Coping with baby loss as a midwife

Every year, more than 6 500 babies and children under the age of five die in the UK (Child Bereavement UK, 2017) While it is widely recognised that bereaved parents should receive high-quality support...

Obtaining and confirming consent

A recent High Court case has highlighted for midwives the importance of obtaining and confirming valid consent Mordel v Royal Berkshire NHS centred on what information had been provided and understood...

Genetic risk assessment and haemoglobinopathy counselling: two case studies

The role of the antenatal and newborn (ANNB) coordinator is to work as part of a team to deliver the six ANNB programmes commissioned by the NHS, with oversight and quality assurance provided by...

Fairy tale midwifery ten years on: facilitating the transition to newly qualified midwife

Seminal work (Kramer, 1974) indicated that newly qualified practitioners experience a reality shock on initiation of first post, which is supported by subsequent literature (Maben and Macleod-Clark,...

Influence of midwife communication on women's understanding of Down syndrome screening information

All pregnant women in England, Wales and Scotland are offered screening for Down syndrome at their first antenatal (booking) appointment with their midwife (UK National Screening Committee [UK NSC],...

Talking about smoking cessation with postnatal women: exploring midwives' experiences

Maintenance of smoking cessation after pregnancy remains a challenge, with many women who quit during pregnancy relapsing by six months (Logan et al, 2017) Factors relating to relapse postnatally are...

The importance of terminology when discussing risks in pregnancy

Dear Editor, I read with interest the article titled, ‘How do risk management principles fit with the reality of clinical midwifery?’ by Evette Sebastien Roberts published in the British Journal of...

Understanding the vulnerability of a baby's skin to help treat and prevent nappy rash

The first breath taken within seconds of birth is a vital role allowing the lungs to fill with air (Kenner and Lott, 2014)—signifying the moment the baby is now living in a gaseous (air) environment...

Choice as the cornerstone of woman-centred care

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service ([BPAS], 2019a) sees over 80 000 women per year across Britain for reproductive healthcare services including abortion care, pregnancy counselling, miscarriage...

Midwives in 2020: time to flourish and change perceptions

The international year of the midwife (and nurse) is nearly upon us Throughout the year 2020, the whole world will be focused upon our professions As such, we have an opportunity to shape how we...

Much to celebrate

Breast milk donation and bereavement

Choosing to donate breast milk can be a coping mechanism for grieving mothers