MIDIRS Podcasts

Multidisciplinary training in obstetric emergencies

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 13:38:23 GMT

‘Making the right way the easiest way’, is the strong message conveyed in MIDIRS latest podcast. In this podcast, Mr Tim Draycott, consultant obstetrician, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), talks about the active ingredients of effective multiprofessional training in improving maternal and neonatal safety outcomes. The podcast is free to download and can be accessed by visiting www.midirs.org/podcast. While most births in the UK are completely safe, some births are less safe than they could, or should be. It is recommended that ‘safe teams’ are the key to improving safety in maternity services, whereby multiprofessionals — midwives, obstetricians and others — work together and train together within their own maternity units to try and achieve the best outcomes for the mothers and babies in their care. Practical obstetric multidisciplinary training (PROMPT) has been running effectively for a number of years at NBT and has been found to be effective in: reducing the incidence of low Apgar scores; reducing hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) by 50%; reducing the decision-delivery interval for cord prolapse and the associated use of general anaesthesia by 50%; and achieving a 70% reduction in brachial plexus injury following shoulder dystocia. To date, the PROMPT course has been taught in around 65% of UK maternity units and has been rolled out to the U.S, Italy, China, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Cook Islands and is about to start in Mongolia. For further information visit: www.prompt-course.org

Acupuncture in pregnancy and babies

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 16:17:14 GMT

In their recently recorded podcast, Katherine and George talk in-depth about the use of acupuncture for this client group. Acupuncture is a powerful, drug-free therapy well suited to pregnancy. It has a high degree of patient satisfaction, and an increasing body of evidence supporting efficacy for a range of common obstetric complaints. As a medical technique, it has developed over at least the last 4000 years. The earliest major obstetric texts come from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Today there are numerous obstetric texts that combine with Western medical developments, many of which have been translated into English.

YOUNG FATHERS: who they are, why they matter, and what you can do about them...

Tue, 4 May 2010 11:10:27 GMT

Across the UK, policy and legislation increasingly require family professionals to engage with the men in children’s lives (see the Fatherhood Institute’s resource Policy and Legislative Frameworks requiring engagement with fathers for more information). This ‘Think Fathers’ agenda arises in part from the realisation that today’s fathers are more involved at home than in previous generations, and in part from awareness of the evidence base that shows fathers’ impact on children and mothers (for good and for bad) to be substantial.

Campaigning for vulnerable migrant women by Rosalind Bragg, Director of Maternity Action

Tue, 4 May 2010 16:22:31 GMT

The maternal mortality data demonstrate significantly worse health outcomes amongst vulnerable migrant women. During 2003-2005, 12% of all maternal deaths were to women identified as refugees and asylum seekers (Lewis 2007). Ten per cent of all deaths in this period were to women who did not speak English. The data shows a strong association between maternal mortality and social exclusion across all ethnic groups. Rosalind Bragg is Director of Maternity Action, the national charity working on maternity and equalities. She has worked on issues of social exclusion and health access in voluntary organizations in the UK and Australia. She was Head of Policy, Information and Campaigns at the Maternity Alliance. Rosalind has a MA in public policy and has completed degrees in law and economics.

Mother of Many – Birth, Babies and a Bafta by Emma Lazenby

Tue, 4 May 2010 16:31:18 GMT

The idea of being the first person that so many people meet, of helping so many women and families through such a hugely emotional, unpredictable and intense day or so in their lifetimes – each day and everyday, is amazing. It is such a hugely privileged and incredibly worthwhile achievement; a very beautiful and extremely giving way to spend a lifetime’s work. Inspired by my mother’s experiences and her commitment to assisting women through their births and into motherhood, I was prompted to make a film that would be a celebration of this amazing profession – being a midwife.

The Cutting Tradition Part 2

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:27:30 GMT

There are 28 countries in Africa alone, where FGM continues to be practised even though it is illegal. Nancy’s film, ‘A Cutting Tradition’, is a landmark documentary that took a year to film and which looks in a non-judgemental way at the contributing factors and the very controversial and diverse aspects of FGM. Viewed by Western society as a form of mutilation, in many cultures FGM remains a normative tradition. SafeHands for Mothers is a registered UK charity, which aims to contribute to a reduction in maternal mortality and morbidity, and to protect the health of the newborn. The charity’s area of expertise is the production of films that educate, raise awareness, and advocate for change in harmful practices (such as FGM), as well as the provision of training in remote areas. Visit: www.safehands.org

