To mark #IWD2025, we spotlight the collaborative work in Dorset helping improve women’s confidence during early labour
Dr. Dominique Mylod is a registered midwife, lecturer in midwifery at Bournemouth University and postdoctoral researcher. Passionate about improving birth experiences, her current project takes a digital approach to supporting women in early labour. Currently in development, the Early Labour App is designed to help women stay home for longer, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary interventions.
“Most women in high income countries give birth in hospitals or birth centres,” explains Dr Mylod. “It’s a surprising fact that the earlier a woman is admitted, the more likely it is that she’ll have a complex labour and unnecessary obstetric interventions - waters broken, hormone drips, epidural or caesarean section.”
The UK has one of the highest and fastest growing C-section rates in Europe; currently, around one in three babies in the UK is delivered this way.
“Most families say they want to stay home as long as possible. But when it comes to the crunch, they can often be overwhelmed by anxiety and with that comes pain. These are the two principal reasons for going into hospital.”
Alongside colleagues, Dr Mylod’s research is focused on women-centred approaches which reduce early labour hospital admission. Postponing admission until active labour is established may be key to reducing unplanned and unnecessary c-sections. This would result in significant cost savings for the NHS in the long term.
The app brings together evidence-based strategies and information to help women navigate the latent phase, de-medicalise their pain and enhance their confidence.
“Maternity services have been slow to change their approach, and we don’t give women particularly good advice. Women feel unsupported and midwives are forced into the role of gatekeeper. We’re turning this on its head and instead empowering women to help themselves. The app might point them to ways to use a birthing ball, or deep breathing exercises. It will be filled with information about early labour, helping women feel confident to stay home for longer.”
To date, Dorset midwives and families have responded very positively to the app. Current funding from Wessex Health Partners will enable further work to “polish the app” and seek feedback from more diverse and urban families.
The project involves collaboration between Bournemouth University researchers, midwives in University Hospitals Dorset and Health Innovation Wessex. The next stage is to apply for funding to trial the app on a large scale to evaluate its impact on labour and birth outcomes.
“Ultimately, I’d love to see this app taken up by the NHS and made available to every woman.”
For more information please email dmylod@bournemouth.ac.uk
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