Hi Julie, Thanks for sharing this with us. I know that many midwives do feel helpless about trying to work with these parents once they reach hospital... the problem is that it is the choice of caregiver that makes the difference.
I am convinced that the decisions about choice of caregiver and birth place are the most important onces that parents will make in relation to the kind of birth they will eventually experience. Perhaps the best thing we can do as educators is to provide an opportunity for parents to really consider these issues when they are making these decisions - i.e. in the early part of their pregnancy. I have found that parents will book in early (for a class at around 12 weeks) with the right publicity and it makes a huge difference to their approach to pregnany and birth when they can tackle these issues (and other such as choosing/using screening tests) early on. It takes time for parents to consider and assimilate new approaches and for a shift in attitudes to occur Parents also like the extended contact they have with their peers from time to time over 6 months rather than 6 - 8 weeks and this on-going support also helps to bolster their confidence. Congratulations on your handling of this very tricky topic - the flexibility you have with your program and your undoubted skills in facilitating group work are a wonderful resource for your clients. I wonder if they know how lucky they are to have joined your program? Best wishes, Andrea My heart goes out to all the midwives who must see these couples every day, who haven't had the preparation, information and previous support that classes can provide to help them work through these issues. >I can imagine it to be a difficult journey to assist those couples towards >an empowering birth. >Any comments anyone ? >hug to all >Julie > ----- Andrea Robertson Birth International * ACE Graphics * Associates in Childbirth Education e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web: www.birthinternational.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
