Midwives in north Cumbria are continuing to make sure births are a positive experience and have welcomed 141 little ones into the world since stay at home measures were introduced.
The maternity teams both in the Trust’s hospitals and those out in the community are ensuring mums and babies receive the highest and safest standard of care during this time.
Amanda Kennett, Head of Midwifery at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our midwives are working incredibly hard in supporting the women who come into the maternity wards. Even though we are in a very unusual situation, our midwives are still making sure the experience of having a baby is positive because it is such a special time bringing new life into the world.
“We’ve had to change a few things to keep everyone safe but it’s important to make sure expectant mums know their birthing partner can still stay with them and support them during labour. We’ve got a frequently asked questions document to help answer some of most asked questions and mums can access this on their maternity app.
Chris Bird, Clinical Midwife Manager at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “All of our midwives are doing a brilliant job despite these challenging circumstances. Our community midwife teams have had to completely change the way they work and amongst all the work involved in this reorganisation they have also been dealing with a high volume of calls from all our women who they are supporting and counselling in a constantly changing environment with guidance and advice.”
Amanda adds: “Whilst having a baby is special and wonderful time, it can feel a bit daunting in times like this where mums might feel more anxious than usual. We’d ask mums to contact their midwife if they have queries at all, we are here to help.
“We know the coronavirus pandemic and the associated social isolation will put huge pressures on families who will remain in a confined space and understand this will be a very stressful time for the parents of new babies.
“Babies will cry and that’s okay, it’s normal. Babies start to cry more frequently between 2 – 8 weeks old and then the crying gets less each week. It’s normal not to know why your baby is crying at first, but with time you’ll understand them more, it may be they’re hungry, tired or need their nappy changing. It’s important to use comforting methods to soothe the baby such as singing to the baby or heading for a walk. It’s also okay to walk away if you’ve checked your baby is safe and the crying is getting too much. Never shake or hurt your baby this can cause lasting damage. If you are worried your baby is unwell services such as 111 and your GP are still available and in an emergency always call 999.
“For expectant mums we’d remind you to monitor the movement of your baby and be aware of kicks and if you notice a difference in your baby’s regular movement you should call your midwife.”
A team of midwives at Cumberland Infirmary have created a poem for mums to be and new mums which they have filmed:
Midwife calling, we’re here for you
Community, delivery suite, all the way through
We know you feel anxious
We too feel the stress
But we’re in it together
And we’ll all do our best.
Sad times we are in, loved ones have been lost
COVID-19 Lockdown, we’ve all felt the cost
New lives are still coming, there’s much to rejoice
You can’t see our smile, but you can still hear our voice
The masks that we wear don’t change what we do
Ladies of Cumbria, we’re still here for you.
So thank you for being so patient and kind
New rules, new ways, new methods we’ll find
We know it is hard but we thank you so much
We promise you’ll still get that personal touch
The colours of the rainbow mean so much to us here
The donations, the gifts and the Thursday night cheer
Thank you
