Covid-19 sped up our plans for partners
Pre-covid it was acknowledged nationally that more work is required around supporting partners, this was an area we were planning to review at Royal Berkshire. However, the Covid 19 pandemic forced us to consider this topic sooner.
Due to reduced contact with healthcare professionals, partners were unable to receive the support required during the lockdown. At the same time there was an increase locally in non-accidental injuries of babies, whereby it was felt more health promotion was needed. Many midwives were also required to work remotely and hence we found ourselves able to offer new ways of working.
We started phoning
Partners were informed on the ward that a midwife would call them day 9 postnatally to offer support. A text was also sent to advise of the day and time that the call should be expected. This call consists of 3 elements:
An emotional wellbeing check for the partner, with signposting to relevant support groups if required.
An opportunity to ask questions about their baby and concerns about their partner.
The reinforcement of the ICON messages: Explaining the normal crying process for a baby, how to placate a baby, confirmation that leaving the baby in a safe space is OK and the importance of never shaking a baby.
“The call arrived at an overwhelming time and was much appreciated, I just assumed all partners received this call, as it’s my first baby”
“Much appreciated”
This service commenced on 8 May 2020 and so far we have called approximately 1500 partners. We intend to audit the value of these calls but so far most partners have been very receptive. There have been many occasions when extra midwifery input has been provided as a result of this contact. One dad commented: “The call arrived at an overwhelming time and was much appreciated, I just assumed all partners received this call, as it’s my first baby.” (Ted, baby born 19 May 2020).
The midwives also report liking this role. “I do find the calls enjoyable and that I’m having a positive impact on the parents, a lot of the dads are grateful for the information about being able to walk away and leave the baby in a safe place.” (Tracey, midwife)
“I do find the calls enjoyable and that I’m having a positive impact on the parents, a lot of the dads are grateful for the information about being able to walk away and leave the baby in a safe place”
Next steps
Our plans from here on are to audit this service fully, continue to offer the service for as long as it is required and we are able to safely staff. The findings of our audit will be shared widely once we have confirmation of the true value of this service.
If you’d like more information about support for partners around birth trauma, click here.