Stillbirth Prevention i-learn Module

rcm-i-learn-banner

MAMA Academy is thrilled to launch it’s first ever I-learn module for professionals. In collaboration with The Royal College of Midwives, the “Saving Babies Lives; Addressing Stillbirth” module is the first of it’s kind, focussing on stillbirth prevention.

Written by Melissa Coyne, a Midwifery Lecturer from Middlesex University, this module aims to explore stillbirth rates and risk factors at a local, national and international level. It will highlight work being undertaken both internationally and in the UK to reduce the stillbirth rate, as well as exploring examples of best practice. Midwives completing this module will be prepared to take their learning into their working lives, to improve stillbirth prevention and care wherever they practise.

Stillbirth, the birth of a dead baby after 24 completed weeks’ gestation, can be devastating for the mother, father, siblings and wider family involved. It has long-term implications for both parents’ psychological health and wellbeing – depression and grief can last for years after the birth, while stigma, social taboos and economic implications may complicate the grieving process.

Midwives, doctors and other care providers may also be deeply affected by a stillbirth, both professionally and personally. Many experience guilt, blame, anger, anxiety and sadness, along with a fear of litigation and disciplinary action (The Lancet, 2016).

The NMC Code describes the care midwives must provide; prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety and promoting professionalism and trust. It is midwives’ professional duty to ensure that the best evidence guides practise, and the evidence shows that there are many ways midwives can reduce the incidence of stillbirth.

In 2015, the Health Secretary put forward the ambition to reduce the rate of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths in England by 50% by 2030, with a 20% reduction by 2020.  This means that there is governmental policy engagement in the effort to reduce stillbirth. Over £4 million has been allocated to invest in equipment and staff training to improve outcomes (Department of Health, 2015).

If you’re an RCM member, you can access the Saving Babies Lives module here. If not, please email contact@mamaacademy.org.uk for a free stillbirth prevention leaflet. We can also send you flyers to display on your staff notice board to aid consistency of knowledge.