NHS charity funds study day in upright breech birth

Pictured above: Dr George Haroun providing training to Hywel Dda University Health Board staff.

Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has been able to fund a study day in upright breech birth for health board staff.

An upright breech birth is a method which uses gravity to help support an easier birth. Using this approach, the mother is encouraged to remain upright and active throughout the first stage of labour and then supported to assume the position of her choice for the birth.

Breech presentations occur in approximately 4% of all pregnancies.

Becky Westbury, Community Midwife Team Leader, said: “We’re so grateful that charitable funds have enabled our staff to attend a breech study day.

“Undetected breech presentations during labour inevitably occur, and in rural areas, there are fewer staff available to support when help is called for. Therefore, it is important that as many staff members as possible have skills and knowledge in this element of care.”

Dr George Haroun, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said: “I am very thankful for the warm welcome I received from the Hywel Dda team when I conducted the training day on this very important topic.

“Organising this training day shows how dedicated you are to providing your community with a safe and memorable birth experience, even when babies present in unusual ways like breech.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”