The Maternity & Midwifery Hour
Episodes
18.11 The language of pregnancy loss - helping to get it right
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Language truly matters when it comes to pregnancy loss. The language used in healthcare settings can have a huge impact on people who experience loss ...
18.10 You were held
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Series 18 - Episode 10: You were held…This session we are looking at how women, who may at risk of separation from their babies at or soon after bir...
18.9 The consequence of the rising caesarean section rate for midwifery
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The rising caesarean section rate across the UK and globally is reshaping maternity care, with significant implications for midwifery practice, educat...
18.8 Midwifery Hour
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Midwifery Hour
18.7 Safer delivery: working hours and conditions - impact on midwives’ wellbeing
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Midwifery Forum’s weekly live stream, brought to you by MATFLIX – every Wednesday, 7-8pm, UKSeries 18 - Episode 7: Safer delivery: working hou...
18.6 Real world midwifery: Informed Consent
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The importance of consent, and specifically informed consent, is crucial in ensuring that women, babies and their families receive maternity care, per...
Highlights from the London Maternity & Midwifery Festival 2026
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
2 presentations from the London Maternity & Midwifery Festival 2026:Student midwives' exposure to physiological birth: An analysis of 3055 bir...
18.4 An update on the work of NHS Resolution’s Early Notification scheme
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Series 18 - Episode 4: An update on the work of NHS Resolution’s Early Notification schemeThe Early Notification (EN) Scheme is a key initiative tow...
18.3 Anti-racist Midwifery: Practice Improving care
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Series 18 - Episode 2: Anti-racist Midwifery: Practice Improving careKeelie Grindley, EDI Lead, UHNMThe impact of systematic racism, unconscious bias ...
18.2 What matters: Maternity services for neurodivergent women during pregnancy
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Series 18 - Episode 2: What matters: Maternity services for neurodivergent women during pregnancyBeing neurodiverse can present significant challenges...
18.1 Becoming, and being, a midwife
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What can we learn from the stories of newly qualified midwivesIn this session, we discuss research undertaken by Suzanne which explored the experience...
17.13 Pregnancy, labour, birth and the baby - accessible knowledge for parents and professionals
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Issues around labour and birth and the development of maternal infant attachment and bonding has been an area of interest to parents and also to midwi...
17.12 Transforming childbirth to thrive and survive
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The UN intends for women and girls to not only survive, but thrive, and, in the process, transform their life chances and those of their communities. ...
17.11 Domestic violence and abuse – supporting women, supporting practitioners
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosted by:Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert; Host and Curator, Maternity and Midwifery Festivals/Midwifery Hour, Editor, Mayes MidwiferySupported by MAT...
17.10 Glucokinase Hyperglycaemia Rethinking gestational diabetes
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode will be focusing on the lived midwifery experience of implementing this genetic testing within the existing Gestational Diabetes care pat...
17.9 Educating Future Midwives - with Nicky Clark & Angela Ayuk
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 17 - Episode 9: Educating Future MidwivesThis week’s episode will feature two key presentations from the Midwifery Education Conference that...
17.8 Preventing maternal anaemia to improve maternal & neonatal outcomes
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are exploring a project (The PANDA project) aimed at preventing maternal anaemia to avoid preterm labour and birth in order to reduce adv...
17.7 Principles for supporting women’s choice in maternity care
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Contribution from: Dr Jacqui Williams, Senior Midwifery Advisor (Education), Professional Practice Directorate, Nursing & Midwifery CouncilThe NMC...
17.6 Becoming and being a Doula
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s hour we are exploring the experiences and perspectives of doulas working within the UK maternity services and privately employed. We ...
17.5 The empty crib: loss and bereavement in pregnancy and childbirth
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 17 - Episode 5: The empty crib: loss and bereavement in pregnancy and childbirthFeaturing Lauren Petrie, Specialist Bereavement Midwife, Queen ...
17.4 Collaboration in Action – towards Better Births together
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 17 - Episode 4: Collaboration in Action – towards Better Births togetherThis session will be a chance to discuss the collaborative efforts of...
17.3 Postnatal care – Getting it right
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 17 - Episode 3: Postnatal care – Getting it rightDr Lesley Turner, Head of Practice Education (Nursing & Midwifery) Senior Teaching Fello...
17.2 Sharing the News that a Baby has Down’s Syndrome – Supporting Families
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 17 - Episode 2: Sharing the News that a Baby has Down’s Syndrome – Supporting FamiliesDown’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by th...
17.1 Changing knowledge to improve practice
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For those of us who are midwives and those on the pathway to becoming midwives, we know that this vocation is never dull, often a challenge and part o...
