Association of Radical Midwives
ARM
Midwifery Matters!
Introduction
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Who are we?
What are our objectives?
How did we start?
Why radical?
Funding
Achievements
The ARM today
Who are we?
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Midwives
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NHS
Independent
Lecturers,
Researchers
Unemployed
Retired
Student Midwives
Mothers & fathers
Anyone interested in improving maternity care in
the UK!
Who are we?
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Primarily a group for midwives & mothers
who are struggling to give or receive good
quality maternity care.
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Registered charity No. 1060525
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We have close links with other
organisations such as AIMS, NCT, IMUK
and the RCM.
Objectives
Are to,
 Re-establish the confidence of the midwife in her/his own skills as
an autonomous practitioner.
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Share ideas, skills and information with colleagues and clients.
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Help midwives in their role as advocate for women’s active
participation in maternity care.
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Support midwives in their efforts to provide continuity of carer.
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Support midwives in delivering diverse patterns of care.
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Encourage the evaluation of research & development within
Origins
1976, two student midwives shared their
frustration with increasing medical
interventions in maternity care.
Held regular meetings for mutual
support/study – soon others joined.
In 1978, the regular newsletter began –
Midwifery Matters.
Radical?
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Lots of ‘radical’ associations in the 1970’s!
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Definition of radical: pertaining to roots /
origins / basic principles (i.e. of midwifery).
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Play on words – initials ARM stood for
Artificial Rupture of Membranes.
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Controversial?
Funding
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Membership fees
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Gift aid
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Sale of goods
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Conference / meetings (break even policy)
Achievements
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Publications:
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1986 The Vision/2013 The New Vision - Proposals for
the future of the Maternity Services
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“What is a Midwife?” leaflet
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1999 “Vision for Midwifery Education” - suggestions to
improve training.
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Responses to various government papers, including
most recent NHS white paper
Achievements
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UKMid list - a Yahoo group with 3500 members
worldwide: ukmidwifery@yahoogroups.com
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Membership of House of Commons Health
Committee - 1992 Winterton Report
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Membership of Expert Maternity Group - 1993
Changing Childbirth
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Seats on ICM and EMA councils
Achievements
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Our working group “Midwives Information and
Resource Service” became an independent
charity in 1984 - MIDIRS.
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Yurt Project – 2005
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Annual study day in Wigan
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National Conference every year
ARM today
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Steering group - elected members. Secretary,
Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Magazine
Editor.
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ARM helpline / media contact
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Quarterly meetings around the country - steering
group / national meeting / study session /
workshops
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Quarterly magazine - Midwifery Matters.
ARM today
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Local contacts
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Local groups - regular meetings
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Yahoo group
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Website: www.midwifery.org.uk
National Conference
Birth Choices
Nottingham on March 14th 2014.
See web site www.midwifery.org.uk
Yurt project
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A safe space for pregnant women,
mothers, families to relax / chat / meet with
midwives at music festivals.
Includes Buddha Fields, Glastonbury,
Solfest and others.
Separate Yahoo group for members
interested in ‘womaning’ the yurt - includes
festival pass...
The Yurt
Annual Retreat
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A week of rest and relaxation with likeminded ARM members.
Join in as much / as little as you like
Various locations - self catering / cleaning
Shared veggie meals, daily ‘topic’ for
discussion...
Coincides with autumn national meeting
Workshops sometimes included
Get involved!
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Local meetings:
Informal or formal
 Caring and sharing
 Research / subject discussions
 Event planning (study days / film nights)
 Networking
 Support and advice
 Experience of organising / chairing meetings
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Get involved!
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Complete membership form and join!
Write about your experiences for MM!
Come to national meetings / study day
Book your place at the conference
Join ukmidwifery@yahoogroups.com
Visit our website
www.midwifery.org.uk