The Cutting Tradition Part 3

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:27:31 GMT

The Cutting Tradition Part 4

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:27:32 GMT

The art of questioning!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Sara is renowned for her inquisitive and critical approach to the consideration of various midwifery practices. Sara brings these skills to this podcast, as she helps us to consider the role of reflective practice and critical thinking in contemporary maternity care provision. Asking questions is fundamental to our daily practice and Sara demonstrates how questions are often posed while midwives work within multiple paradigms. For example, the obstetric (medical) model, where birth is only perceived as ‘normal’ in hindsight, compared to the midwifery (social) model of care with its strong focus on normality, in which pregnancy is viewed as an altered state of normal health. What are we doing and why are we doing it? How can we view it differently and how can we improve things? If you're feeling the need to be inspired or re-enthused to challenge practice, then this podcast is an absolute must for you!

Induction of labour

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:15:49 GMT

In this podcast, Dr Sara Wickham discusses five recently published articles that she has carefully selected as being key papers exploring this area of practice. Sara's detailed analysis and discussion of each of the papers' findings will encourage you to consider, in more detail, this aspect of maternity care and the implications for your own practice. This is a thought-provoking and stimulating podcast and whether you are a practising midwife, or currently undertaking a programme of midwifery education, is essential listening for you.

The papers featured in this podcast are available for purchase as a resource pack for reference and to support your PREP learning activity.'

Resource Pack

The pack includes 5 full text articles supporting the podcast, details of the articles is available below. �9.95 + Free UK P&P.

Clark SL; Simpson KR; Knox GE; et al. Oxytocin: new perspectives on an old drug. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2009; 200, (1, January 35.e1-6

Knight B. Nice work, but challenging times ahead. Practising Midwife 2008; 11(9October):38-39

Knoche A; Selzer C; Smolley K. Methods of stimulating the onset of labor: an exploration of maternal satisfaction. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health 2008; 53(4July/August):381-387

Menticoglou SM; Hall PF. Routine induction of labour at 41 weeks gestation: nonsensus consensus. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2002; 109(5):485-491

Tillett J. Elective induction of labor: not without risks for mother and infant. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing 2007; 21(1January/March):2-3

Writing for publication - through the eyes of an editor

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Dr Sally Marchant has been MIDIRS Editor since December 2002. Her background is in clinical midwifery, research and education, all of which are highly useful within her current role. While Sally has used the analogy of being a sort of ‘parent’ in her role as editor, she wishes to point out that she is just one part of the editorial team. The Digest would not be produced without Val Dickens, Copy Editor, Ann Smythe, Publishing Officer, Steve Clayton, our Graphic Designer, and the support, knowledge and input from MIDIRS editorial board. Sally’s whole philosophy as an editor is to facilitate communication and knowledge through writing.

Cup feeding revisited

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Sharon Trotter is a midwife, mother and Baby Consultant with special interests in breastfeeding and baby skin care. Sharon works within the NHS and independently to advise and promote best practice in these areas. Following publications in various midwifery journals, Sharon has implemented a new policy for baby skin care within her NHS organisation. She is also author of the bestselling book, 'Breastfeeding: the essential guide'. Her article ‘Cup feeding revisited’ was published in the MIDIRS Midwifery Digest in September 2006 and has attracted interest both here and in the US. Details of this and Sharon’s peer reviewed articles can be found on her website at: www.tipslimited.com

Facing issues in practice that are controversial

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Dr Sara Wickham is a midwife who has practised in the UK and USA, and is currently working as a freelance midwifery lecturer and consultant. She has written and edited a number of books, including 'Anti-D in midwifery', the 'Midwifery: Best Practice' series and 'Appraising Research into Childbirth'. Sara speaks and consults internationally and, together with Lorna Davies, co-hosts the website http://www.withwoman.co.uk, where many of her articles can be found. Sara's PhD thesis explored holistic midwifery knowledge around post-term pregnancy. This podcast is entitled, 'Facing issues in practice that are controversial'. Of the different kinds of interventions that are offered to women and babies around the time of pregnancy and birth, prophylaxis or the use of a drug or treatment to prevent a possible disease, rather than to treat an existing one, is arguably the most controversial. Prophylactic interventions around childbirth include anti-D, vitamin K, antibiotics for group B Streptococcus and the practice of managed third stage. There has been a great deal of debate about the notions of risk and safety in childbirth, and increasing emphasis on looking at the bigger picture and informing women about the risks of such treatments, as well as the benefits. How can a balance be struck between the management of risk at the population level and the attention that needs to be given to helping individual women make the choices that are right for them?

