The MASIC Foundation (Mothers with Anal Sphincter Injuries in Childbirth) has recently been established by a former bowel surgeon to support mothers, heighten public awareness and to educate the medical profession.
Anal sphincter injury affects many first-time mothers who give birth vaginally. Up to 20% of mothers having a baby through the birth canal can develop some form of anal incontinence (AI) which often goes unspoken about.
If you would like more information about the foundation please drop me a line.
Additionally, there is a MASIC meeting Wednesday March 22 2017 at the Royal Society of Medicine (agenda attached) for women who are interested.
What is Anal Sphincter Injury in Childbirth and what are its
consequences for the mother?
Anal sphincter injury affects many first-time mothers who give birth vaginally. Up to 20% of mothers having a baby through the birth canal can develop some form of anal incontinence (AI) and have a miserable time. Many of these injuries can be prevented. If these injuries are detected and repaired at birth the majority are spared the indignity of AI. Mothers rarely volunteer information about their injury because of the associated social stigma or a belief that the medical profession is unable to do anything about it. They often suffer in silence and are very alone.
Why do we need the MASIC Foundation?
We need a new charity to help these mothers. Our objectives are five-fold:
(i) Campaigning to influence changes in healthcare policies to avoid these injuries and improve their detection;
(ii) Promoting awareness in the medical and healthcare professionals. Today’s doctors have little exposure to obstetric practice. General Practitioners, Midwives and Health Visitors are largely unaware of the frequency and long term consequences of MASIC;
(iii) Advancing awareness. The public are unaware that up to twenty per cent of mothers have some impairment of bowel control after birth;
(iv) Promotion of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of MASIC;
But Above All Else
(v) Supporting mothers who have sustained these injuries and their families.