Midwives magazine editor's blog http://www.rcm.org.uk/Midwives-blog (15.08, 23 July 2010) Usually commuter travel into London is a fairly depressing experience. Everyone's caught up in their own world, focused on laptops, smartphones, books, newspapers well anything that avoids looking at, gesturing towards or any way communicating with fellow commuters. And today was no exception... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/transport-etiquette/ 130965 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:51:13 GMT 20100727165113 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:08:58 GMT 20100723150858 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:51:13 GMT 201007271645113 (15.14, 16 July 2010) There was something dispiriting and I felt slightly disingenuous by the TV personality Denise van Outens claims recently that she gave up breastfeeding her baby Betsy after three weeks, because she was afraid of being photographed... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/overexposure/ 130394 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:55:31 GMT 20100720165531 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:46 GMT 20100716151446 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:55:30 GMT 201007201645530 (15.09, 9 July 2010) OK, this is a one-man campaign. Can everyone using Lucozade for the gestational diabetes test please stop? I may not be a scientist, but it does seem to be a particularly unscientific way of doing things... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/it-doesnt-make-sense/ 129841 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:04:52 GMT 20100719140452 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:10:25 GMT 20100709151025 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:04:51 GMT 201007191420451 (16.00, 2 July 2010) I know the statistics relating to maternal and newborn health in Sierra Leone are among the worst in the world. It is possible to be slightly removed from the reality of what the statistics mean, while acknowledging they are shocking... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/more-than-a-number/ 129161 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:25:12 GMT 20100714172512 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:56:21 GMT 20100702155621 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:25:11 GMT 201007141752511 (10.05, 25 June 2010) What does the word angel mean to you? For some, it has religious connotations spiritual beings, messengers from God. For others, they are seen as attendants or guardian spirits, or simply it is a term for a person having qualities generally attributed to an angel... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/is-it-political-correctness-gone-mad/ 128587 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:36:55 GMT 20100705093655 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:05:58 GMT 20100625100558 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:36:55 GMT 201007050993655 (14.45, 18 June 2010) If the recession hasnt put a damper on the average couples spending capabilities, having a baby certainly does. With reports stating that child costs total £9610 per year... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/money-worries/ 128150 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:49:56 GMT 20100618144956 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:46:06 GMT 20100618144606 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:49:55 GMT 201006181424955 (10.19, 10 June 2010) On 9 April 2009, I received the greatest news of my life, I was two weeks pregnant. Everyone I told was so excited for me, and friends followed my pregnancy on Facebook. I loved the whole pregnancy experience, from the first scan to my bump getting bigger... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/for-louis/ 124408 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:43:37 GMT 20100623094337 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:19:33 GMT 20100610101933 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:43:36 GMT 201006230994336 (13.30, 4 June 2010) Designer babies and saviour siblings the medias overuse of these phrases has now rendered them almost flippant clichés, but as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) celebrates its 20th year, I ask the question whether it really is something to be celebrating?... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/something-to-celebrate/ 123987 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:15:39 GMT 20100604141539 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:14:04 GMT 20100604141404 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:15:39 GMT 201006041421539 (08.53, 26 May 2010) Last week marked the half-way point of my Vodafone World of Difference year working with Health Poverty Action and the competition has just been launched again for this year. As I write this, we have just said goodbye to the team of 12 community health volunteers... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/half-way-there/ 123248 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:36:15 GMT 20100621093615 Wed, 26 May 2010 08:55:14 GMT 20100526085514 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:36:14 GMT 201006210993614 (14.24, 19 May 2010) Ah New York, New York, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, home to eight million people and now a place where home births have been declared officially illegal... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/rotten-apple/ 122227 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:27:18 GMT 20100617122718 Wed, 19 May 2010 14:26:07 GMT 20100519142607 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:27:18 GMT 2010061712122718 (12.26, 7 May 2010) Should the US medical profession be seen to compromise on female genital mutilation (FGM)? The answer is yes, according to the latest policy change from the American Academy of Pediatrics... