Continuity of Care
Do we want to change? – recent reports on maternity services
Over recent months various reports relevant to maternity services have been released. Dr Jenny Hall, Editor, Maternity and Midwifery Forum highlights points from the reports, encouraging us to use them to make change. __________________________________________________ Over recent months, with the current transitions of government here in the UK sharing headlines......
Infection control practice in maternal examinations
Help us with this anonymous survey >>> TAKE THE SURVEY HERE (3mins) Maternity and midwifery services are under constant pressure to adapt and change. We receive a lot of anecdotal feedback that services are changing shape, some of it positive, some of it questionable, in response to the heightened awareness......
Inequities in Maternity Care: Insights from Amma’s ‘Birth Outcomes & Experiences Report’
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......
Birth Trauma – time for a big conversation
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......
Domestic abuse in pregnancy, my reflection as a midwife
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......
Are you providing information on induction of labour? – new survey
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......
The 4th All-Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival
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......
Positive About Down Syndrome
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......
Harmonising Health: using the power of song to boost maternal mental wellness
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......