Bradford midwives have been shortlisted for a national award after the success of one of their new parenting initiatives.

The home birth workshops which were piloted last year ensured that Bradford parents-to-be received free detailed information in a bid to increase awareness and support for those interested in having their baby at home.

Now the project has been shortlisted for the Royal College of Midwifery Annual Awards which are being held in London next Wednesday (Jan 19).

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust consultant midwife, Alison Brown, said: “Being nominated for the Bounty award for promoting normal birth is a great honour for our service.

“In Bradford we like to think of new and innovative ways to engage with women and their partners and these workshops have proved to be a real hit.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will return with the top prize but as always with these events the competition is too close to call.”

Alison will attend the awards ceremony with Deborah Hughes, a community midwifery team leader, and East Brierley parents, Deeanne Binns and Simon Peacock.

Chief executive Miles Scott added: “I am delighted to hear that the Bradford Home Birth Workshop project has been shortlisted for one of the RCM’s Annual Midwifery Awards.

“Simply being shortlisted is a great achievement in itself and I’ll obviously be keeping my fingers crossed for the team and look forward to hearing the outcome.”

The homebirth sessions involve discussions about the practical aspects of home births and equip prospective mums, dads, partners and birth supporters with all the information and advice they need.

Participants also get to learn about the support available from midwives at the Bradford Royal Infirmary which sees more than 6,000 births each year.

As well as midwives, new parents, Deeanne Binns and Simon Peacock, are also on hand to talk about their own recent home birth experience as Deeanne gave birth to the couple’s first child, Jeanmarie, in the comfort of their own home on September 24, 2009.

Alison explained: “Whether it’s your first child or you’ve given birth before, exploring your options and learning about the birth process helps build confidence and prepares mums for their impending baby’s birth.

“We spend time in the sessions discussing coping strategies for labour and birth at home, including the use of water, and the ways in which midwives can work in partnership with mothers to help them achieve the births they hope for - maybe next week we’ll be able to say ‘award-winning’ sessions!”

Workshops planned for 2011 include:

• At Farmham Road Children’s Centre from 1.30-3pm on 18 February, 20 May, 19 August and 11 November.
• At Eccleshill Clinic from 10am-12 noon on 8 January, 9 April, 9 July, 1 October and 17 December.
• At Wyke Children’s Centre from 6.30-8pm on 8 March, 14 June and 13 September.

Please call Caroline Guy on 364500 to book your place on the workshops.