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/you-have-got-it-wrong/ 121274 Fri, 14 May 2010 10:17:04 GMT 20100514101704 Fri, 07 May 2010 12:27:19 GMT 20100507122719 Fri, 14 May 2010 10:17:03 GMT 2010051410101703 (11.21, 23 April 2010) Obstetric fistula is an extremely debilitating condition that causes serious physical and psychological morbidity for women who are affected by it. It is something that many people in the UK possibly have little awareness of and, as a midwife working in the UK, it is something that I would never expect to see... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/raising-awareness-of-obstetric-fistulas/ 119811 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:37:32 GMT 20100603093732 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:56:35 GMT 20100423105635 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:37:31 GMT 201006030993731 (12.42, 16 April 2010) This week saw the launch of the three main political parties general election manifestos, where they all made pledges to maintain their commitment to high-quality maternity care... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/the-way-the-wind-blows/ 119076 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:07:01 GMT 20100421110701 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:42:17 GMT 20100416124217 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:07:00 GMT 2010042111110700 (16.52, 6 April 2010) Are you a lecturer regularly advising students about their CVs, application for jobs, personal statements, portfolios, and presentations at interview? Or are you involved in reading CVs and/or application forms to compile a short-list for interview?... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/got-any-advice/ 112420 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:52:00 GMT 20100406165200 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:55:32 GMT 20100406165532 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:03:48 GMT 201004061750348 (15.18, 31 March 2010) I just thought Id write a quick message to wish everyone a happy and healthy Easter. I really hope that you all manage to find some time over the next few days to rest and relax... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/happy-easter/ 112038 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:30:02 GMT 20100331153002 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:18:58 GMT 20100331151858 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:30:02 GMT 201003311533002 (17.53, 18 March 2010) It has been a busy month here in Sierra Leone and also at home the charity that Im working for have this month changed their name to Health Poverty Action, as this more accurately describes what they do than Health Unlimited... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/a-world-apart/ 110899 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:40:35 GMT 20100419094035 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:53:51 GMT 20100318175351 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:40:34 GMT 201004190994034 (14.38, 12 March 2010) Im feeling slightly squeamish with a touch of nausea for me a feeling usually reserved for graphic scenes of surgery. This time, its from a news story... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/breastmilk-anyone/ 110301 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:29:30 GMT 20100317102930 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:38:43 GMT 20100312143843 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:29:30 GMT 2010031710102930 (15.10, 24 February 2010) The way childbirth is depicted in TV programmes can be irritating I sigh as I watch yet another actress doing the clichéd dash to the hospital, with crumpled partner in tow... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/the-fog-of-childbirth/ 108497 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:33:42 GMT 20100315093342 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:10:40 GMT 20100224151040 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:33:39 GMT 201003150993339 (10.57, 19 February 2010) This is my first blog for Midwives. I am writing from Sierra Leone, Ive been here just over a month working for a UK charity called Health Unlimited... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/from-the-uk-to-sierra-leone-worlds-apart1/ 107872 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:36:55 GMT 20100310093655 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:11:41 GMT 20100219111141 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:36:53 GMT 201003100993653 (16.53, 10 February 2010) It seems TV producers are increasingly viewing childbirth and maternity care as entertaining fly-on-the-wall, documentary fodder. In recent weeks, weve had Britains Got Talents Amanda Holden assisting at a birth with only five weeks training... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/lights-camera-action-again/ 106754 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:45:31 GMT 20100319094531 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:53:03 GMT 20100210165303 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:45:31 GMT 201003190994531 (11.35, 5 February 2010) The relationship between midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) have in recent times been overshadowed by concerns over whether MSWs will somehow take over the role of the midwife... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/supporting-hand/ 106282 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:31:37 GMT 20100322103137 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:36:01 GMT 20100205113601 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:31:37 GMT 2010032210103137 (11.21, 26 January 2010) Is it right to destroy an eight-cell embryo, because it has, in some cases, a minor genetic imperfection? This is the question being asked as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority seek... