‘Angels’ helped expectant mums to cope in Covid crisis
THE NHS trust has highlighted the work of its midwives in providing care both before and after birth to mark international day of the midwife 2021.
The NHS foundation trust for Stockport has highlighted the expansion of its ‘continuity of carer’ scheme in helping expectant mothers throughout the pandemic.
‘Continuity of carer’ is a scheme which ensures an expectant mother receives the support of a principle named midwife, who works together in a small team to co-ordinate care throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period.
First promoted nationally in 2018, the scheme aims to provide safer and more personalised care to women in Stockport.
It works on the basis that for expectant mothers, becoming comfortable with a midwife and building a relationship with them which grows over time, enables greater trust to develop.
According to the 2016 review ‘Better Births,’ mothers who experienced continuity of carers were 16% less likely to lose their baby, 19% less likely to lose their baby before 24 weeks, and 24% less likely to experience preterm birth.
The scheme also produced better outcomes for mothers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic or deprived communities, who have traditionally had poorer outcomes in pregnancy.
International Day of the Midwife was celebrated on May 5 and highlights the work of midwifes in supporting mother, babies and their families.
There are currently five teams working in their community in Stockport, and midwives within the team have relatively smaller caseloads to ensure they have the capacity to coordinate their work.
During the pandemic there has been a rise in women choosing to birth at home, and they have been attended to by a midwife who they know – it has also meant mothers have had to attend appointments alone due to Covid guidelines.
One of the mothers to benefit from the scheme was Sarah Rock, 30, from Heaton Norris, who gave birth to baby Toby in January this year – she found out she was expecting in April 2020 and thought the pandemic would have passed by the time she gave birth.
She was supported by midwife Danielle Kennedy, who Sarah called her ‘guardian angel.’
Sarah said: “At first, I was upset to learn I’d have to attend antenatal appointments alone but my amazing midwife Danielle, who became like my guardian angel, made me feel so comfortable and wellinformed that I was confident attending alone.
“We decided early on that a home birth was the right choice for us – as a first time mum, I was apprehensive, but Danielle was so supportive and encouraging from the start.
“We eventually welcomed our little boy into the world at home in January – I achieved the water birth I wanted and did not require a transfer – it was the birth I had dreamed of!”
Sarah added that the support she received continued post-natally.
“The community midwives that attended my birth were outstanding – they all took the time to understand my birth preferences, were incredibly supportive, patient and kind.
“I could not have felt in safer hands,” she said.
“The care I received postnatally continued to be great – I was provided with extra breastfeeding support and knew I could contact my midwife at any time during those first few weeks of the unknown.”
Midwife Danielle Kennedy said: “Continuity of care has amazing health benefits for mums and babies, but it also has great outcomes for us as midwives too; it’s a wonderful experience emotionally.
“You are involved right from the first booking, up to the birth of the baby and then with their postnatal care too.
“I like to call it becoming a ‘professional friend,’ giving mums like Sarah all the support they need throughout this time.
“It’s a great experience helping to give babies the best possible start in life in this way.”