Jayne, the medicalisation of childbirth goes way back. There were a couple of private hospitals that would give us visiting access for a variety of 'shared care' (the obstetrician was always in charge). That is no longer available since the loss of insurance. No public hospital that I know of has given a midwife visiting access, despite efforts over many years. There is one hospital where midwives have a modified caseload/team (Wangaratta), and one public hospital with a Know Your Midwife (KYM) option (Box Hill).
Homebirth numbers fluctuate a little from year to year, but there are more BBAs (born before arrival at hospital) in Vic than planned homebirths. Just a snippet for those who are statistically minded. The Vic government data collection unit has been asking the question 'intended' and 'actual' place of birth, since 1999. We have recently been given the figures for the planned homebirths that transferred care to hospital in 99 and 2000, and the outcomes are excellent. Caesar rate of 4%; transfer to hospital rate of 18%; Two vaginal breech births took place in hospital, and three at home during the two-year period. Primipara (first timers) constitute about 41% of the total birthing population in Victoria, and approximately 30% of those who actually give birth at home. The full details of this report will be sent off for publication. The facts need to be celebrated. Joy Johnston -----Original Message----- From: Jayne [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 10:22 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: midwifery positions Joy, is this the situation in Victoria since the insurance debacle? Specifically concerning no visiting access to hospitals and only 100 homebirths each year?? Or does it cover the period before the insurance was pulled? Jayne > > I can understand why a midwife would not choose to come to Victoria, where > no midwife can get visiting access to hospitals; where there is no public > funding for homebirth; where there are only 100 homebirths each year, out > of 60,000; -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
