Ep 79 Soo Downe on Midwifery Innovations and Global Insights

Ep 79 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Soo Downe on Midwifery Innovations and Global Insights  

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Research link - ibit.ly/hUz5m

Discover the transformative journey of Soo Down, Professor of Midwifery Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, as she shares her path from literature and linguistics to a groundbreaking career in midwifery. Sue's passion was ignited at a maternity mission station in apartheid-era South Africa, leading to a direct entry midwifery program in Derby. Our conversation delves into the historical context of midwifery training in the UK, the emergence of midwife-led care, showcasing her unwavering commitment to advancing midwifery practice.

Reflecting on the evolution of maternity care, we explore the Fernandez Institute's collaborative initiatives in India, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Evita Fernandez. We discuss balancing caesarean section rates and promoting physiological births while examining the rise of medicalisation, caesarean rates, and birth trauma awareness. This episode sheds light on the increasing fear in modern maternity care and contrasts it with the trust and confidence that once prevailed, emphasising the need for compassionate care and stress management during childbirth.

We also navigate the intricate journey from master's to PhD in midwifery, offering practical advice for aspiring researchers. Soo shares her insights on the importance of selecting research topics fuelled by genuine curiosity, the dynamics of PhD viva traditions worldwide, and the critical gaps in midwifery research, particularly in the areas of the epigenome and microbiome. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Midwifery Evolution in UK & Australia
• 9:54 Reflections on Maternity Care Evolution
• 19:06 Navigating Suffering and Compassionate Care
• 23:19 Pathways to Midwifery Research Success
• 35:57 PhD Journey and Future Perspectives
• 39:22 PhD Journey and Supervisor Selection
• 46:08 PhD Viva Celebrations and Traditions
• 50:36 Supervisory Skills and Research Strategies
• 59:13 Redefining Normal in Maternity Care
• 1:04:30 Challenges and Hope in Maternity Care
• 1:07:39 Exploring Gaps in Midwifery Research