Researchers have just published the first study looking at women’s perceptions of COVID-19 and their healthcare experiences in the UK. This was a qualitative thematic analysis and it was published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. Back in May of this…
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Dr Sara Wickham looks at the issue of covert retention in the hours after birth and asks whether evidence really does support routine urine measurement.
Perineal care bundles are a hot topic right now. The past few weeks have seen the publication of two papers relating to the OASI (or obstetric anal sphincter injury) care bundle that has been under trial in the UK. This…
The Sara Wickham Etsy shop has been restocked, and will be open for you to buy holiday gifts – or maybe something for yourself – between now and the end of the year! In the autumn of 2019, Chris and…
Dr Sara Wickham shares the top ten technologies that have improved the lives of women and midwives, voted for by midwifery and medical colleages.
Gathering in the Knowledge: an annual update online course for midwives and birth folk. Bite-sized, guilt-free, interactive and bang-up-to-date.
Sara Wickham offers a variety of resources for student midwives and others studying birth-related areas.
Black women are five times more likely to die in childbirth than white women. The increased attention that has been given to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 has caused more people than ever to make tiles black and…
Dr Sara Wickham discusses questions relating to normality. And goalposts. What can we learn from studies about urine output and new mothers’ sleep?
Dr Sara Wickham looks at research which explains the “induction postcode lottery” and shows how there’s not always good evidence behind the recommendation.
It’s really important to ask what went well, says Dr Sara Wickham. And to consider wellness and other touchstones that are a cornerstone of good practice.
Look inside Sara Wickham’s Inducing Labour book! See full contents list and read the first few pages of this bestselling book.
Dr Sara Wickham looks at research into gestational diabetes. This affects many women, but it’s not clear that current diagnosis and treatment is beneficial.
Two recent studies have confirmed the value of vaginal birth, breastfeeding and mother-baby contact, even when a woman has confirmed COVID-19.
Language is important, and many people have highlighted issues relating to language and birth. This page offers signposts to resources, articles and blog posts available on our website on this topic. It’s our latest information hub, and you can find…
How to share content so that everyone benefits? Dr Sara Wickham offers some suggestions and tips to help you stay generous, friendly and legal.
Dr Sara Wickham looks at some of the information women need in order to make an informed decision about transvaginal ultrasound examination.
What information should we offer when parents decide to decline vitamin K? Sara Wickham offers an overview and an infographic.
What do women want when it comes to the induction decision? Dr Sara Wickham investigates research which shows that it’s more complex than we might think.
Dr Sara Wickham shares and unpacks four commonly-seen vitamin K myths, explaining why some information sources have got it wrong.
Dr Sara Wickham, author of Vitamin K and the Newborn, shares information about vitamin K. Seven things every parent needs to know before making a decision.
Dr Sara Wickham discusses how to cancel labour induction. And where to get more information if you need it before making your decision.
Gathering in the Knowledge – review by Lynn Genevieve, a midwife who attended Sara Wickham’s online course and shared her thoughts in Midwifery Matters.
Sara Wickham looks at birth trauma research which highlights the experiences of women and shows how important it is that we look at this area more closely.
Sara Wickham dedicates a poem to Tricia Anderson and their shared love of writing about birth and cats.
What happens when parents want a tongue tie division but the baby hasn’t had vitamin K? Can professionals decline to do this? What are the issues?
Dr Sara Wickham discusses how evidence comes in many forms. The issue is not which type is most valuable, but whether the method fits the question.
Sara Wickham describes a caul birth where the intact membranes may have protected the baby. What wisdom is there in the ‘safety labour’?
Sara Wickham discusses art, craft, birth and knitting, revisiting a topic she first wrote about twenty years ago whose content is still as relevant today.
Our latest information hub gathers together classic articles and blog posts written for and about midwives and midwifery practice by Dr Sara Wickham.
Self-care is vital. Sara Wickham offers a bit of background and a long list of ideas for those who need to focus more on themselves.
Happy birthday to Sara Wickham’s Birth Information Update … and here’s the story of how it happened and how it continues…
Our latest information hub gathers together classic articles and blog posts written for and about midwives and midwifery practice by Dr Sara Wickham.
Dr Sara Wickham discusses ‘bad science’ and the papers which purport to show that birth is risky. But is risk being used as a means to control?
Sara Wickham’s most recent books are now available in electronic form on Kobo, as well as in paperback and on Kindle.
Dr Sara Wickham looks at new research. Why are some women dissatisfied after induction of labour? What aspects do they dislike?
Sara Wickham looks at the latest edition of the Cochrane review on membrane sweeping for induction of labour. What are the key points?
Sara Wickham explains how to find old copies of guidelines, such as those put out by professional or governmental bodies.
Sara Wickham offers some words of support and advice for the student midwife – aspiring, new or experienced – to take on their journey.
Michel Odent discusses the basic needs of a woman in labour, and why the keyword is protection.
Sara Wickham unpacks the birthkit essentials carried by midwifery colleagues and shares some great tips of things you might want to have at a birth.
Sara Wickham looks at new research on upright breech birth, which offers practical insight into how this is facilitated and what we can learn from this.
Sara Wickham offers a regular reminder about the value of self care and invites you to consider what you need for the coming month.
Government and professional bodies in the UK have publicly advised against the use of fetal dopplers by parents in the home. Dr Sara Wickham explains.
Sara Wickham shares details of our new information hubs – pages that summarise and link to all of our articles and blog posts on key topics.
Many women are offered a ‘stretch and sweep’ in late pregnancy. But what is this, why and how is it done, does it work and can you say no?
Sara Wickham shares her thoughts on birth knowledge, women’s wisdom and what she wishes she could tell everyone about these topics…
Sara Wickham reviews the updated (2019) version of Birthing your baby, by Dr Nadine Edwards.
Does the use of modern screening technology come with downsides? Sara Wickham argues that it does, both in life and birth.
Sara Wickham looks at Danish research which compared induction of labout at 42 weeks with induction of labour at 41+3 weeks, with interesting results.
Happy Holidays from Sara Wickham. Here’s wishing you a fabulous festive season, and we’ll see you next year!
Sara Wickham tells a holiday story of research pixies who learn why some types of research are (inappropriately) valued more than others.
Sara Wickham offers tips on holiday self-care and an invitation to think about how you’re going to care for yourself over the festive season.
Sara Wickham presents the results of a conversation amonst women who are also midwives on the topic of poo in labour.
Sara Wickham considers the concept of heart-centredness and discusses this in relation to birth and the maternity services. Why is this not valued?
Dr Sara Wickham reviews – and loves – Informed is Best: How to spot fake news about your pregnancy, birth and baby, by professor Amy Brown.
Sara Wickham shares research which highlights the issue of induction of labour and avoidable harm, showing us that there’s another side to the story…
There are a few myths about the idea that women need to be fully dilated to give birth, and that this means the same thing for every woman.
