Specialist midwife to help tackle health 'taboo'

A midwife specialising in helping new mothers who are experiencing pelvic health problems after pregnancy has been appointed.

NHS Humber Health Partnerships has recruited its first pelvic health midwife to support mums at maternity hospitals in Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

According to the NHS, one in three mothers experiences urinary incontinence three months after pregnancy and one in 12 reports symptoms of pelvic prolapse after giving birth.

Pelvic health midwife Laura Caldicott said: "People have been too embarrassed to talk about it, and we want to change that."

She added: "We know these symptoms aren't normal but they are common and people can get help and support rather than suffering alone."

The NHS says that with 8,700 babies born every year in Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, Ms Caldicott will support mums as well as educating maternity staff on the prevalence of the problem and how to refer those who may be experiencing issues to the service.

She will work alongside the women's health physio teams at Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals who triage and treat those experiencing pelvic health problems and women who suffer major tears during birth.

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