In a message dated 30/07/01 8:00:39 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Would be most interested to hear about the training for the six months -
what sort of things do they cover?
Sally t >>
Hi Sally, I too was most interested in this.
Particularly when the "carer workers" will have such a diverse role and be
required to have an "understanding of the postnatal woman and the newborn
baby".
As someone who as a birth attendant/support person often finds themselves in
such a role, I am always cognisant of my boundaries of my skills and
knowledge when working 'with woman' in this capacity. Given that I have
usually shared a great deal of time with the woman and the family and have a
trusting relationship, given the continuity that this role allows, I find
this to be challenging in terms of what else at times I'm asked to provide
knowledge of, give an opinion on etc etc...Having had four children of my own
and spent many years now with women postnatally, I too could probably boast a
little "understanding of the postnatal woman and the newborn baby". However,
given that I am not the midwife caring for the woman, I try to remain clear
of my boundaries of responsibility and accountability to the women I serve.
To do anything else is not fair to the woman or to her midwife. This for me
is always a challenge and something that is always ethically difficult!!!
In implementing such programs (whilst on the whole I am wholeheartedly
supportive) we also run the risk of the devaluing of midwifery knowledge and
skill. Postnatal care is always the poor old bridesmaid in terms of midwifery
knowledge and something that midwives are so quick to give over and devalue.
I will watch with interest.
Yours in birth,
Tina Pettigrew
Birthworks
Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife.
Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective.
" As we trust the flowers to open to new life
- So we can trust birth"
Harriette Hartigan.
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