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Caesarean Section Awareness Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of April. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and educate people about cesarean sections (also known as c-sections) and their impact on maternal health. Many mothers feel a stigma about having a caesarean section, which is not ok! It is important to note the fact that whether it is planned or unplanned, caesarean sections are a way of birthing a baby and an option that everybody should have. The Mindful Birth Group wrote: "1 in 5 babies are born abdominally in the UK. The majority of those births are unplanned scenarios. Yet, much of the antenatal education available to parents does not include information about this type of birth. We believe this is because of the huge taboo that is still attached to caesarean abdominal births and the lack of understanding of what’s actually involved. In many people's minds, it’s a medical procedure, so we should just let the medical professionals do what they need to do, right? Wrong! This is stillbirth, and there are lots of incredibly important factors for parents to consider, just as they would for a physiological birth. It’s become apparent that even if people do want to learn about it, it’s very difficult for them to find educational and helpful information to prepare themselves. Educational content is what is needed to empower parents to make decisions about their birth- whether it be planning for a physiological birth and then consenting to an abdominal birth at any point, or planning for an abdominal birth as their first preference." We made a note of some caesarean section benefits and risks below. It's important to note that the risks and benefits of C-sections can vary depending on individual circumstances and medical history. Women should talk to their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their specific situation. Having a c-section increases some risks to the woman and baby. This does not mean that these things will happen to them, but there may be a higher chance of them happening than if the woman had a vaginal birth. Let's all work together to spread the message. For more information, this is a great link below. https://www.themindfulbirthgroup.com/parents/blog/caesarean-awareness-month-a-time-to-learn-reflect/ . Lots of Love, Integrated Maternity xx

Racial discrimination is a serious problem that affects many people around the world. 🌍 It involves treating individuals unfairly or differently based on their race or ethnicity, which can have a profound impact on their lives and well-being. Unfortunately, despite efforts to promote equality and diversity, racial discrimination continues to be a significant issue in many areas of society. 🙅🏽‍♂️ The effects of racial discrimination can be devastating, causing harm to individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anger, which can further perpetuate inequality and discrimination. 😔 It's crucial to recognize the harmful impact of racial discrimination and take action to combat it. This can involve speaking out against discriminatory behaviours, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting organizations and initiatives that work to address systemic racism. 💪🏿 We must strive to create a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Let's work together to dismantle systems of oppression. Lots of Love, Integrated Maternity xx

IUGR is a common abbreviation found within maternity. It stands for: Intrauterine Growth Restriction. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of IUGR and to seek medical attention if you suspect that your baby isn't growing as expected. Early detection and proper management can make a big difference in the health and well-being of both the baby and the mother. It's important for expectant mothers of twins to receive regular prenatal care, including ultrasounds and growth monitoring, to detect IUGR as early as possible. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to support fetal growth and development.🙏 We also want to take a moment to dedicate this post to our lovely business partner, Helen, who experienced IUGR and went through a lot during her pregnancy. Your strength and resilience are an inspiration to us all. 💕 #IUGRawareness#pregnancy#dedication Lots of Love, Integrated Maternity xx

We are delighted to share one of our proudest moments with you. We are so grateful to Bolton University and Jane Stuart-Puttnam and her team for this incredible opportunity. "Ignition Fund" assists students in getting their business ideas off the ground. Read More on: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/news/university-of-bolton-students-celebrate-cash-awards-from-second-phase-of-bolton-ignition-fund/ Lots of love, Integrated Maternity xx

Here are some facts detailing the disparities surrounding ethnicity and maternity care in the UK, taken directly from the MBRRACE report. Did you know? Black women are FOUR times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women?? Did you know? Women of mixed ethnicity are TWO times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women. Did you know? That 40% of women from ethnic minorities living in the UK experience problems with communication, discrimination and poorer care during their maternity journey. Did you know? Asian women are almost TWO times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women. Finally... Did you know? Awareness is the door through which change enters!!

