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Hey everyone, It's been a minute! 😊 We wanted to jump on and update you all since we've been MIA on social media for a little while. The last few months have been a whirlwind and jam-packed! 🌪️ Maryam and I (Alisha) qualified and started our careers as midwives in April, just about a week after we successfully launched our multiple languages and BSL book 📚. It has been such a rewarding time, but a difficult adjustment, to say the least. We had our graduation ceremony in July 🎓, where we both graduated with first-class honours in BSc Midwifery. I am beyond proud of us—we worked our butts off, and it has finally paid off. 👏 Helen has entered her third year at university and will be joining us very soon as a newly qualified midwife! She is working so hard studying, working, raising her family, and running the midwifery society at her university, which is the first society to ever be awarded the Platinum Badge at The University of Bolton 🏅. We are beyond proud of how amazing she is doing! (Fun fact: she was also awarded 'Society Member of the Year'! 🌟) Maryam also became a British Citizen! 🇬🇧 We are so happy for her! We have really struggled to get together face-to-face due to conflicting shifts. Finding a day where all three schedules align is proving challenging (anyone who works in healthcare will know exactly what we are talking about haha! 😅), but we are in constant communication and have been working together remotely on some exciting things! 💻 Behind the scenes, we have been working on a really exciting project with the Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) to help teenage D/Deaf girls navigate puberty and sexual health. We are finalising details as we speak and will tell you all very soon! 🤫 We also have some exciting plans in the works to help student midwives with studying, mental health and wellbeing, study prep, and organization. We cannot wait to show you all what we have been up to. 🚀 We promise to try and engage more on our socials and keep you updated with news once we have all found our feet navigating our new lives. Thank you for your support—we are so grateful to you all. 🙏 Speak soon!! All our love, Alisha, Maryam, and Helen Integrated Maternity 💕 xxx 💕 P.S. I have added some pictures below of our last few months! 💕 Picture 1: Alisha's first day as a qualified midwife. Picture 2: Alisha on graduation day Picture 3: Alisha, her fiance and her two boys at her graduation. By far her biggest achievement! Picture 4: Maryam on the day she became a British citizen! Picture 5: Alisha and Maryam at her ceremony of becoming British. Picture 6: Maryam at her graduation Picture 7: Maryam as a qualified midwife. Picture 8: Helen hosting another successful midwifery society day. Picture 9: Helen hosting 'International Midwife Day' awards Picture 10: Helen's amazing award! Picture 11: Helen smashing student midwife life.

Every journey begins with a dream, a spark of hope that illuminates the path to making a meaningful difference. For us at Integrated Maternity, this dream was born from witnessing the challenges faced by expecting mothers, who struggle to find maternity care resources in their native languages. This realisation led us down a path of inclusive innovation, culminating in the creation of something truly special – our Maternity-Specific Language Book. As we stand on the cusp of its launch on April 19th, we invite you to join us in a moment of reflection and anticipation. The Maternity-Specific Language Book is more than just a resource; it's a bridge connecting diverse cultures through the universal experience of maternity. Offering translations in Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Polish, Romanian, Somali, Ukrainian and Urdu, and including a version in British Sign Language (BSL), this book embodies our vision of a world where language is no longer a barrier to high-quality maternity care and support. For those who have participated in our pre-sale, know that your copies will be dispatched on April 19th, the very day our collective dream becomes a reality. As we look forward to the launch, our hearts are filled with hope and excitement for the impact this book will have on the lives of many. It stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, united by a shared goal of empowerment and inclusivity.

It's not every day that you find yourself surrounded by an air of sheer enthusiasm, innovation, and collective ambition. Yet, that's exactly what transpired at the Bolton University Business School during the much-anticipated Ignition Fund Presentation Day. We are beyond thrilled to share some reflections on this remarkable day. A Gathering of Minds: Walking into the Business School, the energy was palpable. It was a reunion of sorts, not just with our esteemed mentors who have guided us through thick and thin but also with fellow winners of the Ignition Fund. It's a powerful reminder of how far we've come, yet also how we all share the same journey of continuous learning and aspiration. Stories That Inspire One of the day's highlights was listening to the journeys of the other winners. Each story was a testament to creativity, and pursuit of making a difference. Hearing about their challenges and triumphs was nothing short of inspiring. It is a reminder that behind every innovation lies a tale of personal commitment and the courage to venture into the unknown. A Symphony of Innovation The presentations and discussions of the day were a showcase of the incredible diversity of thought and innovation that characterizes the Ignition Fund. The room was a microcosm of the future we're all working towards—a future marked by impactful change and creative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. As we move forward, we're not just dreaming of a better world; we're actively shaping it. The path ahead is filled with challenges, but with the inspiration and community we've found, there's no limit to what we can achieve. Here's to creating impactful changes together, for our community and the world beyond. 🌍💪 #BoltonUniversity #IgnitionFund #Inspiration #Community #Innovation

