International Day of the Midwife celebrated in May, is an opportunity to recognize the vital role midwives play in healthcare across the world and prompts us midwives to take a moment to reflect on our vocation. For me, it is about being ‘with woman’ (the meaning of the word ‘midwife’) and having a positive influence on that woman’s pregnancy and birth journey. I am passionate about supporting women to make their own choices about their care; and especially facilitating and promoting homebirth. For many low-risk women, research has found homebirth is as safe as hospital birth. I have worked with women who chose to give birth at home and with support, they have gone on to achieve their dream of a normal vaginal birth in their own home.
Which leads me nicely, to my present role as a research midwife; combining my two passions of midwifery and research. This is a new role for Lincolnshire’s hospitals, enabling me to bring new studies to our maternity services and with a wider team, help embed research to improve patient care.
We are currently recruiting pregnant women for the PANDA trial, which looks at the benefits of starting women on iron tablets early in their pregnancy. PANDA stands for Primary prevention of maternal ANaemia to avoid preterm Delivery and other Adverse outcomes. It is for pregnant women under 16 weeks’ gestation.
This study could massively improve outcomes for mums and babies. Most pregnant women will be eligible for this research, and it’s hoped that the results will ultimately contribute to changes in national guidance
Here’s a link to the website to find out more.
If you would like to be involved, please email [email protected]
For anyone who is interested in becoming a midwife – think about why you want to do it – make sure it’s for the right reasons and you will become a great midwife. It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted and probably not the easiest career, but take it from me, it really is 100% worth it!
For more information about working for our Trust please see the United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals Trust website here.
