Walsall mums are being invited to share their experiences of maternity care and help shape services for expectant women, new parents and families by joining a local group.

Walsall’s Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) meets every two months at the Midwifery-Led Unit in Charles Street and its current Chair is mum-of-one Samantha Thompson.

She explained: “I have been involved with the MVP since 2016, shortly after having my son Felix who is now four.

“My antenatal care was in Walsall and I also volunteered for the infant feeding team, helping to support other mums on their breastfeeding journey. I enjoy being part of the MVP because it is a real partnership. It means that mums can work closely with midwives and other maternity services staff and a channel like this gives families a voice.

“From time to time we hear from service users about things that haven’t gone so well – as well as the things that have – and this feedback can help bring about meaningful change which is really empowering. Members can also contribute towards specific projects and initiatives, working with NHS staff.”

The MVP is also represented at the Black Country and West Birmingham Local Maternity System – Local Maternity Systems have been set up across the country to improve choice and personalisation of maternity services.

Samantha added: “ Our next meeting is on Wednesday 29 January from 10am until 12noon at the Midwifery-Led Unit in Charles Street, Walsall. We really want service users to come along and tell us about the maternity care they received during pregnancy, throughout the birth and postnatal care. Mums are welcome to bring their babies along and it’s an opportunity to meet and talk to others.”

New faces are always welcome – whether mums want to find out more about getting involved or just give feedback as a one off.