This page contains links and other additional support information to supplement the text of the AIMS Publication Am I Allowed. If you find any information on this page that is out of date please do let us know so that we can provide an update. Please email webmistress@aims.org.uk
Find additional information for a page in Am I Allowed
9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 34, 35, 38, 40, 45, 46, 54, 58, 59, 61, 63, 66, 75, 79, 83, 84, 92, 94, 98, 100, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 114, 116, 118, 123, 125, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 137, 138, 140, 141, 142
Antenatal Appointments (page 9)
The NICE guidelines on antenatal appointments have changed slightly since Am I Allowed was printed. The current guidelines (as of 2019) are here:
https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/antenatal-care-for-uncomplicated-pregnancies/antenatal-care-for-uncomplicated-pregnancies-schedule-of-appointments
Organisations providing antenatal classes
| KG Hypnobirthing | www.kghypnobirthing.com |
| Hypnobirthing - The Morgan Method | www.hypnobirthing.com |
| Yogabirth | www.yogabirth.org |
| NCT | www.nct.org.uk |
| Active Birth Centre | www.activebirthcentre.com |
| Lazy Daisy | www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk |
| Pregnancy and Parent Centre, Edinburgh | www.pregnancyandparents.org.uk |
Organisations who can provide information and support about employment rights and maternity benefits
| Citizens Advice Bureau | www.citizensadvice.org.uk |
| Working Families | www.workingfamilies.org.uk |
| Maternity Action | www.maternityaction.org.uk |
| Family Lives | www.familylives.org.uk |
| One Parent Families Scotland | www.opfs.org.uk |
| Gingerbread | www.gingerbread.org.uk |
The subtitle on this page “Certificate of Confinement” refers to a document whose name has been changed to “Mat B1”. More information here:www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-certificate-mat-b1-guidance-for-health-professionals/maternity-certificate-form-mat-b1-guidance-on-completion
Find out more about Maternity Allowance, including how to claim
www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance
Sure Start Maternity Grant (page 11)
For more information and the application form see:
www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant/how-to-claim
Entitlement to Free NHS Care (page 12)
For details of who is entitled to free NHS care
www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care
Dental Care (page 12)
Use this page to find an NHS Dentist local to you
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Dentists/LocationSearch/3
Travelling by Train (page 12)
South West Trains has been taken over by South Western Railways and details of their Mums to Be scheme can be found here; but they are not offering an upgrade to first class.
www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/onboard/mums-to-be
ARC, Antenatal Results and Choices is a national charity which provides information and support in relation to antenatal screening and its consequences for both parents and healthcare professionals
ARC Antenatal Results and Choices
AIMS leaflet 'Charter for Ethical Research in Maternity Care www.aims.org.uk/assets/media/5/charter-for-ethical-research.pdf
These links may also be useful:
NHS information page on being involved in research: www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-trials/
Ethical Research Involving Children's Charter: https://childethics.com/charter/
Free confidential advice about HIV is available from
www.positivelyuk.org
Second trimester Maternal serum screening (MSS) Test (page 21)
For further information contact ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices)
www.arc-uk.org
See following page will calculate your BMI for you.
www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx
The AIMS publication "Ultrasound, Unsound" is now available free of charge from here.
A blog by Beverley Lawrence Beech and Jean Robinson about the safety of ultrasound is here: www.birthpracticeandpolitics.org/single-post/2019/04/03/Ultrasound-Unsound
The AIMS publication: Inducing Labour: Making Informed Decisions provides a discussion about dating scans.
Screening for Chromosomal Differences (page 25)
NHS’ information page on testing for chromosome differences in pregnancy:www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/screening-amniocentesis-downs-syndrome/
NHS Scotland’s information on Down’s Syndrome: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/pregnancy/screening-for-downs-syndrome
UK Government’s information leaflet on screening in pregnancy:www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-tests-for-you-and-your-baby-description-in-brief
SOFT – a charity which supports families who are affected by trisomy 13 (Patau’s Syndrome) or trisomy 18 (Edwards’ Syndome):www.soft.org.uk/
In addition to the screening tests available on the NHS, there is a newer screening test available, which looks for fragments of your baby’s DNA in your blood. This DNA can be tested for signs of the DNA having an extra chromosome. These tests are not currently widely available on the NHS, but you can ask whether your local Trust is offering them. Private clinics may offer this test under the brand names Harmon, Maternity21P, Verfi or Panorma Test.
