Birth is the most natural process in the world. How else are you here? BSC midwife Victoria Rixon has left her job as a midwife for the NHS, with great sadness and countless concerns. It is Sheryl Grainger who will be joining Devi Evans and Victoria. Between Devi and Cheryl, they were born and raised 11 children.
With more complex births and fewer qualified midwives, how safe is it to give birth in the NHS? More importantly, who is taking care of you? Has there always been a shortage of midwives or has Victoria ever noticed a sudden change? What is the quality of care and safety? NHS?
Birth services are at breaking point, with many qualified midwives leaving, and pregnant women presenting with more complicated pregnancy. why is that? What medications are given to pregnant women? Are they safe? Does midwives even know what they are giving? What is the effect of Covid-19 vaccination given to pregnant women?
In a highly intensive environment, the midwife often has not only one patient, but three people, the fetus, the mother, and the mother whom she took to support. Perhaps who supports the only midwife who works for so many women? Is the NHS getting too busy to have a pregnant mother born, or is it actively encouraged mothers to choose a hospital birth?
What can new parents do to ensure they get the pregnancy and birth journey they want? Vicki has some wise words to share with everyone. Talk to the clever women around you. Be informed and question everything.
Victoria Rickson can be found on x.
Ockenden Review
Care Quality Committee's National Review of UK Occupational Services, 2022-2024
Devi would like to thank Victoria and Cheryl for participating in this important interview and Stephanie Sinclair, producer of the UK column, for their promotion.
