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Caring for midwifery staff will ensure better care for women

On 1 June 2016, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) launched our new campaign, Caring for You, with the aim of improving RCM members' health, safety and wellbeing at work so they are able to provide...

Maternity care for women in prisons in England and Wales

Any maternity service can be measured by the care we provide to the most vulnerable in our society Women in prison and their babies deserve the best of care The Birth Charter for women in prisons in...

Instability in the wake of the EU referendum

In the aftermath of the referendum on EU membership, uncertainty reigns. As I write this, members of the Conservative Party are considering leadership options following the resignation of David...

The personal side of public health

Despite talk of ‘woman-centred care’, much of the care provided by the NHS is based on guidelines directed at the whole population, rather than tailored to the individual. In time-pressured maternity...

Supporting families coping with NAIT

When my daughter was born, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disorder, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT)—the effect of which was the catalyst for me to become a midwife Although...

Domestic violence protection law

Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent incidents reported to the police in England and Wales, and frequently affects the same victim more than once (Strickland, 2013) Of the 12 million...

Maternal autonomy

In the UK today, childbirth is relatively safe Despite this, there are reports that fear of birth is on the rise One reason may be the growing emphasis on risks associated with pregnancy and birth...

Clinicians in the classroom: The consultant anaesthetist

The midwife is the lead professional in low-risk maternity care and the coordinator of care in complex cases where a multi-professional approach is required (Power, 2016) Caesarean sections now...

Student midwives' perspectives on efficacy of feedback after objective structured clinical examination

Assessment of learning and subsequent feedback is important in both theoretical and practice domains in order to ensure students understand the theory underpinning midwifery, and are able to practise...

Antiepileptic drug management during pregnancy: A shared decision approach

It is estimated that there are 81 500 women of childbearing potential (aged 12–50 years) in England with a diagnosis of epilepsy who are prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (National Institute for...

Supporting an ethnic minority woman's choice for pain relief in labour: A reflection

Communication is seldom thought of as a high-priority instrument in improving maternal outcomes; however, when it is timely, fitting to the situation and meets the individual needs of the woman and...

Is the introduction of a named midwife for teenagers associated with improved outcomes? A service development project

Teenage mothers are a vulnerable group in maternity services, owing to factors including poor health and social exclusion (Department for Education and Skills, 2006) They often have poorer obstetric...

Why choose British Journal of Midwifery?

BJM supports midwives by sharing expertise and advice to help you build confidence, grow professionally and improve care.

What's included

  • Evidence-based best practice

  • Peer-reviewed research

  • Practical guidance

  • CPD support

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