NCT Watch

Johann Lamont SMP this week noted the case of her constituent, a seven month pregnant prisoner in Cornton Vale, who was shackled to a Reliance officer while attending Stirling Royal infirmary for in-patient and out-patient appointments.  She asked the Deputy First Minister to outline her Administration’s position on the handcuffing of pregnant prisoners and what action she is taking to address the matter with Reliance, the Scottish Prison Service and health boards. 

The main finding of the report, which covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is that stillbirth rates are not declining. Factors such as social deprivation, obesity and the mother’s age are blamed. In 2006 the stillbirth rate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was 5.3 per 1,000 total births, compared to 5.4 per 1,000 in 2000.

However, the report did find that there has been a reduction in the number of babies dying in the month after birth. These neonatal deaths went from 3.9 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 3.4 per 1,000 in 2006.

The report also found that the number of babies dying in the neonatal period from twin pregnancies has also fallen, from 22.3 per 1,000 births in 2000 to 19.3 per 1,000 births in 2006.

To view the full report online report, please go to www.cemach.org.uk. 

The Hindu. Home birth rates: http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/26/stories/2008042655201100.htm

The Guardian. Homebirth rate (as above): http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/women/story/0,,2276237,00.html

Baby World. Hannah Hulme Hunter: http://www.babyworld.co.uk/aboutus/experts/midwife.asp

Baby World. Breastfeeding Counsellor, Ali White: http://www.babyworld.co.uk/aboutus/experts/ali_white_breastfeeding.asp

Daily Telegraph. Childbirth preparation classes: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/health/2008/04/29/hclasses129.xml

BBC Web News. Cord blood collection: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7371801.stm

Community Newswire: Preparing for Parenthood: http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=4541794

MIDIRS: NCT response to cord blood collection: < http://www.midirs.org/midirs/midweb1.nsf/Z45/294131EBB5B555318025743B00338A66

Worcester News. Home birth: http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/display.var.2235079.0.0.php

The Argus (Brighton & Hove). Breastfeeding in public: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/letters/argusletters/display.var.2240415.0.a_mothers_right_to_breastfeed_in_public.php

icCannock.co.uk. Premature births:
http://iccannock.icnetwork.co.uk/news/tm_headline=campaign-backing-on-premature-births%26method=full%26objectid=20848337%26siteid=75673-name_page.html

Midirs. Preparing for Parenthood scheme:
http://www.midirs.org/midirs/midweb1.nsf/Z45/2A3981ED2EFC3A1C8025743C00302C0C

Midirs. Breastfeeding Awareness Week: http://www.midirs.org/midirs/midweb1.nsf/Z45/8319FC269061A6D08025743C00575743

Sunday Times. Mothers little helpers: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/beauty/article3671911.ece

The Mail on Sunday. Breast milk boosts IQ: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=564172&in_page_id=1774

Tony Baldry has laid down an EDM congratulating the North Oxfordshire Independent Reconfiguration Panel on its decision that services in paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and the

special care baby unit (SCBU) should continue to be provided at Horton Hospital. The Independent Reconfiguration Panel submitted its findings to the Secretary of State in March and recommended that he reject the local Trust’s proposals to concentrate these services in Oxford. It reported that the PCT must develop a clear vision for children’s and maternity services within an explicit strategy for services for north Oxfordshire as a whole and publish a plan outlining how the recommendations of the IRP are to be implemented within one month.

The IRP carried out a review at the request of the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, following a referral to him from the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The decision is a success for the local communities who fought hard to retain the services provided at Horton Hospital.

The Health Select Committee this week heard evidence as part of it inquiry into health inequalities. Opening the meeting the Kevin Barron MP (Chair) asked the witnesses what three evidence-based interventions they would recommend introducing to reduce health inequalities.

Leading the responses Professor Mike Kelly, Public Health Excellence Centre Director, at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said he would recommend that women take 400 grams of folic acid daily when they were trying to conceive and during the first four months of pregnancy. His second recommendation was that breastfeeding should be promoted as the best start for children’s health and that mothers should breastfeed for longer.

The early years programmes was also highlighted as having an important impact on tackling health inequalities but that investment in the early years of a child’s life and also their mothers needed to be re-emphasised.

It was also pointed out that a multi-pronged approach was probably needed to address public health issues. Improved counselling and support for those giving up smoking in deprived areas could help reduce inequalities and education, income and employment were all pointed out as having a positive impact on inequalities. Professor Kelly noted that a small shift in resources in education and income distribution could have a big effect on health inequalities

Date: April 2008
NCT National Press Release

Breastfeed with pride says NCT

As National Breastfeeding Awareness Week approaches (11-17 May) the NCT is marking the Week by encouraging NCT branches nationwide to host events and activities in their local area.
Local branches will be calling on shops, cafes and leisure facilities to do everything they can to promote the fact that local breastfeeding mothers will be made welcome.

The charity wants to encourage more mothers to give breastfeeding a go and engage the support of their family and friends – this will enable mothers to feel confident about breastfeeding for as long as they want to and give their baby the healthiest possible start in life.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of the NCT said;
“We are proud our branches are supporting National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Research shows that the benefits of breastfeeding start right from day one, so every day of breastfeeding is a reason to feel proud. This is especially important for the nine out of 10 women who stop breastfeeding before they want to. We want the families and friends of women who breastfeed to recognise the support they give can also make a real difference to a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and make a positive difference to babies’ health.”

Trained NCT breastfeeding counsellors are locally available seven days a week to answer questions and provide support around baby feeding. For further information call the NCT Breastfeeding Line on 0870 444 8708 Mon-Sun between 8am and 10pm.

