*in previous issues there has been a MIPP page. I think it's wise to
suspend this page until the threat to private practice midwifery in
Vic has been dealt with. However I know some members who are
midwives appreciate the information that has been included in the
MIPP page, so would like to make a 'MIDWIVES' page instead. One of
the consequences of the government's attack on independent midwifery
is the rise of the unregulated birth attendant/doula. This group
will never have the authority to practice that a midwife should
have. The primary carer role of the midwife is something that we
need to value and protect, before it is lost.
Hello Joy, Robyn and all,
I would like to offer my thoughts on this issue...Joy I put my first question to you....I cannot think how removing the MIPP page from Birth Matters serves to "value and protect" the primary carer role of the midwife....???
I support Robyn's comments whole heartedly.....as midwives we need to stand tall and not be intimidated....particularly when the advice to date is that the MIPP is not outside of the law in continuing to offer her services to women.....Continuity of care with a known midwife is evidenced based...considered best practice and the Departments own propaganda is full of it......we need to be throwing this back to them....
http://maternity.health.vic.gov.au/models/model05b.htm
Nowhere does the Department say in the above information to the women of Victoria researching their birth options that it is not an option for women in this state to engage the services of a MIPP...just that there is "Currently limited access to this model due to unresolved indemnity issues for private midwives".
Removing the MIPP's page from Birth Matters only serves to further limit women's access to information on their birth choices....I see its up to the individual midwife to decide for herself if she wishes to offer her services in the current climate...and as long as the Department holds out the option of planned homebirth for women...then women have the right to discuss this information with MIPP and come to their own decisons in partnership with one another, what ever they may be!!
Lets not drive the option of planned homebirth underground....women ARE still birthing at home...midwives ARE still supporting them in this choice. My view is that we need to keep transparent, open and honest on this issue.....keep it on the table not under it...I ask how will we ever get the recognition for the demand for planned homebirth and other midwife services of MIPP if MIPPs "Disappears"????
My second comment relates to the proliferation of the birth attendant/doula.....I have to disagree again Joy in that the doula movement was well on its way in this country/state long before the issues with PII for midwives....the proliferation of doula's is a reflection of the fragmentated maternity service available to most women....In places where women receive continuity of midwife care from a known midwife....doula's are rarely heard of.
Yours in reforming midwifery
Tina Pettigrew.
