Baby steps

The aims of the investigation were twofold:

1. To add other insights to the research conducted by the local NHS as part of the Better Births Early Adopter initiative.
2. To contribute to ensuring that Dorset’s diverse demographic of service users is more fairly represented, including those with protected characteristics.

We ran surveys, events, had face-to-face and group meetings. In total, we received feedback from 110 people.

Key themes

• Lack of respect for individual circumstances. While much of the feedback about the NHS maternity staff was very positive, there were some people who felt patronised and that they weren’t listened to or respected.
• Better communication and more time to allow mothers to understand. With particular groups of people with protected characteristics, the importance of clear communication is paramount. For example, the Muslim Contact Group said that the majority of mothers talked about ‘very poor lack of communication due to the mother’s language not being English first. Midwives seemed frustrated to have to explain and speak to other members of the family to help the mother through the labour.’

Recommendations

1. Surveys to include equality and diversity questions.
2. Translation and staff training in relation to race and culture.
3. Additional support for women with no birth partner.

This report was produced by the previous Healthwatch Dorset service provider, Healthwatch Dorset CIC.