In a message dated 1/12/01 3:18:47 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Dear Jackie: I totally agree it is all about control; BUT after being at some 60 home births in the past year as a midwifery student, I have a very painful knee after all the squatting, kneeling, etc..I have been doing. Not that I want to change and have the mums assume the "beetle position" at optimum height for myself, but I would like some tips on preserving my own joints. It is weird because I don't even notice my discomfort at the birth, it is in the days afterwards that I do, until the next time when I get into any position I have to, to be with the mum. Any advice is welcome. Marilyn -- >> Hi Marilyn, I believe a 'birth stool' is a must for the midwife also to aid with the aching legs after squatting and kneeling for hours. I have a 'dicky knee' and at births always look around for what I can use for a 'birth stool' for me. I have found children's seats to be wonderful help and great size/height. Not terribly intrusive either. Children love lending them to you !!!!! Also, small stools/steps are great and I've even borrowed a 'milking stool' at one homebirth I was at. My very own 'birth stool' will be one of my first purchases for next year. The one I have in mind sits only inches off the floor, and just allows enough support so your not squatting/kneeling for ages. Jackie's advice is great too and moving around I find helps immensely, but is difficult in those last stages when your tucked in under a woman's arm in a full squat and for not love nor money can you escape !!!!!! Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BMidStudentCollective [EMAIL PROTECTED] " As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth" Harriette Hartigan. ------------------------------------------------------------------- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
