Personally I've experienced an Obstetric hospital birth and then 3 water births at home with the same Independent midwife. For each of my home births I welcomed another individual to be there for support. I have shared my birth with 2 different friends and the third time with a B-Mid student. I always saw their role as supporting my partner and I in what was needed, as simple as a glass of water being close by or to take photos and video of the birth or most importantly getting water in that pool!!! I guess I believe that it isn't necessary for our midwife to be there for all of the labour, and on all 3 births she only saw the last hour give or take. I knew when it was time for her to come to me. The women invited to my births had all experienced birth themselves and respected their place in it all. In honesty I didn't need them to give birth, but each added a memorable part and it is a link I will have with each of them forever. Maybe the focus could be on what a person brings to the experience, not what they are called.
my bit on this interesting discussion, Megan This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
