Checking enough midwives are employed

Information for the public

Senior midwives should monitor whether there are enough midwives to provide care for women and babies.They should look at the records of when the number of midwives available didn't match the number needed and when red flag events occurred (see the box on red flag events: signs there may not be enough midwives).

Feedback from women and their families or carers may be collected using the National Maternity Services Survey. The survey includes questions about how well a woman was cared for during labour and birth, how well she was supported after her baby was born (including support with breastfeeding and any problems like postnatal depression), and how well the midwives communicated with her.

Organisations should also keep records of the following:

whether a woman attended a booking appointment within 13 weeks of becoming pregnant
when women are admitted to hospital while they are pregnant or after they have given birth
the number of women with birth trauma, such as a tear that happens during delivery
whether the woman gave birth in the place of her choice
how many women breastfeed their babies
how often staff had to miss breaks, work overtime or were off sick
how happy staff are in their work.

Hospital managers should regularly look at this information to see if there are any problems, and they should use it when they are doing their long-term planning.