dear list
The debate/furore over the place within the organisation for
women/mothers/families is both timely and of utmost importance. As
midwives we identify ourselves as 'professional' with a code of
conduct, a body of knowledge and a worthy college to represent our
membership. We have used 'professionalism' as a means to validate our
authority and be listened to, to be consulted and taken seriously within
the organistaion of maternity services in this country. But I have to
say at this point we need to seriously reconsider this notion. As
professionals our scope of practice is not based on autonomy and we are
not governed by a legal framework which recognises our professionalism.
We are deluded if we think that either government or those with a vested
interest in the maternity system recognise or reward our status as
professionals with a valuable contribution to make. We are handed out
grants and funds to 'prove' ourselves in schemes and pilot projects that
are discontinued regardless of the worthwhile outcomes they generate.
Our strength lies only with the women and families we serve. They are
our entire reason for being! The art of midwifery is learned from 'being
with' women giving birth. This is not to say we do not have a handle on
science and technology. Our craft is improved through research and
education promoting evidence based practice. As a midwife our unique
contribution to the world is the opportunity to be with the woman giving
birth. No other 'professional' shares this experience as completely as a
midwife. And for our 'profession' to survive we must listen to women. In
Australia it seems there has been a rather rough patch of consumer
involvement which has caused major heartache and damaged many midwives.
(It is interesting to note the subsequent 'professionalisation' of some
consumer lobbies!) Women and families and mothers are the only people
who can convince the government that midwives are indispensible. We can
wave our professional flags on the sidelines and remain victimised by a
system that does not value our contribution as long as we like, but it
is the 'consumer' who will ultimately decide our fate and offer us the
challenge to practice wisely.
Sally Tracy
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