Maternity hospitals in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe have appointed their first midwife to help anyone experiencing pelvic health problems after pregnancy.
One in three experience urinary incontinence three months after pregnancy and one in 12 report symptoms of pelvic prolapse after giving birth.
Now, NHS Humber Health Partnership has appointed Laura Caldicott as its first Pelvic Health Midwife in line with national guidance and, with 8,700 babies born every year in Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, is here to help anyone affected by pelvic floor issues.
Laura said: “This wasn’t a service that could be accessed easily in the past and it was seen as a taboo subject. People have been too embarrassed to talk about it and we want to change that. We know these symptoms aren’t normal but they are common and people can get help and support, rather than suffering alone.”
Laura will be raising awareness of the problem at monthly HEY Baby Carousel events held at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital and at public events held by maternity services at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, Goole Hospital and Scunthorpe General Hospital.
She will also educate maternity staff on the prevalence of the problem and how to refer those who may be experiencing pelvic floor issues to the service.
Another key part of her role will be working alongside the Women’s Health Physio Teams at Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals, who triage and treat those experiencing pelvic health problems or anyone who had major tears during the birth of their babies referred to the service.