RE: [ozmidwifery] Community meeting

[Julie Clarke]

Hi Darren I agree with you that it’s ironic to petition the OB’s in order for change. I believe that about 10 years ago or so in New Zealand Midwifery was facing a similar crisis to what Oz is facing today. The solution they found to be very successful was to encourage consumers of maternity services to join in the push for improvements. Apparently the midwives association actively encouraged mothers to join the midwives association and this was their pathway to their current day success. It would be terrific if all oz midwives spoke to all mothers in the antenatal clinics, in the post natal wards, on EDP wherever possible about the need to push together for improvements. Where is the logic in asking permission of the OB’s for a cultural change? And if we did travel down this path for arguments sake – what are the odds of successfully improving maternity services to the satisfaction of mothers and midwives? If we continue to hand all our “power” to OB’s where is that going to lead us? What will become of maternity services if we stay on the current path? hug Julie Clarke Childbirth and Parenting Educator Transition into Parenthood 9 Withybrook Pl Sylvania  NSW  2224 T. (02) 9544 6441 F (02) 9544 9257 M. 0401 265 530 email [EMAIL PROTECTED]   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Darren Sunn Sent: Tuesday, 18 March 2003 4:19 PM To: Ozmidwifery Subject: [ozmidwifery] Community meeting   On the Weekend up here in Queensland we had a Community Cabinet Meeting with the Premier and other Ministers (including the Health Minister and her side kick Lindy Nelson-Carr)   Our inspired Birth campaigner Deidrie Cullen organised a group of us to appear at the meeting where we held a formal deputation with Lindy Nelson-Carr.   Deidrie and Ingar managed to corner Wendy Edmunds the Health Minister and chew her ear about the NMAP. Later the Ladies sat down in front of Peter Beatie (our Premier) and with some enthusiastic fist pounding on the table managed to let him know what women want regarding Maternity services.    Then we sat down at a table for our deputation with Lindy (sidekick to Wendy the Health minister) and promote our points of view regarding the NMAP.   Some interesting points came out of our meeting with Lindy, while Peter and Wendy regurgitated the usual rhetoric "we understand you concerns and we have forwarded this to the federal level for consideration ...Blah blah blah....."" Lindy started in the same vein......When we questioned what the commonwealth's response was ..she advised that "they" weren't going to do anything.....   I asked if she believed that our cause and wants were valid? To which Lindy responded that even though she believed we had a valid case, it was unlikely that Qld was going to do anything more then a standard "review" of the present situation,  What she called " scopping".. We as stakeholders would be able to participate in the review but also Obstetricians etc..etc..(and they are very powerful..she acknowledged).   They advised us that the only reason we in Qld have a birthing centre is that there is a couple/few number of Doctors willing to back up such a project.   I asked if policy implementation would enable change/increase in birth centres and the use of midwives as our primary caregivers, and the response was "unlikely/too hard".   It seems unless OBs back the Choice of Midwives as primary caregivers, then it will be difficult for it to succeed in Qld.(This, as far as I can understand is that high risk and transfer would require OBs to endorse their services, and if unwilling then you negate the Choice).    We were advised to petition OBs in order to gain our goals of choice.(ironic)   I hope that a cultural shift may occur or that success in other states may lead to pressure for Qld Health to change their position on this issue.     regards,   Darren