Events feedback

Danson Park Festival July 2007

Barbara Smith and colleagues at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, organised an exhibition at Danson Park Festival to promote normal birth within the new Midwifery-led Birthing Unit soon to be opened at their hospital. Despite turbulent weather, the exhibition was well attended, and generated a lot of positive discussions about the forthcoming MLBU, and the RCM Campaign for Normal Birth. In addition, breastfeeding facilities were provided on site, and these were  welcomed and used by parents attending the exhibition.

The Midwifery-led Birthing Unit at Queen Mary's Hospital is to open on 3rd September 2007, and once up and running, will hold a RCM Campaign for Normal Birth event and everyone is welcome to join.

For further information please contact Michelle Soan at michelle.soan@qms.nhs.uk

European Midwives Study Programme on 5th, 6th and 7th September 2006

The aim of this study programme was to inform delegates from Norway, on the organisation of maternity services in UK and to share strategies used to promote normality in child birth. One of the objectives was to be given an update on "RCM Campaign for Normal Birth". A lively discussion followed a short presentation from RCM and we hope that the messages of the campaign is taken to the international arenas

The RCM held the 16th Annual Conference for Student Midwives at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on the 22nd November 2006

The event attracted approximately 500 student midwives. The speakers explored the power struggle between the various drivers in maternity services. They challenged the delegates to revisit the existing systems and structures for provision of maternity care

Members of Student midwives Working Group debated a motion "Student midwives are not adequately prepared for practice in the 21st century". They highlighted important issues regarding quality of clinical experience, accessibility and preparation of mentors as well as the potential impact of increasing numbers of maternity care assistants on the future of midwifery profession. The "Campaign for Normal Birth" stand was busy, student midwives expressing their interest in the campaign and providing comments on website. It was a very successful event and positively evaluated by all the delegates, speakers and exhibitors

A collaborative conference with the RCM, NCT & RCOG was held at the Royal College of Physicians on the 29th November

The theme for the day was "Making Normal Birth a Reality - A collaborative approach". One hundred and sixty midwives, doctors and NCT members attended this exciting event. Delegates were reminded of the common aim of promoting normality and many speakers provided personal insights into how even small changes can lead to big differences. There was also an opportunity to update on the recent and future developments in maternity services. The RCM stand was particularly busy with delegates expressing an interest in the Campaign for Normal Birth. The conference was evaluated very positively and the delegates had an opportunity to network.