24.08.12
Nearly a fifth of women feel unsupported through pregnancy
The Government is failing to meet promises on maternity care, a new report from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) suggests.
A survey of over 1,800 women found that nearly two thirds knew their midwives name, but almost one third always saw a different midwife during pregnancy and postnatal care. The DH aims to provide one named midwife to oversee care through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
This variation was the worst in London, where 60% always saw a different midwife from birth to postnatal care.
Women are also supposed to be able to choose where and how they give birth, yet 64% were not given the choice of giving birth in a midwife-led unit. Of those surveyed, 12% said they were not offered a choice due to midwife shortages and a lack of resources.
And 18% of women said they feel unsupported during labour and birth, which could represent as many as 120,000 women in England each year, with 47% saying they would like more time with their midwife.
Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The Government says it is committed to providing better maternity care and we endorse the pledges they have made. However, actions speak louder than words and this survey shows that there are many challenges ahead to ensure their promises are delivered across England.
“It throws up many areas of concern and highlights the pressing need for sustained investment in maternity services and in midwives.”
The survey was conducted with the RCM in partnership with the Bounty Parenting Club.
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