16.12 What’s love got to do with midwifery?
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 12: What’s love got to do with midwifery?The need for effective, compassionate and high quality care for women, babies and famil...
16.11 The Maternity Safety Agenda
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 11: The Maternity Safety AgendaHear two maternity leaders on practical steps to improve the safety of maternity care and ensure wo...
16.10 Research Focus – True engagement of women and families to improve care, and address health inequalities
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at research and some of the exciting midwifery focused research projects in progress.This includes the NIHR-funded Research f...
16.9 The Midwife's role in Facilitating Early Connections
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 9: The Midwife's role in Facilitating Early ConnectionsAs we enter Baby Communication Week, with the theme of 'Born to Connect' hi...
Maternal Nutrition - Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence for Midwives
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maternal Nutrition - Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence for Midwives with Anna Byrom (All4Maternity) and Marie Louise (The Modern Midwife).
16.8 Genomics and Stillbirth: What midwives need to know and why it matters
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stillbirth is a deeply challenging outcome of pregnancy, and families often look to their midwives for answers and support. In this session, we’ll e...
16.7 How babies sleep – from birth towards the first year
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 7: How babies sleep – from birth towards the first yearA critical part of the midwife’s role is caring for the newborn baby an...
16.6 Listening to and engaging with our communities
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 6: Listening to and engaging with our communitiesHave you thought about working in a different way? Setting up an antenatal class ...
16.5 Listening to and engaging with our communities
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dalvir and Barbara discuss the importance of engaging with diverse communities to improve clinical outcomes, patient experiences and research quality....
16.4 The role of Doulas within UK Maternity Services
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Doulas provide practical, emotional and nurturing support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the early parenthood period. Th...
16.3 Pregnancy and motherhood in criminal justice settings
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 3: Pregnancy and motherhood in criminal justice settingsWhat impact does prison have on pregnant and childbearing women and how do...
16.2 Consultant Midwives are critical in every crisis: A great Midwifery career - choices, directions and routes
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 2: Consultant Midwives are critical in every crisis: A great Midwifery career - choices, directions and routes.Being a midwife is ...
16.1 Early detection, early action: Exploring Awareness of Genomic Testing at the Initial Midwifery Appointment
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 16 - Episode 1: Early detection, early action: Exploring Awareness of Genomic Testing at the Initial Midwifery AppointmentGenomics is fundament...
15.12 Midwives' and Nurse-Midwives' professional identities – representing midwifery in the public realm
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 15 - Episode 12: Midwives' and Nurse-Midwives' professional identities – representing midwifery in the public realmThis episode focus...
15.11 Stress, burnout and ensuring your well-being
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focusses on stress, burnout and ensuring your well-being.Being a student midwife and a midwife is a wonderful privilege, but also a deman...
15.10 Advanced Midwifery Practice – challenges and possibilities…
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focusses on advanced midwifery practice – challenges and possibilities…There has been debate and discussion for many years about adva...
15.9 Midwifery education: what next?
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) protects the public through regulating nurses and midwives in the UK. Ion the midwifery context this means ens...
15.8 Research in midwifery – a different view
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focusses on Research in midwifery – a different view. Research methodologies are argued to be Eurocentric and do not cater for non-West...
15.7 Being Positive about Down syndrome: Highlighting DSUK’s work in Maternity Care
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focusses on being Positive about Down syndrome: Highlighting DSUK’s work in Maternity Care.When Nicola’s son Tom was born, she strugg...
15.6 Neurodiversity & Midwifery: Creating supportive learning & care environments
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focusses on the needs of neuro divergent pregnant and childbearing women and student and qualified midwives.We are joined by Nicolette Po...
15.5 Keeping student midwives’ spark alive
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Midwifery students bring a special spark, an energy and enthusiasm that fuels their journey and enriches the profession. The Positive Midwifery Projec...
15.4 Supporting women with disabilities, through pregnancy, birth and beyond
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Maternity & Midwifery Hour Dr Myrto Chronaki, an Independent Researcher, will present her doctoral work exploring the perinatal...
15.3 Homelessness in pregnancy and the early years
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This session will focus on the impact of homelessness in pregnancy and the early years. Two clinical researchers will present their recent research in...
15.2 Enabling safe quality midwifery services and care in Northern Ireland
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Series 15 - Episode 2: Enabling safe quality midwifery services and care in Northern Ireland The Independent Report on Enabling Safe, Quality Midwif...
15.1 The Black Maternity Matters Story
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of series 15 of Maternity & Midwifery Hour we are joined by Ann Remmers and Laura Lewinson who will share how Black Maternity...
