Advancing equality, diversity and inclusion at the Royal College of Midwives: Our journey to foster belonging
One of our strategic aims is to build the midwifery community – and at the heart of that is a sense of belonging. The equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives the Royal College of Midwives pursues are not merely desirable but vital for staff and members alike. Black History Month takes place in the UK […]
The light in the rainbow
There are plenty of occasions in my work as a community midwife where I wish I could offer more support than is possible within the limitations of my job. This often occurs when I am caring for those experiencing pregnancy after loss – something which can lead to huge amounts of anxiety, fear, and a […]
Shaping the Future of Stillbirth Research: the Stillbirth Priority Setting Partnership
The Stillbirth Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) is seeking UK-based parents, professionals, and individuals affected by stillbirth to help them shape the future of stillbirth research. The Stillbirth PSP recently asked individuals affected by stillbirth to share the most important unanswered questions about: The causes of stillbirth Care and information for mothers during pregnancy that might […]
Our journey as young mothers and founders of the Stay With Me Foundation
We’re Alice and Lola, two young mums who know first-hand the joys and the challenges that motherhood brings. On the surface, people often see the smiles, the baby cuddles, and the ‘picture perfect’ moments that come with having children. But behind those moments, there is a reality that doesn’t always get spoken about enough: the […]
NICU Awareness Month: Supporting Families Through Their NICU Journey
September marks Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month, a time to honour babies born premature or sick, their families, and the healthcare professionals who support them. First established in 2014 by the nonprofit organisation Project Sweet Peas, NICU Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced in neonatal care, and the importance of […]
A sense of connection
My elective placement week offered a unique window into the professional, political, and strategic work that underpins midwifery at a national level. It was a week that challenged me, inspired me, and gave me a deeper appreciation for the wider role of professional organisations in shaping the future of midwifery. I attended a variety of […]
Big changes for NHS Wales Maternity Support Workers – here’s what you need to know
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has been advocating for fairer pay for Bands 2 and 3 Maternity Support Workers in Wales. Vicky Richards, the RCM’s National Officer for Wales, explains what’s changing – and what you need to do if it affects you. If you’re a maternity support worker (MSW) in Wales, you might […]
Bereavement midwives are incredible – they help us embrace pregnancies after loss instead of enduring it
For Rainbow Baby Awareness Week, Rachel Burn, Media Relations Officer at the Royal College of Midwives, shares her personal story of pregnancy after loss – and the vital role her bereavement midwife played in helping her navigate it. When I saw a faint line on a pregnancy test, I had a panic attack. My husband […]
Green, green grass? The situation for newly-qualified midwives in Wales
As newly-qualified midwives across the UK continue searching for their first midwifery job, the situation differs across the nations. The RCM’s Director of Midwifery, Fiona Gibb, looks at what’s happening in Wales While newly-qualified midwives across the UK are facing a tough job market, the picture in Wales is slightly different. Thanks to the Welsh […]
Midwives and Healthcare Professionals’ Role in Breastfeeding Promotion and Support: Search Pack of the Month, August
To commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2025, MIDIRS Search Pack of the Month for August is ‘Midwives and Healthcare Professionals’ Role in Breastfeeding Promotion and Support’. Every year, in the first week of August, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) – in partnership with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF – coordinate a global campaign aiming […]