Interview with Radha Wilson Jeff ries

The Midwife Sparkle Method

Interview with Radha Wilson Jeffries

Q There was a recent demonstration, March for Midwives, can you tell us a little bit more about what that demonstration was about and why? The march with midwives vigils which took place throughout the UK on 21st November was a collective stance between midwives, parents, doulas and health care professionals to call the UK government to action due to the current crisis in midwifery and maternity services. Midwives and families alike are facing huge challenges which have been hugely exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Government promises are not being kept and it was time to bring this to the attention of everyone for immediate action.

Q What are the biggest issues that midwives are facing right now, and what do you think the way forward is where sustainable and long term growth can occur? Many midwives and student midwives have been at at physical and emotional breaking point long before the Covid 19 pandemic but things are now at a crisis level. A recent survey found that 60% of midwives are thinking about leaving the profession. Midwives cannot be recruited fast enough to fill the staffing shortfall and retention of newly qualified midwives is an ongoing problem. Midwives are working long shifts without even a toilet or meal break, with many working well over their contracted hours to provide care and fulfil their role. We are calling for the government to introduce a restorative pay rise that reflects the value society places on the vital work midwives do, provide financial support to students and create posts for newly qualified midwives and support retention of midwives, amongst other things. Q With the pressures being faced, what impact is that having on midwives personally? The levels of stress, anxiety, depression and burn out are increasing and poor work life balance puts a strain on home life, relationships and time to recover between shifts. Many are struggling with self doubt, overwhelm, lack of confidence and low self

esteem. Physical issues such as panic attacks, insomnia, migraines, pain and fatigue are also a daily occurrence for many midwives. I feel the general support offered to midwives who experience these problems is inadequate, often just treating the symptoms or offering a ‘quick fix’, rather then helping them to get to the root cause, resolve these issues and stop them from recurring. Q Recent reports show that for every 30 midwives that train, 29 of them leave. What is it that draws midwives into the profession and what is it that drives them out? Midwifery is not just a job, it is a fundamental part of the identity of many midwives. They are responding to a calling to help others at the most transformative yet potentially vulnerable time in their lives. Students who begin their training are often aware of how challenging it can be but yet so many leave before completing their 3 year training. The eradication of the student bursary in 2017 means many students face financial difficulties, as well as poor work life balance reported by students and midwives alike.

Bullying and hierarchical management systems as well as top down pressures including fear of disciplinary or legal action erodes professional autonomy and job satisfaction. Many midwives and students are suffering from vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue and choose to move away from clinical practice such as into education or leave the profession all together. Q What impact is all this unrest having on the care given to families within the maternity system? Many women and families are just not getting the level of care and choice that they deserve, with their experiences during their pregnancy and birth impacting them for the rest of their lives. Midwives strive to provide compassionate and person centred care, however many parents report bullying and coercion from their care providers. Intervention rates are also increasing and many who do raise concerns find that either they are not taken seriously or what is done is too little too late. Around a third of women and birthing people report their birth as traumatic and this has massive implications for bonding with their baby as well as their overall mental, emotional and physical well being. There are also huge inequalities and inequities for black and Asian women accessing care and also women from deprived areas. This cannot go on and it is time that our collective voices were heard and urgent action taken to safeguard families and midwives alike.

Q As the Midwife sparkle coach, what work are you doing to help these midwives and what long term impact does that have on their emotional health, well being and work? I believe if midwives are supported and empowered then they can continue to provide support and empowerment to women and families. My programme “The Midwife Sparkle Method” is a confidential 8 session positive mindset and self empowerment course. It enables midwives and students to get to the root cause of their anxiety and understand how their beliefs and thinking patterns impact on their perceptions, physical health and behaviours. This then allows them to take back control of their life, rebuild their confidence and self esteem to be able to overcome any issues they may face in the future. I also provide support to midwifery teams through a 1 day workshop which creates a safe space for sharing and promotes inclusivity, a sense of belonging and boosts morale. This leads to greater individual job satisfaction, staff retention and a reduction in acute and long term sickness. I feel so fortunate to have helped midwives from all over the world to be able to reclaim their sparkle and rekindle their joy for life