28 Aug Study suggests continuity of midwife care can improve outcomes for Black women and support uptake of breastfeeding
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28 August 2025
Study suggests continuity of midwife care can improve outcomes for Black women and support uptake of breastfeeding
A large study examining continuity of midwife care in England has found potential benefits for Black women and improved uptake of breastfeeding, providing evidence for the targeted rollout of continuity models to help address maternal health disparities in the UK.
922,000+
women who became pregnant between 2020 and 2022 included in the study — the largest real-world study of its kind
The research was led by the University of Leeds in collaboration with ARC South London researchers at King’s College London and NHS England. It examined the impact of being placed in a continuity of midwife care scheme on stillbirth and breastfeeding rates.
Under continuity of midwife care, women are supported by the same midwifery team throughout pregnancy, labour and postnatal care. Researchers compared women placed in a continuity of midwife care scheme by 24 weeks gestation with those placed in standard care.
Key findings
Women on the continuity of care pathway were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding
Black women on the pathway were significantly less likely to experience stillbirth vs Black women in standard care
No significant difference in stillbirth rates in the overall population between the two pathways
Why these findings matter: the scale of UK maternity disparities
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Black women have higher maternal death rates than white women, and an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth
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Around 60,000 babies are born prematurely each year in the UK — a higher rate than many other European countries
“This is the largest real-world study of its kind, examining outcomes for nearly a million childbearing women. Our findings provide valuable insights to inform the targeted rollout of enhanced continuity of midwife care in underserved and ethnically diverse areas.”
Lead of ARC South London’s maternity and perinatal mental health theme; study co-author, King’s College London
Establishing the evidence on continuity of midwife care
Continuity of midwife care was introduced by NHS England in 2017, informed by an international evidence review led by researchers at ARC South London. It is designed to build stronger relationships between women and their care teams, creating a safety net that enables women to raise concerns more comfortably and ensure they are listened to.
The ARC’s maternity researchers have been investigating the potential benefits of continuity of care models for diverse groups of women, including:
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Women at risk of preterm birth
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Women living with social risk factors
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Women belonging to ethnic minorities or living in disadvantaged areas
This new research suggests that continuity of midwife care could be an important tool for addressing maternal health inequalities, particularly when targeted towards population groups that face greater risks.
“Further research is now needed to better understand barriers to timely antenatal care and the specific benefits experienced by Black women on this pathway.”
Professor of Social Science and Women’s Health, King’s College London
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Read the full paper
Impact of midwife continuity of carer on stillbirth rate and first feed in England
Related content
- →
Continuous care from community-based midwives reduces risk of preterm birth by 45% — January 2026 - →
Models of maternity care for women living in areas of ethnic diversity and social disadvantage (LEAP study) - →
Investigating maternal and perinatal outcomes among women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups - →
Maternity and perinatal mental health research at ARC South London
Original source: arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk — NIHR ARC South London legacy content archived May 2026.