http://www.midirs.org/ Midwifery news and press releases http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/197F9487CCB6BEE78025777000571A96?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/197F9487CCB6BEE78025777000571A96 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:51:24 GMT International news During World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from 1 to 7 August in more than 170 countries, the World Health Organization reiterates its call on health facilities and health workers to implement ten steps to help mothers breastfeed successfully and improve their babies' health and chances of survival. Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It is safe, gives babies the nutrients they need for healthy development and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common child... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/1D322B549F431A0F8025777000568478?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/1D322B549F431A0F8025777000568478 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:45:00 GMT UK news The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have launched a new inquiry into the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in achieving government policy goals and helping to meet societal challenges. As governments across the world attempt to meet societal challenges, such as reducing carbon emissions and alleviating the burden on health services caused by smoking, drinking and the rise in obesity, more and more attention is being focused on how behaviour can be influenced using... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/09B99DDF3E499F4380257770003D9119?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/09B99DDF3E499F4380257770003D9119 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:12:28 GMT OLS News News item reporting that surviving thalidomide victims in Australia and New Zealand have won a new payment from the British manufacturer of the drug. Although thalidomide survivors in Australia received what was supposed to be a final payment in 1974, the sum proved to be insufficient to last the course of their lives, and further compensation was sought after the success of British thalidomide survivors in reaching a new settlement. (CR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/C8A799C1D74306A28025777000397530?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/C8A799C1D74306A28025777000397530 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:27:35 GMT UK news Low cost airline, bmibaby, has launched a special partnership with TinyLife, Northern Ireland's only premature and vulnerable baby charity. To mark the launch, bmibaby's mascot, Tiny attended TinyLife's annual Teddy Bears Picnic, a family activity day which gives parents of premature and sick babies the opportunity to meet other families who have had similar experiences. This is the first time the airline has officially supported a Northern Ireland charity and this reflects bmibaby's ongoin... , http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/C8A799C1D74306A28025777000397530?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/C8A799C1D74306A28025777000397530 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:27:35 GMT International news Low cost airline, bmibaby, has launched a special partnership with TinyLife, Northern Ireland's only premature and vulnerable baby charity. To mark the launch, bmibaby's mascot, Tiny attended TinyLife's annual Teddy Bears Picnic, a family activity day which gives parents of premature and sick babies the opportunity to meet other families who have had similar experiences. This is the first time the airline has officially supported a Northern Ireland charity and this reflects bmibaby's ongoin... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/3088F014BC0F94398025777000383532?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/3088F014BC0F94398025777000383532 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:13:56 GMT OLS News Reports the case of Dominique Cottrez, the French woman charged with the murder of eight of her own children when they newborn babies. Comments on the incidence of pregnancy denial syndrome, and illustrates the different levels of denial. Includes a link to a video commentary with an expert on perinatal depression, discussing the rarirty of such cases. (JSM)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/F5ADCEC23705D10D80257770003457D0?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/F5ADCEC23705D10D80257770003457D0 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:31:43 GMT OLS News Reports the publication of an editorial in the Lancet journal, which has questioned the right of women to choose a home birth. The editorial was written following publication of a home birth meta-analysis in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which caused controversy after medical bodies and experts cautioned against its relevance to the UK. Includes comments from spokespersons from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the NCT (National Childbirth Trust). (TC... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/F3CAEA3C15B9C2B580257770002D53F2?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/F3CAEA3C15B9C2B580257770002D53F2 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:15:06 GMT UK news Commenting on the Lancet's editorial “Home birth – proceed with caution,” published today (July 30), Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives said: “We are deeply disappointed and dismayed that Lancet has published an editorial indicating that women would choose to harm their baby in favour of their own needs by choosing a home birth. The editorial also cites research that is incomplete and methodologically flawed. There is no evidence to suggest that hospital births ... , http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/F3CAEA3C15B9C2B580257770002D53F2?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/F3CAEA3C15B9C2B580257770002D53F2 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:15:06 GMT International news Commenting on the Lancet's editorial “Home birth – proceed with caution,” published today (July 30), Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives said: “We are deeply disappointed and dismayed that Lancet has published an editorial indicating that women would choose to harm their baby in favour of their own needs by choosing a home birth. The editorial also cites research that is incomplete and methodologically flawed. There is no evidence to suggest that hospital births ... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/9D70D9C9EBE1FF7E8025776F003C5C70?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/9D70D9C9EBE1FF7E8025776F003C5C70 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:59:18 GMT OLS News Considers the implications of a successful trial of a microbicide gel given to pregnant women in the reduction of HIV risk to women. Highlights the need to assess whether a higher dose would be more effective and raises the issue of whether the cost of the drug may mean that it is not used in developing countries. (JR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/266E4A8D99650EB88025776F003B4FFD?