"My Baby's Ultrasound Record" is currently unavailable.
"Ultrasound: an overused, under-researched technology" is currently unavailable.
You might find this article helpful: www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/who-says-ultrasound-is-safe
Chorionic Villus Sampling (box) (page 30)
What happens during chorionic villus sampling
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chorionic-Villus-sampling/Pages/How-is-it-performed.aspx
Planning your Maternity Care (page 31)
WHICH, in collaboration with BirthChoiceUK has developed a website designed to help you make these decisions
www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
Deciding where to give birth (page 34)
WHICH, in collaboration with BirthChoiceUK has developed a website designed to help you make these decisions
www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
AIMS sells the book, "Why Homebirth Matters" which may help you to consider whether a home birth is right for you.
Problems booking a home birth (Page 35)
AIMS’ Information page on booking a home birth:www.aims.org.uk/information/item/booking-a-home-birth
You can also contact the AIMS helpline for free, confidential information and support at helpline@aims.org.uk
AIMS sells "Why Homebirth Matters", a useful and practical information resource for anyone considering a home birth. https://www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/why-home-birth-matters
There are many sources of information and support for women planning a homebirth including:
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homebirthuk
And on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/HomeBirthChat/
www.facebook.com/groups/homebirthsupportuk/
www.facebook.com/groups/10150118713410541/
Booking an NHS Midwife (page 40)
The following website campaigns for and provides information about continuity of care midwifery care
www.m4m.org.uk
Booking a midwife outside the NHS (page 40)
Midwifery Services not run by the NHS
| Independent Midwives UK (IMUK) | www.independentmidwives.org.uk |
| Neighbourhood Midwives | www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk |
| One to One Midwives | www.onetoonemidwives.org |
| UKBirthCentres | www.ukbirthcentres.com |
Booking care outside the UK (page 45)
NHS Choices page on Giving birth outside the UK
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/plannedtreatment/Pages/Givingbirth.aspx
On the back of the European Health Insurance card there is a helpline number +44(0)20 7210 4850 (Mon - Fri 9-5; UK time)
Your Rights to a Home Birth (page 46)
The following site may help you to find out whether there are specific homebirth services in your area www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
The AIMS helpline offers free, confidential support and information to help you to plan the birth you want. Email helpline@aims.org.uk
Find other women and support groups to help you
| Homebirth Reference Suite | www.homebirth.org.uk |
| Positive Birth Movement | wwww.positivebirthmovement.org |
Facebook and Yahoo Groups
| Homebirth UK | health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homebirthuk |
| Homebirth UK | www.facebook.com/groups/105015692870031/ |
| AIMS | www.facebook.com/AIMSUK |
| Birth Choice UK | www.facebook.com/pages/BirthChoiceUK/92090714817 |
| Positive Birth Movement | www.facebook.com/positivebirthmovement |
| The Birth I Want | www.facebook.com/thebirthiwant |
Your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) in England and your Community Health Council in Wales In Scotland the Patient Advice and Support Service and in Northern Ireland the Patient and Client Council.
Or contact the AIMS Helpline 0300 365 0663 or helpline@aims.org.uk
Giving Birth without a Midwife or Doctor (page 54)
The NMC has withdrawn its information page on freebirth and now does not have a position statement.
Birthrights Factsheet on Unassisted Birth
www.birthrights.org.uk/library/factsheets/Unassisted-Birth.pdf
Concerns about a Midwife (page 58)
In 2017 the NMC withdrew the requirement for Trusts to have Supervisors of Midwives. However, they are being replaced by Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMAs) and you can ask your midwife for the contact information for your PMA.
NMC's statement on Supervision: www.nmc.org.uk/standards/midwifery/changes-to-midwifery-supervision/
The LSAMO was also abolished by the NMC in 2017.
