MIDIRS Essence > September 2010 > MIDIRS

Best research for best practice

Originally posted on Sept 2010

‘…the research provided by MIDIRS through their search facility enabled me to look further into these issues to identify ways that antenatal teachers can amend their practice to ensure they are truly meeting the needs of all parents who attend their classes.’

NCT antenatal teacher, Veronica Parker, describes how MIDIRS online search facility assisted her in writing an essay which analysed the needs of lesbian parents in relation to antenatal education, in light of current research.

Training to become an antenatal teacher with the NCT has at times been challenging - juggling the needs of a young family against the desire and determination to qualify - but throughout the ups and downs the academic work has always been mentally stimulating and thought provoking.

I recently embarked on an essay in which I needed to analyse the needs of lesbian parents in relation to antenatal education, in light of current research.

I chose this subject specifically as I felt sure the research on this minority group of women would be limited, and as I always enjoy an academic challenge I was looking forward to producing something amazing from what I presumed would be virtually nothing, thereby proving a point that women choosing to parent alongside a female partner are wholly overlooked, in clinical practice and within research.

I commenced my search for evidence-based, up to date research by completing a search on the MIDIRS Reference Database, and I was astounded with the number of relevant references to research papers that were found, not only quashing my presumption that little or no research would exist, but making me think, why hadn’t I used this service before on previous essays!

This essay has been one of the most interesting papers I have ever written; the research data I selected was recent, relevant and provided me with sufficient evidence enabling me to identify a number of key issues to suggest that lesbian women who attend mainstream antenatal classes are indeed encountering specific problems linked directly to their sexual orientation, such as homophobia, prejudice and discrimination. But more importantly the research provided by MIDIRS through their reference database search facility enabled me to look further into these issues to identify ways that antenatal teachers can amend their practice to ensure they are truly meeting the needs of all parents who attend their classes and not just the needs of the stereotypical heterosexual family unit of a woman and her male partner, who might be expected to attend.

I have also used the MIDIRS Podcast facility on a number of occasions, providing me with a simple and quick way to maintain my professional knowledge and keep up to date with the latest research, which is essential practice for all student and qualified antenatal teachers to ensure they are truly aware of what is happening right here and right now. By doing this we can ensure we are able to fully support the women and their birth partners who come to us at a special but also vulnerable time in their lives.

For me, though, one of the most valuable resources so far within my academic study has been the MIDIRS Informed Choice leaflets – both the fully referenced professional versions, which I have used again and again to expand upon my understanding and knowledge, but also the ones specifically designed to meet the needs of expectant women and their birth partners, which convey the relevant information in a clear and appropriate format.

As part of my continued development I will be applying this September to train as a midwife. I am so passionate about the normality of birth and I cannot wait to become an advocate for the women within my care, so that I can support, educate and empower them to truly believe in the amazing power of their body and mind and that within the right environment with love, support and encouragement they can give birth to their baby naturally.

I thrive on a challenge and cannot wait for this next chapter of my life to unfold, and I will be looking for MIDIRS to be right behind me all the way, enabling me to continue to achieve the high academic standards I set for myself!

About Veronica Parker

I am a mother of three children, two boys aged 14 and five and a little girl who has just turned two. I am married to a wonderful if sometimes grumpy man, who fully supports my passion for antenatal teaching and midwifery (even if he doesn’t really understand why I feel this way!).

I am a trained breastfeeding peer supporter at my local hospital and I also sit on my local Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC) representing the maternity ward volunteers and also my local NCT branch. I am an active member of my local branch of the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM), and I have been in the most fortunate position to have been shadowing an independent midwife for the previous eight months, on all of her caseloads. So far this has taken me into the privileged position of witnessing two truly inspiring home water births, which have only increased my desire not only to continue to practise as an antenatal teacher but to succeed on my journey to becoming a midwife.

Veronica Parker | Student Antenatal Teacher | University of Bedfordshire | Photo credit: Veronica Parker

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