Anna Brown - Better Births

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Edited by

Anna M. Brown

School of Health Sciences University of Surrey Guildford, Surrey, UK

This edition first published 2021

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Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty The contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting scientific method, diagnosis, or treatment by physicians for any particular patient. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data Names: Brown, Anna (Anna Maria), editor. Title: Better births : the midwife ‘with woman’ / edited by Anna M. Brown. Description: Hoboken, NJ : Wiley‐Blackwell, 2021. | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2020051701 (print) | LCCN 2020051702 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119628743 (paperback) | ISBN 9781119628804 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781119628842 (epub) Subjects: MESH: Nurse Midwives | Midwifery | Nurse‐Patient Relations Classification: LCC RG525 (print) | LCC RG525 (ebook) | NLM WY 157 | DDC 618.2–dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020051701LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020051702

Cover Design: Wiley

Cover Illustration: © Harriet Lee‐Merrion

This book is dedicated to my family, my colleagues and friends who have supported me during its creation. I especially wish to thank all the women and midwives who have sent me their stories. Their contribution to this work is pivotal and I hope the content will inspire future generations of midwives, as well as those currently in the profession. A midwifery colleague wrote these lovely words below. When I read them, they resonated with me and the true essence and spirit of this book: Holding Space By kind permission of Emily Clark

What does it mean to hold space For the pregnant/ birthing person And the new parent?

To be a hundred percent present Emotionally, physically and mentally .

To walk their journey with them Without judgement or opinion .

To understand by opening Your heart to them .

To give them space to feel Their feelings and just be .

To be ‘with woman’ . Finally, I wish to remember my parents Myriam and Paul who sadly are no longer with us, but who have always wholeheartedly supported my endeavours.

Anna M. Brown

I have been a midwife for 35 years. Throughout this time, I have witnessed the impact and implications of childbirth. However, more recent events have encouraged me to examine childbirth experiences which have involved close family members. Heartfelt comments have ranged from desperate pleas such as ‘nobody tells you the reality of becoming a mother … I feel overwhelmed’ to ‘I feel abandoned’. Such observations have urged me to explore the concept of what it means to women and midwives to be ‘with woman’. In addition, new standards for the profession were published in November 2019, one of which requires midwives to be able to provide and promote continuity of care and carer. This is not a new phenomenon but seen through the concept of being ‘with woman’ would provide a safer and more effective delivery of maternity care.