The main phase of the research project, undertaken by Kayleigh Sheen as part of her doctoral studies, has now begun.
Questionnaires will be sent out by the RCM to a random sample of midwives.
Kayleigh said: ‘If you receive a questionnaire, please do fill it in and send it back to us.
‘Your experiences are valuable and will help us understand more about how midwives perceive these potentially difficult events.’
The study has ethical approval and the questionnaire was developed with advice from experienced midwives.
The RCM has reviewed the project and agreed it is suitable for members to take part.
Sue MacDonald, RCM education and research manager, said: ‘The RCM supports this project as it will uncover evidence from practitioners in order to be able to build in supportive structures, services and strategies to enable midwives to cope with traumatic events, and continue to provide sensitive care to women and babies.’
Messages of support have been received throughout the pilot phases, after
Midwives ran an
online article about the study.
As previously reported, there is currently little research in the area and it is hoped the conclusions will make a difference to the support provided for midwives.
The team behind the study decided on the topic after previously looking at the effect traumatic childbirth has on new mothers.
Kayleigh is completing the study with Pauline Slade, professor in clinical psychology and consultant clinical psychologist, and Helen Spiby, professor in midwifery.
The research team would like to thank all of the midwives who have helped so far with the piloting and development of the questionnaire.
The research team would like to thank midwives who took part in earlier phases of the project, and those who provided their comments following an earlier article introducing the study.