Normal neonatal behaviour and the psychology of parenting

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Dr Hawthorne-Amick is an Associate Member of the Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge. She is also the Director of the Brazelton Centre in Great Britain, whose work is about understanding babies in order to support parents. Joanna also trains and teaches health professionals throughout the country, particularly in Sure Start areas, and abroad. She also works with parents and preterm babies in the Neonatal Unit at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge.

Is midwives' use of complementary therapies always justified?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Denise Tiran is a practising midwife, complementary practitioner and visiting lecturer at several universities in the UK and overseas; she is Director of Expectancy and an international authority on maternity-related complementary medicine. Clinically, Denise specialises in treating women with “morning sickness”, using an integrated approach which combines several therapies with conventional midwifery advice, having previously run a complementary therapies antenatal clinic which was “highly commended” in the 2001 Prince of Wales’ Awards for Healthcare in London. She has written/edited ten books and over 40 professional journal papers, including three editions of 'Bailliere’s Midwives’ Dictionary', and has contributed chapters to several midwifery, gynaecology, obstetric and complementary medicine textbooks. Denise is on the editorial committee of the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice journal, an advisor to Pregnancy and Birth magazine and has featured on several television and radio programmes. She is Chair of the Complementary Maternity Forum, midwifery representative to the Foundation for Integrated Health and regularly advises the Royal Colleges of Midwives and of Nursing on complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth. Expectancy is the leading provider of university-accredited courses on complementary therapies in midwifery, focusing specifically on safety, professional accountability and evidence-based practice. www.expectancy.co.uk / tel: 08452 301 323

Knowledge for practice

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Sally Price MSc, RM, PGDip, NNB has a wealth of experience in all spheres of midwifery practice, statutory supervision and midwifery education. She has recently left the NHS to set up a new company, specialising in antenatal education and birth preparation for parents and birth partners (www.babushkasbabies.co.uk).

Skin deep

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Sharon Trotter, midwife, mother and author shares her specialist knowledge and expertise in these areas. Sharon is a midwife with special interests in breastfeeding and baby skin care. Sharon works within the NHS and independently to advise and promote best practice in these areas. Following publications in various midwifery journals, Sharon has implemented a new policy for baby skin care within her NHS organisation. In this podcast she charts her journey from hypothesis to implementation of the new policy, recent alignment with NICE guidelines and a proposed RCM ‘Motion to Conference’ to stop the routine provision of baby products in all UK maternity units. Sharon is also author of the bestselling book, 'Breastfeeding: the essential guide'. Details of this and her peer reviewed articles can be found on her website at http://www.tipslimited.com

Supporting staff in providing HDU care within maternity services

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Stephanie Withers is Delivery Suite Manager at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. She qualified as a midwife in Bath, in 1982, and has worked in many areas of midwifery practice, but predominantly, she is an intrapartum midwife with a wealth of experience on Delivery Suite, both at Bath and Bristol maternity units. During this time, Stephanie has gained extensive knowledge in intrapartum care with clinical expertise and advanced skills. Within this role, Stephanie has always had a keen interest in High Dependency Care. She initially led on the High Dependency Team at Southmead Hospital, developing a group of midwives to undertake the necessary training for all midwives in this specialised area. Stephanie took up her current post at Southmead in July 2004 and her remit is to act as the Lead Midwife & Modern Matron for Delivery Suite & Obstetric Theatres. She has to manage the allocated budget effectively to achieve the maximum level of efficiency and standards of service. She is proud to represent the Trust both internally and externally, and to develop links with other managers and midwives. As the Modern Matron, Stephanie provides professional leadership by being visible and accessible; taking responsibility for maintaining and developing high standards of clinical care within the hospital setting. She thoroughly enjoys her role, and still works clinically, which is very important to her.

Planning a research study

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Dr Sally Marchant’s background is in clinical midwifery, research and education, all of which are highly useful within her current role. Sally has been MIDIRS Editor of the Midwifery Digest since December 2002, and her excellent editorial skills are further complemented by her comprehensive knowledge and expertise as a midwifery researcher. Sally’s ability to swiftly and skilfully critique a research paper, identify the salient points and apply these to contemporary midwifery practice has been a huge contribution to the review and development of MIDIRS Informed Choice content.

