Background to the Conference

Medicalisation of birth has increased exponentially over the last 50 years, with little evidence to support many of the interventions such as the use of continuous monitoring and induction of labour. The long term impacts of which are not fully understood. The situation has reached a point where it is now easier for a woman to choose a planned caesarean section birth as opposed to a normal/physiological birth.
Maternity services in England are in crisis. Women have never been so dissatisfied with the care they are receiving. Sadly, many women’s experience leaves them traumatised and emotionally scarred for life. Midwives are leaving the profession because they are exhausted, diminished and unhappy about the way they are expected to care for women.

The Conference will focus on:

• The power and political dynamics that have led to the current situation
• The media’s negative focus on ‘normal birth’ in recent reporting on maternity services. Why has it not focused on the level of obstetric abuse?
• Where is the wider feminist voice?
• How improvements might be effected to enable women to have a birth experience that enhances rather than traumatises them
• How midwives can be encouraged to stay in practice
• Why is the evidence that supports the benefits of physiological birth being ignored?

Speakers

• Christine McCourt
• Claire Feeley
• Kirsten Small
• Margaret Jowitt
• Selina Wallis
• Shawn Walker
• Nickita Starck
• Angela Chamberlain
• Antonella Gambotto-Burke
• Mavis Kirkham
• Benash Nazmeen
• Erin Fung
• Becky Reed
• Nadine Edwards

There will be a mix of presentations and workshops. The day will be fully catered with welcome teas and coffee, mid morning drinks, lunch and mid afternoon drinks.

Venue
Jeffery Hall,
20 Bedford Way,
London,
WC1H 0AL

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