Episode 177 - Defending birth and midwifery in the UK

The UK used to be held up as an idyllic maternity care system worth replicating, but in the past 10 years, the caesarean section rate has increased to over 45% and poor maternal outcomes are rising as a result. Midwives are leaving in droves, birth services that once facilitate physiological birth are closing and the whole system is becoming hostile toward normal birth. There are people petitioning to put a stop to midwifery education from focusing on physiological birth which will fundamentally change midwifery in the UK relegating midwives to obstetric nursing roles. In this episode Mel speaks to Dr Sheena Byrom and Prof Soo Downe who explain the situation and offer practical solutions.

The easiest way to help save physiological birth in the UK is to sign this open letter from @thepeoplesbirthtribunal People power = change… sign the letter to help enact change. Together we can save physiological birth in the UK.

This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount.

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Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors