Pregnancy, birth and babies in the online digital world

Abstract

The online world has many websites targeting the pregnant and birthing population, few of which present an unbiased trusted source of information, not focussed on selling them something. This presentationwill demonstrate an innovative newwebsite that provides the pregnant and birthing community the opportunity to be fully informed and take the central role in their care provision The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website has been developed to provide women and their families with a trusted source of information, without taking a stance on the choices they make. A review of the ‘pregnancy website’ world was undertaken and there was nothing of this calibre found that did not promote their site’s host perspective on birth, or inundate the site visitor with advertisements. An average of 3500 calls per month are received by the Pregnancy Birth and Baby Helpline seeking information on topics ranging from birthing options to ‘is what’s in my baby’s nappy normal?’ These calls are mostly from women and then their families, and show a need within the community for trusted digital health information sites. This website is supported by a 24h free counselling support service, available for women and their families. A robust clinical governance framework has been applied to the content development and information architecture of the site. This includes customer useability and satisfaction feedback processes to ensure this site remains the first place to look rather than asking ‘Dr Google’. The pregnant and birthing community now have an online service that is comprehensive and responsive to their needs, that they can use to source information on a topic or health issue and then take that with them when they visit their health care provider to assist in the discussion regarding theircare. Relevance: It is generally acknowledged that the internet is the first place people will go when searching for information on an illness or health and pregnancy related topic is the. Nowmidwives have a site that they, and women, can trust.