Midwives' network set up to promote midwifery-led units

Midwives and academics have set up a network to promote the development of midwifery-led units. 

The Midwifery Unit Network (MUNet) is a response to the National Maternity Review, published in February. 

The independent review found women were not given enough choice on where they could have their baby. It said clinical commissioning groups should provide greater choice to mothers, including offering birth in a midwifery-led unit.

Guidelines from NICE in 2014 said interventions, such as a caesarean section or forceps birth, were less likely in a midwife-led unit than in hospital labour wards. 

The network was launched at City University London by Conservative peer Baroness Cumberlege, who chaired the maternity review. 

The network’s European group will share ideas about how to set up midwifery units across the continent. 

The MUNet website will share best practice from midwifery-led units.

Independent midwifery consultant Sheena Byrom and MUNet co-founder said: ‘We need everyone to know about their local midwifery unit, what it offers and how to book their care there. Midwifery units are still a too-well-kept secret.’

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