[ozmidwifery] togetherness

[Mary Murphy]

Denise wrote.   "Sadly now most Australian midwives actually believe we (the women and midwives) are safest where we are, that birth is inherently dangerous and we best leave it to the rescue brigade to make the decisions whilst we support them not the women or ourselves!   This is an interesting observation in the light of the current campaign by the obstetricans to get the government to pay their indemnity insurance.  The last few days have seen 4 letters in support of midwives supporting the midwife's role in hospital, birth centres and the community (1 written by a midwife..me)  and one rather long, heart rending one from a woman obstetrician detailing the "Bleak Future" they face (Large bold print). Today there is a letter purporting to be from a midwife saying that the letters were "having a go at the doctors" (NOT true) and midwives were using the situation for their own political purposes (what us??) and that "if midwives want to take on the job, if then good luck to them!") Even when opportunities arise to sing the praises of midwives no matter where they work, other midwives will not support them.  United we stand, divided we fall.  When midwives start to value their profession and work together with women, like in NZ , then we will all benefit. Cheers, MM