-----Original Message-----
From: Robyn Thompson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 5:27
To: Kathleen Fahy
Subject: RE: Negative Effects of Being a Caseload Midwife
Of course Kathleen, please post on ozmidwifery, I really should have
returned it via the List, but never mind, it would be good for all to read.
Robyn Thompson *Independent Midwife
Melbourne Midwifery
Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding Service
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
http://www.melbmidwifery.com.au <http://www.melbmidwifery.com.au>
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathleen Fahy [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, 13 August 1999 8:50
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: Negative Effects of Being a Caseload Midwife
Beautiful Robyn. This is just the kind of personal detail that the midwives
have been asking for. Would you mind if I put your response on ozmidwifery?
I've got about 6 emails today so I think there is probably broad interest.
Regards,
Kathleen
-----Original Message-----
From: Robyn Thompson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 1999 8:02
To: Kathleen Fahy
Subject: RE: Negative Effects of Being a Caseload Midwife
Dear Kathleen
After 14 years of Independent Midwifery Practice I am starting to feel the
effects of "being on call" 24 hours, over 7 days.
When I started out on this venture I really didn't have any known major
effects. I think I was so engrossed in what I was doing the on call and
sometimes long hours were ok.
The longest time I have been involved with a woman is 60 hours and that was
with some called in help, although I don't find it easy to back off much
when I am sharing responisbility with women. This time included the
transfer to hospital and the woman's choice not to accept LUSCS until she
felt it was absolutely necessary. I admire women who want to make their own
decisions and support them to take themselves to the space and time it takes
to come to their decision (about anything really). Of course the pressure
of the system often controls these factors of decision making. This one is
a long story and I hope it will appear either on my Website or in my book.
I also drive long distances for women who want midwife care. The negatives
balance out the positives. When I am on my way home after a night out (stay
overnight sometimes) I usually have this wonderful feeling of fullfilment.
Of course I have had to review my charges from time to time, because in this
society I have to make a living. I only take 2 bookings per month
generally, this is because of the time involved being with women. I don't
seem to have much objection to fees, the women are usually very happy with
the personalised service they receive.
I think you questions relate very much to the individual midwife. Her
personal responsibilities and the time she is available to provide her care.
I catch up after 2 nights of sleep when deprived a bit. Usually sleep
really well these nights. I tend to go with the flow and have become very
aware of my body and it's ability to cope.
Hope this helps a little.
Robyn Thompson *Independent Midwife
Melbourne Midwifery
Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding Service
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
http://www.melbmidwifery.com.au <http://www.melbmidwifery.com.au>
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Kathleen Fahy
Sent: Thursday, 12 August 1999 14:49
To: Ozmidwifery
Subject: Negative Effects of Being a Caseload Midwife
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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