Dear readers, we're thrilled to share some fantastic news: Integrated Maternity has just received the prestigious "She Inspires Awards" in the Local and Global Student Start-Up Business Category of the Year! Can you believe it? This triumph is not just about us – it's a celebration of the hard work, passion, and teamwork that fuels our journey. From a simple idea to today's reality, we're on cloud nine. Kudos to the "She Inspire Awards" for this fantastic recognition! It's like a boost of energy for our dreams, propelling us to new heights and inspiring us to keep creating ripples in the world. A massive shout-out to our supporters, partners, and cherished customers who stood by us through thick and thin, with unwavering understanding and patience. Here's to pushing boundaries, leaving our mark, and relishing the thrilling journey that lies ahead! Here's to the future.

Hey there, fellow student midwives! If you're on this amazing but challenging journey through midwifery education, we've got some fantastic news to share with you. Integrated Maternity proudly presents the Integrated Maternity MORA Notebook, and we can't wait to tell you how it can transform the student learning experience. Meet the Integrated Maternity MORA Notebook: The Integrated Maternity MORA Notebook is like having a trusted friend by your side throughout your midwifery education. It's a comprehensive tool that perfectly complements the online version of MORA, and it's designed with students in mind. What really sets this notebook apart is how user-friendly it is. It's compact and easy to carry around, making it a breeze to jot down quick notes or use as a checklist for all those essential tasks and milestones. It is 100 pages long, A5 pocket-sized and is wire-bound with a protective front an,d back cover! What's Inside the IM MORA Notebook? This notebook is packed with features to make midwifery student lives easier and more organised: 🌼 Proficiency Tracking: Keep a record of your competencies with a simple tick-box system. It's like your personal progress tracker. 🕒 Practice Hours Tracker: Monitor your practice hours, including antenatal, labour, and postnatal care. No more guessing if you've hit your practice hour quota. 👶 Birth Numbers: Document and track your birth experiences. It's like a diary of your incredible journey. 🧡 NIPE Checks: Never miss a Neonatal Infant Physical Examination check again. It's your reminder to keep our little ones healthy. 📖 Glossary of Terms: A handy reference for better comprehension of all those complex terms. 📅 Assignment Due Dates: Stay organised and plan ahead. No more last-minute rushing to meet deadlines. 📝 Supervisor Meetings: Keep track of your meetings with your supervisors. It's like your personal meeting calendar. 📔 Reflection Section: A dedicated space for significant reflections throughout the year. Your space to grow and learn. Key Features of the IM MORA Notebook: What we love most about the IM MORA Notebook are its key features: 🌟 Alignment with NMC Proficiencies: It's suitable for students from different universities because it aligns with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) proficiencies. 🌟 Designed for Your Entire Journey: It's meant to be your companion throughout your three-year midwifery journey, making it a reliable long-term friend. 🌟 Easy Access to Note-Taking Pages: There are dedicated pages for important information, ensuring quick access to your notes when you need them most. 🌟 Medication List: A handy resource for learning about and referencing the correct medications. It's like having a pharmacist on hand. 🌟 Optimised Size and Design: It's wire-bound and slightly smaller than A5, making it user-friendly and easy to carry with you. It's like it was made for our busy lives. 🌟 Expertly Crafted: It was designed by hands-on professionals who understand the needs of student midwives, just like us. So, if you're ready to enhance your midwifery journey and make the most of your education, the Integrated Maternity MORA Notebook is your trusted partner. Say goodbye to the chaos of scattered notes and missed deadlines and hello to a more organised and efficient way of managing your midwifery education. You can order it here on our website in the shop, alternatively you can order it through our Etsy page linked here. https://integratedmaternity.etsy.com

