The Real Birth Company promotes childbirth understanding and choice through an accredited midwifery training programme, supported by its digital health technology, The Real Birth Digital Workshop™.
Summary
Antenatal provision has declined significantly, and the NHS is currently short of approximately 2,500 midwives. Provision of antenatal education has been radically reduced or withdrawn.
The Real Birth Digital Workshop™, developed by The Real Birth Company, has reached over 11,000 women, 10.8% of those being from ethnic minorities and 4.5% under 16 years of age.
After completing the programme, 66.1% of women reported they had a vaginal birth versus NHS average of 50%. 24% of women used water for birth versus 5% NHS average and only 15% of women used pethidine as analgesia versus 25% NHS average, all of these bringing costs savings to the NHS.
The company has experienced growth both in terms of revenue (30% increase year on year) and staffing.
The innovation
The Real Birth Digital Workshop™ is an award-winning, interactive, user friendly, animated, and easily accessible tool. It provides mothers-to-be with the essential support that they may not have otherwise received. This birth preparation resource gives women a deeper understanding of their birth, options, as well as choices using current evidenced-based information, shared positively and factually.
How the innovation has helped patients and the NHS
The Real Birth Digital Workshop™ has resulted in marginalised communities bridging the inequality gap in midwifery care, through education of a high standard, and accessible when they have the time to complete it.
This multilingual digital workshop is accessible through a range of devices and supports more communities have access to birth preparation information’s by offering flexible, evidence-based birth support information.
Use by over 11,000 women, 10.8% ethnic minorities, 4.5% under 16, and 12.6% using accessibility features, benefited. Results show 66.1% had vaginal births (vs. NHS 50%), 24% used water (vs. 5%), and only 15% used pethidine (vs. 25%), yielding cost savings.
The Real Birth Company has experienced growth both in terms of revenue (30% increase year on year) and staffing, from four members of staff in 2022, to seven in Dec 2023, with an increase to 10 by March 2024.
SBRI funding has been received and supported the development of a national Preterm Birth module created for at-risk individuals, aiming to enhance services and support perinatal mental health.
How we supported
Health Innovation Kent Surry Sussex, Health Innovation Manchester, and Health Innovation West Midlands, have all supported The Real Birth Company. The networks have supported the company with Real World Evaluations, signposting to events of interest, including awards, and inviting it to attend speaking opportunities at other national events. The networks have also helped with commercialisation planning and award applications.
“We’re passionate about our work, supporting people and families nationwide. Empowering them with essential childbirth information is our mission, ensuring each step is informed and supported. It’s a privilege to aid families across the UK during this pivotal moment in their lives. Working with health innovation networks has helped us grow and increase our support women and families.”
Zoe Wright, Midwife and CEO of The Real Birth Company
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