Association of Radical Midwives

Midwives Haven

Support for midwives in times of trouble

You are not alone!

Why Midwives Haven?

Midwives Haven is a group of The Association of Radical Midwives that offers support for members who are experiencing bullying and harassment, undergoing investigation or disciplinary processes at local level, or who have been referred to The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). ARM is committed to providing support for midwives and to build solidarity to help midwives who find themselves under attack.

We believe that ARM midwives may be at risk of being investigated or subjected to “corrective” measures, due to having issues with the ever-increasing impetus to process women rather than establish relationships with them. Independent midwives have a high NMC referral rate, often as the result of speaking up for women’s rights and coming into conflict with protocol-driven mindsets. Many NHS midwives similarly find themselves at odds with the culture in which they work as a result of trying to negotiate unjustified protocols, the effects of staff shortages, and toxic work environments.

Who are we?

We are a network of volunteers (midwives, birth activists, and retired midwives) across the UK who provide personal one-to-one support, a listening ear, information, and guidance as we are able. Many of us have experienced the sorts of difficulties we now try to support others through. Some of us have experience as workplace representatives. We are not experts, lawyers or employment relations officers – but we are non-judgmental fellow ARM members who will do our best to support you and travel the road with you.

We are not advisors – the unions (RCM, RCN and Unison) routinely state that they will not represent members who seek advice from anyone else. However the Human Rights Act 1998 Article 11 (Freedom of Association) protects your right to support and information, such as we offer.

support

Our Aim

Our aim is that those seeking support will not feel alone but always have someone to turn to, will have support when opening unwelcome letters or emails or making or receiving difficult phone calls, when going to meetings if otherwise unrepresented, appearing at the NMC and so on. We are happy to chat on the phone, by email, or Zoom etc., to meet up with you or to accompany you, depending on what you feel you need.
Since its inception in 2017, Midwives Haven has been building knowledge and experience in these areas and, in the pages that follow, we have links and downloads that we hope will provide you with useful information and guidance.
support midwives

You are not alone

Midwives are often made to feel isolated or outcast or that they are the only ones going through such difficulties but that is NOT true. Our quarterly column in Midwifery Matters tries to dispel this myth – unfortunately many fine midwives are investigated, disciplined, put on corrective “action plans”, sacked, or referred to the NMC. Our coming together to support each other, speak and write about these things, and share experiences can ameliorate feelings of isolation and self-blame.

Remember, even if you have made one or more of the errors you are under investigation for, you are NOT a pariah but a midwife who has been doing her best to provide good care. We ALL make errors as midwives and mistake-free midwifery is impossible. The pretence of the NMC, employers, and some midwives that a career of perfection in current circumstances is possible is harmful and immoral.

Campaigning

We lobby and campaign to improve workplace cultures, improve union representation, and improve NMC processes. We meet with the RCM, the NMC and the PSA (The Professional Standards Authority, which is the NMC’s own regulator) to discuss shortcomings, unfairnesses, inadequacies and possible improvements to the culture and processes midwives are subjected to. We speak at study days and conferences.

We work closely with NMC Watch, which supports both nurses and midwives undergoing the NMC Fitness to Practise process (see NMC referral page for further details).

Retreats

We run annual retreats at cost. Over a long weekend, we talk about our experiences as we want, walk, do some arts and crafts, practise some relaxation techniques and eat and drink (not necessarily in that order!).
The aim of the retreat is good company, rest and relaxation within the context of whatever is happening to us, rather than trying to forget about it.

Details are published on this website, on the ARM Facebook pages, and in Midwifery Matters. You can find out more by emailing support@midwifery.org.uk.

Midwifery Matters

The Midwives’ Haven Column

Midwives Haven has a regular column in Midwifery Matters. We are always looking for people to write about their experiences (anonymously or otherwise) or related issues, to help build insight and understanding about the use and abuse of professional discipline and regulation.

If you would like to tell your story or write about an aspect of these issues, please email magazine@midwifery.org.uk.

Funds

We fundraise to cover travel expenses and are also supported from ARM’s main funds.
The Midwives Haven Fund is called Theresa’s Fund, named, with her family’s permission, after a young newly-qualified midwife, Theresa Naish, who killed herself in 2009, when fearing referral to the NMC over the unavoidable death of a very premature baby. It turned out she had done nothing wrong but no-one reached out to reassure her. We believe that no midwife should feel so alone during dark times. You can read about Theresa here:

Midwife killed herself over baby death that wasn’t her fault | London Evening Standard
Midwife found hanged over baby death blame fears (telegraph.co.uk)

If you would like to make a donation to Theresa’s Fund, please use the form below. We try to run a fundraising stall at all ARM national events – please come and talk to us.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This