Exciting Collaboration Alert! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce an inspiring collaboration that is set to make a significant impact in the world of maternal healthcare and sexual health education. Integrated Maternity has joined forces with The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) and The Big Life Group, a prominent social impact organisation, to spearhead our next project. The Big Life Group has generously awarded funding to support this innovative initiative, a testament to their commitment to driving positive change in our communities. 🤝 The Vision: Integrated Maternity, is embarking on a new journey, specifically targeted toward the deaf communities. This project, which addresses a critical gap in healthcare and support, is focused on providing sexual health information for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. By doing so, it aims to empower and support this underserved demographic while promoting their overall well-being. 💡 The Big Life Group's Generosity: The Big Life Group's commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities in need, specifically within Manchester is commendable. Their generous funding of this project demonstrates their dedication to fostering positive social change and ensuring that no one is left behind. It's through organisations like The Big Life Group that meaningful projects like this one can become a reality. 🤝 Collaborative Expertise: What makes this project particularly exceptional is the collaboration with RAD, The Royal Association for Deaf People. RAD is a leading organisation with passionate professionals who bring both knowledge and a lived experience perspective to the table. Their deep understanding of the deaf community's unique challenges and needs is invaluable and ensures that the project is approached with empathy and insight. 🌐 The Project's Goals: The primary aim of this project is to reduce isolation and promote the well-being of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, particularly focusing on young people. By providing comprehensive sexual health information and support, the project seeks to empower these individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and overall well-being. The project's goals include: Access to Information: Ensuring that deaf and hard of hearing people have easy access to accurate, culturally sensitive, and inclusive sexual health information. Empowerment: Empowering these individuals to take control of their reproductive health, make informed decisions, and advocate for their needs within the healthcare system. Community Building: Reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community among the deaf and hard-of-hearing population, enabling them to share experiences and support one another. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Promoting emotional and mental well-being by addressing the unique challenges and stressors faced by this community. 🙌 Our Commitment: Integrated Maternity is excited to embark on this remarkable journey, working hand in hand with RAD and The Big Life Group. Our shared commitment is to create a safer, more informed, and inclusive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. We believe that everyone, regardless of their needs, should have equal access to crucial sexual health information and support. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project. Together, we can make a difference, reduce isolation, and promote the well-being of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. If you're interested in joining us on this journey or learning more about the project, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to build a more inclusive and compassionate world! 💪🌍🤝

Today marks our 1st birthday, and what an incredible journey it has been! Integrated Maternity began with a simple idea and a burning passion to improve care for women with special needs. 🚀💪 As we celebrate this milestone, we can't help but reflect on our amazing year. 🌟 Over the past 12 months, we've grown beyond our wildest dreams. Our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility led us to collaborate with fantastic organizations like the Royal Association for Deaf People and the Bolton Deaf Society. Together, we've made remarkable strides in enhancing care and communication for those who need it most. 🤝 The pre-sale of our BSL book is a monumental achievement on our journey. 📚🌈 This book has the potential to make a lasting impact on countless lives, and we're thrilled to see it come to life. Winning the University of Bolton Ignition Fund was a proud moment that reaffirmed our potential and unwavering dedication. Being shortlisted as a finalist in two categories for the SheInspires Awards was a humbling honour and a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence. 🏆🌠 Seeing our name in the Maternity and Midwifery Forum was a proud moment, showcasing our expertise and the difference we're making in the field. 📰🌟 This birthday is a celebration of all the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that have brought us to where we are today. We're immensely grateful for the support and partnerships that have fueled our growth. 🙏💼 Here's to many more years of success, innovation, and improving the lives of women with special needs. Happy 1st birthday to Integrated Maternity! 🎂🎈🎊🥂 #IntegratedMaternityBirthday

Exciting News..... We have been published!!! We are thrilled to share our latest achievement – an article published on the Maternity and Midwifery Forum, highlighting our research and experience working with the Deaf community to create a Maternity-Specific BSL Book. This Maternity-Specific BSL Book is a testament to the power of collaboration, research, and community engagement. It is a resource designed to bridge the communication gap and ensure equitable access to maternity care for all. We are proud to have worked alongside the Deaf community, and we hope that our efforts will contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for maternal healthcare. Thank you to everyone involved in this project, and to the Maternity and Midwifery Forum for providing us with a platform to share our findings. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of expectant Deaf parents. 🤰📚🤟 This endeavour would not have been possible without the unwavering support of some incredible individuals. First and foremost, We would like to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of Matflix, led by Dr. Jenny Hall, in curating the lead video box set. Their contribution to raising awareness about expectant parents with special needs has been invaluable. Last but not least, we extend our appreciation to Debra Murray, Deputy Editor at Maternity and Midwifery Forum. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of midwifery and her support in publishing our article has been a driving force behind our success. Thank you for your continued support; it is appreciated more than you know! All our love, Alisha, Helen and Maryam Integrated Maternity xx

