Melissa Quinn Coyne, RM - Independent Midwife

25th November 2009
Deciding on how and where to give birth? Have a read of this article by Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom.

5th November 2009
The Department of Health has issued new Neonatal Care guidelines designed to improve care for premature and sick babies in NHS hospitals.

25 March 2009
Here’s a study that recognises what mothers and midwives have known for years – that is is perfectly safe to eat whilst in labour. The study at Kings College London compared the birth experiences of over 2400 women and found that those eating food had the same rate of caesareans, the same newborn outcomes, and the same normal birth rate as those confined to drinking water through labour. Interestingly the group who ate in labour had on average a 15-minute shorter labour, though alarmingly, in both groups the ‘normal’ birth rate was a mere 44%!

21 December 2008
Here’s some good news for pregnant women’s finances – the new Health in Pregnancy Grant (HiPG) is on its way. From April 2009, almost every pregnant woman in the UK will be eligible for the HiPG. This one-off payment of £190 will be available from the 25th week of pregnancy. It’s meant to support the health and well-being of women in later pregnancy, and to help them meet costs in the run up to birth.

3 November 2008
A free new DVD has been launched today by Best Beginnings, a child health charity, and the Department of Health. Entitled ‘From Bump to Breastfeeding,’ the DVD provides practical breastfeeding support and information. It’s available from midwives and health visitors nationwide, and can also be watched online.