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Dear Jo
Last nite (I was not owrking in Labour ward) a
couple after several hours of pushing were seeking a second opnion rather than
accept a caesarian section.
At this time one was not available and if it was it
would been the same!!
I do not feel this is a reflection on anyone but
the system which does not offer informed choices at the begining of
pregnancy!!
What is needed and I hope with NMAP, and subsequent
actions is systemic change
Opportunities for midwives to do midwifery (1-2-1
care) and others to see what this can acheive and demand more!!
Meanwhile I will not work in the system but work
for its change or migrate to NZ.
Denise
Ps What I do not understand is why those who
know what is possible (all imported midwives and families from NZ and Uk
etc) are not all demanding change??
I know many are but not a majority!!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 5:08
PM
Subject: [ozmidwifery] thanks
everyone
I would just like to take this opportunity to
thank everyone for their replies and thoughts on the topics that I have
suggested and those that have spawned off of topics.
The thing that I love most
about oz mid is the discussions
offer food for
thought.
As a consumer I am in a position where I can sit
back and observe what is going on. It is important for me to be able to
listen to the opinions of care providers and hear what your experiences
are. And then do the same from the women. I understand the need
for consumers to push for change (and support the MC in their goals to achieve
1to1 care by a known midwife for those who want it.) but I also know how
crucial it is to unite with those who are willing to offer these
services. Women I feel kind of know what they want or don't want
based on what they know. It is a shame that all options
are not known/presented or offered. Reading the Essential Baby cs forum
is a real eye opener to hear the opinions of women who chose their cs based on
'safety and facts' (god forbid you contradict what they say or even question
it...! I once said that they should be mindful of the information they
give to women as it is not always applicable or even correct for some -most-
women reading this forum... I was 'slammed' with hate mail for weeks and
the best bit was a comment that I was "obviously a midwife" with the same tone
you would use for a horrible type of infection or something!....some midwife
must of pissed her off!!)
There is a conference coming up in Adelaide
which is focusing on midwifery things...water birth, etc and I am very glad to
hear that we were successful in getting free admission for the general public
on one of those days. It is fine and dandy to get mw enthused to
introduce things like water birth, but the powers that be say "women don't
want it" but women don't know about it!!! By not involving
women in these sorts of things does nothing to help the cause. Get women
involved in things - ask them if they want to attend any conferences you may
be planning...at little to no cost- even if it is a revenue loss for you-
because when both factions are enthused and motivated then more can be
done.
Next time you are going to educate yourselves
about something...ask some mums to come too. See if you can, sneakily if
required, introduce an antenatal class on water birth and advertise it in a
general public forum and get women demanding it, echoing your call for
it....
Ah! once again I am rambling on.....just task
avoidance I suppose! Got a few reports to write...unless anyone else
would like to do them for?? They are juicy ones!! PND links with
child birth experience; Obstetric procedure policies feed back; report on the
importance of implementing 1on1 midwifery care....any takers?? No?...oh
well.
cheers wonderful women
Jo
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