2. Birth Environment Strategies for change

3. INSPIRATION

5. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE

7. Mangers need to lead by example

8. Ask your users what they want e.g. may not want cot in room due to superstition

9. Use women’s stories to build a powerful narrative to engage staff

10. Involve staff in the design of new rooms

12. Midwives and obstetricians need to be exposed to birth environments that promote normality

13. Need to build staff confidence about how to use new rooms and equipment (especially so they do not hurt themselves) – mandatory training

14. Provide low stools or mats on floors for midwives to use

16. Start to engage staff in changes to practice now

17. Need to introduce changes well in advance – regular Skills and Drills, Learning Forums and Reflective Groups

18. Pro-actively manage these transitions for staff

19. Do not allow environment to be an excuse. There are always things you can do now

21. Approach PCT or funders at the end of financial year to make case for change

22. Start with low-hanging fruits e.g. graphic wallpaper (cheap, easy to put up and not constrained by space)

23. Generate income from fundraising activity

25. High risk areas are so clinical – why shouldn’t we try to improve these too?

26. Challenge these labels

27. It is all about a safe and comfortable atmosphere