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/playing-god-should-we-because-we-can/ 105240 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:26:19 GMT 20100126112619 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:21:57 GMT 20100126112157 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:26:16 GMT 2010012611112616 (13.51, 14 January 2010) As many of us were tucking into our turkey and roast potatoes on Christmas Day, over the skies of Detroit a 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was attempting to detonate a bomb hidden in his clothing... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/how-dangerous-is-it/ 104106 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:35:31 GMT 20100325173531 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:51:56 GMT 20100114135156 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:35:30 GMT 201003251753530 (13.33, 8 January 2010) I know there are researchers out there who really want to discover truths that are beneficial to humankind and journalists who want to convey their messages and findings to the masses. But what we should all take heed of are... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/dont-sensationalise/ 103575 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:50:00 GMT 20100108125000 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:34:31 GMT 20100108133431 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:10:11 GMT 201001151421011 (22.13, 26 December 2009) The presents have been unwrapped, the turkeys now looking a little worse for wear and weve all eaten and drunk a little more than we should have done well for those of us not working or on-call... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/the-day-after/ 102884 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:50:28 GMT 20100111115028 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:16:25 GMT 20091226221625 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:50:26 GMT 2010011111115026 (13.08, 15 December 2009) What is the point of these television programmes that allow minor celebrities to perform real jobs? Is it just a bid to inject some much needed publicity into ailing careers, or perhaps more optimistically, could it act as a vehicle to showcase the skills of the chosen profession?... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/out-of-her-depth/ 102295 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:51:05 GMT 20100111115105 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:09:32 GMT 20091215130932 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:51:02 GMT 2010011111115102 (15.34, 10 December 2009) I was left slightly perplexed by the findings of the RCMs latest student survey, which found that of 365 student midwives questioned, 75% were not confident in finding a job on graduation... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/job-guarantee-for-midwifery-graduates/ 101990 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:10:37 GMT 20100329121037 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:34:25 GMT 20091210153425 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:10:36 GMT 2010032912121036 (14.26, 27 November 2009) I left you yesterday as the RCM annual conference reconvened for the afternoon with the likes of the RCMs Denise Linay providing a round-up of the RCMs work on diversity and equality... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/its-nearly-over-already/ 92655 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:05:15 GMT 20091201090515 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:27:36 GMT 20091127142736 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:05:10 GMT 200912010990510 (14.22, 26 November 2009) Its day one of the RCM annual conference here in Manchester and the end of the morning session of the one-day student conference, and I have to say the atmosphere is electric... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/are-you-here-what-do-you-think/ 92543 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:26:31 GMT 20091126142631 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:23:22 GMT 20091126142322 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:26:30 GMT 200911261422630 (15.00, 20 November 2009) This time next week and itll all be over well almost! The months of planning and preparation, the hours of organising and arranging will have come to fruition and there should be an energised band of midwives... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/come-on-you-know-you-want-to/ 92115 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:37:07 GMT 20091123093707 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:59 GMT 20091120150159 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:37:05 GMT 200911230993705 (14.05, 6 November 2009) An incident happened recently that I thought I would share as a gentle reminder A student submitted an article to Midwives something I always like to receive, because it is important that students have a voice within the publication... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/publishing-pleading/ 90514 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:07:07 GMT 20091106140707 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:05:20 GMT 20091106140520 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:07:05 GMT 200911061420705 (16.07, 27 October 2009) Its antenatal book-in Are you married, divorced, single or widowed? No? The woman shifts uncomfortably The midwife looks bemused The woman suggests ticking other, the midwife says she cant... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/whats-your-problem/ 89483 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:45:08 GMT 20091116104508 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:07:56 GMT 20091027160756 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:45:06 GMT 2009111610104506 (14.55, 12 October 2009) When a woman is pregnant her burgeoning bump becomes public property: she must grapple with stomach pats from complete strangers, field inquiries about due dates, listen patiently to unsolicited advice on what to eat and do... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/cheesed-off/ 88149 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:43:16 GMT 20091127094316 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:55:23 GMT 20091012145523 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:43:14 GMT 200911270994314 (09.45, 7 October 2009) In the UK, its been outlawed since January 1996 In the US, more than 40 states still practise it, and now one American woman has brought a lawsuit against a states Department of Corrections for cruel and unusual punishment. The reason?... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/its-criminal/ 87667 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:36:19 GMT 20091126093619 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:45:36 GMT 20091007094536 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:36:17 GMT 200911260993617 (11.22, 28 September 2009) I found it difficult to sit through some of the talks at the one-day seminar held recently on uncertainty and loss in maternity and neonatal care, organised by the RCM, Sands and the baby death charity Bliss... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/what-to-say/ 86704 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:01:59 GMT 20100119120159 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:23:29 GMT 20090928112329 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:01:36 GMT 2010011912120136 (16.53, 17 September 2009) Call me naïve, simplistic, ignorant But politicians tend to promise and not deliver. They reassure the common people that their way is the way that will work and most of us buy into it But why am I thinking like this today? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/im-not-entirely-convinced/ 85715 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:16:10 GMT 20091006091610 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:54:04 GMT 20090917165404 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:16:09 GMT 200910060991609 (12.25, 26 August 2009) Corridors, lifts, ambulances and even caravansthese are just some of the places increasing numbers of women are being forced to give birth in, according to figures released by the Conservative party... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/a-time-and-a-place/ 75338 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:45:50 GMT 20090826124550 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:25:50 GMT 20090826122550 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:45:49 GMT 2009082612124549 (12.25, 14 August 2009) Somehow I just cant see it on the most popular Christmas toy list this year. What am I referring to the launch of a baby doll that lets young girls pretend to breastfeed it. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/queasy-baby/ 70186 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:48:02 GMT 20091116104802 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:18:57 GMT 20090814121857 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:48:01 GMT 2009111610104801 (17.17, 7 August 2009) Its no secret... I dont like hospitals. They are alien places for the sick, with futuristic-looking machinery and lots of trays of things. Now thats my naive impression of a place I have had the fortune not to frequent too often. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/hospital-horror/ 68833 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:05:24 GMT 20090810140524 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:17:49 GMT 20090807171749 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:05:23 GMT 200908101420523 (16.39, 31 July 2009) And when we thought the birth rate was high enough and midwives were stretched and stressed to breaking point, along comes the latest figures from supermarket giants Tesco and Asda, and high street chemist Superdrug. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/the-bearer-of-bad-news/ 68310 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:18:00 GMT 20090731171800 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:40:17 GMT 20090731164017 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:18:53 GMT 200908071751853 (12.35, 24 July 2009) In India, it's a reason to celebrate...In the UK, it's a cause of condemnation...Older mothers are hitting the headlines again... Europes oldest mother of twin boys, 67-year-old Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara sadly dies of ovarian cancer... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/age-it-is-an-issue/ 67731 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:46:33 GMT 20091127094633 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:35:54 GMT 20090724123554 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:46:17 GMT 200911270994617 (11.57, 21 July 2009) Wear masks in public stay at home take maternity leave early That was last weeks message from Australias obstetricians as 11 pregnant women were fighting for their lives with swine flu. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/its-killing-unborn-babies/ 67499 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:31:26 GMT 20090730093126 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:57:58 GMT 20090721115758 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:31:25 GMT 200907300993125 (12.30, 13 July 2009) Mothers are labelling him a misogynist and other unrepeatable things on the parenting website: www.mumsnet.com. So - how has the associate professor in midwifery at the University of Nottingham Denis Walsh managed to incur such wrath? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/hell-hath-no-fury/ 66969 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:04:16 GMT 20090806130416 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:33:50 GMT 20090713123350 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:04:15 GMT 200908061310415 (12.08, 29 June 2009) To work that is Britains oldest mother, 66-year-old Elizabeth Adeney has returned to work only four weeks after undergoing a caesarean to birth her 5lb 3oz son Jolyon... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/shes-back/ 64014 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:31:53 GMT 20090707163153 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:08:45 GMT 20090629120845 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:31:52 GMT 200907071643152 (15.16, 22 June 2009) I am just back from Belfast where I attended the RCMs second annual event at the Holiday Inn in the city centre. Around 150 people were present and came from as far afield as Australia, with representatives from organisations like the charity Sands and the National Childbirth Trust. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/a-highlight-of-the-rcm-calendar/ 63579 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:13:48 GMT 20090720161348 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:16:53 GMT 20090622151653 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:13:47 GMT 200907201641347 (14.55, 15 June 2009) Scientists have predicted for years that the world was due another influenza pandemic. The H1N1 avian influenza outbreak in Asia was the most recent suspect that despite fears, never evolved into a form that could be easily transmittable from human to human. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/staying-calm/ 63083 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:20:35 GMT 20090615162035 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:56:07 GMT 20090615145607 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:20:34 GMT 200906151642034 (17.30, 8 June 2009) It is not a new concept - non-emergency caesarean sections (CS) are on the rise. And its either those yummy mummies who are too posh to push and are electing for them, or excessive intervention by doctors that are to blame apparently http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/cash-to-slash/ 62433 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:13:19 GMT 20090727091319 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:31:14 GMT 20090608173114 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:13:18 GMT 200907270991318 (16.55, 28 May 2009) They run the country... We elect them... Our taxes pay their salaries... Now we find out our trust and faith in them has been abused. The country is in economic meltdown, and the old taxpayer is footing bills for manure, fitted bookcases, pet food and... tampons (for a man)! http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/they-claimed-for-what/ 61508 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:02:26 GMT 20090827110226 Thu, 28 May 2009 16:56:08 GMT 20090528165608 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:02:25 GMT 2009082711110225 (10.55, 21 May 2009) You might be wondering why Midwives is blogging about the BBC1 programme The Apprentice. Isnt it filled with pompous, deluded business people scrambling for a job with Amstrad founder Sir Alan Sugar, I hear you ask? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/as-simple-as-childs-play/ 61064 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:44:32 GMT 20090601104432 Thu, 21 May 2009 10:56:06 GMT 20090521105606 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:44:31 GMT 2009060110104431 (16.54, 18 May 2009) The latest media circus today surrounds 66-year-old Elizabeth Adeney, who is set to become the oldest woman to give birth in the UK. Apparently desperate to conceive for years, Elizabeth travelled to a Ukrainian clinic last year to receive IVF treatment. For many primary care Trusts in the UK, 40 is the limit... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/is-66-too-old-to-be-a-mother/ 60866 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:45:27 GMT 20090604114527 Mon, 18 May 2009 16:54:44 GMT 20090518165444 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:45:25 GMT 2009060411114525 (16.46, 23 April 2009) She talked about a hospital being the only intelligent, progressive, logical place to give birth within shouting distance of the benefits of 21st-century medicine. She mentioned home birthing women as spoilt, homely, principled sandal-wearers, who breastfeed their children until secondary school But who is she? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/damning-and-detrimental/ 59372 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:06:58 GMT 20091022150658 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:47:06 GMT 20090423164706 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:06:57 GMT 200910221530657 (11.59, 9 April 2009) The clocks have gone forward, the Easter eggs bought (and already possibly eaten in some cases!), and while the 'green shoots' of economic recovery have yet to sprout, spring has finally arrived. It has been an eventful first few months of 2009. There was promising news in the form of figures out recently, which showed that the numbers of midwives had increased by 2.3% compared with the previous year... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/spring-has-sprung/ 58433 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:27:54 GMT 20090429172754 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:00:45 GMT 20090409120045 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:27:52 GMT 200904291752752 (15.53, 25 March 2009) Theres to be no more Miss or Mrs, no reference to sportsmen or statesmen, and even man-made is taboo. Leaders of the European Union have issued a booklet to advise on the need in all parliamentary publications and written communications for language-specific guidance on gender-neutral language or in other words, its political correctness gone slightly mad! http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/mid-husband/ 57377 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:48:30 GMT 20100112094830 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:53:57 GMT 20090325155357 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:48:28 GMT 201001120994828 (12.22, 10 March 2009) What drives a woman to become a surrogate mother? Altruism, money or perhaps even addiction to pregnancy? These were the uncomfortable questions posed in a Channel 4 documentary aired last night Addicted to surrogacy. Around 1000 surrogate babies are born in the UK every year and, in recent years... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/serial-surrogacy-hooked-on-fecundity/ 56356 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:35:24 GMT 20090311113524 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:22:54 GMT 20090310122254 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:35:24 GMT 2009031111113524 (15.37, 04 March 2009) The birth environment should be an intimate affair - women, midwives, partners. Everyone working together for the safe, hopefully-normal-as-possible delivery of a healthy baby. It is a unique and personal experience, and for some a once-in-a-lifetime moment- one of those moments, you want to capture forever... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/were-rolling-camera-action/ 55951 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:27:57 GMT 20090316092757 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:38:08 GMT 20090304153808 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:27:56 GMT 200903160992756 (14.19, 13 February 2009) The story hit the news - 'US woman gives birth to octuplets' - the world waited with baited breath to see if all six boys and two girls would survive, and the medics were reeling from the shock of the eighth baby being born (theyd expected seven)!! While we all marvelled at the miracle of life and the concept... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/octuplets-a-miracle-born-of-selfishness/ 54446 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:58:03 GMT 20090310095803 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:26:25 GMT 20090213142625 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:58:03 GMT 200903100995803 (12.59, 23 January 2009) It was a wintry cold damp day, but nothing it seemed could dampen the spirits of those attendees at yesterdays RCM Midwifery Awards. Around 200 midwives, special guests and dignitaries sought solace from the weather at South Kensingtons Royal Garden Hotel for a celebration of those champions within the profession... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/congratulations-to-everyone/ 52570 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:04:36 GMT 20090204160436 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:05:35 GMT 20090123130535 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:04:36 GMT 200902041640436 (17.40 6 January 2009) The turkey sandwiches are now a dark distant memory, the tree is heading out the door or up into the loft and our trousers are feeling a little tighter, but this is the start of a brand new year! So may I wish you all a very happy one. Whatever those New Years resolutions - get to the gym, drink less, smile more - make one of them to attend 2009s RCM annual conference... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/happy-new-year/ 49267 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:04:25 GMT 20090204160425 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:46:43 GMT 20090106174643 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:04:25 GMT 200902041640425 (13.15 19 December 2008) Presents are being bought and wrapped, enough food is being hoarded to feed an entire army, and many of us are looking forward to some festive fun with family and friends. So with this comes my final blog for 2008 and what a year it has been for both Midwives and myself... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/its-christmas-time/ 48411 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:47:47 GMT 20090204154747 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:20:13 GMT 20081219132013 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:47:47 GMT 200902041534747 (15.35 10 December 2008) At a time when the plight of maternity services isnt far from making daily headline news, one major broadsheets front-page story revealed the wages of an NHS nurse had broken the £100,000 barrier... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/incentives-for-midwives-where-are-they/ 47544 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:24:27 GMT 20090316092427 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:41:36 GMT 20081210154136 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:24:26 GMT 200903160992426 (12.49, 28 November 2008) The poster reads: Santa only comes once a year But thats all it takes! A red and white suited gentleman is pictured in a compromising pose with a young lady. This isnt a saucy seaside picture postcard for the festive season - its the latest morning after pill campaign from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/saucy-santa-spices-up-contraception-campaign/ 40993 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:39:04 GMT 20090305163904 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:54:15 GMT 20081128125415 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:39:04 GMT 200903051643904 (16.48, 19 November 2008) The birth rate is rising, the number of midwives is falling and according to recent reports, negligence payouts relating to maternity care have topped a whopping £947m - nearly half of the £2.1 billion medical negligence claims since 1995... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/is-this-not-proof-enough/ 40149 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:02:21 GMT 20090128150221 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:53:44 GMT 20081119165344 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:02:21 GMT 200901281530221 (16.59, 12 November 2008) In an age of yummy mummies, who are apparently too posh to push, opting for a caesarean to fit into ones social calendar is nothing new. But last night a baby was born following the worlds first transplant of an entire ovary amid fears that some women could freeze theirs to postpone motherhood for social reasons. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/freezing-time/ 39563 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:37 GMT 20090204160337 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:05:16 GMT 20081112170516 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:37 GMT 200902041640337 (11.02 am 30 October 2008) The temperature had dropped and the wind was whipping along the Mersey, but spirits were high in the Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool for the RCMs 18th annual student conference. Over 370 delegates enjoyed a packed programme on a range of topics from getting a job and... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/are-you-ready-for-the-future/ 38263 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:23 GMT 20090204160323 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:08:06 GMT 20081030110806 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:23 GMT 200902041640323 (11.04am 27 October 2008) The RCMs annual student conference is only two days away. I really hope youve bought your ticket, but its not too late to do so if you havent. Its on Wednesday in Liverpool at the Arena and Convention Centre... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/its-nearly-upon-us-are-you-coming/ 37862 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:04:36 GMT 20090128150436 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:09:42 GMT 20081027110942 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:04:36 GMT 200901281530436 (4.02pm 15 October 2008) It was dark and raining, there was talk of executions and headless bodies, autumnal leaves were whipped up into the air as if by some supernatural power and the shadows of the Tower of London fell upon us, but none of this could dampen the spirits of the 240 guests as they arrived for Dame Karlene Davis farewell celebration. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/a-chapter-draws-to-a-close-in-the-rcms-history/ 36967 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:05:23 GMT 20090128150523 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:06:02 GMT 20081015160602 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:05:23 GMT 200901281530523 (2.20pm, 6 October, 2008) She was beautiful, enchanting, captivating the actress and producer Salma Hayek lit up the press conference room. She exuded glamour and class, and spoke passionately and enthusiastically. But why had she flown all the way to the UNs headquarters in Geneva? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/salma-says-yes-to-pampers-payout/ 35697 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:04 GMT 20090204160304 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:28:03 GMT 20081006142803 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:03:04 GMT 200902041640304 (12.50pm, 25 September 2008) OK OK This will be my last blog for a while on the subject of television programmes, but I had to say something about Channel fours shockingly bad and incredibly patronising The Sex Education Show, which was entitled Childbirth this week... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/not-another-one/ 29859 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:49 GMT 20090204160249 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:50:08 GMT 20080925125008 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:49 GMT 200902041640249 (1.00pm, 10 September 2008) We all know breast is best, but does it really matter whose breast? GMTVs Kate Garraway travelled the length and breadth of the UK and the US in search of those many would consider nowadays to be on societys periphery - women who wet-nurse or cross-feed. The... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/breast-will-always-be-best/ 28869 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:21 GMT 20081217121721 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:56:02 GMT 20080910125602 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:21 GMT 2008121712121721 (6.00pm, 22 August, 2008) Now we all enjoy a good moan from time to time. Weve had a bad day - a colleague has been abrupt, lazy, rude even; a manager has expected too much, raised their voice; a client has been particularly demanding. What we used to do was gossip over garden fences, natter on... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/think-before-you-type/ 27451 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:15 GMT 20081217121715 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:04:37 GMT 20080822180437 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:15 GMT 2008121712121715 (12.00pm, 14 August, 2008) Pay, workload, the quality of maternity care - these are just some of the topics covered in the RCMs latest survey results and it doesnt paint a pretty picture. The baby boom is affecting workload - this impacts on the quality of care women receive, which in turn affects midwives job satisfaction. The birth rate increases and yet midwifery numbers are falling... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/the-rcms-latest-survey-action-is-needed-and-now/ 26999 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:25 GMT 20090204160225 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:05:53 GMT 20080814120553 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:25 GMT 200902041640225 (3.25pm, 6 August, 2008) What do George Clooney, Emma Thompson, Daley Thompson and Prince Charles have in common? The answer is Nestlé - the most boycotted brand in the UK (The Guardian). Emma Thompson has reportedly written to the incredibly suave Mr Clooney, in a bid to persuade him to reconsider his position as the face of Nestlés Nespresso coffee... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/celebrity-mis-endorsements/ 26610 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:06 GMT 20090204160206 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:25:25 GMT 20080806152525 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:02:06 GMT 200902041640206 (4.25pm, 24 July, 2008) The sun is shining (for once) and its a beautiful day. I cant imagine many minds are turned to those chilly autumn months, but they are rapidly approaching and with autumn comes the RCMs annual student conference - a must for all student midwives. This year, the theme is Are you ready for the future? http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/calling-all-student-midwives/ 25902 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:04 GMT 20081217121704 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:27:46 GMT 20080724162746 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:17:04 GMT 2008121712121704 (4.30pm, 15 July, 2008) People are talking about it, articles are being written about it, blogs are discussing it, and YouTube has clips of it, but did you see it? Im talking about the channel five TV programme entitled Extraordinary people: outlaw births. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/no-midwife-no-thanks/ 13801 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:31:28 GMT 20090204173128 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:28:51 GMT 20080715162851 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:31:28 GMT 200902041753128 (11.15am, 4 July, 2008) Now I must admit Im not an avid Sun reader, but when I read this story, I felt I had to comment. In it, Marks and Spencer model Myleene Klass highlights her birth experience in a hospitals private wing, but focuses much of the story on her outrageous NHS postnatal care. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/not-a-klass-act-myleene-berates-nhs-maternity-care/ 12856 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:37:22 GMT 20091016093722 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:20:22 GMT 20080704112022 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:37:21 GMT 200910160993721 (1.30pm, 23 June, 2008) The American Medical Association has spoken out against home birth. In its annual meeting held last week, it adopted a policy written by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which claims: 'Choosing to deliver a baby at home is to place the process of giving birth over the goal of... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/can-you-believe-it-i-cant/ 12199 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:04 GMT 20100621142504 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:33:01 GMT 20080623133301 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:03 GMT 201006211422503 (11.00am, 13 June, 2008) This is my final posting on last week's International Confederation of Midwives Congress in Glasgow and although I hate to mark the end of its coverage on a bad note, I feel I must convey my disappointment. It was a truly inspiring event for the worlds midwives, but I felt it was... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/what-a-shame/ 11501 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:21:31 GMT 20091218112131 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:09:14 GMT 20080613110914 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:21:28 GMT 2009121811112128 (11.00am, 05 June, 2008) Its the final day of the ICM congress here in Glasgow. It has been a truly inspirational experience and for those midwives from resource-rich countries, a humbling one too. New friendships have been forged, old acquaintances renewed. Delegates have shared... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/good-bye-glasgow/ 10872 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:01:26 GMT 20090204160126 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:26:48 GMT 20080605112648 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:01:26 GMT 200902041640126 (10.00am, 03 June, 2008) Its day two of the International Confederation of Midwives Congress here in Glasgow. And what an inspirational and uplifting experience it has been so far. Over 3,000 delegates from over 80 countries have been entertained and enthralled. The congress began with a multi... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/icm-congress-its-here/ 10539 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:15:40 GMT 20081217121540 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:02:43 GMT 20080603150243 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:15:40 GMT 2008121712121540 (10.00am, 30 May, 2008) The RCMs website has been revamped, revised and refreshed and with it comes the magazines new section for both Midwives and Evidence Based Midwifery. My names Emma Godfrey. I have been editor for the past five years and this is my first editors blog - a way in... http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/blog/hello-and-welcome/ 10001 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:15:34 GMT 20081217121534 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:28:27 GMT 20080528112827 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:15:34 GMT 2008121712121534