S<$c$>taying in the maternity ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is such a pleasant experience that many people request to stay there whenever they need to be hospitalised.The requests speak volumes not only to the professionalism of nurses in the ward, but also to their genuine warmth and caring. It is not uncommon for pregnant women especially those expecting their first child, to find the maternity ward a daunting place. Completely unfamiliar with it and under the stress and pain of labour new mothers often find it hard to relax when they first get there.

Recognising this, Clinical Educator Kerry Bennett has reinstated an introductory programme for mothers. The classes run once a week for four weeks and cover a range of material pregnant women need to know.

Changes that take place in the body, labour and delivery, relaxation, breast-feeding advice and a tour of the unit are included. The two-hour classes are taught by maternity ward midwives. Desiree Ford, one of the 19 midwives in the unit, said the direct contact with staff often reassures the expectant mothers. Over the four week course, eight different midwives teach. This means that when mothers actually deliver they have a good chance of having a midwife they already know. The familiarity is usually comforting and at such a stressful time it can actually help better relax the mother.

Although this familiarity both with the midwives and the physical unit is good, Mrs. Kipps Jackson stressed that the main purpose of the course is to give mothers accurate information.

“Straight from the horse’s mouth eliminates their fears. It is good for women to hear directly from midwives what can happen,” she said. She pointed out that many women are getting information from the Internet that may not be true or that cannot be done in Bermuda.

“We have seen a growing number of women with unrealistic expectations,” said unit midwife Erika Cullen. Typical of the misinformation is advice to wait as long as possible after contractions have begun to go to the hospital. Ms Cullen said it is important for pregnant women to get to the hospital as soon after their water bursts as possible.

“We have women leaving it until the very last minute. They come in and deliver in 20 minutes,” she said.

Pregnant women, especially those who have had a previous Caesarean section, risk rupturing internal tissues when they labour outside the hospital. Another misconception is that you can have the baby under water. At present KEMH does not have this facility.

“In Britain there is a know your midwife scheme that makes the birthing process less traumatic and provides continuity of care,” said Ms Cullen. “This is the programme that is filling that function in Bermuda.”

Nurse Ford said the course also helps midwives in the unit understand the issues and concerns of mothers coming in.

“It is important to us to try and tailor our care to their needs,” she said. “We learn what they need and they learn from us and from others in the class. They are encouraged to ask any questions and we have a policy that what is said in the room stays in the room,” she added.

The midwives suggest that expectant mothers have a birthing plan. This plan details their preferences in delivery and includes items like not having an epidural, sitting or lying down and even background music. “We are empowering women to have the kind of delivery they want,” said Mrs. Kipps Jackson. “Many of the expectant mothers are foreigners and so like new mothers they are in an unfamiliar environment. I often give these women a tour, we never say no to that. As soon as they have seen the unit they are relieved. I think they just want reassurance that we are professionals,” she said.

“Safety is number one here,” said Ms Bennett. “There are rules and procedures, protocols. Care isn’t made up as you go along.”

Birthing classes at KEMH are $155 for the 4-weeks and you can bring a coach or partner. For more information contact Clinical Educator, Kerry Bennett on 239 2017.