the All Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Trailblazer Awards Ceremony. The Awards recognised outstanding achievement and commitment to maternity and midwifery services over the past year across the island......
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Domestic abuse in pregnancy, my reflection as a midwife

Debra
Screening for Domestic abuse in pregnancy is an expected role of the midwife. Jeannine Marie Webster, midwife in Dublin, shares some thoughts on this role and the new screening guidance for Ireland. _____________________ Midwifery is a holistic profession, we view the woman treating the mind and the body, not only......
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Are you providing information on induction of labour? – new survey

Debra
As the rates of induction of labour are continuing to rise globally more evidence is required on the role of the midwife in providing information for appropriate consent. Amy Mahdi, research midwife, Liverpool Women’s hospital, Liverpool describes the background to a new study and invites us to contribute.    _______________________________  The......
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The 4th All-Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival

Debra
Visit the All-Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival website. > REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE HERE < The 4th All-Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival takes place on Tuesday 9 April at the Helix, Dublin, online and on demand. Created by midwives for midwives and brought to you by MATFLIX, All4Maternity, Irish Nurses......
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Positive About Down Syndrome

Debra
Last week the yearly World Down Syndrome day took place on 21st March. In this article Holli Sheahan from charity Down Syndrome UK shares resources and information for midwives and health professionals to be ‘positive about Down syndrome’.  ________________________ What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic......
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Harmonising Health: using the power of song to boost maternal mental wellness

Debra
The impact of postnatal depression for families continues to be of major concern. Finding ways to promote maternal well-being is therefore of importance in communities. In this article Lilli Murdoch from ‘Breathe Melodies for Mums‘, shares the innovative, and research-based, way in which singing is making a difference.  ___________________________________________ In......
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HAPPY BIRTH DAYS – Using art to make space for conversations on birth

Debra
Over centuries different mediums of art have been used to illustrate and explore pregnancy and mother and parenthood. It is also used to support wellbeing following birth in different ways. Ellie Shipman, visual and participatory artist in Bristol, shares some of her work and her current project. Can you collaborate?  ......
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Understanding surrogacy for midwifery practice

Debra
How much do you know about caring for people experiencing pregnancy and birth through a surrogacy arrangement? In this significant article, Gemma Cromwell, a third-year student midwife at The University of Bedfordshire, shares her personal experience, and those of others, to improve midwifery practices.   ____________________ Surrogacy, what does that word mean......
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