The POOL study team from Cardiff University has won a prestigious award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for its research into the safety of waterbirths.
The team conducted the largest global study of waterbirths among more than 73,000 women which has provided convincing and conclusive evidence of this form of birthing when carried out by NHS midwives in the UK.
At the awards ceremony in London on 18 October, the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said: “The findings will form the basis of the knowledge around safety in the UK for many years to come, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have already indicated the results of the study will inform future recommendations on waterbirth.
“It is vital the findings are widely disseminated to midwives, obstetricians, neonatologists, parents, commissioners and providers of care. As such, the team has worked with its partners to develop freely available online resources which will make the study findings accessible to all midwives and expectant parents.”
The RCM award, sponsored by Vitabiotics Pregnacare, recognises a midwifery researcher or a team of researchers who are able to demonstrate that they have furthered the midwifery knowledge base for the benefit of women and families, and/or student midwives, midwives and MSWs, or other maternity professionals.
Susanne Bisinotto from Vitabiotics Pregnacare, said: “The POOL study team has raised the bar for midwifery research with their groundbreaking work on waterbirths. Their findings not only improve the safety and wellbeing of mothers and babies, but also underscore the vital importance of evidence-based research in advancing maternity care.
“Pregnacare is dedicated to supporting the health and safety of new mums and their babies, and we are honoured to sponsor this award, celebrating such significant contributions to midwifery practice.”
ENDS
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk
Notes to Editors
- For more information on the RCM awards visit here: https://www.rcmawards.com/
- Individual media releases on each winner or winning team available on request, email media@rcm.org.uk.
About the RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.
