Maternity & Midwifery Forum

Midwifery Feature Articles

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A glance of Midwifery ‘down under’

Debra
What is it like working in Australia? In this article Samantha Mashiri, Midwife, shares her experience of moving into midwifery practice and compares with life in the UK. ____________________________ Life in Australia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a laid-back vibe. From the stunning beaches, the......
Midwifery Feature Articles Uncategorised

Are midwives ready for the Genomics Era? 

Debra
Technology and understanding of the workings of the body are constantly evolving. Joanne Hargrave, Lead Midwife, East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, points to the increasing developments around genomics and how midwives and students need to keep up-to-date in order to provide appropriate information and care.   ________________________________ We are now in......
Midwifery Feature Articles Uncategorised

All Bodies, All Selves: Anti-Oppressive Practice and Midwifery 

Debra
At the end of LGBT+ history month, in this powerful article, Dr Alys Einion, FRCM, Senior Lecturer, University of Dundee and Editor-in-Chief, The Practising Midwife, raises concerns about oppression in midwifery practice.  She challenges us all to reflect on attitudes and behaviours in practice to value all people we encounter. ......
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Moral Distress/ Moral Injury in Midwives Research Recruitment

Debra
The health inequalities in people receiving maternity services have received growing concern in the country, where pregnant people from Black and South Asian backgrounds were reported to face double to triple the risks of dying during pregnancy [1], and systemic racism has been suggested to contribute to the issue [2].......
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Continuity of care for pregnant women with substance dependency

Debra
Pregnant women with substance dependency are more likely to lead multi-layered, psychologically and socially complex lives and can be distrustful of mainstream services. Dr Elaine Moore, a retired midwife from Ayrshire, Scotland, shares some findings from her recent study exploring midwifery continuity of care and its impact on midwife/mother relationships. ......
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An Introduction to Reflexology in Pregnancy and Birth

Debra
Complementary therapies are often used or sought by women during pregnancy. Reflexology is one such therapy. Did you know there are different types of reflexology? Expert in complementary therapies Dr Denise Tiran, CEO and Education Director for Expectancy, explains the differences in reflex therapies and how they may be used......
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Being a student with emotionally unstable borderline personality disorder

Debra
Midwives and students are all unique and have their own personal challenges and struggles. In this powerful article Gemma Cromwell, third year student midwife at the University of Bedfordshire, shares her story of becoming and achieving as a student with a mental health condition with the support of all around......
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Lithotomy Challenge – do you know how it feels? 

Debra
Across the world during labour and birth many women and birthing people are placed into the lithotomy position. In this article Florence Wilcock, Consultant obstetrician Kingston Hospital, London, and podcaster @TheObsPod, explains how she set up the lithotomy challenge to help understand the impact of being in that position. Are......
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Aspirin prophylaxis to prevent pre-eclampsia: the role of midwives

Debra
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a serious condition globally. In this article Dr Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Midwife Senior Research Fellow, and Prof Andrew H Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics, King’s College London, point to the use of Aspirin prophylaxis and the importance of midwives in promoting its use. __________________________ Hypertensive disorders......
Midwifery Feature Articles Uncategorised

Birth Trauma – the train has left the station

Debra
Concerns about the level of birth trauma women are experiencing are rising, to the extent an Inquiry has been set up by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma. Neil Stewart, editorial Director of the Maternity and Midwifery Forum, explores the reasons behind the rise and challenges midwives and......