Best for Baby Too film premiere

A moving film which captured maternity experiences of six women in the asylum system received a rapturous ovation when it was showcased in Liverpool.

The premiere of the poignant hour-long film ‘When you know.. childbirth in the asylum system’ was held at Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield on 12th September.

Attended by dignitaries including Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp CBE and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Ruth Hussey OBE, the film was also endorsed by Dame Lesley Regan – England’s first ever Women’s Health Ambassador.

Event co-organiser Dr Bryony Kendall, a Liverpool GP and safeguarding lead for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said the film, which has been two years in the making, will be utilised as a training resource for undergraduate midwives.

“Every maternity journey is different but women in the asylum system often face additional barriers,” she said. “Language issues, financial security and access to warm, comfortable housing can all have an impact on people’s maternity journeys and our ambition must be to ensure that no child is born into poverty.

“We are incredibly grateful to the mothers who shared their experiences of the asylum system and maternity care. My message to them is simple.. your voices are being heard, your experiences matter and your bravery in sharing them will lead to better care.”

Attended by more than 100 people, the premiere opened with a supportive video message from Dame Lesley Regan and was followed by a lively panel discussion chaired by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Deputy Medical Director Dr Fiona Lemmens.

Dr Lemmens, also a Liverpool GP, said: “It was an honour to be asked to be involved in such an important and emotive event. It is imperative that the NHS learns from the experiences of all patients, but particularly those who suffer negative health outcomes. I am certain that this film will prove an invaluable training resource which will lead to better care.”

Both Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University have already committed to using the film as a training resource for undergraduate midwives in the city, with an ambition to utilise the film beyond midwifery education – including among doctors and health visitors.