The APGAR score provides a convenient method for reporting the status of the newborn infant immediately after birth in order to aid the response to resuscitation required. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score indicates how well the baby is doing outside the mother's womb in the immediate puerperium. -The APGAR score alone cannot be considered to be evidence of asphyxia and does not indicate neonatal mortality or neurologic outcome. The resources used are as follows: NICE, 2021 - https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg190/chapter/recommendations Lots of love, Integrated Maternity xx

The SBAR technique provides a framework for interprofessional communication regarding the person being cared for. SBAR stands for... S = Situation (a concise statement of the problem) B = Background (pertinent and brief information related to the situation) A = Assessment (analysis and considerations of options — what you found/think) R = Recommendation (action requested/recommended — what you want) SBAR is an easy-to-remember, conversation framework to aid effective communication, especially in emergency situations where immediate attention and action are required. It allows for an easy and focused way to set expectations for what will be communicated and how between members of the team, which is essential for ensuring patient safety as well as developing teamwork between a multidisciplinary team. Below we made a poster for how the SBAR can be applied within a maternity setting! Lots of love, Integrated Maternity xx

Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy: Start with a healthy lifestyle: Before getting pregnant, aim to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Prenatal care: Start your prenatal care early and follow the advice of your midwife. Prenatal visits are important to monitor your health and your baby’s development. Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Aim to consume at least 400-800 mcg of folic acid daily, as it helps to prevent birth defects. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, at least 8-10 glasses per day. Exercise: Regular physical activity is important during pregnancy. Consult with your midiwfe for recommended exercise. Sleep: Get plenty of rest and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Avoid risky activities: Avoid risky activities such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or any activity that may cause harm to you or your baby. Manage stress: Stress can impact both you and your baby. Consider relaxation techniques such as meditation or prenatal yoga to manage stress. Stay informed: Read up on pregnancy and childbirth to understand what to expect and to ask informed questions of your healthcare provider. Follow up: Keep up with your prenatal appointments, take your prenatal vitamins as directed, and inform your healthcare provider of any changes or concerns.

Who says learning has to be boring? We've all been to those dull sessions where time seems to drag on, and our attention fades away. But recently, we had the absolute pleasure of attending an enterprise session that was a delightful departure from the norm. KiN-Awesome speakers not only made it incredibly informative but also turned it into a friendly and fun-filled adventure. Let me share the amazing experience with you! 🎉💡 Welcome to the Fun Zone! As we walked into the session, we instantly felt the positive vibes in the air. The room was buzzing with excitement, and it was contagious! The speakers put in so much effort to create an atmosphere of warmth, openness, and friendliness. It was clear from the start that this was going to be no ordinary session—it was going to be an unforgettable adventure. Engaging Speakers, Enthusiastic Audience! What truly made this enterprise session exceptional were the speakers. They had the remarkable ability to connect with the audience personally, making us feel like we were part of a big conversation rather than passive listeners. Their energy was contagious, transforming the session into an interactive and engaging experience. Illuminating Insights That Stay with You! But don't mistake the fun and friendliness for lack of substance. The session was filled with valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world experiences that were shared in a way that made them easy to understand and remember. The speakers had a knack for breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces that we could digest and apply in our lives. The result? The knowledge not only made sense but also stayed with us long after the session concluded. Creating Lifelong Connections! Beyond the learning and laughter, this enterprise session had an unexpected bonus: it fostered connections. The friendly atmosphere brought people together, and we engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow participants. We exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and built new connections that extended beyond the session itself. It was a reminder of the power of friendly environments in building networks and creating lifelong connections. Let's celebrate those who understand the magic of combining knowledge and fun in a friendly atmosphere. 🎉😄

