RCM Whittington Trust RCM Branch hold RCM Birth Fear Symposium Study Day

By Therese Bourne, Whittington Trust Branch Chair on 18 September 2017

The RCM regional event held on the 12th September 2017 at the Whittington was very successful and well attended by midwives from all over the region.

The focus was a symposium on birth fear which featured many excellent speakers. Cathy Warwick started the day stressing the need for midwives to embrace the Better Births document. It not only provides guidance for maternity care but also offers support for midwives in the delivery of care. She emphasised the need for midwives to act with courage and commitment in their care of women and families, reminding us of the importance of not doing too little too late, but also not doing too much too early.

Manjit RoseGhini spoke briefly on A-Equip and the benefits it offers midwives and the service. Afterwards, Logan Van Lessen and Dr Amali Lokugmage presented some powerful messages from the women on film, underlining the importance of communication in uncertainty and fear. Sheena Byrom then discussed the implications of fear and how it may actually increase risk and reduce safety for women.

In the afternoon, Dr Lucinda Donaldson and Dr Amelie Bobsien discussed the effects of trauma on mental health and this was followed by Dr Gowri Motha and her excellent team who took attendees through some techniques to reduce fear.

It was an exceptional day, well supported and with fantastic speakers. This was reflected in verbal feedback forms submitted by many of the midwives. Ideas are already being generated for future study days.