Midwives urged to avoid using proper words for anatomy so as not to upset trans patients –

Midwives are discouraged from saying “vagina” when dealing with pregnant transgender patients if they don’t like the terminology.

The guide was introduced by Sussex health leaders as part of their policies on perinatal care (formerly known as maternity care) for transgender and non-binary people.

It was revealed last month that the same foundation launched a policy to inform employees that the term breast milk can be used interchangeably with “breast milk”, “breast milk” or “breast or nursing breast milk”.

The NHS Trust Care Guide from Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals tells midwives and midwives: “Some people may prefer terminology for their anatomy.

These should be used whenever possible. For example, some people talk about “front hole” or “genital opening” instead of “vagina”.

It is recommended that staff save these required terms in a document called “My Language Preferences”.

Next to a column where you can write your favorite words is a list of anatomical parts such as the cervix, uterus and breast.

The guidelines add that maternity care is typically designed as a “women-only service” and may not meet the needs of “trans” and “non-binary” individuals who do not identify as male or female.

Pregnant transgender patients should be treated according to their “self-identified gender” rather than their birth sex, she says. Staff should be given “pronoun tags” to advise on how to deal with them.

Guidelines mistakenly state that maternity care has so far been “for women only” (image file)

Last night, a trusted midwife revealed that many obstetric nurses are unhappy but afraid to speak up.

“This is a policy that affects very few people, and they find it a bit ridiculous, but they don’t dare say anything because of the atmosphere of the hospital,” said the midwife, who did not want to be named.

Kat Barber, founder of the campaign group Sex Not Gender Nurses and Midwives, warned: “It’s anatomically wrong because using vague words can be risky.”

Trust advises nurses “breast milk” is not “breast milk” (Eastbourne District Hospital, Sussex)

He said other large groups may have greater needs, particularly black women who “have very bad childbirth outcomes.”

Emma Chambers, director of midwifery at the foundation, said the consultation is “optional” and includes “an additional language that can only be used if the client requests an alternative language.”

He added that he did not rule out “female language or motherhood”.