A novel new approach to childbirth education has been taken by staff at The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit (JCMU) at Noble’s Hospital, with the inventive conception of a mountain course-themed ‘labour and birth circuit’ released to coincide with the TT festival.
Aimed at expectant parents, the step by step circuit is an educational lap around the familiar 37.7 mile TT course, using more than 20 landmarks to describe the normal process of labour and childbirth.
In the giude, the roaring start of Bray Hill is followed by the realisation of a long journey ahead. The help of a birthing partner is recommended to help negotiate the ‘tricky corners’ at Greeba, while the sharp right turn at Ballacraine is likened to the arrival of painful contractions.
Women are encouraged to trust their body and nature during the ‘dark and daunting’ tree cover at Sarah’s Cottage, and to expect fear or excitement-induced uneasiness as the bike wheels fly inches above the tarmac over Ballaugh Bridge.
By the Bungalow however, to quote from the map, women have: ‘reached the summit. You are fully dilated and have completed the first stage of labour. Sit back and admire the view for a time.’
There’s even a wet race warning regarding waters breaking, and a longer and less comfortable diversion via Tholt-y-Will and Sulby Reservoir in the case of babies in the posterior position.
Catching the Manx Electric Railway tram from Ramsey to Douglas is the longer but more medically managed option likened to having an epidural.
All roads however lead to the finish line at the Grandstand, and congratulations on a job well done before a pit stop to survey and repair any damage.
The purpose of the pathway, say the staff involved, is to equip women with the resources they need to get the very best out of their bodies during labour.
They say progress of normal labour is dependent on a few simple facts, pregnant women need fuel to create energy, the right environment so that the woman feels safe and secure, and they need to feel supported.
Member for Health Services Dudley Butt MLC congratulated midwives on their idea. He said: ‘The TT circuit is an exceptional, exciting journey and a massive challenge to all competitors, easily comparable to labour, and childbirth. Using the analogy is a unique and relevant way to illustrate the stages of labour and birth to pregnant women and their families.’
Jane Sloane, head of midwifery added: ‘The group have worked extremely hard to produce this innovative piece of work and I look forward to families across the island embracing it.’
