Childbirth is never easy and rarely straightforward. Throughout human history, giving birth has been at best painful, at worst fatal. It’s only in recent times that the expectation of both mother and child surviving has been the norm.
We have modern medical practice to thank for that. But as last week’s parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma has highlighted, there are aspects of pregnancy and motherhood that still seem rooted in what can only be described as a medieval mindset. Neglect
Almost half of maternity services in England checked under a new inspection programme are failing, analysis shows amid concerns over NHS care for mothers and babies.
Regulators began the audit last August after haunting details of the Shrewsbury maternity scandal — which saw hundreds of babies die or suffer brain damage due to inadequate NHS care — came to light.
Fifty-six services have so far been given ratings under the scheme. Eighteen were labelled as ‘requires improvement’ and seven were
After a recent CDC report found that up to 20% of women have been mistreated in some way during the labor and delivery process, doctors are sharing their perspectives on the state of U.S. maternity care.
Several expressed concern about various aspects of the study, what it uncovered and even how it was conducted.
An April 2023 Porter Novelli View Moms survey gathered input from 2,402 women about the quality of care they received during childbirth.
One in five
Rihanna is expanding her fashion empire.
The pregnant “Umbrella” singer — who’s expecting her second baby with A$AP Rocky — released a new Savage x Fenty maternity capsule collection for “moms and moms-to-be.”
The line features three new bralette styles and an oversized graphic tee that reads, “Make More Babies.”
The inclusive drop features sizes from XXS to 4X, and the prices range from $35 to $60, according to Vogue.
“The new maternity capsule is about bringing that confidence and
The March of Dimes’ latest report, “Where You Live Matters: Maternity Care Deserts and the Crisis of Access and Equity,” identifies all U.S. counties that lack prenatal care. (iStock)
PREGNANCY PERILS – More than a third (36%) of U.S. counties are considered “maternity care deserts.” Here’s why this matters. Continue reading…
DEMENTIA-DEPRESSION CONNECTION – Experts explore links and risks. Continue reading…
LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGY – Alpha-Gal Syndrome — also known as the “red-meat allergy” or the “tick bite meat allergy” —
For more than five million women in the U.S., getting maternity care is difficult or impossible.
More than one-third (36%) of U.S. counties are considered “maternity care deserts,” which means they do not have any obstetric providers or birth centers.
In just one year, the number of birthing hospitals has decreased by 4%. Since 2018, a total of 301 birthing units have closed.
These are some of the key findings from the March of Dimes’ latest report, “Where You Live
After a long, difficult labour, Claire Keer was exhausted but also full of anticipation, waiting to hear her newborn’s cry. But there was only the rhythmic bleep of medical machinery and the rustling of doctors and nurses as they cut the umbilical cord and swaddled Zach. Otherwise, silence.
‘I went into an absolute panic, thinking: ‘Why can’t I hear my baby?’ recalls Claire, who is now 41.
‘Then, to my horror, when Zach was passed to me I could see
A damning report into maternity care at East Kent Hospitals Trust today revealed how a string of failures led to 45 needless baby deaths, with mothers sometimes blamed for the tragedy.
Here, MailOnline details everything you need to know about the East Kent Hospitals maternity scandal
Dr Bill Kirkup (pictured) speaking at a press conference in Kent today as he exposed ‘deplorable and harrowing’ failures by two hospitals part of East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust
What has happened?
Independent investigators
Regulators have expressed ‘deep concerns’ about the quality of care mothers and babies receive in hospital after maternity services deteriorated to their worst ever level.
A Care Quality Commission report warns more than half of maternity units are failing to meet safety standards, with inspectors finding culture and leadership problems ‘time and again’.
Ian Trenholm, the CQC’s chief executive, said failings were ‘systemic’ in the NHS, with two in five maternity services ranked as requiring improvement or inadequate overall.
He
An NHS midwife has spent her maternity leave visiting 17 countries with her newborn baby and partner.
Milly Goodwin, 30, from Muswell Hill, London, gave birth to baby Poppy on July 30 2021.
She and her partner, Stu, 33, a civil engineer, then spent £20,000 of their savings, setting off on their full-time travels six months later.
The trio have since visited 17 countries including Brazil, Ecuador, Monaco and Canada.
Milly Goodwin, 30, from Muswell Hill, London, gave birth to