In addition to the helpline, the NCT runs breastfeeding courses for parents who want to learn about baby feeding and related matters. A trained NCT breastfeeding counsellor helps parents and enables them to be in a better position to be able to breastfeed it they want to. Call NCT Enquiries for more details on 0870 444 8707.

The charity is also lending its support to the National Breastfeeding Conference for health professionals on 12th May. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk;

Ends

Notes to Editors:
· The NCT has books and booklets relating to breastfeeding which can be ordered from NCT Sales 0870 112 1120 or visit www.nctsales.co.uk Breastfeeding - A Good Start-Breastfeeding: how to express and store your milk. Breastfeeding for Beginners.
· The National Breastfeeding Conference takes place 12th May 2008 at Church House Conference Centre, London. The RCM is hosting the joint conference by the Department of Health, RCN, NCT, Communtiy Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association and others. The Conference will showcase recent national initiatives and has professional accreditation for health professionals. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk
· NCT is a proud member of the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition. www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk. The Breastfeeding Manifesto outlines seven key objectives which we are campaigning to have implemented into UK policy and legislation. It will ensure that mothers are supported so that they are able to breastfeed. The Manifesto has a wide range of Coalition members from Royal Colleges to environmental organisations and highlights the wide benefits breastfeeding can have on society. For more information and to sign up as a supporter, please visit www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk

BUMPS, BABIES AND BOSSES

The NCT, the UK’s leading parenthood charity is launching a brand new ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ scheme to enable companies and organisations to demonstrate a positive approach to pregnancy.

As part of the scheme, the NCT has developed a range of ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs that employers can purchase to give to staff as part of their maternity benefits policy. For the first time ever, employers will now be able to provide expectant employees with information and support on pregnancy and birth.

Studies have shown that employers with the best maternity policies enjoy a return-to-work ratio of over 90 per cent¹,². Becoming a parent can also be stressful, so support from employers can make a real difference in ensuring that parents continue to contribute positively to the organisation.

The ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs contain a range of NCT services with three different formats and prices on offer including antenatal classes, full membership or an NCT Information pack with books, magazines, DVDs, leaflets and other essential information on birth and parenthood.

Companies can choose from three different options (minimum order of ten packs):-

· NCT Information pack with books, leaflets DVDs - cost £45
· NCT Information pack with a year’s NCT membership - cost £85
· NCT Information pack with NCT membership and NCT antenatal classes - cost £300

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said;

“We are extremely pleased to be launching our new Preparing for Parenthood scheme. Our NCT packages will enable employers to show they support their employees through a life-changing experience of becoming a parent. Positive attitudes to parenthood benefit employers and employees alike, through skills retention, improved morale and a more productive workplace.”

Pilots

The NCT charity has piloted the programme with companies Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Europe. Jaguar Land Rover was recently voted first in a survey of corporate maternity policies carried out by the Guardian newspaper. (July 2007)

Jaguar Land Rover is offering staff the NCT Information pack with NCT membership as part of its maternity policy.

Rob Lummis, Group Employees Relations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said; “The NCT Packs are an important element of our maternity policy and one example of the many family friendly policies we provide to our employers at Jaguar Land Rover. The packs provide our expectant employees with key information that is greatly valued by our parents-to-be.”

Ford Europe is offering staff the NCT Information pack as part of its maternity policy.

Jane Tottingham, Diversity Manager, Ford Europe, said; “The provision of NCT packs is an important element of our total maternity package for employees. The packs provide a single, easy to access source of key information for parents-to-be and are greatly valued by our employees.”

To discuss NCT Preparing for Parenthood packs, or to order a brochure on a range of services, please contact the NCT partnership team at commercial@nct.org.uk

ENDS

References
¹ International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
² EOC Discrimination in Pregnancy Report

Mr. David Amess asked the Secretary of State for Health, on childbirth, what the (a) terms of reference and (b) timetable of the national perinatal epidemiology unit’s programme of reviews are; and if he will make a statement. [198743]

Ann Keen, Minister of State, responded that the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit is conducting the programme of systematic reviews referred to in my previous answer in line with a research proposal that has been peer reviewed and agreed with the Department. The primary aim is to make best use of existing national and international research evidence to identify the key interventions that are most likely to contribute to meeting the 2010 infant mortality target and, in the longer term, to improving maternal and child health and a sustainable reduction in health inequalities. The reviews will also help identify evidence gaps where there is a need for new research.

The work runs until September 2009, and the research team will provide outputs on a staged basis during the life of the project. Review outputs will cover generic public health interventions as well as the major medical causes of infant mortality. The research team has appointed a multi-disciplinary advisory group to support the work.

Ms Chuilin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the provision and support his department is providing for pregnant women who are experiencing (i) mental illness; and (ii) personality disorder.

Mr M McGimpsey replied that “many pregnant women with ongoing mental illness or personality disorders will already be known to services and be receiving care, either at the primary care level or from specialist mental health services. These established care arrangements should continue throughout her pregnancy, and should be provided in co-operation with those delivering her maternity care.

For those women who, during their pregnancy, develop, or exhibit for the first time, a mental health problem, I would expect midwives and obstetricians to recognise that there is a potential mental health issue and that established liaison arrangements should be in place to enable them to quickly contact an appropriate source for advice, support and, where necessary, specialised treatment.”

Uttoxeter Advertiser. Success brings extra day for new nursery: http://www.uttoxeteradvertiser.co.uk/uttoxeteradvertiser-news/displayarticle.asp?id=307458

Daily Telegraph. fathers present at labour: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/14/ndads114.xml

Guardian. Holidays at other people’s homes: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/apr/19/consumeraffairs

BBC News website. Breastfeeding: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7355094.stm