14.13 Midwifery Teaching, Learning and Practice
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are focusing on aspects of midwifery education and lecturers engaged in innovation and research. We are joined by Susan Hughes who is s...
14.12 Exploring language issues in midwifery through unscripted role-play
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This session led by Professor Sebnem Susam-Saraeva and ' Dr Jenny Patterson follows an interactive workshop at the Scotland Maternity and Midwifery Fe...
14.11 Meeting the challenges facing midwifery education
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following on from the recent Midwifery Education Conference, attended by over 250 midwifery educators, this hour will map out the current management a...
14.10 Epilepsy – in pregnancy and childbearing
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As part of Epilepsy Awareness month, we are using this hour to focus on the challenges faced by women with epilepsy during their pregnancy and childbi...
14.8 Support in Uncertain Times: UK Midwifery Education and Aid in Ukraine
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are exploring an issue at home – the increase in Student tuition fees in England, and its impact on Student Midwives, plus a highlight ...
14.7 Why is there still bullying in midwifery?
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bullying and undermining exists within many sectors and midwifery and maternity services are one area where this has been a longstanding problem - oft...
Maternity Spotlight: Promoting Health and Wellbeing for Pregnant Women and those who Care for them
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Sheena Byrom OBE and Marie Louise ('The Modern Midwife'). Sponsored by Active Iron.
14.6 Midwifery response to domestic abuse
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 14 - Episode 6: Midwifery response to domestic abuse As we come to the end of Domestic Violence awareness month, in this hour we explore the ...
14.5 Experiences of pregnant women living with obesity: access to antenatal care
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do we really understand the needs of women who may commence their pregnancy who are living with weight issues, and how can we as practitioners support...
14.4 Improving care after pregnancy loss or the death of a baby
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this topical session, taking place during Baby Loss Awareness Week, Marc and Lisa will talk about the importance of high quality bereavement care t...
14.3 Waterbirth - a bigger splash
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a long interest in water as a pain relief strategy, and as a place to give birth. The publication of the recent ‘POOL’ Study, led b...
14.2 Nurturing Connections: Infant Feeding Services, Baby-Friendly Evidence
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 14 - Episode 2: Nurturing Connections: Leading Infant Feeding Services, Reviewing Baby-Friendly Evidence, and Fostering Relationships This we...
14.1 Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia & Hyperemesis Gravidarum
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hosted by: Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert; Host and Curator, Maternity and Midwifery Festivals/Midwifery Hour, Editor, Mayes Midwifery Contributi...
13.12 In other words… resting, writing and reading
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This last in the series Maternity and Midwifery hour offers something a little different. As the summer has arrived in the UK and many of us are gett...
13.11 Midwives in Genetics and Genomics
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The annual #GenomicsConversation campaign returns 24-28th June 2024, our genomic lead midwives would like to strike up that genomics conversation with...
13.10 Supporting mother and baby when a problem with an upper limb is identified
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 13 - Episode 10: Supporting mother and baby when a problem with an upper limb is identified Examining the newborn requires extensive skills an...
13.9 The Virtual Midwifery Caseload: Bringing women's voices into the classroom
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 13 - Episode 9: The Virtual Midwifery Caseload: Bringing women's voices into the classroom The need to prepare students for real life pra...
13.8 Empathy - improving care for women, babies and families
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 13 - Episode 8: Empathy - improving care for women, babies and families Today's maternity services are busy and potentially stressful area...
13.7 Record keeping and frameworks
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 13 - Episode 7: Record keeping and frameworks Notes and record keeping. We are all aware of the importance of record keeping, as a tool for co...
13.6 Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome during pregnancy, birth and beyond
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) affects connective tissue throughout the body and has profound impacts during pregnancy, birth and beyond. In this sessio...
13.5 Postpartum Psychosis – recognition, management and support
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this hour we explore Postpartum Psychosis also known as Postnatal Psychosis, an important condition which can impact on women and their families af...
13.4 Celebrating International Day of the Midwife Week
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we celebrated International Day of the Midwife on the 5th May, a Day when the whole world midwife family celebrates their role with mothers,...
13.3 Ensuring a Positive Clinical Learning Environment
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The importance of environment and the support of the clinical team is well known for assisting students, and qualified staff to develop a learning cul...
13.2 Work-Life Balance as a Midwife
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Achieving a work-life balance as a midwife is a personal and a service challenge. How to approach your own work life choices in your career, address...
13.1 Emotional Intelligence to improve your midwifery - plus pay and wellbeing
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is being a midwife, and staying in midwifery centred on emotional intelligence and compassion or all about money? In the first of series 13, we explo...
