Baby Lifeline launches Monitoring for Mums appeal

Mother and baby charity Baby Lifeline officially launched its biggest appeal yet, Monitoring for Mums, at its 35th anniversary dinner in September.

The appeal is aiming to raise more than £4.5 million in response to equipment and training requests for maternity units across the country. Obtaining the equipment for these units is hoped to improve standards of care, making a real difference to thousands of families by reducing stillbirth rates, avoiding preventable brain injuries and promoting natural birth.

The anniversary gala dinner was held on 8 September at Sussex Place and was attended by several famous faces, including TV presenter Nick Owen and Dame Barbara Windsor.

Since the official launch of the appeal, several hospitals in the north east have received funding for their requested equipment and training. Alison Russell, Delivery Suite Manager at James Cook University Hospital, said: "The equipment and training received by our unit will enable the safe monitoring of babies' heart rates antenatally and during labour in order to meet national guidance. Using the monitors allows continuous monitoring in high dependency labours and the Dopplers allow midwives to monitor the baby's heart allowing mums to remain mobile or be in water during labour. This ensures optimum safety for mums and babies. Funding for training means midwives can attend up-to-date training sessions by national experts, also allowing discussion with other health professionals from other units, enabling sharing of knowledge."

For more information about the appeal, see www.monitoringformums.co.uk