Creating a bond

More than one in five women and birthing people will face a mental health challenge during pregnancy and after birth, according to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, and suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for women between six weeks and one year after giving birth. That’s why perinatal mental health specialists in maternity […]

Joined-up working

“As a profession, we’re entrenched in writing longhand notes – that’s why midwives love a free pen,” says Zoe Meneilly, deputy head of midwifery at the South Eastern Trust and chair of the expert working group for the Encompass digital platform. In November 2023, the South Eastern Trust was the first to go live with the […]

Come together

The right platform No longer does a community require close physical proximity. Digital networks allow colleagues to connect and share day-to-day support. For certain groups, such as those working in remote and rural settings, this is vital. During the COVID-19 lockdown particularly, student midwives unable to attend lectures or bond with their cohort relied on […]

Employment advice: On call

Lynne Galvin, RCM regional officer for north of England, discusses what happens when an employer changes ‘on call’ procedures Q: My employer expects us to be on call at busy times, even if it is during time off – what can we do? A: The RCM has a similar ongoing case, so it might be […]

Voice of a… midwifery clinical research manager

Sarah-Jayne Ambler at Medway NHS Foundation Trust was involved in a pilot of resources to improve maternity care for parents with learning disabilities I undertook a feasibility study for The Together Project, led by Dr Anna Cox at the University of Surrey. Through engagement with parents with learning disabilities, Anna had developed educational materials and tools for […]