Independent Midwives UK support RCOG calls for change
Independent Midwives UK (IM UK) welcomes the statement from the Royal college of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) on the pressing need for a major reconfiguration of maternity services in the UK. (14th July 2011)
“We know that current services are fragmented and patchy. Consequently, they are failing many women. To receive seamless and appropriate care with improved outcomes, we believe women need individualised care through pregnancy, labour and early parenthood from one or two midwives they know and trust,” says Tina Perridge, Chair of IMUK. “These midwives should be based in the local community and be responsible for ensuring joined-up care that follows a well-integrated pathway and includes high quality obstetric input when required.”
Independent Midwives UK is a not-for-profit social enterprise keen to offer the services of experienced, skilled and confident midwives to women, commissioned through the NHS, and provided by community-based, neighbourhood midwifery practices. “Our vision for the future is of a network of neighbourhood midwifery services, based in local communities, which provides individualised care for women, wherever they need it,” continues Ms Perridge. “Such a system could, if rolled out across the country, positively transform the experience of many women, improve short and long term public health outcomes and deliver a safe, cost effective and efficient model of midwifery care designed for the 21st century.”
Research shows that when women are well supported through their pregnancies by midwives they know and trust, the need for intervention is reduced and the likelihood of a positive, empowering experience of birth is greatly increased. IM UK members have been offering this type of care, through a sustainable model of caseload midwifery for many years. IMUK statistics, based on 4,500 births collected since 2002, show a 15% C/S rate (NHS average 25%) a 78% normal birth rate, (NHS average 46.7%) and an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 67% at six weeks (NHS average 22%).
“Women deserve the best possible care throughout their experience of childbirth, from midwives they know well, who live and work in their community. IM UK, working in partnership with their colleagues in the NHS can provide it,” concludes Ms Perridge.
Editor’s Notes Contacts: AnnieFrancis: 07977695948 or annie.francis@independentmidwives.org.uk Jill Crawford: 07870924857 or jill.crawford@tstlc.com
Figures taken from IM UK database; Birthchoice UK and the Infant feeding survey (2005)