Mission

What is AIMS Ireland campaigning for?

The creation of adequate

NATIONAL GUIDELINES

for obstetric procedures, which would be in

agreement with international best practice as set down by the World Health Organisation.

The

PUBLICATION OF OBSTETRIC CLINICAL REPORTS

for all hospitals in the country in

annual report with adequate follow up investigation for any major deviations from set national

guidelines.

The provision of a

NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE BODY

to monitor all hospital statistics. This

body

would include representatives from all stakeholders in maternity care, including healthcare

professionals

and healthcare consumers. It is envisioned that THIS BODY would deal with

complaints

in a clear,

structured and independent manner.

To raise

AWARENESS OF CURRENT RESEARCH

on childbirth and related issues and to

support

Midwives and other healthcare providers to implement changes in the current system by

promoting

evidence based practices.

To seek additional

TRAINING

for obstetric staff in areas which presently need attention, such as

ultrasound technology, birthing pool procedures, informed consent and refusal, dealing with parents

personal level and to promote a greater understanding of and support for the normal birth

process.

Clarification of Medical procedures to facilitate

INFORMED CONSENT

. Informed consent in

maternity care should be given in the same way it is given for all other healthcare procedures

however;

cognisance must be given to fact that labour is not a suitable time to introduce information

to the

pregnant woman about medical procedures. A relatively limited amount of medical

procedures

accompany childbirth. A standardised publication should be prepared by healthcare

professionals

outlining the main medical procedures encountered during delivery and clarifying the

main medical

benefits and known risks of these procedures. A copy of this document should be

provided to all

expectant mothers by their healthcare provider in advance of their delivery

affording the pregnant

woman time to address any concerns they may have prior to giving birth.

Adequate provision of

CHOICE

in maternity care in accordance with international best practice,

including nationwide provision of access to home births for low risk pregnancy and the provision of

midwife led birth centres in all areas.

Extension of care provided by

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES

and

DOMICILLARY MIDWIVES

that women could choose domino care, rather than becoming in-patients in a hospital setting

following

delivery. Thus freeing much needed hospital beds.

A re-evaluation of

FULL TIME, COMPULSARY ROOMING-IN

in maternity hospitals. Limited

visiting policies whereby family visiting times are curtailed, hand in hand with no nursery care

facilities

mean that new mothers do not have adequate provision for care of newborns to take

showers

or even

for toilet visits. Specific consideration should be given to the support of women

with specific

health

issues following delivery who presently are expected to room in with their

newborn(s) while

they may

not be physically capable of providing the necessary care. It is

imperative that extra staff

be provided

to ensure the health and safety of all mothers and babies,

this should be carried out in

consultation with

both consumers and HSE insurers.

Reductions in the use of

ROUTINE LABOUR INTERVENTIONS

for non-medical reasons, such

induction and constant electronic foetal monitoring. An end to outdated use of tests, procedures

and

restrictions and a reduction in the percentage of caesarean deliveries as recommended by the

World

Health Organisation.

A standardised and written policy for dealing with all women with

SPECIAL NEEDS

during

pregnancy

and labour, this would include women who have suffered from abuse, women with

disabilities, women

with different cultural and language backgrounds and younger mothers.

Ensuing all women are afforded

DIGNITY AND RESPECT

during all their antenatal care, during

labour and postnatally. This would include privacy afforded to women who miscarry, during labour

and

breastfeeding.

RESPECT FOR THE CHOICES OF PARENTS

concerning their own and their baby’s care.

Ensuring all women get

ADEQUATE AND TIMELY ANTENATAL CARE

. E.g.: A reduction in

waiting times for 1st appointments to no later than 14weeks.

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What drives us?

We want choices for women. We want women to find their voices and fight for their right to make

choices during pregnancy, labour and birth.

We believe that changes in the Irish Maternity Services, no matter how small, will greatly improve

the

experience for all women, their families and the Maternity Service providers.

Association for Improvements in the Maternity
Services - Ireland

Mission

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Information and Consent by clicking on the link below.

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