A midwifery team from Medway Council has been presented with the Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health award for its work in delivering weight management programmes to pregnant women.

The programme, dubbed the BumpClub, received the recognition for its work from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) during an annual awards ceremony, held in London on 18 October.

Giving every child the best start in life is a key strategic priority for Public Health England. However, approximately 28% of women are categorised as overweight (BMI ≥25) and 22% of women are categorised as obese (BMI ≥30) at the start of pregnancy.

Medway Council’s Public Health Directorate has historically delivered weight management programmes to the general population and wanted to adapt the model for pregnant women too.

The specialist service is designed to support and motivate pregnant people to make lifestyle changes and provide a supportive environment for women to share experiences, ideas and inspiration. The 12-session holistic content, delivered online over six weeks, covers topics such as menu planning, portion size, healthy swaps, physical activity, managing stress, sexual health and much more.

Since the programme launched in March 2021, the team has had over 550 referrals (either self or midwife referrals) and 376 people booked to attend the course.

At the awards ceremony, the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said:

“Being physically healthy during pregnancy is so important to the baby’s and mum’s wellbeing. The myth of ‘eating for two’ is just that – a myth – and this team have made great headway into helping more people adopt healthier lifestyles.”

During evaluation, it also became apparent there was a clear requirement for physical activity opportunities for pregnant people in the local area. So, in March 2022, BumpClub Health Walks was launched to increase physical activity levels in pregnant and postnatal people.

BumpClub is now an award-winning programme, recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2022 LGC Awards.

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.