A Guide for Midwives and Student Midwives As midwives and student midwives, you hold a unique and privileged position in the lives of expectant mothers. Your communication ability can make a difference in the maternity experience for both mothers and yourselves. In this blog, we'll explore four essential approaches to enhancing communication in midwifery: active listening, empathy, building rapport, and education. 1. Active Listening: Amid the hustle and bustle of a midwife's demanding schedule, it's crucial to remember the power of active listening. When attending to expectant mothers, set aside distractions and truly engage with their words. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and offering verbal cues to show you're fully present. Active listening helps you gather necessary medical information and builds trust and respect between you and the mothers you're caring for. 2. Empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of compassionate midwifery care. Pregnancy is a time of profound emotional and physical changes, and mothers often seek understanding and support. Empathetic midwives step into their patients' shoes, recognizing and validating their emotions. Use phrases like "I'm here for you" or "I understand what you're going through" to establish a strong bond of trust. Creating a safe space for mothers to share their feelings helps them navigate this transformative journey more easily. 3. Building Rapport: The relationship between a midwife and an expectant mother goes beyond medical care – it's built on trust, respect, and understanding. Taking the time to build rapport can make a world of difference. Remember personal details, inquire about family dynamics, and show genuine interest in their lives. A friendly demeanour and a warm smile can create an atmosphere of comfort, encouraging open communication. A solid rapport leads to improved patient compliance and better maternal and neonatal outcomes. 4. Education: Empowering mothers with knowledge is a key responsibility of midwives. Well-informed mothers can actively participate in care decisions, providing a more satisfying maternity experience. Take the time to explain medical procedures, potential outcomes, and available options in clear and simple language. Utilize visual aids, pamphlets, and digital resources to enhance understanding. And remember, education extends beyond medical aspects – discussing self-care, nutrition, and emotional well-being equips mothers with the tools they need for a healthy pregnancy. In conclusion, effective communication lies at the heart of exceptional midwifery care. By practising active listening, empathy, building rapport, and education, you'll be able to provide a level of support that leaves a lasting positive impact. As midwives and student midwives, your role is not only about delivering babies but also about delivering compassion, understanding, and empowerment. Embrace these communication approaches, and watch your journey with expectant mothers become even more rewarding and transformative.

Hello to our incredible readers! Following our previous blog, today we're delving into a topic that's not just about professional development but also about personal transformation. This blog is dedicated to the remarkable student midwives and experienced midwives who play a pivotal role in shaping the world of maternity care. 🤰🏽🌟 Embracing the Power of a Growth Mindset A growth mindset isn't just about learning new skills; it's a philosophy that frames challenges as opportunities, setbacks as stepping stones, and effort as the path to mastery. 🌱🚀 The Journey from Student to Expert: A Continual Ascent To all the student midwives out there, we applaud your courage and commitment to learning. Your journey from the classroom to the birthing room is a testament to your dedication. Embrace challenges with open arms, for they're the scaffolds of your expertise. Remember, every challenge you overcome is a piece of the puzzle that completes the picture of your growth. 📚🏥 The Wisdom in Experience: Learning from Every Birth For our seasoned midwives, you're living proof of the wisdom that comes with experience. Yet, even with years of practice, a growth mindset opens the doors to learning. Each birth is a new chapter, and each mother has a unique story. Approach every delivery with curiosity, for there's always something new and fresh to learn. 🌍📖 The Building Blocks of a Growth Mindset So, how can student midwives and midwives cultivate this powerful growth mindset? 1. Embrace Challenges: Instead of fearing challenges, embrace them as opportunities to learn and expand your skills. 2. Embrace Feedback: Feedback is a gift that aids growth. Accept it with an open heart and use it as a stepping stone toward improvement. 3. Persistence Pays Off: Remember that progress might be gradual, but persistence is vital. Each step forward, no matter how small, adds up over time. 4. Learn from Others: Engage with peers, mentors, and experts. Learning from their experiences can accelerate your growth. 5. Adapt and Innovate: In the rapidly changing world of healthcare, a growth mindset encourages you to adapt to new technologies and approaches. 6. Celebrate Effort: Recognize that effort is as valuable as the outcome. Celebrate the hard work you put into your practice. Remember Your dedication is awe-inspiring. By embracing a growth mindset, you're not just advancing in your careers but shaping a brighter, more resilient future for maternity care. Let each birth be a reminder of the potential for growth within us all. 🌟👶🏾

