We want midwifery units to become a mainstream option for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, providing holistic care to them and their family.
You can find out more about Midwifery Unit Network’s Vision, Mission and Values here
What does MUNet do?
Networking
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MUNET
Twitter: @MidwiferyUnits
Informing
Published research on midwifery units is growing all the time. Keep up to date with must-read articles here. On our resources page you can also find examples of guidance, policy documents and toolkits; operating policies, clinical guidelines and pathways to help support your own unit.
Policymaking and Influencing
The Midwifery Unit Network have been working with the European Midwives Association (EMA) to influence the implementation of maternity policies that promote the safety and health of women and their babies and access to evidence-based maternity care.
The Midwifery Unit Standards
We want midwifery units to become the main care pathway for healthy women with straightforward pregnancies. We have worked with the European Midwives Association (EMA) to develop the Midwifery Unit Standards, to provide the quality assurance necessary to scale up the implementation of midwifery units across Europe. The Standards aim to improve the quality of maternity care, reduce variability in practice and facilitate a bio-psycho-social model of care. You can find out more and download the Standards here.
Beacon Sites
The Birth Centre Beacon Sites pilot showcases midwifery units, midwifery leadership and NHS trusts that demonstrate a positive philosophy and organisation of care. In 2018, three NHS trusts were awarded Beacon Site status, and committed to helping others learn from their experience. You can find out more about our Beacon Sites here.
Education and training
The Midwifery Unit Academy offers high quality training for those opening and sustaining midwifery units. Our online and offline modules include courses on personalising care, decision-making and skills to support physiological birth. Click here for more details of upcoming courses.
Leadership and consultancy
We support leaders to inspire change by providing information and evidence and facilitating conversation. Our workshops and events bring together maternity leaders from across Europe to learn from each other and share best practice.
Research
Research and evidence are at the core of our work. In collaboration with the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research at City, University of London the Midwifery Unit Network has been active in influential research since its creation. NICE Birthplace Action Study Midwifery Unit Support for Excellence Pathway (MUSE)-Pathway NICE/NHS decision aids.