Catherine Bell 'Birth Cartography: Communication and Sensemaking in Maternity'
Birth Cartography: Communication and Sensemaking in Maternity
The concept of Birth Cartography evolved when her Master's in Science Communication and her doula and breastfeeding educator/counsellor experience caused an adaptation of The Birth Plan.
Birth Cartography, an adaptation to the overly medicalised conditions modern maternity, has been tested across different models of care. In recognition of the uniqueness of every woman and birth, we used Realist Evaluation to ask what works for whom, in what circumstances and WHY?
The study design was built around the lens of The Woman, drawing out her story on her unique journey.
This video gives an overview of the study results and recommendations. At the conference, I will demonstrate sensemaking as we play the game of birth together and explore the pathways of preparation.
Catherine Bell
In becoming a Mother, Catherine was frustrated with the 'need to know' nature of maternity, so trained as a birth doula and breastfeeding counsellor and educator to fill the knowledge gap and support other women. Combined with her Master in Science Communication, this led to the development of Birth Cartography and the invention of The Game of Birth. Her book, The Birth Map, is the subject of her PhD study into communication and decision-making in maternity services.
Find out more: https://birthmap.life/study/
