[ozmidwifery] Rural Victoria Issues

[Mary Doyle]

Dear Jan and Other Readers, Yes, in my area women are not necessarily induced at 38 weeks because of isolation from a base hospital, but are often heavily given the "what if" scenarios by specialists, so that they may be induced early. "Oh Mrs S. you've got a BIG baby there!  And you're a long way from home aren't you!" So the new mother starts to worry.............. e.g.   What if it gets even bigger?          What if the waters break and the baby comes quickly??         What if we have to drive the 1 plus hours in the night? in a storm? in a lot of pain?         What if I'm not in established labour and they want to send me home?  etc.  etc   These kinds of concerns eat away at her confidence, she is uncomfortable, tired and vulnerable........   The decision for a woman in this situation lies between what seems convenient and controlled (induction), and what is a venture into the unknown (spontaneous labour). We rural midwives have to work HARD at these times to convince women of their abilities and their rights. And sometimes we do.......   And sometimes......... she decides that the 'safest' way is to be induced (because the doctor said so), and all that good and positivity and confidence in herself is lost, and the midwife too feels defeated.   Sorry for the sob story but a very similar scenario has happened today............   Cheers Mary Doyle