you were held
Over several years of working together, we observed that mothers whose babies are removed from them due to child protection issues or complex safeguarding, whether temporary or permanent, experienced a profound grieving process. This was comparable to the grief of those whose babies had died. However, this grief was largely unrecognised and unsupported, both professionally […]
Seeking support
For many of you it will be unsurprising to learn that a research project into stress in midwifery found that the things that caused most stress were staff shortages, insufficient breaks and work overload such as busy shifts. In addition, the persistent pace of change in ways of working take a mental toll – especially so if […]
just what’s needed
Quality improvement (QI) has become a familiar term within maternity services. At its heart, QI is about what we do for our service users and colleagues by working towards positive changes to enhance care and work efficiency. When I was first approached to undertake a QI project it seemed like a daunting task. However, by reframing […]
going above and beyond
In April 2022, I joined the Poppy Team at Royal Berkshire Hospital, which looks after vulnerable women. It was a new role, so I had to make it what it is today. For example, I implemented a one-to-one parenting session ahead of the birth and go out to the women’s houses – the midwives identify […]
“There is a need for people who are willing to undertake the less-rewarded work of quality assurance in education”
As a student nurse in the 1980s, Suzanne had a four-week maternity placement and that, as they say, changed everything. “It really made me see how different midwifery was to nursing. I thought there was something I could bring into midwifery from what I’d learned as a nurse.” She did her Advanced Diploma in Midwifery in […]
Championing change
Midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) are the foundation of safe, compassionate maternity care in Wales. Every year, around 28,000 babies are born across our seven health boards, and every one of those births represents a story, a family and a future. Yet too many women and birthing people still face stark inequalities, and too […]
In the spotlight
The RCM Awards celebrate the dedication, skill and compassion of midwives, maternity support workers and students from across the UK and honour outstanding individuals in maternity care. The 2026 awards saw three Northern Ireland nominations: Joyce Hanna of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust was nominated for the maternity support worker of the year award […]
more than words
As Scotland prepares for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election on 7 May, maternity services are in the national spotlight. With political parties outlining their priorities for the next parliamentary term, RCM Scotland has launched a powerful manifesto, outlining the essential actions needed to secure safe, high-quality maternity care across the country. Midwives hold the future of a […]
Bringing the queen into play
It’s common knowledge that in chess, you should never underestimate the power of a well-placed pawn. It’s a lesson in never giving up because even the smallest actions can have huge consequences, and you never know when you might turn the tide. This is particularly poignant in a year where the UK maternity profession is […]
CoppaFeel!
Facts Around 2,500 people under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK and more than 200 pregnant women a year in the UK may be diagnosed with breast cancer during their pregnancy or up to two years after birth. Pregnant women are more likely to be diagnosed at […]