Pre-Hospital Maternity Care: Optimising Outcomes for Mothers and Newborns

In this episode, we explore the critical factors shaping maternal and neonatal outcomes in the pre-hospital environment, bringing together expert insights from Camella Main, Dawn Kerslake, and Stephanie Heys. Camella, a Consultant Midwife with over 12 years’ experience across both hospital and pre-hospital settings, shares her perspective from her roles with the London Ambulance Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service, where she leads on improving maternity care through evidence-based practice.The conversation focuses on the realities of managing high-risk pregnancies and neonatal care outside the hospital, particularly in rural and remote settings. We examine current guidelines, emerging trends, and practical strategies to optimise outcomes for both mother and baby. A key theme is the immediate care of the newborn, with a detailed discussion on thermal management, why it matters, common pitfalls, and the techniques and equipment that can make a critical difference in those first minutes after delivery.We also explore the broader system challenges: how paramedics are trained and supported in maternal and neonatal care, the role of clinical governance, and the importance of structured follow-up and ongoing support for patients. The panel addresses a significant gap in pre-hospital maternity research, highlighting both the challenges and the urgent need for further evidence to guide practice.This episode offers a comprehensive and practical look at pre-hospital maternity care, combining frontline experience, clinical expertise, and a forward-looking discussion on how the field must evolve to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. You can listen to the separate previous episodes here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vjqHk5SZXeW5HMjtZuGfmhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-future-of-pre-hospital-maternity-care/id1441215901?i=1000648721307This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.Learn more at ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