10.12 Contemporary Issues in Midwifery 2023

- Reviewing assessment of the newborn at birth and beyond - Students as advocates As we come to the final programme in the season, we are including two issues that are ‘hot off the press’ and important for midwives and students to know about and engage with. One of that of Students role as not just learning the art and science of midwifery, and balancing theory and practice, but also about being advocates for women and families and for fellow practitioners and highlighting disparities and inequalities that are faced by women and people of colour navigating the maternity services. Student midwife Amba Morrell shares and reflects upon her experience of undertaking this role. We are also joined by Professor Hora Soltani, who will be presenting some findings from the newly published review of neonatal assessment practice in Black, Asian, and minority ethnic newborns supported by the NHS Race and Health Observatory study. This highlights the need for better assessment of neonatal well-being at birth by professionals, as well as ongoing assessment, being aware that some terms in use to describe the newborn such as ‘pink’ ‘describing a well-perfused baby, need to be better described in caring for babies of colour. Hosted by: Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert, Mayes Midwifery Contribution from: Amba Morrell, Student Midwife, London South Bank University Professor Hora Soltani, Professor in Maternal and Infant Health, Sheffield Hallam University