SUPPORTING VULNERABLE FAMILIES
5 Talks
The number of vulnerable families has risen across the United Kingdom and Ireland. There is therefore an increased need for midwives to be informed and aware of how to support and provide best care for these families.
Case Study: NHS Ayrshire and Arran: Vulnerable Families Maternity Team
2016 | 22 mins | Supporting Vulnerable Families
Elaine Moore, Clinical midwifery manager, Ayrshire Maternity Unit, explains the local and Scottish national background behind the project. She shares the reasons why their service needed to change, particularly around continuity of care and poor communication with other services and assessment of needs. The challenges of change are addressed, and the pathway for change is shared. Elaine discusses audit referral figures and describes the improvements to family centred care and the role of the midwife.
Elaine Moore, Clinical midwifery manager, Ayrshire Maternity Unit
Domestic Violence: The Research and The Practice
2016 | 30 mins | Supporting Vulnerable Families
Referring to a storyline of the Archers, Susan Leneghan, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ulster University, explains domestic violence and particularly coercive behaviour. The focus of the rest of the talk is around research carried out across Northern Ireland. The background to the project is addressed, including the increase of abuse during pregnancy. The methodology and methods are shared, along with the systematic review. Qualitative findings are explored, including interviews with women, health providers and partners. Susan concludes with recommendations of practice and policy going forward from the research.
Susan Leneghan, Researcher, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ulster University
A qualitative study exploring women’s reflections on becoming homeless during pregnancy
2019 | 24 mins | Supporting Vulnerable Families
In the increasing backdrop of homelessness, Suzanne Reynolds, Specialist Midwife for Homeless & Migrant Women, University Hospitals Birmingham, presents the background to her role and points out the majority is focussed on homeless women. She points to the lack of evidence base, particularly from the UK, and shares what is available, including the impact on pregnancy and children. Suzanne explains her research, showing the research process and demographics of the participants. The findings demonstrate the stress, anxiety and pressures on these women. The themes address the journey of homelessness, the presence and absence of support, and the impact on their pregnancy. She offers recommendations to take forward by other midwives and trusts.
Suzanne Reynolds, Specialist Midwife for Homeless & Migrant Women, University Hospitals Birmingham
Together is stronger: The Antenatal to Three Initiative
2020 | 41 mins | Supporting Vulnerable Families
Based in an area with significant pockets of disadvantage, Emma Reilly, Antenatal to Three Initiative Coordinator, Childhood Development Initiative, Tallaght West, Ireland, explains the initiative. The aim is to improve outcomes for children and families in areas of disadvantage in Ireland. Emma explains how the project focusses on interagency communication and collaboration.
Emma Reilly, Antenatal to Three Initiative Coordinator, Childhood Development Initiative
Bethel Doula Service: making a difference to vulnerable pregnant women in Birmingham and Sandwell
2017 | 25 mins | Supporting Vulnerable Families
The Bethel Doula service came from a wider charity initially set up to support asylum seeking and refugee women who were isolated without help. Margaret King, Programme Manager and Julia Brown, Senior Doula, Bethel Health and Healing Network, with backgrounds in midwifery, share the role of the doula service which includes practical support before and after birth, the team and the groups of women supported. The types of work they do is explored and how they work within the wider context of the local services to address need. Margaret and Julia conclude with a story from practice.
Margaret King, Programme Manager, Bethel Health and Healing Network
Julia Brown, Senior Doula, Bethel Health and Healing Network
