Speaker: Alison Eddy and Carol Bartle
Facilitator(s): Catherine Salam (Izza Alifina)
Abstract:
Te Kāreti O Nga Kaiwhakawhanau Ki Aotearoa | The NZ College of Midwives and their college members are promoting midwifery action on climate change and working towards supporting national and global initiatives which reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Wherever they work midwives can consider the environment and identify ways to minimise their impact both personally and professionally. Small actions can grow into a significant movement and midwives can advocate for social change in relation to sustainability and healthy environments. The ‘fingerprint of climate change’ has been described as beginning before a baby is born due to pregnant women already enduring environmental crises that their children will be exposed to after birth.[1] This presentation tracks how an increased awareness of the impact of climate change sparked the College into action aimed at supporting some mitigation of climate change via a lens on midwifery practice related to pregnancy, birth, and infant feeding. The College recognises the potential for midwifery globally to develop a model of excellence for climate action and sustainability and we will present what we have achieved so far, and the steps we are taking towards collective action.
[1] Pacheco, S. (2020). Catastrophic effects of climate change on children’s health start before birth. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 130(2),562-564.
Recording: https://youtu.be/LRidySKzuBU
Speakers: Fabella Elisa Cahyaningtyas and Zalfa Dinah
Facilitator: Caroline Maringa
Abstract:
Background: The increase in cesarean sections has occurred throughout the world, especially in developing and developed countries, over the last few decades and has led to increased research, debate, and concern among health professionals, governments, policymakers, scientists, and clinicians. So, to overcome the increasing number of cesarean sections, the VBAC technique was developed, namely vaginal birth for pregnant women who have had a history of cesarean sections in previous pregnancies. 90% of women who have a cesarean section are possible candidates for VBAC during a subsequent pregnancy. 60%–80% of them are able to give birth successfully vaginally. Mentoring is defined as the process of providing convenience to clients in identifying needs and solving problems, as well as encouraging the growth of initiative in the decision-making process, in this case, the decision to choose VBAC. So this study article aims to describe assistance for a successful VBAC. Case Report: Assistance for a 36-year-old pregnant woman with G4P2013 since 25/26 weeks of gestation at one of the PUSKESMAS in Surabaya. BSC 2x: history of a happy pregnancy in the first pregnancy and history of curettage abortion in the second pregnancy. The last child is 2 years old. Have the desire to give birth naturally. Mother had a successful VBAC without tearing on 7/7/2022 at 39/40 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: Assistance provided to pregnant women is a strategy that really determines the success of the maternal and neonatal health empowerment program in making birth decisions using the VBAC technique
Recording: https://youtu.be/953OjyMpdtc
Speaker: Arafin Happy Mim
Facilitators:Raissa Manika Purwaningtias & Constance Odonkor(shadow)
Abstract:
I am Mim, a Young Midwife Leader from Bangladesh. One year ago, I assumed the role of supervisor of midwives on Basanchar, a remote island near Hatiya Upazilla, Bangladesh, catering to 32,574 people and 7899 families, many of whom were Rohingya refugees relocated from Coxs Bazar. The island faces numerous health challenges, especially for women and children, with limited access to medical facilities, requiring Navy Frigate transportation twice weekly. Upon arrival, I encountered midwives lacking confidence and support in their practice. As the first midwife supervisor, doubts surrounded my leadership abilities, compounded by the democratic system’s challenges. Despite skepticism, I prioritized listening, reflection, and evidence-based advocacy to empower midwives and amplify their voices. Through collaborative efforts, we transformed the team, nurturing leadership skills and expanding their scope of practice. With a multidisciplinary approach, we now offer comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and manage most complications locally, minimizing the need for external transfers. Looking ahead, our focus is on community awareness, affirming the pivotal role of midwives, and ensuring their practice aligns with standards. Continued education and research will further enhance our contributions to midwifery in Bangladesh, fostering a culture of quality care and acceptance in Basanchar.
Recording: https://youtu.be/_PO0Pisbxww
Speakers: Rowsan Ara, Joy Kemp and Nabila Purno
Facilitator: Linda Wylie
Abstract:
Bangladesh is one of the most climate-change affected countries. Regular natural disasters, extreme heat, air-pollution and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases put thousands of pregnant women at risk, particularly in hard-to-reach locations with limited access to healthcare services. Midwives play a crucial role in addressing these challenges; they are often the first point-of-contact for women in the healthcare settings and can orient women about birth preparedness, disaster preparedness and in general protecting their health from known environmental and climate risks. The Government of Bangladesh has a workforce of 7,230 midwives. In 2023, a training manual on the Climate-Change Impacts on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Bangladesh was developed by CCHPU and UNFPA then reviewed with national experts. Existing curriculum review found commendable inclusion of gender equality, reproductive health and rights, and disaster management but weak content on the intersection between climate change and health. A three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program was thus developed, targeting 20 Nursing and Midwifery faculty, serving as a catalyst to disseminate essential knowledge and equip educators with the tools to integrate climate change perspectives into their teaching methodologies. A series of cascade training ensued, with a day-long training for final-year Midwifery students and a specialized session for 50 practicing midwives across various health facilities. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring a health-workforce well-versed in addressing climate-change impacts, particularly concerning sexual and reproductive health. This content must now be integrated into nursing and midwifery curricula across all education levels.
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
