Giving birth is the most natural process in the world. How else would we all be here? Victoria Rixon, BSc Midwifery, left her job as an NHS midwife with huge sadness as well as a myriad of concerns. Joining Debi Evans and Victoria is Cheryl Grainger. Between Debi and Cheryl, they have birthed and raised 11 children.
With a rise in more complex births and a drop in qualified midwives, how safe is it to give birth in the NHS? More importantly, who will be looking after you? Has there always been a shortage of midwives, or has Victoria noticed a sudden change? What is the quality of care and safety in the NHS?
Maternity services are at breaking point, qualified midwives are leaving in their droves, and pregnant women are presenting with more complicated pregnancies. Why is that? What drugs are given to pregnant women? Are they safe? Do midwives even know what they are giving? What of the effects of the Covid-19 vaccination given to pregnant women?
In a highly intensive environment, midwives don’t have just one patient, they often have three: the unborn baby, the mum, and whoever Mum has taken with her for support. Who is supporting perhaps the only midwife on duty for so many women? Has the NHS become too busy to birth our pregnant mums, or is it actively encouraging mums to choose hospital births, perhaps even Caesarean sections?
What can new parents do to ensure they get the pregnancy and birthing journey they want? Vicki has some wise words to share with everyone. Talk to the wise women around you. Be informed and question everything.
Victoria Rixon, aka ‘The Honest Midwife’, can be found on X.
The Ockenden Review
Care Quality Commission’s National Review of Maternity Services in England, 2022-2024
Debi would like to thank Victoria and Cheryl for participating in this important interview, as well as Stephanie Sinclaire, UK Column’s Producer, for facilitating it.