Three new midwifery teams introduced to improve care continuity for expectant mums in Northampton

Three new midwifery teams have been introduced at Northampton General Hospital to help continuity of care throughout pregnancies.

The continuity teams named Rose, Iris and Jasmine, will work with expectant mums who will then see the same midwives throughout pregnancy, birth and post-natal care.

Iris and Jasmine are small teams of midwives who will focus on women who identify with black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The Rose team will focus on women who want to birth at home, or low risk women who are planning to use the Barratt Birth Centre.

Anne Richley, maternity matron for the community and outpatient services, said: “This is a really positive move, as being cared for in this way, and getting to know the midwife who will be at the birth, is known to significantly improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

“This is part of the national transformation of maternity services and more women will be cared for in this way.

“With so much anxiety around Covid, these new models couldn’t come at a better time.

“We are looking forward to getting to know all the new expectant mums, partners and babies."

The teams follow the recommendations in the National Better Births programme, which involves giving women continuity of care throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey and helping those who may not have a positive outcome.

In the future, the hospital hopes that most women across Northamptonshire will be cared for in a continuity team.

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