Launch of new midwifery continuity teams at NGH

Midwife and mum

Northampton General Hospital has launched three new midwifery continuity teams, Rose, Iris and Jasmine.

These continuity teams mean that expectant mums will see the same midwives throughout pregnancy, birth and post-natal care.

Iris and Jasmine are small teams of midwives who will focus on women who identify with BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds. The Rose team will focus on women who want to birth at home, or low risk women who are planning to use the Barratt Birth Centre.

Sadly, certain groups of women are less likely to have a positive outcomes when it comes to pregnancy and birth. However research shows that being part of a continuity team significantly improves outcomes for women, and they are more likely to have a positive birth experience being cared for by a midwife they have built a relationship with.

The teams follow the recommendations in the National Better Births programme, which involves giving women continuity of care throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey.

Eventually most women across Northamptonshire will be cared for in a continuity team.

Anne Richley, Maternity Matron, Community and Outpatient Services, said: “This is a really positive move, as being cared for in this way, and getting to know the midwife who will be at the birth, is known to significantly improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

“This is part of the national transformation of maternity services and more women will be cared for in this way. With so much anxiety around COVID, these new models couldn’t come at a better time.

“We are looking forward to getting to know all the new expectant mums, partners and babies."