LSA Midwifery Conference ‘Lessons Learnt’
LSA Midwifery Conference ‘Lessons Learnt’
Freebirth - the Challenges forSupervisors of Midwives
Wed 29th January 2014
Martina Doolan CMTL and SOM
Bid McKeown Lead MW Community & Public Health and SOM
What is a Freebirth?What is a Freebirth?
“Free or unassisted birth…means a woman giving birth without medical or professional help”
NMC 9/13
What are the Challenges for the SOM?What are the Challenges for the SOM?
Knowledge base?Experience?Best Practice Guidelines?Safety – Protection of the Public?Meeting Service User Expectations
Is it Legal?Is it Legal?
“Free birthing is legal as long as the birth is not attended or the
responsibility for care is not assumed or undertaken by an unqualified
individual”
NMC 9/13
ScenarioScenario
So what advice could a SOM give??!So what advice could a SOM give??!
Inform managerSeek Advice/SupportLiterature searchBuild a Trusting RelationshipPatient Choice
Informed ‘Consent’ Informed ‘Consent’
Home Visit •Open discussion with client by CMTL and Named CMW•Information•Options discussion including tailored home birth
but………..
Outcome: DisengagementOutcome: Disengagement
Thanks but No Thanks
What now?What now?
Management Plan On call rota Local Maternity Unit aware Other Maternity Unit informed NIAS advised - Alert Flag raised if emergency call received
Management Plan cont.Management Plan cont.
Supporting StaffCMW Team meeting with CMTL & Consultant MW / PDev Midwife Skills DrillsEmergency kit for midwives ‘just in case’
Open Door ApproachOpen Door Approach
Letter to mother •All services still available•‘unqualified individual’•Emergency Advice
999 initially contact CDS for further advice
•Request – inform us P/N •Birth documentation
Lessons Learnt So far….Lessons Learnt So far….
Freebirth is legal (although ?not yet tested through court process)
• Very unusual in Northern Ireland • Open Door Approach • Communication & Documentation• Networking for advice and support
Not Alone……..Not Alone……..
Ah but…………….Ah but…………….
What about
Safeguarding?
Thank-You
Martina Doolan CMTL and SOM
email: [email protected]
Bid McKeown Lead MW Community & Public Health and SOM
email: [email protected]
