'Normal Births' or 'Better Births'?
The 'Normal Births' campaign has been replaced by the Royal College of Midwives' 'Better Births' initiative. The former campaign has received significant criticism. What does 'Better Births' offer?
The current status in birth-related injuries
Research by a number of organisations suggests that injuries experienced in childbirth - both to the mother and the baby - may be on the increase.
- Recent figures released by the NHS have identified that obstetric-related legal claims against them account for 10% of the total number of claims and 50% of the total value of claims against them.
- The number of first-time mothers experiencing severe physical trauma during childbirth - up to 5.9% - appears to be increasing
- 232 claims for child brain injury during childbirth 2016-2017 represents a ten-year high
- The Birth Trauma Association estimates that up to 20,000 women may suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to childbirth each year in the UK
Normal Births Campaign
The Normal Births campaign, introduced by the Royal College of Midwives in 2005, focussed on the birth of the baby, encouraging mothers to have their babies without medical intervention - i.e. without induction, anaesthetic, instrumental assistance or caesarean section.
Unfortunately, this approach to childbirth has been heavily criticised in recent years following the deaths of significant numbers of babies in Cumbria between 2004 and 2013, and more recently at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.
It is interesting to observe that the above-mentioned figure of 232 claims for negligent child brain injury is the highest since 2005 when the normal births campaign was introduced.
More recently, the RCM has abandoned the 'normal births' campaign in favour of the 'Better Births Initiative', ending the use of the phrase 'normal births'.
Better Births Initiative
According to the RCM's website, the Better Births initiative adopts a more holistic approach, addressing 'pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period' seeking to improve care for all women including those with medical and obstetric complications.'
The new initiative offers resources to midwives and other practitioners involved in maternity care. It encourages:
- personalised care,
- continuity of care
- safer care
- better postnatal and perinatal mental health care
- multi-professional working
- working across boundaries
- a fair and adequate compensation system
It is currently being trialled across a number of health trusts and a review is underway.
In its introduction to the Better Births Initiative, the NHS Confederation notes the Department of Health's aim to reduce the number of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths in England by 2030, acknowledging that the rate is higher than elsewhere in Europe.
Medical Negligence
Birth injuries can be traumatic and life-changing. If you have suffered from substandard medical care during childbirth, contact us at Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience. We are a team of specialist medical negligence solicitors and would be happy to advise you.
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