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/266E4A8D99650EB88025776F003B4FFD Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:47:51 GMT OLS News Provides highlights of speeches at the Summit of the African Union held in Kampala outlining progress and challenges in achieving the Millennium Development Goals which aim to reduced child mortality and improve maternal health. Includes a quote from the President of Senegal who stated a need to concentrate on the transmission of HIV from mother to child, discusses the rate of transmission in Africa in contrast to that in the West and focuses on how the rate in Africa could be lowered. (JR)less thanbr /... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/6F73C2B6C7AFE4498025776F0039E479?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/6F73C2B6C7AFE4498025776F0039E479 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:32:20 GMT OLS News Reports that at the 15th African Union (AU) Summit, African leaders focused on maternal and infant mortality in the region. Lack of resources were cited as the major cause of maternal deaths (CR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/7A19D96B5D28B5A68025776F0035F011?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/7A19D96B5D28B5A68025776F0035F011 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:49:08 GMT OLS News Uses a colour coded map to illustrate the percentage of national budgets allocated to health in African countries, compared with mortality rates of children under five years of age. Explains that at the African Union (AU) Summit, recently held in Kampala, criticism was levelled at African leaders for failing to meet the terms of the 2001 Ajuba Declaration which called on them to allocate 15Percent of their national budget to health. States that so far only 5 countries have done this. (JSM)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/E39996075E60D7998025776F0035B9AD?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/E39996075E60D7998025776F0035B9AD Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:46:49 GMT UK news Following the consultation period which ended in May, we are pleased to announce that the final version of the Hospital Initiative Review has now been agreed and is available to download at http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/word/Hospital_Init_Review_Percent20final.doc The document contains a summary of the review process, the new revised criteria and an implementation schedule for the new standards. The proposed changes can be summarised as: - The wording of the breastfeeding policy to clarify which... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/2A1971587B5615708025776E004D0C28?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/2A1971587B5615708025776E004D0C28 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:01:33 GMT OLS News Reports that women in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset are being encourage to consider having a home birth. An NHS campaign in the area aims to increase home birth rates from 4Percent to 10Percent. (MB)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/82726F491A5CBFAB8025776E004BBE85?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/82726F491A5CBFAB8025776E004BBE85 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:47:19 GMT OLS News Reports the case of a midwife whose name was removed from the nursing register after the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found her guilty of misconduct following the death of a baby girl in her care. Describes how the midwife, from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, failed to spot the baby's reduced heartbeat, resulting in the baby suffering meconium aspiration, which led to organ malfunction. States that Ms. Goode made similar errors with another patient, and failed to record observations and in... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/51E66E7EC801FDF78025776E004BB86D?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/51E66E7EC801FDF78025776E004BB86D Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:47:04 GMT OLS News Summarises findings from a new report (1) which predicts that by improving access to key life saving interventions such as antenatal care, emergency care at birth, postnatal care, treatment of childhood illnesses, and immunisation on a 'near-universal' scale, 11 million women and children in Africa could be saved in the next five years. States that, this achievement would put most African nations on target to reach the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 of reducing the number of deat... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/860BFF0C855882B08025776E004BB20D?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/860BFF0C855882B08025776E004BB20D Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:46:47 GMT OLS News Reports that the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence has issued new guidelines aimed at helping women to achieve a healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant. Explains that over half of women of childbearing age or overweight or obese; obesity during pregnancy can lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, and also increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and caesarean section. (JSM)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/8537FEB9D9E299088025776E004A6BE7?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/8537FEB9D9E299088025776E004A6BE7 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:32:52 GMT OLS News Reports on a study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition (1) which attributes high levels of chronic disease in Australia to low breastfeeding rates. According to the research, 90Percent of current 35-45 year olds were weaned off breastfeeding before they were six months of age during the 1960s. 1. Smith JP. Chronic disease and infant nutrition: is it significant to public health? Public Health Nutrition, July 13: 1-11. [Epub ahead of print] (MB)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/CCE5A1F4E95FF7748025776E004755FB?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/CCE5A1F4E95FF7748025776E004755FB Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:59:10 GMT OLS News Short videoclip of mothers at a postnatal exercise class in London talking about the conflicting advice that women receive about weight and exercise during and after pregnancy. (CR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/1EE813EEAA21FC6E8025776E00474E39?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/1EE813EEAA21FC6E8025776E00474E39 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:58:50 GMT OLS News Reports on a new systematic review (1) which examines the published evidence relating to population-based screening for fragile X in women of reproductive age and newborn babies between 1991 and 2009. 1. Hill et al. A systematic review of population screening for fragile X syndrome. Genetics in Medicine, vol 12, no 7, July 2010, pp 411-2. (CR) less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/C5A19790F2CEF71C8025776E0046A995?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/C5A19790F2CEF71C8025776E0046A995 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:51:49 GMT OLS News Reports the results of a survey which shows that 61Percent of women in Ireland would be happy to split their maternity leave with their partners. Gives a regional breakdown of some of the other statistics that this survey threw up and, attitudes towards home birth, IVF and lifestyle factors, and experiences of reintegration into the workplace. (JR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/A6A5193EE20A637B8025776E00464F54?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/A6A5193EE20A637B8025776E00464F54 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:47:58 GMT OLS News Short videoclip of mothers at a postnatal exercise class in London talking about the conflicting advice that women receive about weight and exercise during and after pregnancy. (CR)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/36E5C2981672770F8025776E0044F775?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/36E5C2981672770F8025776E0044F775 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:33:17 GMT OLS News News item reporting on advice issued today by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (1) that women should aim to lose excess weight gained during pregnancy before becoming pregnant again in order to minimise risks to their own and their baby's health. NICE also warns against losing weight too quickly and advocates exercise, such as cycling to work. 1. NICE. Dietary interventions and physical activity interventions for weight management before, during and after pregnancy. Lond... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/2A15CB4E3BE06B3D8025776E004447B4?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/2A15CB4E3BE06B3D8025776E004447B4 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:25:48 GMT UK news NICE - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence - has developed new public health guidance on dietary and physical activity interventions for weight management in pregnancy and after childbirth. The new guidance is aimed at GPs, obstetricians, midwives, health visitors, dieticians, community pharmacists and all those working in antenatal and postnatal services and children's centres. The recommendations cover four key areas: preparing for pregnancy; pregnant women and women who may... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/7B09FBC71D81E6F38025776E0043F3C5?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/7B09FBC71D81E6F38025776E0043F3C5 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:22:13 GMT OLS News Reports on the rising number of overweight and obese pregnant women in the United Kingdom in light of new NICE guidance (1) published today. Lists some of the complications this can cause and includes quotes from various health professionals and the deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, Louise Silverton, who believes that midwives have a key role to play in advising overweight pregnant women. 1. NICE. Dietary interventions and physical activity interventions for weight manag... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/88BFF31E38FA6AEB8025776E002B3BE9?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/88BFF31E38FA6AEB8025776E002B3BE9 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:52:13 GMT MIDIRS Women should be encouraged to achieve a healthy weight before they become pregnant and advised that there is no need to 'eat for two' when pregnant. These are just two of the recommendations included in new public health guidance published by NICE on dietary and physical activity interventions for weight management before, during and after pregnancy. The aim of this new guidance is to help health professionals support women who are pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy, and mothers who h... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/D4C5935D4B56AB688025776E002AEB23?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/D4C5935D4B56AB688025776E002AEB23 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:48:47 GMT UK news Commenting on NICE's new guidance on weight management during pregnancy and after childbirth released today (July 28), Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “There is a real need to address the issue of obesity, and this draft guidance shows this is particularly important for pregnant women. The growing volume of evidence shows that the health of a mother with obesity is further compromised by the pregnancy, also impacting the health of her unborn ... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/10F56B86A6F0B3FD8025776D004F55DA?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/10F56B86A6F0B3FD8025776D004F55DA Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:26:33 GMT OLS News News item examining recent UK media reports that the long-term mortality risk is higher for women who have undergone IVF treatment. Outlines the original research study, what the research involved, and considers how the researchers interpreted the results. Concludes that the media reporting of this study is potentially misleading and lists a number of key points for consideration. (TC)less thanbr /more than... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/A2AFF6C771F3E5988025776D003A960D?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/A2AFF6C771F3E5988025776D003A960D Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:55 GMT International news The Birth Rites Collection is the first collection of contemporary art dedicated to the subject of childbirth. It aims to raise the profile of childbirth issues, encourage debate around childbirth practices and to support artists whose work engages with this subject. An art competition is underway and artists are invited to submit appropriate pieces for an entrance fee of GBP10 with the best pieces to be featured on the Birth Right Collection's website for a month and the winning work added to the... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/3392963718D998848025776D00391267?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/3392963718D998848025776D00391267 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:23:22 GMT UK news While welcoming the reported decrease in perinatal mortality for 2008, Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, warns that there is no room for complacency about stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the UK. Janet Scott, Research Manager, Sands comments: “The reported fall in stillbirth rates is too small to give much cause for optimism; the neonatal mortality rates continue to fall, which is welcome, but much more can be done to bring the rates down further. Meanwhile the actual numbers... http://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/z45/B773F59648354BED8025776D00384FDC?opendocumenthttp://www.midirs.org/development/midwiferyweb.nsf/link/B773F59648354BED8025776D00384FDC Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:15:04 GMT UK news The NHS White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, published 12 July, set out the concept of maternity networks as a fresh approach to the structure of care for pregnant women and new families. Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of NCT, has responded by addressing MPs - including Anne Milton, Minister for Public Health - and guests of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity, with a call for debate on how the proposed system will work. NCT, the UK's largest parenting charity,...