Peter Rhodes on missiles, maternity units and making time for meditation
Britain's maternity units have had more than their share of scandals and traumas, so there are few surprises in the latest research by Mumsnet claiming that women are being "failed at every stage" in maternity care.
Campaigners found that 79 per cent of 1,000 women who answered their questionnaire had experienced some form of birth trauma. Forty-four per cent said healthcare professionals had used language implying the women were "a failure or to blame" for what happened.
Other research in the UK and Australia reveals bullying by some maternity staff, some of whom are bullied by their seniors.
While most maternity units are fine, some seem to have an unhealthy culture where natural childbirth and breast-feeding are regarded as the only acceptable route. Why so? I
