Innovative midwives shortlisted for award

The home birth workshops, which were piloted last year, ensured that Bradford parents-to-be received free detailed information in a bid to increase awareness and support for those interested in having their baby at home.

Now the project has been short-listed for the Royal College of Midwifery Annual Awards which are being held in London tomorrow.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust consultant midwife, Alison Brown, said: "Being nominated for the Bounty award for promoting normal birth is a great honour for our service.

"In Bradford we like to think of new and innovative ways to engage with women and their partners and these workshops have proved to be a real hit.

"Whether it's your first child or you've given birth before, exploring your options and learning about the birth process help build confidence and prepares mums for their impending baby's birth."

The midwife will attend the awards ceremony with Deborah Hughes, a community midwifery team leader, and East Brierley parents Deeanne Binns and Simon Peacock.

The trust's chief executive Miles Scott said: "Simply being short-listed is a great achievement in itself and I'll obviously be keeping my fingers crossed for the team and look forward to hearing the outcome."

The home birth sessions involve discussions about the practical aspects of home births and equip prospective mothers, fathers, partners and birth supporters with all the information and advice they need.

Participants also learn about the support available from midwives at Bradford Royal Infirmary, where more than 6,000 babies are born each year.

New parents, Deeanne Binns and Simon Peacock, are also on hand to talk about their own home birth experience.