Waheeda Abbas is a Midwife Lead on Genomics who has won multiple awards in the field of midwifery. Recently, she received Nursing Times’ Midwife of the Year 2024 for innovation of a multilingual digital resource that enables patients to access maternity information in their preferred language. It has been described as a ‘game-changer’ for families from diverse backgrounds.  

Since becoming a midwife, Waheeda has been advocating for equality and empowering women from minoritised communities to make informed decisions about their health. Her journey is one of determination, marked by a commitment to dismantling barriers in maternity care. In this Q&A with MWN Hub, Waheeda shares her story and how she challenges the triple penalty – race, religion and gender within the NHS. She also provides advice for any aspiring midwife!

Why did you choose to become a midwife?

I chose to pursue a career as a midwife because I noticed the lack of Black and Asian midwives in my local area. My personal experiences as a service user revealed how midwives often displayed judgmental attitudes towards pregnant women from the global majority. This inspired me to become a voice for these women, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive respectful, equitable, and culturally sensitive care.

Where has your career in midwifery taken you?

My career in midwifery has taken me to the role of Senior Midwife, where I've made a significant impact. I've been honoured with multiple awards, not for personal achievement, but for the positive changes I've brought to the field of midwifery and the communities I serve.

Can you share experiences where you have successfully addressed efforts to improve maternal health equity?

In my role as a midwife, I have focused on improving maternal health equity by addressing the unique challenges faced by women from the global majority. For instance, I provide one-on-one antenatal sessions that empower women with informed choices while addressing cultural and language barriers. I have developed culturally sensitive care approaches for families experiencing foetal loss. This includes spiritual support and tailored guidance to help families find closure that aligns with their beliefs.

To enhance accessibility and inclusivity in maternity care, I developed a digital multilingual maternity resource hosted on Padlet. This resource provides pregnant women a QR code or link to access various resources in their preferred language at their initial booking appointment. Service users and midwives have highly appreciated these resources, including videos and information on antenatal care, birthing practices, and postnatal care. They have fostered better engagement and understanding among diverse communities and have significantly improved the overall experience of maternity care.

Through these efforts, I have witnessed improved trust, communication, and health outcomes, contributing to more equitable maternal care.

How do you address health inequalities with other healthcare professionals?

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is crucial in addressing health inequalities, enabling a holistic and coordinated approach to care. I work closely with obstetricians, midwives, social workers, and public health professionals to ensure that women from marginalised communities receive comprehensive care. This includes sharing information about cultural, socio-economic, and medical needs to develop a personalised care plan.

I encourage and participate in cultural competence training for healthcare teams to raise awareness about implicit bias and respecting cultural differences. This helps ensure that all professionals can provide inclusive and empathetic care. I work with senior leaders and other healthcare professionals to advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities, such as improving access to services in underserved areas or ensuring more diverse representation in the healthcare workforce. I partner with local organisations and public health teams to engage with communities, raise awareness of available services, and promote health education tailored to diverse populations. I ensure that all team members have up-to-date information about a woman's care journey, which helps us monitor and address potential inequalities in real time. This also includes tracking outcomes to identify areas needing further improvement.

Through these collaborative efforts, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that addresses the unique needs of diverse populations and works toward reducing health disparities.

Challenging the triple penalty of race, religion and gender – all of which can disadvantage Muslim women. How do you tackle these challenges within the NHS?

I support the integration of religious and cultural considerations into maternity care plans. This could involve accommodating prayer times, offering gender-sensitive care (e.g. female healthcare providers for Muslim women who prefer not to have male caregivers), and facilitating access to halal food and services. Alongside I advocate for regular cultural competence and anti-bias training for NHS staff, emphasising the importance of understanding the intersectionality of race, religion, and gender in healthcare. This helps reduce implicit biases, ensures equitable care, and fosters a more inclusive environment for Muslim women.

I actively work to challenge gender-based discrimination by ensuring Muslim women have equal access to high-quality care, free from judgment or bias. I do this by encouraging and empowering Muslim women to actively participate in their care decisions, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they are equipped with the information to make informed choices about their health and maternity care.

As I've already mentioned - collaboration is key. I actively collaborate with local Muslim community leaders and organisations to understand the specific needs of Muslim women in our area. This helps design targeted initiatives and outreach programs that address their unique challenges in accessing healthcare.

I believe the triple penalty can be tackled through cultural sensitivity, advocacy, and a commitment to equality, we can improve access to care and health outcomes for Muslim women within the NHS, ensuring they feel respected, supported, and empowered.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

To me, women’s empowerment means providing women with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make informed decisions about their health, bodies, and lives. It’s about fostering confidence, autonomy, and agency, enabling women to take control of their reproductive choices and overall well-being.

Ultimately, women’s empowerment in maternity care is about honouring their individuality and creating a system where they feel confident, respected, and able to advocate for themselves and their families.

What advice would you give young women wanting to become midwives?

To young women aspiring to become midwives, my advice is as follows. Midwifery is a rewarding, but challenging career. The work is emotionally and physically demanding, so it’s essential to have a deep passion for supporting women through one of the most significant times in their lives. 

Focus on empathy and compassion as being a midwife is more than just delivering babies; it's about providing holistic care, supporting families emotionally, and offering reassurance during vulnerable moments. Cultivate empathy, listening skills, and the ability to provide comfort in difficult situations. It is important to develop strong communication skills as midwives often serve as the bridge between patients and other healthcare professionals. 

Be ready to dedicate time to your studies and practical training. Stay open to learning and be proactive about seeking out opportunities for professional development, whether through additional certifications or specialisation areas in midwifery.

Strive to be a voice for marginalised communities and advocate for more inclusive, equitable care practices. Your role as a midwife involves providing care and standing up for all women's rights to receive respectful, culturally competent, and accessible healthcare.

Build resilience as midwifery can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with complications, loss, or difficult situations. Building resilience and coping strategies will help you manage the emotional challenges of the role. It’s essential to care for your mental and physical health to continue providing the best care for others.

Seek support and mentorship as the journey to becoming a midwife can feel overwhelming at times. Find professional mentors who can guide, support, and encourage you. Building a support network of experienced midwives and other healthcare professionals can provide valuable insight and help you navigate your challenges.

Most importantly, believe in your ability to succeed, even when challenges arise. Midwifery is a career that demands dedication, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Trust in your skills and passion for the work, and know that your impact on the lives of women and families will be enriching.

Being a midwife is an incredible care, compassion, and advocacy journey. It will be incredibly fulfilling, if you are passionate about supporting women and making a real difference.