Midwifery Sector News

66% of Trusts in the UK restricted or suspended their home birth services between October 2023 and November 2024, according to an investigation by the maternity rights charity Birthrights. This shortage leaves women and birthing people who want a home birth feeling like they only have two choices: opt for an......

Stillbirth is a tragic event and has a profound impact on families. It is a global health crisis, as Dr Margaret Murphy, Programme Director BSc Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, explains and addresses ways research and resources are aiming to prevent and support those who experience......

April is targeted as Stress Awareness month, though we know stressful environments and situations can occur throughout the year! Kate Greenstock, Midwife, Coach (CPCC, PCC) and Author of Flourish: A Practical and Emotional Guidebook to Thriving in Midwifery, discusses burnout, trauma and stress, offering some pointers to combat the impact.  _________________________________________________ So here we......

The free to attend, All-Ireland Integrated Nursing Care Festival takes place on Wednesday 9th April at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin and online. _________________________________________________ Everywhere health care plans are being reset for new integrated challenges ahead. Ireland has a new government in place, Northern Ireland has a new assembly and......

Pregnancy complications and baby loss are experienced by millions of women and their families. Yet, this remains a taboo subject with many suffering in silence. To encourage greater openness Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, have launched a new campaign Projecting Life: shining a light on unspoken grief. Amina Hatia,......

March 21st marks World Down Syndrome day which, this year, calls on governments to improve support for those with Down syndrome, parents and families. The charity Positive about Down syndrome shares how Nicola Enoch turned her experience of life with Tom into creating the charity to support others.   _________________________________________________ When......

With current shortage of maternity staff in services stress and burnout continues to be high. Gina Finnerty, Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Lifecourse Development (ILD) at the University of Greenwich, discusses burnout and how this may be recognised and reduced in the workplace.   _________________________________________________ Introduction  This blog has a......

Brain injury around the time of birth may have serious consequences. Yet the data available around these circumstances is inconsistent. Sarah Clark, Research communications manager, and Jan van der Scheer, PhD, Senior Research Associate, The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), University of Cambridge highlight the work that is being......

Postnatal care is an important aspect of midwives’ roles in the UK and other countries. It is also important for women and families, yet it is known that it is a challenge to meet needs appropriately, especially in the current climate of staffing. Elizabeth Duff, until recently Senior Policy Advisor......