S2E13 | Advocating for Change: Improving NICU Parents' Experience in Maternity Wards

Join us this week to dive deep into a topic that hits home for many parents who've walked the NICU journey alongside us. Remember that Instagram post we shared a while back? The one where we shed light on the challenges NICU parents face while navigating maternity wards? The response was simply overwhelming – so many women shared their stories, revealing just how much stress NICU parents go through on top of an already challenging situation. We start by reflecting on the incredible impact that Instagram post had. It sparked a global conversation, bringing to light the struggles NICU parents encounter within maternity wards. We dive into some of the emotional stories that were shared with us. These stories showed us firsthand the urgent need for change and support in these situations. In this episode we are joined by the amazing Bethany (@_hairby_bethany), who's graciously sharing her own journey of having a premature baby at 32 weeks. She opens up about the challenges she faced within her local hospital. We talk about the shock of being considered a low-risk pregnancy and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with giving birth prematurely. Motherhood within the context of neonatal care is a complex landscape, and we delve right into it. Bethany's determination to drive change shines through as she discusses how she raised a formal complaint about her experience. You'll get to know about the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), an invaluable resource for addressing concerns with medical care. Ever heard of Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVPs) and Patient Advisory Groups (PAGs)? We're talking about these local avenues for advocacy and how they play a crucial role in bringing about change and how you can get involved in your local community. We're underscoring the incredible impact of seemingly small adaptations in maternity wards. These seemingly minor changes can create a world of difference for NICU parents' experiences. Our mission with this podcast is to be a part of advocating for these changes. We're hoping to inspire you to join this cause and be agents of change. It's important to note that this episode was recorded prior to the Letby case verdict. It is crucial to remember that the need to raise concerns and advocate for change remains as important as ever. We love engaging with our listeners! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @miraclemoonuk when you're tuning in. Help us spread the word by leaving a review and subscribing...that way, you won't miss a single episode. If this episode resonates with you or if you have questions, reach out to us on Instagram or shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can also find us on our website, www.miraclemoon.co.uk. A huge thank you to Emma at Cover My Bubble for supporting our podcast - you can find out more about all that Cover My Bubble offer at www.covermybubble.co.uk Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com