RE: [ozmidwifery] The future? The answer?

[Julie Clarke]

Dear Mary I think what we are witnessing is a struggle for the balance of power. In the past there has been medical dominance. (Driven by fear). This is being overthrown by legal dominance. (Also driven by fear). I am hopeful that during my lifetime we can achieve  mothers and midwives seizing this golden opportunity to join forces and work together for an improved birthing  future with both the medicals and legals weakened as a result of their greed for dominance.. I am finding parents in my classes are understanding this current struggle.   I explain it to them and talk about how things can improve. It needs to be talked about in all circles. Recently I was conducting a training workshop for midwives and I responded to some of their questions with comments such as “It’s important that we don’t maintain the dysfunctional system” “Always be advocates for women and mothers”  “Support each other” “Women and midwives working together” and I think it’s so important for each of us to maintain this sort of language to develop an atmosphere for positive change. Hug to all   Julie Clarke Childbirth and Parenting Educator Transition into Parenthood Classes 9 Withybrook Pl Sylvania NSW 2224 T(02) 9544 6441 F(02) 9544 9257 M. 0414 265530 email  [EMAIL PROTECTED]     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Mary Murphy Sent: Friday, 9 August 2002 10:09 PM To: list Subject: [ozmidwifery] The future? The answer?   Kitty Ernst, co-founder of National Assoc of Childbearing Centers (USA)wrote to me today: "things are heating up here again. The American Medical Association has issued a mandate to all state associations to bring nurse-practitioners, physicians assistants, nurse anaesthetists and nurse-midwives under control of physicians (my language). So the lawyers are having fun. One wonders if birth will ever be in the hands of parents again, never mind midwives .  But we keep pressing on because we believe that one day it will turn.  And as one looks at history it needs to be recorded that some people tried to keep some sense in the giving of birth.  It is predicted that US will be doing 50% CS by 2010.  It's climbing again. VBACs have declined as false information is put out. When it is refuted by research, it rarely gets reported that it was an error. So what else is new? "  I recently saw this quote - Lewis Moris wrote- "Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare the truth thou hast, that all may share.  Behold, proclaim it everywhere. They only live who dare." It appealed to me.  cheers, Mary Murphy