The AIMS helpline can offer information and support to help you if you have concerns about your midwife. Email helpline@aims.org.uk.
Group B Strep infection (page 59)
The AIMS Book Group B Strep Explained is available from the publications page of the AIMS website www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/group-b-strep-explained
Your Rights to a Hospital Birth (page 61)
The following site may help you to find out whether there are specific homebirth services in your area http://www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
The following article "Beware the Dead Baby Card..." looks at the use of the 'dead baby card' tactic which women can find played against them when they decline advice given to them.
www.aims.org.uk/Journal/Vol24No3/deadBabyCard.htm
WHICH’s information page on choice of place of birth: www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
The AIMS book, "What's Right for Me" has been withdrawn since Am I Allowed was printed.
As caesarean birth plans are harder to find than vaginal birth plans, this link may be helpful if you are planning, or planning for the possibility of a caesarean birth:www.caesarean.org.uk/caesareanBirthPlan.html
For good birth stories to help you decide what is right for you:
www.positivebirthmovement.org
www.tellmeagoodbirthstory.com
Support for the birth you want (Page 66)
Birthing Your Baby, The Second Stage: www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/birthing-your-baby-the-second-stage
What’s Right for Me has been withdrawn as an AIMS publication since Am I Allowed was published.
Birthing Your Placenta, The Third Stage: www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/birthing-your-placenta-the-third-stage
Birth After Caesarean: www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/birth-after-caesarean
Homebirth – A Practical Guide has now been replaced in the AIMS store with Why Homebirth Matters by Natalie Meddings: www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/why-home-birth-matters
AIMS book "Inducing Labour: Making Informed Decisions": www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/inducing-labour-making-informed-decisions
AIMS’ information page on vaginal examinations: www.aims.org.uk/information/item/vaginal-examinations-in-labour
Meconium in amniotic fluid:
In the AIMS article "Troubled waters" Sarah Davies looks at the significance of meconium in the amniotic fluid: www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/troubled-waters
Midwife Thinking has a helpful article on this topic: https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/
Planning a Caesarean Section (page 83)
This link may help with a caesarean birth plan: http://www.caesarean.org.uk/caesareanBirthPlan.html
AIMS’ Chair of Trustees, Debbie Chippington Derrick, was the co-author of the book “Caesarean birth, your questions answered”:www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/caesarean-birth-your-questions-answered
We apologise that this page is still under construction; if you are looking for information that has not yet been added please contact helpline@aims.org.uk for assistance.
Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) (Page 84)
The AIMS book "Birth After Caesarean" is available here: www.aims.org.uk/shop/item/birth-after-caesarean
MHRA Yellow Card System (Page 92)
MHRA Yellow card reporting system to report an adverse reaction to a medicine, vaccine, herbal or homeopathic remedy. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
Non-Governmental help and support for parents (Page 94)
Care For the Famiily: www.careforthefamily.org.uk/family-life/parent-support/new-parents-home
Homestart: www.home-start.org.uk
Your Rights as a Parent (Page 98)
AvMA website: www.avma.org.uk
Birthrights website: www.birthrights.org.uk
Milk Banking Charity UKAMB (Page 106)
UK Association for Milk Banking website:www.ukamb.org
Notifying and Registering Your Baby's Birth
When this edition of Am I Allowed was published, the local Trusts were called Primary Care Trusts. This term is no longer used. In order to find your local Child Health Department, search online for “Child Health Department” and the name of your local hospital.