Division of tongue tie

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

The criteria for division of tongue tie and the procedures involved are highlighted. Other issues relating to tongue tie such as cup feeding and weaning also feature. The results of a local audit and referral information conclude the presentation.

Place of birth

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Professor Soo Downe has spent 15 years working in various clinical, research, and project development roles at Derby City General Hospital. From January 2001, she has worked at the University of Central Lancashire in England, where she is now the Professor of Midwifery Studies. She set up the UCLan Women, Infant, and Sexual Health (WISH) Group, which was launched (as the Midwifery Studies Research Unit) in October 2002. She currently chairs the UK Royal College of Midwives Campaign for Normal Birth steering committee. She is a member of the Medical Research Council College of Experts and has held a number of visiting professorships, most recently in Belgium and Hong Kong. Her main research focus at present is the nature of, and culture around, normal birth, and she is the editor of 'Normal Birth, Evidence and Debate' (2004 & 2008).

Normal birth

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Dr Denis Walsh is a midwifery researcher, lecturer, author and a practising midwife. He is currently a Reader in Normal Birth at the University of Central Lancashire and Independent Midwifery Consultant. He has lectured widely throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand and is a frequent contributor to childbirth journals.

A simple guide to critiquing research articles

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Colin Rees is a lecturer at Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Cardiff University. He has taught research methods mainly to qualified staff on a variety of courses for many years. He sees his main role as enabling health professionals to become confident users of research, and to help them see research as part of professional and clinical practice within the context of evidence-based practice. Colin has taught many professional health groups including O.T.s, Physios, Dieticians, Podiatrists, and Doctors as well as those in nursing and midwifery. He has been module leader of a research methods course at MSc level in Wales, the Caribbean and more recently, Germany. He is author of 'Introduction to Research for Midwives', now in its second edition. He also publishes frequently in the health press.

Ina May Gaskin - The Importance Of A Smile (part 2)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Learning About Breech Birth (part 10)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Maternal Mortality, The US Problem (part 9)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Sphincter Law (part 7)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Birth stories (part 1)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin is highly regarded amongst midwives and practitioners, and is often described as the ‘mother of authentic midwifery’. As founder and director of The Farm Midwifery Centre, Tennessee, which has handled more than 2,200 births with remarkably good outcomes, Ms Gaskin is also author of several books, the most highly recognised being 'Spiritual Midwifery', now in its fourth edition and 'Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth'. She has lectured all over the world at midwifery conferences and at medical schools, both to students and faculties and was President of Midwives' Alliance of North America from 1996 to 2002. Ina May's work in helping women to reduce their fear of childbirth by regaining confidence in their bodies' ability to give birth is truly inspiring and their success in achieving this is supported by The Farm’s maternity statistics. What she does so beautifully and with such sensitivity, is to demonstrate the strong connections that exist between psychology, spirituality, sexuality and childbirth. You will be enthralled as Ina May shares her thoughts, knowledge and experience of childbirth through a number of birth stories. This podcast is supported by an insightful presentation by Dr Sara Wickham, independent midwifery lecturer, consultant and author, who has been visiting The Farm for several years. Sara's presentation offers a familiar insight into life on The Farm and the ethos of spiritual midwifery and is supported by a collection of stunning photographs taken by Sara herself. These beautiful images offer an appreciation of The Farm community, as well as UK midwives’ experiences of visiting there. Both Ina May’s interview and Sara’s podcast eloquently demonstrate how spiritual midwifery offers a real challenge to the technocratic model of contemporary maternity care and its erosion of normal birth. Watch, listen and be prepared to be truly inspired!

Downloads

Sara Wickham's photos of the farm 2008 - PDF, 1.2MB

Farm photos and statistics - PDF, 2.5MB

Ina May Gaskin - Learning About Interventions (part 4)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Intimacy, Language, Fear And Education (part 3)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Maternal Mortality And The Maternal Mortality Quilt Project (part 8)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Learning From Women, The Uterus Is Regulated By Emotion (part 5)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin is highly regarded amongst midwives and practitioners, and is often described as the ‘mother of authentic midwifery’. As founder and director of the Farm Midwifery Centre, Tennessee, which has handled more than 2,200 births with remarkably good outcomes, Ms Gaskin is also author of several books, the most highly recognised being 'Spiritual Midwifery', now in its fourth edition and 'Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth'. She has lectured all over the world at midwifery conferences and at medical schools, both to students and faculties and was President of Midwives' Alliance of North America from 1996 to 2002. Ina May's work in helping women to reduce their fear of childbirth by regaining confidence in their bodies' ability to give birth is truly inspiring and her success in achieving this is supported by The Farm’s maternity statistics. What she does so beautifully and with such sensitivity, is to demonstrate the strong connections that exist between psychology, spirituality, sexuality and childbirth. You will be enthralled as Ina May shares her thoughts, knowledge and experience of childbirth through a number of birth stories.

