The Normal Birth Global Policy Seminar - ICM 2008
The Normal Birth Global Policy Seminar hosted by the RCM Campaign for Normal Birth (CNB) at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Congress 2008, was a great success. The event was jointly chaired by Frances Day- Stirk Director of Learning, Research, Practice Development and International Office, RCM and Professor Soo Downe the Chair of CNB Steering Group.
The updated CNB website was launched and demonstrated by Mervi Jokinen Practice and Standards Development Adviser (RCM).
The whole evening was sponsored by PAMPERS.
The event was by invitation to associations known to have campaigns or activities around optimizing/normalizing birth. Majority of representatives from 21 organisations and 18 countries attended.
The aim of the Seminar was to share information about the activities being undertaken by each group to promote a caring, normality-focused approach to childbirth policy and practice and to establish areas of common ground and also to agree ways of extending the collaboration in future.
The first part of the programme gave an opportunity for various countries' representatives to present and share current information on 'Normal birth'. These were; Brazil, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, USA (CIMS/ACNM), Scotland and Southern Europe region.
Between the presentations Gillian Smith Director of the RCM UK Board for Scotland accompanied by Helen Cheyne from the NMAHP Research Unit announced an exciting secondment opportunity for a UK-registered midwife to undertake a full time 3 year PhD study in normality and decision making, based in Scotland. The studentship will be funded by the Royal College of Midwives in conjunction with the Chief Scientist Unit for Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions' Research (NMAHP research unit).
Gillian Smith and Helen Cheyne announcing PhD studentship
Lively discussion and exchange of ideas continued throughout a wonderful dinner. During the second part of the evening, further discussions were led by Frances and Soo with an aim to agree on 3 key collaborative actions for the future.
At this event a certificate of recognition was presented by Geradine Simkins, President of the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) to Frances Day-Stirk (RCM). Geradine stated their endorsement of RCM/RCOG Inter-Colligiate position statement on 'Home Birth' and welcomed the innovative and positive move by both Colleges in supporting Home Birth for women with healthy pregancies. In the global arena this united inter-professional approach is an inspiration.
Go to Certificate to view the certificate
Geradine Simkins presenting the certificate to Frances Day- Stirk.
Go to ICM Congress Daily Wednesday to read about Midwives and normal childbirth by the UK's Soo Downe, Egypt's Amina El-Nemer, Laura Wick from Palestine and Heloisa Lessa from Brazil
