News release: What women want. Launch of new Midwifery Research Unit

Abstract

An innovative new research unit, which will focus on a greater understanding of all
aspects of labour and childbirth is being launched at the University of Central
Lancashire in Preston.
A great deal of research has already been canied out by staff in the University's Faculty
of Health which looked at the normal physiology of childbirth, including the processes
which can maximise normal birth. The philosophy underpinning the work of the new
Midwifery Studies Research Unit is salutogenesis, or the creation of well-being.
Research will be developed across three disciplines- midwifery, neonatal studies and
sexual and reproductive health.
Leading researcher Dr Soo Downe says: "Much of the research carried out in
childbearing, sexual health and neonatal nursing is based on ill-health and treatment.
The Midwifery Studies Research Unit will be focused on the creation of well-being and
of health, in collaboration with local people and communities. We hope the work will
bring benefits locally, nationally and internationally".
The Unit's launch is one of the highlights of a three day international research
conference on 'Normal Labour and Birth' taking place at the University of Central
Lancashire from 281
h to 301
h October.
-ends-
25 October 2002
nr196pc
Note:
1. All press are invited to attend the launch of the Midwifery Studies Research Unit on
Tuesday 29 October 2002, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm in the Greenbank Building,
University of Central Lancashire, Preston. Further details from Claire Wrigley, tel:
01772 893840, email: cwrigley@uclan.ac.uk, or Pam Culley, Media Office, tel: 01772
894425
2. The First Research Conference on Normal labour and Birth will be taking place from
Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October 2002. Further details from Pam Culley, Media
Office, tel: 01772 894425.