Ina May Gaskin - Learning From Women, The Importance Of Kissing And Sex! (part 6)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Ina May Gaskin - Breastfeeding And Nipplephobia (part 11)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:49 GMT

A guide to MIDIRS Online Service and Reference Database

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Presents an overview of the Database, in terms of topic coverage, information sources and types of material included, as well as instruction on how to access the OLS and what to expect from a typical search result. Guides users through how to retrieve pre-prepared literature searches and conduct advanced searches, save and print records, purchase photocopies and format references. Also covers how to get the most out of other features of the OLS, including the email alerting service.

The podcast can be listened to in its entirety; alternatively, individual chapters can be selected so that listeners can go directly to their area of interest.

An accompanying presentation is available to download from this site and the transcript of the audio file is also available.

Related Downloads

Podcast transcript - PDF

Podcast slides - PDF

Asylum seekers and pregnancy

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Women are diverse and pregnancy often comes alongside other pressures; midwives may be required to support and advise on social, and other, issues that affect a woman during her pregnancy and which may be one of her main priorities in her hierarchy of needs. These needs may relate to financial poverty, housing, teenage pregnancy, substance misuse or domestic abuse and midwives adapt to individualise care and support the woman.

Supervision and supervisors of midwives

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:15:49 GMT

The NMC produced this publication for a number of reasons. As the NMC sets the standards for statutory supervision, it is important that women and their families understand the role of supervision and how to contact a SoM if the need arises. Having this knowledge is not about women being able to complain about a midwife if care has been unsatisfactory – although this should be the case in these circumstances – but it is much more about women, midwives and supervisors working in partnership to achieve a satisfying and safe birth experience.

Download the leaflet
Support for parents: how supervision and supervisors of midwives can help you [PDF]

Natural Approaches to Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Indeed, it is not simply a condition which affects only the mother, but impacts also on her partner, her children, her job and her everyday life. The term ‘morning sickness’ is a misnomer, because whilst many women have early morning nausea on waking, due to hypoglycaemia, many continue to suffer throughout the day and even into the night. Similarly, the traditional midwifery advice that symptoms will resolve spontaneously by the beginning of the second trimester can be discouraging, for many women feel unwell for the duration of the pregnancy, and others, whose condition may have improved in the mid-trimester, may experience a return to NVP towards term as the hormones change in preparation for labour.

Supervision and supervisors of midwives (NMC) Part 2

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:15:49 GMT

This podcast demonstrates how the Supervisor of Midwives, working in partnership with the mother and her partner, and the local midwifery team, was able to facilitate informed choice, and support and empower the mother in achieving her homebirth. MIDIRS recommends that you listen to this Podcast in conjunction with Dr Susan Way's Podcast.

Maternal death

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:15:49 GMT

A midwife finding themselves in the midst of this catastrophic event needs to have a range of tools and structured support at their disposal. If you are involved in an event of this type, you will be required to assist in both formal and informal reviews.

Val Beale - LSA Midwifery Officer, South West Region
Bibliography – March 2010

Val is currently employed as the Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officer at NHS South West. The Region comprises 19 Acute services with 13 Midwife led stand-alone units.

Val has been a Supervisor of Midwives for 22 years and a Midwife for 29 years.

Val has been closely involved with CMACE (formally CEMACH) since 1991, when she became a local midwife assessor for maternal deaths. Val became a central assessor for the organisation 5 years ago – this involves reviewing the findings of local Regional assessors and contributing to writing the midwifery chapter in the Triennial report (Saving Mothers Lives)

The prevention and treatment of Obstetric emergencies have been a significant area of interest for a number of years - long before the advent of Clinical Risk assessment and Clinical Governance review.

Val is also involved in medico-legal work, which adds an interesting perspective to her current substantive post.

The Iolanthe Midwifery Awards

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 14:15:49 GMT

Lisa Common, talks through her experience of winning an IMT Student Award, which enabled her to undertake her 'elective' practice in Africa. She also reflects on how this achievement has influenced and impacted on both her personal and professional career development.

The Cutting Tradition Part 1

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:25:42 GMT