Re: Negative Effects of Being a Caseload Midwife

[CATHY AND NIGEL BOCK AND DUNCAN]

Dear Kathleen,

Working in a team that migrated to a caseload with two other midwives,
in the UK.  I don't know that my experience has any particular
validity.

Overall the experience of working in a caseload was far more rewarding
etc than the confining community midwives role, however since you
specifically requested some of the negative aspect......

The on call structure was such that it did have a detrimental effect at
first until familiarity with constrictions upon personal activity. 
This was somewhat lessened by good liasing with your caseload peers. 
It can't have been too bad as I am on call now almost continously, it
was more to do with the mental preperation and change for this role.

We also in the transitional period ensured we had meetings frequently
to express personal needs and other identifications of concerns or any
problem recognition etc.

Family life can suffer unless good preparatory communication is laid
down, but this would go without saying.

I must add that the caseloads were rewarding and one came close to
giving unique and individual care akin to a private one on one midwife
relationship, but not really.  However the promblems you will encounter
will be different as are the individual midwives who will be embarking
on the journey.  They will be rewarded beyond measure.  Pass on my
congratulations at the establishment of such a rewarding and worthwhile
system of care.

--- Kathleen Fahy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Here in Toowoomba we are working towards a
> submission for caseload midwifery
> within the mainstream health services. 
> 
> We expect about 10% of women to take up the offer of
> MMC (I know, we are
> still going to move ahead in spite of what has
> happened at John Hunter).
> 
> The midwives on the unit have asked me to ask
> midwives who have made the
> switch from traditional shift work to caseload to
> describe what the
> transition was like and particularly focus on the
> perceived negatives of
> being on-call and maybe spending long hours at some
> labours.  
> 
> I would appreciate your responses which I will then
> share with interested
> midwives.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Kathleen
> 
> Dr. Kathleen Fahy
> Associate Professor
> Midwifery Co-ordinator
> University Southern Queensland
> 07 46312377
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 
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===
>From Cathy Bock and Nigel Duncan.
            at
BIRTHING HANDS (Homebirth, ante/post natal care and hospital support)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
0414 886827 or 0414 554840
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