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Should midwives measure blood loss in the fourth stage of labour?

The fourth stage of labour is defined in some research as the first 1 to 2 hours following delivery of the placenta (Kashanian et al, 2010; Gungorduk et al, 2011) However, in undertaking a literature...

Discourse on dystocia: A much needed professional dialogue

When I first read the recent article in the May issue of BJM on ‘Managing shoulder dystocia: understanding and applying the RCOG guidance’ (Jenkins, 2014), I was immediately engaged and interested in...

Healthcare system reform and professional identity

Recently I have been reflecting on my experiences as an independent midwife from 2000 to 2001 and as part of a group practice between 2001 and 2003 While at times challenging and emotionally...

Education, education, education

It has been almost 3 years since the publication and launch of the MINT project (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2010) and two things have brought this back to the forefront of my mind. The...

Is there such thing as safe drug use in pregnancy?

From nausea and sickness to depression, it is universally acknowledged that pregnant women get ill. However, drug taking in pregnancy is a contentious issue and most midwives and doctors steer clear...

Communication is a two-way street

It is well known that effective communication encompasses both verbal and non-verbal methods. Hurst-Brown and Keens (1990) identified eight areas that are required in order to be able to successfully...

Managing shoulder dystocia: Understanding and applying RCOG guidance

Shoulder dystocia is a relatively common phenomenon that most midwives will encounter as they care for women in labour Evidence suggests that the incidence rate varies between 058 and 07% (Royal...

‘Let me get the anaesthetist’

Epidural analgesia is a resource which can be extremely beneficial to women in labour and approximately 20% of women in the UK will use this method for pain relief (Department of Health (DH), 2005) An...

New healthcare regulations: The implications for midwives

On 2 April 2014 the Law Commission published its report on the future regulation of health and social care professionals The report has been 3 years in the making and includes a 200-page draft Bill

Politics: A matter for midwives?

Mention the word politics in ordinary conversation and many people begin to glaze over Such disengagement seems increasingly common, and is often attributed to a disillusioned electorate Maybe the...

Midwifery past and present

When I was asked to write this column I immediately agreed without giving a thought to what I would write about that would interest you the readers.

Deaf Nest: Time for change!

Hearing loss is one of the most neglected, under-researched and unrecognised public health issues affecting one in six of the population in the UK. It is widespread and growing with 14.5 million...

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