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I don't know if this has been posted, but don't you
just love it? Cheers, MM
"Midwives push for homebirth
Home birth must no longer be regarded as a special privilege for a fringe minority, the RCM said today (Wed 23 July). Commenting on the findings of today's Health Select Committee report the College, which represents 95% of the UK's midwives, said that all maternity services should provide one-to-one midwifery for all women, regardless of the location of that birth. Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary of the RCM, choices said: "Mums should always be given choices about their care. The focus should always be on normality in childbirth in an environment where women feel comfortable." Dame Karlene Davis added: "Whether it be at home, in a birth centre or a traditional maternity unit it should be the woman's choice".The RCM wholeheartedly supports home birth as a positive and realistic choice and supports the Committee's conclusion that "the policy of encouraging all women to give birth in hospitals cannot be justified on the grounds of safety" Dame Karlene added; "Evidence indicates the health outcomes of planned homebirths are as good as those for hospital births with many women and their families experiencing additional emotional and practical benefits". "The midwife's role is to support and aid women in making an informed decision regarding their maternity care and then to provide the best possible care. The College therefore urges the Government to address the continuing problems of staff shortages, closures of smaller maternity units and birth centres and empower women with a greater degree of choice and control throughout their pregnancy and during labour." Dame Karlene Davis added: "We applaud the Governments continued recommendations for woman centred care but urge them to back it up with implementation in order that women receive the maternity care they want and deserve". |
