The Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research at the School of Health and Medical Sciences, City St George's, University of London welcome Dr Natalie Leister to discuss the first nationwide study to investigate the benefits and challenges of giving birth in Midwifery Units in Brazil, as part of the SHMS research seminar series.
Abstract
Dr Leister will be presenting preliminary findings from Birth in Brazilian Birth Centres, a national study examining clinical, psychological, and obstetric outcomes of planned births in Midwifery Units. Although Midwifery Units are still relatively rare in Brazil, this is the first nationwide study to investigate the benefits and challenges of giving birth in these settings.
Currently, the government is preparing to launch 30 additional units and intends to promote them as suitable options for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. However, despite international scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Midwifery Units, there is still insufficient national data—particularly regarding freestanding units—to fully support their implementation in Brazil.
This research aims to fill that gap by contributing evidence to support the expansion of these units and improvements in those already in operation.
About the speaker
Dr Natalie Leister is a midwife with PhD in Health Sciences. She currently works as a Professor at University of Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Honorary Research Fellow at City St George's, University of London. S
he conducts researches on maternity services configuration, functioning, care provided and outcomes; on women social and cultural decision-making related to maternity care; on the provision, improvement and strengthening of Midwifery Units; and on implementation of Group Antenatal and Postnatal Care.
Contact Details
Dr Cassandra Yuill
Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research
cassandra.yuill.2@city.ac.uk
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