Specialist midwife supports women with complex medical conditions
On the International Day of the Midwife (Monday 5 May), the efforts of specialist midwives at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals are being celebrated for the vital role they play in keeping mums and babies safe, especially when pregnancy is more complex or comes with serious health challenges.
Alethea Brown is a Maternal Medicine Specialist Midwife at Basildon Hospital and sees more than 50 patients a month and the number of pregnant women with complex medical needs is rising.
She said: “Not every Trust offers this specialism, but we have one at each of our main hospital sites. Essentially, we bridge the gap between consultants and midwives for pregnant women with complex medical conditions, such as kidney disease and heart disease.”
Some patients have long-term health conditions, others develop complications during pregnancy. Thanks to better technology, many risks can now be identified and managed early.
Aletha said: “Our patients are referred to us by the community midwives and we look after them for the duration of their pregnancy.
“Compromise and listening are key in this job as ultimately our patients make their own decisions, and we are here to advise and give our professional opinion. Building strong, trusting relationships with our patients is so important – after all, we share the same aim - to make sure mum stays as well as possible and has a healthy baby.”
One of her patients is Shannel Flynn, 24 from Basildon, who has chronic kidney disease and is expecting her second child.
She said: “I had a very difficult birth with my first child, so when I found out I was pregnant again, I felt anxious about it. Talking to Alethea really helps as she listens to my concerns and helps me to stop worrying.
“As well as working with my kidney consultant to make sure I get the medical care I need, Alethea also helps me to feel calm. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Aletha said: “I love my job here at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and I’m so proud to be helping pregnant women get the care that they need, especially when they’re dealing with the additional challenges of complex medical conditions. When a woman I have looked after for many months finally gives birth to a healthy baby, well that’s the best reward there is.”