[ozmidwifery] Moral Indignation

[Denise Hynd]

Dear All    Regarding Robyn Thompson, I am sure that like a lot of us , she has worked with the College, argued with the College and tried every way she could to get them to be effective in acting.to address the midwifery issues in this country.. . Now her frustration is only exceeded by her desire to keep doing midwifery regardless of the personal risk?   Few of us have any understanding of putting ourselves out for women and midwifery! Imagine if even one maternity unit went on strike unless a midwifery model of care was instigated with support from the hospital administration. There would be outrage but such a move would save money and pain etc for women and babies and our community!   In NSW the GMTT recommendations (in last week end's papers) threatens several midwifery led units ! Where is the outrage of the midwives and consumers involved let alone the NSWMA and midwives across the state. Where is the outrage that we have a refurbished Birth Centre that is not allowed to have any births?? (So much of what is happening with NSW Maternity Services and GMTT is from a Yes Minister script!)   I contemplate going to NZ or the UK if NMAP does not get the support it deserves from the polies I wish I could say it is overwhelmed by support from  midwives particularly the college!   Now I know how busy they are and they do it in their own time etc and the polies and bureaucrats need to see this as wanted by the consumers etc.   Sorry but I can understand Robyn's frustration and I hope her outburst shames midwives (particularly ACMI ) into re arranging their priorities rather than resulting in moral indignation!   I see it as conferences, meetings and negotiations have not changed midwifery and Australian birthing (in fact we have been fiddling while the flames engulf us !) NMAP can with 100% support from informed midwives and consumers! Denise