Midwives’ mental health concerns during covid-19 pandemic

on 18 May 2020

A survey has shown that some midwives feel their mental health is being adversely affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

The survey, conducted by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), found that 57% of midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives felt the current crisis had impacted on their mental health.

34% of respondents also said they did not feel their employer gives them adequate support in the workplace when it comes to their mental health.

Commenting on the findings, RCM CEO Gill Walton said: “It’s not surprising that the enormous demands this crisis has put on maternity services is affecting mental health. Maternity staff are absolutely committed to continue providing safe services for women, babies and their families and are doing an incredible job. However, maintaining services does also put them under immense pressure. It is inevitably affecting their mental health as they cope and deal with the pressures of long and extremely busy shifts.”

The survey results have been published during Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May 2020).

942 midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives across the UK responded to the survey between 21 and 28 April 2020.

To take care of your mental health, NHS in Mind has a range of free resources to help you. Find out more here.

MIDIRS is pleased to support #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.