Taking It Further - Weblinks

Royal College of Midwives - a trades union and professional body run by and for midwives; their website offers a range of help, opinion and advice. They have a full range of resources for people interested in midwifery as a career.

The RCM offer a special pack for those interested in returning to midwifery.

Association of Radical Midwives - ARM believe that "all women have the right to a service tailored more closely to their needs, and a sympathetic attitude on the part of their professional attendants." They offer support to people having difficulties getting sympathetic care.

Official Maternity Statistics - produced by the Department of Health and providing a snapshot of NHS services to parents. For example, between 2001-2 and 2002-3, the percentage of caesarean births remained unchanged at 22% of all births.

For expectant parents and health professionals working with them:
Informed Health Online on Pregnancy and Childbirth - a wide range of articles covering everything from placental insufficiency to the lack of research into whether having sex can induce delivery

Pain relief options for labour - a guide to the sort of pain you might expect during childbirth, and ways of coping.

For expectant and new parents:
The National Childbirth Trust - offering a range of support.

If you have experienced the loss of a baby at, or shortly after, birth, and would like help and support:
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society - SANDS provides support for parents and families whose baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth.

If you are - or have recently had - twins or more children, or are working with a parent who has:
Twins and Multiple Births Association - TAMBA is a UK charity offering a sympathetic ear for anyone coping with the birth of two, three or more children.

The BBC and The Open University are not responsible for the content of external websites. It is essential to seek medical advice when making decisions that could affect your health, or the health of your children.