What we want to see on One Born Every Minute

In anticipation of the new series of One Born Every Minute, we had a chat about the births and experiences we’d like to see on the show:

Sophie

'I would love to see more skin to skin and breastfeeding in the after birth scenes – whether baby is born vaginally or in theatre via a section. Skin-to-skin and breastfeeding in the first 1-2 hours after birth are vitally important for building immunity for baby, establishing feeding, and helping mother-baby bonding and attachment. It’s fabulous!'

Kate

'For me, I think it would be lovely to see some rainbow babies featured. Pregnancy after losing a baby brings so many different and complex emotions – the joy of having a baby but also the memories of a baby that was lost. These are stories that deserve to be told, and what better place to do that than in Birmingham Women’s Hospital, home to Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research.'

Jo

'I would really like to see more awareness shown around mental health issues in pregnancy, like antenatal and postnatal depression. This is a subject that many people may not feel comfortable talking about, but for women who suffer from mental health conditions, it is a very real and sometimes debilitating time. I think heightening awareness of this and what help and support is available, will encourage women and their families to talk about it and access help. Many women will be watching One Born Every Minute and it is a great way of getting the message across that its ok, not to be ok and to ask for help from midwives, GP’s, health visitors or speak out to family and friends. Women need to know that they are not alone and that there is support and advice available, they just need the confidence to ask.'

Anna

'What would I like to see on One Born this series? I can’t pick just one thing, so here are four…

1. 1. I would like to see more of the relationships that develop between a mum and her midwife. Community midwives, for example, who know the mums they care for and might have even been present at a birth (or two) with the same family. The excitement when you know the woman and family at a birth makes it even more magical. Many midwives who work like this say it is like going to the birth of a friend. This would be a really inspirational way to remind us all just how vital continuity of care is for families AND midwives.
       
   2. Optimal cord clamping (OCC) is never far from my mind because we know that it is so important for the baby at birth and for their long term health, and it doesn’t cost a thing! Any awareness of OCC that One Born could raise would be brilliant.
       
   3. It would be great to hear more about what women did in early labour to get through this challenging time. As midwives, we are constantly learning from women, families, their babies and other professionals. Any new tricks or tips would be welcome!
       
   4. I would like to see how women have felt after using complementary therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, or massage, or after practising hypnobirthing, and how this impacted their birth!'

For us, variety is the key! Birth is so unique and it is truly special to be allowed access to these personal moments. We’d like to see labour and birth celebrated in all its forms, and the full range of options available to women and their families – from what position to labour in (and where), to their choice of pain relief.

Find out more about labour and birth