Title: Changing the course of history – Midwives, Midwifery
Speaker: Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent
Facilitator(s): Cecilia Jevitt
This session describes the impact of midwives as a ripple through generations and the significant contribution midwives make throughout the life course. Listeners will be challenged to reflect on their contribution to childbirth experiences and outcomes within the context of the changing world. Years from now will we throw up our hands or role up our sleeves? The session will end with a call to action.
Recording: https://youtu.be/RNcRroY3U2k
Speaker: Robin Cronin
Facilitator(s): Cecilia Jevitt and Erni Rosita Dewi (Shadow)
Abstract:
Background: Diabetes in pregnancy is diagnosed in 6% of pregnancies annually in Aotearoa-New Zealand, disproportionately affecting multi-ethnic, low socio-economic women. Little is known about the care experience of this population within the model of midwifery continuity-of-care, including views of telehealth care. Aim: Increase understanding of the experience of diabetes in pregnancy care, including telehealth, among multi-ethnic, low socio-economic women receiving midwifery continuity-of-care. Methods: Qualitative interview study with primarily indigenous and migrant women who had diabetes in pregnancy and gave birth 6-18 months previously. Interviewers were matched with participants by ethnicity. Transcripts were analysed using Framework analysis. Results: Participants were 19 women (5 Māori, 5 Pacific Peoples, 5 Asian, 4 European). Data analysis revealed three key themes: 1) ‘shock, shame, and adjustment’ to the diagnosis 2) ‘learning to manage diabetes in pregnancy’ and 3) ‘preparation for birth and beyond’ to the postpartum period. Discussion: Receiving the diagnosis of diabetes in pregnancy was a shock. Managing diabetes during pregnancy was particularly challenging for indigenous and migrant women, who wished for better access to culturally appropriate dietary and lifestyle information. Women appreciated having options of telehealth and face-to-face consultations. Preparation for birth and postpartum diabetes follow-up were areas requiring significant improvement. Challenges were mitigated through care from a consistent diabetes specialist midwife and community-based midwifery continuity-of-care. Conclusion: Midwives were the backbone of diabetes in pregnancy care for this multi-ethnic, low socio-economic population. Care could be improved with more culturally appropriate diet and lifestyle information, better birth preparation, and expanded postpartum diabetes support.
Recording: https://youtu.be/aWiwZak0Jog
The Role of Midwifery in Respectful Maternal Care and Mental Health through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Mamacare360 Program
Speaker: Toyin Saraki
Co-Presenters: Dr. Pragya Vishwakarma, Ms. Eunice AlexGreat Akhigbe
Facilitator(s): Halima Abdul
Abstract:
The Mamacare360 program, implemented by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) Midwives, is aligned with Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to ensure good health and wellbeing for all. Central to its mission is the enhancement of maternal health through the promotion of Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) for all women throughout the continuum of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Recognising the pivotal role of the relationship between pregnant women and their primary healthcare providers in shaping health outcomes for both mother and newborn, WBFA highlights the significance of this connection in fostering postnatal health and wellbeing.
Respectful maternity care is upheld as a fundamental human right, deserving of every childbearing woman within every healthcare system globally (WRA, 2010). WBFA advocates for this principle, emphasising the inherent dignity and autonomy of women throughout the childbirth process. This ethos is echoed in the Lancet Midwifery Series (2014), which asserts that midwifery is indispensable in addressing the challenges associated with delivering high-quality maternal and newborn care universally. Moreover, it is recognized as an effective strategy for promoting the health and wellbeing of women of reproductive age, newborns, and their families, thereby exerting a significant and sustainable impact on population health outcomes. Through a grassroots and community-led approach, Mamacare360 not only delivers essential maternal and child health services but also fosters a culture of empowerment and resilience among women.
This presentation will explore the multifaceted impact of Mamacare360, with a particular emphasis on the transformative power of midwifery. By bringing skilled midwives directly to the doorsteps of communities, the program ensures access to quality prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. By engaging with local women as advocates and educators, Mamacare360 cultivates a sense of ownership over maternal health, fostering sustainable improvements in healthcare-seeking behaviours.
The Mamacare360 program also acknowledges the often-overlooked aspect of maternal mental health. Recognising the profound impact of psychological wellbeing on maternal and child outcomes, the program integrates mental health support into its holistic approach. Through counselling, peer support groups, and community outreach initiatives, Mamacare360 addresses the unique challenges faced by mothers, promoting mental resilience and overall wellbeing.
Recording: https://youtu.be/8l4fhB_1C88
Speaker:Jennifer Moffitt
Facilitator: Caitlin Goodwin
Abstract:
Bringing the practices of mindfulness to our patients and ourselves can significantly impact our patients’ relationship to pain and fear in labor, birth, and life. In this presentation, participants will have an opportunity to experience a mindfulness practice and learn ways to implement mindfulness in midwifery, including for childbirth and parenting. Participants will be exposed to how mindfulness meditation can decrease stress during pregnancy and beyond and hear about mindfulness skills for working through pain and fear in childbirth. Further, participants will learn how to encourage mindfulness life skills for parenting with wisdom, kindness, and connection from the moments of birth, as well as how mindfulness skills may be implemented as a way to disrupt intergenerational patterns of suffering. In particular, this presentation will offer concrete ways to bring mindfulness to the contractions of labor, and to the space in between the contractions of labor. The potential for separating “pain” from “suffering” using mindfulness practices will be explored, which can be applied to labor, and of course, to life. We will examine the research around mindfulness-based interventions, the relationship between perinatal stress and outcomes, and the potential that mindfulness strategies have for reducing health disparities.
Recording: https://youtu.be/9VIUNKd_WoY
Enhancing Obstetric Prehospital Care: Insights from Midwives in Lima, Peru
Speaker: Ginger Garcia
Facilitator(s): Susana Ku
Abstract:
This presentation delves into the experiences of a dedicated group of midwives in Lima, Peru, who possess specialized training to provide prehospital care during natural disasters. Peru’s diverse climate often leads to natural disasters that directly impact communities, underscoring the critical need for immediate attention in such situations. While the overarching approach is holistic, special emphasis is placed on the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. The goal is to deliver swift and timely care, focusing on prevention and support for women amidst crises. Furthermore, sustainability is prioritized, with an emphasis on resource efficiency and waste reduction, promoting natural childbirth, exclusive breastfeeding, and optimal nutrition. Recognizing the adverse effects of climate change on maternal and fetal health, proactive measures are taken to address eventualities swiftly and effectively.
Check the time in your location: https://bit.ly/VIDM24-closing-session
Recording: Not Available
