[ozmidwifery] Natural Birth

[Rosemary & Wayne Weckert]

Hello all. My name is Rosemary Weckert and I've been a silent reader of the list for a long while. Thought I had to tell Jo about the birth I attended today at Alice Springs Hospital. I am gathering evidence to apply for accreditation as an Independant midwife. The hospital is supporting me with insurance but the births have to happen at the hospital. So in my own time I am working with 20 families during their pregnancy birth and postnatal period. I attend antenatal care in their homes or at ASH it's their choice. I go to them when labour starts and when they decide it's time to go to ASH for the birth I accompany them, assist them with the birth then follow them up after the birth at ASH then at home. Anyway today a woman having her 3rd baby went into labour, up to the hospital we went. 4hrs later she sat on the birth stool and breathed her baby into her husbands hands. They went home 4 hrs later. I feel lucky to be working in this way. When I read about the way some midwives and women are treated when they do have to transfer to a hospital I'm glad I live in Alice Springs. We're not perfect but we have a good team of doctors and midwives who are trying to be progressive. Although we have'nt been able to break down the waterbirth barriers yet (we do have 2 large suitable baths in readiness). I get asked a lot about what will happen when this project is completed. I can't say for sure especially if there is no insurance but at the moment these women are my teachers and I'm enjoying it. We're always looking for staff, if you never never go you'll never never know! Regards Rosemary