Denise and her blog
Global Warming, Pregnancy And Midwifery
I was fascinated recently to see that the effects of extreme heat were debated at the International Maternal and Newborn Health conference in Nairobi, which included representation from WHO, ICM, UNICEF and other international organisations. Global warming is becoming a critical issue in relation to women’s, babies’ and children’s health, and to the work of midwives around the world.
It is well evidenced that Schumann resonance – the electromagnetic energy of the earth – has increased from around 7.83 Hz to over 8.2 Hz in recent years, and that this rising heat is becoming critical to health and wellbeing. The effect of this heat on human (and animal) health and wellbeing has been discussed for some decades, and attributed to the huge rise in population 9including people living longer) and the ever-increasing use of technology and electromagnetic forces, transportation and industrialisation, excessive use of chemicals in the atmosphere (in processed foods, in fragrances, cleaning products), uncontrolled viruses such as Covid – and much more. The issue of “electrosmog” from increased use of mobile ‘phones, radio frequencies, electricity, microwaves, ultrasound and more adversely affects sleep patterns, energy levels and mental wellbeing. Stress, which is a source of heat, increases brain vibrations, leading to agitation, anger (becoming “hot tempered”) and increased cortisol and adrenaline, causing hormonal imbalances, whilst the rise of ADHD and dementia in modern society is one of the longer term impacts of global warming.
In reproductive health, increased energetic impulses adversely affect fertility and conception, raising the risk of genetic mutations (heat affects the speed of cell division and mitotic division). Later in pregnancy, excess heat can lead to gestational complications - hypertension, diabetes, preterm labour, stillbirth – and to issues such as ovum implantation, potentially leading to placenta praevia, antepartum haemorrhage and more. Crucially, the abhorrent use of often unnecessary intervention in childbirth is a major source of negative energy for parents, babies and professionals – from CTG monitoring to brightly lit rooms, to increased use of induction, epidural and Caesarean births, with all the technology surrounding this terminal medical management of birth. For newborn babies, there is an impact on temperature regulation, maturation of the immune system and neurological development.
For midwives, exposure to constant heat in the maternity unit causes dehydration, extreme tiredness and a reduced ability to “think straight” – with the risk of poor decision making. Constantly raised cortisol affects midwives’ mood and cerebral balance, leading to agitated midwives who become short-tempered and who lose their ability to be compassionate. Over time, these issues lead to occupational burnout and, in the long-term, major health issues for midwives – and of course other healthcare professionals. In midwifery education, whilst technology has its place in aiding learning, constant exposure to digitalised equipment, mobile ‘phones, virtual learning resources and – since Covid – online learning, all contribute to additional exposure to heat.
Clinical midwifery – and antenatal and intrapartum care – have changed out of all recognition since I was first a midwife. There is so much reliance on technology, and consequent loss of basic observation, listening, smelling and other skills that, when well refined, were just as reliable in detecting complications – and midwives were taught how to resolve or manage those complications well before the arrival of medical help. Midwifery “care” – despite good intentions – is no longer as caring as it once was because the “system” does not allow us to care. Caring is a skill which balances the midwife’s brain, reducing cortisol and raising oxytocin, in the same way as it aids physiological progress in the women for whom we care. Addressing the clinical – and learning - environments to minimise sources of heat which adversely affect women, babies and their caregivers is crucial, particularly as some aspects of global warming are outside our direct control.
How do you think you can contribute to reducing heat sources in your workplace?
Expectancy is Worldwide!
Did you know that Expectancy is unique, worldwide, in providing university-level professional and academic courses specifically for midwives on the safe use of complementary therapies in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period? Expectancy has been offering complementary therapy courses for almost 22 years, in the UK and overseas. I’ve helped NHS midwives to implement aromatherapy, clinical reflexology and moxibustion for breech presentation. I’ve encouraged several hundred midwives to train in both complementary therapies and business studies so they can start their own private practices. And I’ve had the great pleasure of travelling to many countries around the world, including Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Iceland, Spain, Norway, Canada and elsewhere, to train midwives in various therapies. I’m immensely proud of the midwives who join our Expectancy Community and who follow their dreams of providing the best possible care to their clients.
A Place For Complementary Therapies
One of the most important principles behind everything I teach at Expectancy is safety and professional accountability.
Complementary therapies in midwifery can sometimes attract scepticism, particularly when they are associated with discussions around physiological or “natural” birth.
That’s why our programmes place such a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, safety frameworks and professional debate.
Midwives need to be able to explain why they are using a therapy, understand the safety considerations, and practise within the professional boundaries set out in the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code.
This allows midwives to confidently discuss their practice with colleagues, managers and parents - grounded in professional accountability and the best evidence available.
Complementary therapies should never sit outside professional practice.
They should sit within it.
Previous articles
Global Warming, Pregnancy And Midwifery
Expectancy is Worldwide!
A Place For Complementary Therapies
What About Midwives Who Choose To Work Outside Mainstream Midwifery?
Working with The Midwives at Liverpool Woman's NHS Foundation Trust
How Things Have Changed In Midwifery
Would you ever think to ask about pets when discussing essential oils? 🐾
Praise for Liverpool Women’s Hospital’s Pre-Birth and Postdates Pregnancy Service
FAQs
Safety and Storage of Essential Oils