Introduction: Today was an incredible day filled with emotions and excitement. We finally prepared the key rings with the "Integrated Maternity" logo. We gave them away with introduction cards and a special surprise to the students from my cohort of 2021, the fantastic cohort of 2023, as well as our dedicated midwifery tutors. It was a small gesture that symbolized the growing movement towards providing quality maternity care. The reactions and appreciation we received were heartwarming, and we wanted to capture and share this unique experience with all of you. The Joy of Giving: We could hardly contain our excitement as we walked through the hallways, clutching a bag filled with gifts. The anticipation of surprising our fellow students and tutors was almost overwhelming because They represent our shared commitment to maternity care. Unforgettable Reactions: As we handed out the gifts, we witnessed a range of emotions. Some students were taken aback, their faces lighting up with surprise and delight. Others were touched by the gesture, wishing us the best of luck, and at the end of the day, we had loads of pre-orders. A Big Movement Towards Quality Maternity Care: What started as a simple idea transformed into something much more significant. It became a symbol of unity and shared passion among our cohort. It served as a reminder that we are not alone on this journey and that together, we can significantly impact the lives of expectant mothers and their babies. Capturing Memories: Like always, we couldn't resist capturing the essence of this remarkable experience through photographs. As we posed with the gift bag, the smiles on our faces radiated joy and a deep sense of fulfilment. These pictures will remind us of our shared excitement and belief in our collective mission to provide high-quality, compassionate maternity care. Many Thanks: Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for mothers, babies, and families. P.S. Remember, every small act of kindness has the potential to spark a significant movement.

Hey, lovely readers! ✨ I'm here to spill the tea ☕ on our recent meeting with the incredible networking guru, Neil! 😄 It was our first catch-up since the pre-sale launch, so you can only imagine how excited we were to share all the fantastic news with him! 🎉 And guess what? We met at our favourite spot, "The Guys" cafe, ready to dive into some serious network talk. We exchanged enthusiastic greetings and couldn't wait to update him on the pre-sale launch. The atmosphere was buzzing with positive energy and we knew this meeting would be a game-changer. 🚀 As we delved into our conversation, Neil shared invaluable insights on improving our network. 🌐💡 His tips were gold! 💰 From attending industry events and leveraging social media platforms to joining professional groups and nurturing meaningful connections, Neil's knowledge was mind-blowing. 💡✨ But hey, it wasn't all business talk! We laughed, shared stories, and caught up on life outside the professional realm. 😄🌟 It's moments like these that make working even more enjoyable – when you connect with someone on a personal level, beyond the conference rooms and LinkedIn profiles. As our meeting ended, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an inspiring individual like Neil. 🙏🌟 With a refreshed mindset, we left the cafe ready to implement Neil's advice and take our network to new heights! 🚀🌐 So dear readers, until next time, keep networking like a Maverick! 🌐💼✨

Hey there, fellow dreamers and change-makers! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of design and colours that reflect our mission and purpose. Get ready for a splash of emojis and creativity! 🎨🌈🎨 When designing our brand, we knew we had to capture the essence of our mission. We wanted our colours to speak volumes about inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. So, after many brainstorming sessions and endless cups of coffee ☕️, we decided on a palette that genuinely represented our vision. We embraced different shades of beige and brown, symbolising the beautiful range of skin tones and ethnicities that make up our global community. Each hue tells a story of its own, a story of unique experiences and journeys. They create a harmonious tapestry that celebrates our differences and unites us all. 🌍 And then, we introduced the star of our palette: the vibrant and powerful shade of purple! 💜 This captivating colour represents creativity, dignity, and transformation. It embodies the strength and resilience of the women we serve, the students we support, and the healthcare providers we empower. Purple reminds us that within each individual lies an untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. 💪💜 So, whether you're a student, a healthcare provider, or a passionate advocate for inclusive care, we invite you to join us on this colourful adventure. Let's embrace diversity, celebrate empowerment, and revolutionise maternity care, one language at a time! 🌟🌍 Stay tuned for more exciting updates and stories from the Integrated Maternity journey. Until then, remember to spread love, kindness, and a dash of purple magic wherever you go! ✨