Hey there, lovely readers! Today, we want to dive into a topic that holds profound significance in the world of healthcare, especially for our unsung heroes – student midwives, midwives, and the incredible women they care for during the transformative journey of maternity. Ask for Help: A Sign of Strength, Not Weakness To student midwives, remember that seeking guidance shows your commitment to growth. To midwives, your experience is invaluable, yet there's no shame in seeking assistance when faced with challenges. Asking for help fosters a culture of continuous learning and support. 💪🏽🤝 Focus on Positive Aspects: A Beacon of Hope Student midwives, as you learn, remind yourselves of the beautiful moments you're contributing to. Dear midwives, reflecting on successful births can uplift your spirits during demanding times. Embracing positivity doesn't negate challenges; It simply reminds us that light exists even in the darkest moments. 🌞🌈 Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Building a Resilient Tribe Surrounding oneself with a supportive community is like crafting a safety net for emotional resilience. Dear student midwives, build connections with peers who understand your journey. Dear midwives, nurture relationships that empower you. And to the women in maternity care, lean on your loved ones – their presence can be a wellspring of strength. 🤗🌺 Practise Mindfulness: Anchoring in the Present Moment Dear student midwives, mindfulness hones your ability to be present for each learning experience. Midwives, mindfulness grounds you amidst the unpredictability. Mothers-to-be, mindfulness connects you to the miracle within. Through mindfulness, we navigate the waves of emotions, finding calm in the storm. 🧘‍♀️🌊 Accept Imperfections: Embracing Growth Both in midwifery and in motherhood, perfection is an elusive goal. Dear student midwives, understand that mistakes are stepping stones to expertise. Dear midwives acknowledge that imperfections don't define your worth. Women in maternity care embrace the beauty of the messy journey. Each imperfection is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of growth and learning. 🌷🌟 Practise Acceptance: Finding Peace in What Is Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it's a doorway to peace. Student midwives accept that learning curves are natural. Midwives accept the moments that don't go as planned. Mothers, accept that your birth story is uniquely yours. By embracing acceptance, we release the grip of stress and welcome a serene understanding of the journey. 🌼🌙 Remember You are writing stories of strength, empathy, and resilience. By asking for help, focusing on the positive, surrounding yourselves with support, practising mindfulness, accepting imperfections, and embracing acceptance, you're crafting a legacy of care and compassion. May your journey be filled with unwavering emotional strength and boundless love. 🌟💕

Hello, dear readers! It's been a while since we last connected, and I must admit, the silence was not without reason. We've been immersed in a captivating journey that kept us busy and inspired, wearing two hats simultaneously – working shifts and creating mesmerizing book illustrations. Let us take you on this unique adventure we've embarked upon! The process of making the books starts by collecting videos that beautifully showcased sign language. These videos are prepared by The Social Association of Deaf People and they are not only educational; they are also a visual symphony, conveying messages through elegant gestures and motions. Our brilliant illustrator then take these videos and worked tirelessly to transform the dynamic actions into static illustrations. It is a meticulous endeavour, aiming to capture the energy and meaning of each sign while infusing our creative passion into every stroke. But our journey doesn't end here. Our illustrations should be reviewed by the knowledgeable Deaf Consultant, Marcel Hirshman, who lends his expertise to ensure accuracy and user-friendliness. Together, we aim to fine-tune each illustration, striving for authenticity and impact. This collaboration is truly inspiring – a fusion of creative talent, linguistic insight, and a shared commitment to making information accessible. As we emerge from this process, we present illustrations that go beyond the page; they're gateways connecting people and celebrating the richness of sign language. In a world of constant activity, this journey teaches us that amidst our busyness, we can create something beautiful, meaningful, and inclusive.