Accessible Antenatal education is so important for pregnant women and their families to understand not only the processes that happen within the body during pregnancy and birth, but how to work with these feelings, both physically and mentally, to support and prepare the pregnant women through birth. How much and what information people receive from health professionals is likely to influence their choice in place of birth, mode of birth and outcome of birth.

According to the 2019 NHS Patient Survey Programme survey of women’s experiences of maternity care, 61% of women said they definitely received enough information from either a midwife or doctor to help them decide where to have their baby. 12% said they did not receive enough information.

One of the ways antenatal education can be made more accessible and personal is through digitally available information and support. In The National Midwifery Review, Better Births, it is stated that “women are more likely to report a positive experience of childbirth, regardless of the outcome, if their care is personalised, if they are treated with respect and if they are involved in decision making”.

Also stated is that, from research by the Department of Health, 45 women told The National Midwifery Review about their expectations for digital communication during pregnancy. Findings stated that without digital tools, women found it difficult to process the information and make decisions based on the vast array of pregnancy related material online. The more empowered women felt by their digital experience, the more likely they were to ask for help during face-to-face interactions with their healthcare professionals!

How is The Real Birth Company increasing accessible antenatal education?

The Real Birth Company has teamed up with Digital Maternity Notes providers, to help achieve identified goals within the NHS long term plan. These goals will be achieved by incorporating our Real Birth Digital Programme into women’s digital notes.