12.10 Anti-oppressive practice in midwifery and maternity services
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Series 12 - Episode 10: Anti-oppressive practice in midwifery and maternity services As we come to the end of Season 12, we have an opportunity to r...
12.9 Midwifery skills assessment: pain, pitfalls and joys
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An important part of a student’s journey to become a midwife lies in learning theoretical and clinical skills. In this session experienced midwifery...
12.8 Pre-eclampsia: From labour to postnatal and beyond
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this session focusing on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, our two speakers, Anja Johansen-Bibby, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Lead for Ma...
12.7 Caring for pregnant women with substance dependency
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pregnant women with substance dependency are more likely to lead multi-layered, psychologically and socially complex lives and can be distrustful of m...
12.6 The power of inclusion - language matters
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this session, Midwife Maria Rowntree and Professor Calvin Moorley explore the value and learning through initiatives such as the Dame Elizabeth An...
12.5 Reflexology and Acupressure for Pregnancy and Birth
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are exploring some alternatives in managing pain in labour. We have two leading practitioners presenting two strategies: 1.The use of com...
12.4 The lithotomy challenge: delivering kinder care
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this hour, Florence Wilcock, obstetrician and mum, and midwives Deepa Santosh and Helen Green explore how we can improve the experience of women, t...
12.3 An ABC of Eclampsia
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia continue to be major causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity and can adversely impact on the experience o...
12.2 International perspectives - looking forward into 2024
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this session we expand our horizons to look at maternity services and midwifery in the world, with the help of our two special presenters : Jacquel...
12.1 Making care better for women and families
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at two important reports: the new MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Confidential Enquiry, and the Sands Listening Project. Both reports f...
11.13 Christmas Selection Box
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As 2023 draws to a close, the final Maternity & Midwifery Hour of 2024 will review the wide range of topics and maternity leaders who have shared ...
11.12 Contemporary strategies to support women during labour
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this session we are exploring contemporary midwifery care during labour. This includes a presentation on the use of sterile water injections duri...
11.11 Tackling Birth Trauma Prevention: Tips, Tools and Actions for all
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Birth trauma is often preventable. In this session Perinatal Psychiatrist and Co-founder of Make Birth Better Dr Rebecca Moore and Make Birth Better C...
11.10 Love and Humanising Childbirth
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This will be a conversation between Lesley Page, an experienced midwife who has worked to humanise childbirth over many years, and Clare Wardhaugh who...
11.9 Supporting transitions and sustaining wellbeing for International Midwives joining the UK workforce
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Presentations will include some insights from international midwives and those supporting them in practice. Hosted by: Dr Anna Byrom, Creative Dire...
11.8 Advocating Self-Care following a Caesarean Section #midwiferyhour
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to an event you won’t want to miss - join this Maternity and Midwifery Hour on 8th November from 7-8pm to explore all the important and tru...
11.7 Examination of the new-born: preparing parents #midwiferyhour
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this hour, our guest, Stephanie Michaelides highlights the key aspects for midwives of supporting the examination of the newborn. A confident and ...
11.6 Writing for publication – Mayes' Midwifery – rebirth of a textbook #midwiferyhour
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mayes' Midwifery is a core text for students in the UK, known and loved for its in-depth approach and its close alignment with curricula and pract...
11.5 Midwifing through perimenopause: a challenge, an exodus, and an opportunity
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week it will be Menopause Awareness Day, and we will be focusing on the effects of peri-menopause and menopause on midwives in their working life...
11.4 Baby loss – helping and supporting mothers and families
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are thinking about how best to care for and support women, their families and friends through the loss of a baby. ...
11.3 What do midwives do?
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The title of midwife continues to be enshrined in law in the UK- but what is it that midwives do that is different to other health care professionals...
11.2 Dads Matter
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As midwives we are caring for women and their babies and families, and for partners and dads too. This session explores the experience of fathers, and...
11.1 Does Love Have a Role in Midwifery?
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does love have a role in midwifery? If so, what is that role? While the concept of love in nursing has been widely explored, this has not been the cas...
10.12 Contemporary Issues in Midwifery 2023
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
- Reviewing assessment of the newborn at birth and beyond - Students as advocates As we come to the final programme in the season, we are including t...
10.11 When Midwives Give Birth
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This session explores the under-researched phenomenon of midwives/student midwives themselves giving birth (and people who have given birth becoming m...
10.10 Diversifying in midwifery through career development
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Midwifery is a career which carries so many possibilities and choices, and remains a popular career choice. In this session we are exploring with ou...