Emotional Intelligence Programme (EIP) for childbirth practitioners
Childbirth practitioners often experience high levels of stress, burnout, and anxiety to the point that some consider leaving the profession. This has serious implications for the delivery of safe maternity care. This evidence-based programme can reduce stress, enhance mental wellbeing and experiences of practice in practitioners, contributing to a more sustainable workforce that can provide high-quality maternity care. This innovative EIP by combining education on EI skills and relaxation practices, enables childbirth practitioners to apply such skills in their day-to-day practice as well as their personal lives, cultivating a culture of calmness and presence. Previous participants have told us they successfully used the skills learned through EIP to alleviate women’s fear and anxiety, improve the experiences of care for women with needle phobia, when performing membrane sweeps, for high blood pressure, in the latent phase of labour or when assisting with breastfeeding. They suggested this approach was effective and positively impacted women’s experiences.

‘It (EIP) changed my relationship with my youngest daughter, that’s a winner for me.’ (Bev – Midwife)

‘It (EIP) has made us realise what an impact we can have. How we can use these skills for families … it’s really added to your confidence.’ (Yvonne – Midwife)

‘We know it works from the feedback … so, you kind of know you’re doing something right, something good for them and for yourself as well.’ (Gemma – Midwife)

Programme structure: The Programme includes six 3-hour live online sessions taking place every other week over a total of 12 weeks. The gaps between sessions gives participants time to absorb and apply what they’ve learned, maximising engagement, and learning outcomes.

The following research article provides further details of the programme and evidence around its effectiveness.

Tabib, M., Humphrey, T., & Forbes-Mckay, K. (2024). ” Doing” is never enough, if” being” is neglected: exploring midwives’ perspectives on the influence of an emotional intelligence education programme: a qualitative study. Women and birth. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519224000350)