[ozmidwifery] Re:a labouring woman is a labouring woman???

[Mary Murphy]

Sue, I take on board all you have said and agree with you on many points.  One thing I am puzzled about is your naming a "smallish unit" +/-700 per month.  That is not really a very people friendly establishment size, just one which we have come to accept.  NMAP, which personalises the care,  could be the answer in any size unit. You say: we do not often have the luxury of getting to know our women very well before their labour, My point and that of NMAP is, it shouldn't be a luxury.   It should be standard, particularly for the more needy women. It should also be structured so that it is midwife friendly.  Hospital Teams of 6-8 midwives is too big. The FBC model is wonderful for the woman, but the staffing method needs to be re- thought.  Caroline Flint's model is ideal.  Cheers, MM -----