Notification of births act, 1907, is available here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw7/7/40
SANDS’ information page and booklet on “Saying goodbye to your baby” is available here:www.sands.org.uk/saying-goodbye-your-baby
Information on ways to consume your placenta (Page 108)
- IPEN: www.placentanetwork.com
- Placenta Remedies Network: https://placentaremediesnetwork.org
How to contact breastfeeding support (Page 109)
- La Leche League -www.laleche.org.uk
- NCT -www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/early-days/breastfeeding-support
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) -www.abm.me.uk
- Breastfeeding Network -www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
Unfortunately, both the author’s name and the book title have been misprinted in Am I Allowed. The author’s name is Nathalie Charpak, not Nicola, and the correct book title is, “Kangaroo Babies, a different way of mothering”. The link to the AIMS book review includes a link to the book on Amazon: https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/book-reviews-18-2#1
Lifestart resuscitation trolley: https://www.inspiration-healthcare.com/products/neonatal-intensive-care/resuscitation/lifestart
Newborn physical examination (Page 114)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/newborn-physical-exam/
AIMS Journal article on making a decision about vaccinations: www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/vaccinate
What Doctors Don’t Tell You (Page 123)
British National Formulary website:www.bnf.org (Page 123)
The Miscarriage Association (Page 125)
The Miscarriage Association’s leaflet has helpful information on the chances of a successful pregnancy after one or more miscarriages:www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Thinking-about-another-pregnancy.pdf
The Royal College of Pathologists suggests that parents should contact the Coroner to ask about a second post-mortem if they have concerns about: the quality of the post-mortem; the cause of death given; or the actions of the pathologist. The Coroner will try to resolve the issue but if this is not possible and the parents are still concerned, the parents will need to arrange a second post-mortem at their own cost. The Coroner may refer the family to a pathologist but they won’t actually arrange it, and the parents will need to pay for it.
Before a second post-mortem can be requested, the coroner will need to have released the baby's body from the first one. If parents wish to advise the pathologist that they might consider a second post-mortem, AIMS suggests a simple letter to the initial pathologist, such as,
"We would like to adivse you that we are considering requesting a second, private post-mortem if we feel that it is necessary once you have completed yours."
The Royal College of Pathologists have this information which relates to all deaths but may be helpful to parents whose babies have died and who are worried about their baby's initial post-mortem: https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/what-is-pathology/information-about-post-mortems-for-friends-and-relatives-/concerns-about-a-post-mortem.html
Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) (Page 130)
Support for parents and families who have lost a baby to miscarriage or stillbirth or where their baby died soon after birth (Page 131)
- Miscarriage Association: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
- Tommy’s: www.tommys.org
- SANDS: www.sands.org.uk
- NHS information page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stillbirth/what-happens/
Louisa shares her story of complaining about poor care: www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/the-problem-with-complaining
AIMS’ publication, “Making a complaint about maternity care”: www.aims.org.uk/assets/media/16/making-a-complaint-aims-march-10.pdf
Complants against private companites:
The Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS): www.iscas.org.uk
To contact your local PALS (England and Wales), Patient Advice and Support Service (Scotland) or Patient and Client Council (Northern Ireland) search online for the name of the hospital that covers the service you want to complaint about and the name of the regional service (eg “York Trust PALS”)
ICAS
The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service has now ceased its service.
www.england.nhs.uk/2013/03/advocacy-complaint
Obtaining Copies of Your Notes (Page 135)
Since the publication of Am I Allowed, the GDPR data protection law came into force which means that women are entitled to a free copy of their notes, and the fee (which ranged from £10 to £50) is now unlawful. Unfortunately, this does not apply to a person who has died, so parents may be forced to pay for their baby's notes if they have died, or families for the notes of a woman who has died. However, a complaint can be made to the Information Commissioner if these fees are felt to be unreasonable. https://ico.org.uk
Making a Compaint About Maternity Care (Page 137)
AIMS’ publication, “Making a complaint about maternity care”:www.aims.org.uk/assets/media/16/making-a-complaint-aims-march-10.pdf
Contacting the Information Commissioner
The Information Comissioner's website is https://ico.org.uk
Birth Choice Website (Page 140)
The Birth Choice UK Website now redirects to the WHICH website, here:www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
Members of the public in wishing to report a Serious Untoward Incidents about English healthcare may do so through NHS Improvement rather than the NHS Commissioning Board Special Health Authority: https://improvement.nhs.uk/resources/report-patient-safety-incident/
The equivalent body in Scotland is Healthcare Improvement Scotland www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org. Also, you could consider raising your concerns though the Scottish Patient Safety Programme:
You could also choose to inform a body like the Clinical Quality Commission (CQC).
Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA):www.avma.org.uk