Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care in Northern Ireland: Mary Renfrew Report October 2024
The recent report on maternity services in Northern Ireland highlights strengths and challenges in the current maternity system. It underscores the need for respectful, individualized care, accessible information, and comprehensive support throughout the maternity journey. At All About Birth, we are committed to supporting parents by addressing these needs and advocating for improvements in maternity services. Here’s a closer look at the report’s key findings.
Key Findings from the Maternity Report
The report emphasizes the importance of providing parents with accessible, evidence-based information and antenatal education. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their care and the care of their babies. Respectful, kind, and individualized care is crucial throughout the maternity journey. The report highlights the need for care that ensures parents feel heard and supported at every stage.
The introduction of Continuity of Midwifery Care (CoMC) teams across Northern Ireland aims to provide consistent care from the same midwife or team, improving outcomes and experiences for parents. Enhanced postnatal care, both in hospital and at home, is essential to support parents’ physical and mental health, promote optimal infant feeding, and strengthen family bonds.
Addressing inequalities in care is a priority. The report recommends targeted support for vulnerable groups, ensuring all parents receive the care they need regardless of their background or circumstances. The development of safe, quality, and accessible midwifery-led services, including home births and midwifery-led units, integrated seamlessly with hospital services, is crucial.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, the report recommends better access to perinatal mental health services and support for parents experiencing psychological distress. It also stresses the need for meaningful involvement of parents in the design, delivery, and evaluation of maternity services to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
Ongoing training, support, and development opportunities for midwives are essential to ensure they are equipped to support parents effectively. Enhanced communication and coordination between different parts of the maternity system are recommended to ensure seamless care and support for parents throughout their maternity journey.
The Role of Doulas and Maternity Advocates
Doulas and maternity advocates are invaluable in supporting parents through their maternity journey. This report highlights some of the areas in maternity services where we can make a difference:
Providing Continuous Support: As doulas we offer continuous, non-medical support to parents before, during, and after birth. This can help reduce anxiety, provide emotional support, and offer practical advice, making your birth experience more positive and empowering.
Advocating for Parents’ Needs: Maternity advocates work to ensure that parents’ voices are heard within the healthcare system. Over the past 10 years we have played a part in shaping maternity services by participating in local committees and policy working groups, as well as amplifying parents’ voices within this report.
Enhancing Communication: Doulas and advocates can bridge the communication gap between parents and healthcare providers. We help parents understand their options, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about their care.
Supporting Mental Health: The emotional and psychological support provided by doulas can be crucial for parents experiencing mental health challenges. We also work to improve access to perinatal mental health services, and signpost to further support where needed.
Promoting Equity in Care: By working closely with vulnerable groups, doulas and advocates help ensure that all parents receive equitable care. We can provide tailored support to those who might otherwise be overlooked by the healthcare system.
Facilitating Postnatal Care: Postnatal support is vital for recovery and adjustment to parenthood. Doulas can assist with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional support, while as advocates we work to improve postnatal services and policies across Northern Ireland.
Involving Parents in Service Design: Ensuring that parents are involved in the design and evaluation of maternity services is essential. This helps create a system that truly meets the needs of those it serves.
Real-Life Examples from Emma and Leslie’s Work
We have been at the heart of advocating for better maternity services in NI since 2014. Here are some real-life examples:
Facilitating Multidisciplinary Workshops: We co-chaired a cross-sectoral multidisciplinary workshop that was instrumental in informing the recommendations of the recent maternity report. Helping facilitate rich discussions and gathering diverse perspectives from service users, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
Connecting Service Users and Advocates: As service user representatives, we have acted as conduits between the Secretariat Team and the service users and advocates of maternity services. Our extensive networks and knowledge have been crucial in ensuring that the voices of parents are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Promoting Evidence-Based Practices: Through our advocacy, we have championed the implementation of evidence-based practices in maternity care. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that policies and guidelines are informed by the latest research and best practices, benefiting both parents and healthcare providers.
Enhancing Communication and Transparency: We have been advocates for better communication and transparency within the maternity services. Pushing for clear, accessible information for parents and working to improve the overall communication between healthcare providers and service users.
How You Can Get Involved with All About Birth
At All About Birth, we believe that everyone has a role to play in improving maternity services. Here’s how you can get involved and benefit from our services:
Join Our Community: Become a part of our supportive community of parents, doulas, and advocates. Share your experiences, offer support, and learn from others.
Access Our Services: We offer a range of services to support you through your maternity journey, including:
- Doula Support: Continuous, non-medical support before, during, and after birth.
- Antenatal Classes: Comprehensive classes to prepare you for birth and parenthood.
- Hypnobirthing: Techniques to help you have a calm and positive birth experience.
- Advocacy Support: Ensuring your voice is heard within the healthcare system.
Attend Our Events: Participate in our workshops, support groups, and educational sessions. These events are a great way to connect with other parents and learn more about maternity care.
Stay Informed: Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of parents and babies across Northern Ireland. Join us at All About Birth and be a part of the change!
