Re: [ozmidwifery] hep C and homebirth

[Maxine Wilson]

Title: Bericht

Lieve My heart goes out to you as it must be a painful and disappointing position to be in with your colleagues.  I presume you have presented them with the evidence of the risks of infection and the appropriate measures to take.  Do you have an ethics policy that you work by as midwives?  To judge someone so harshly for their previous behaviour does not seem to be a compassionate way to care.  I understand that you are probably in your own private practise and so there is no obligation to provide care.  Do you think it is only because of the infection risks that they are upset or are their other issues such as her behaviour, personality etc that are being judged.  You are in a difficult position and I guess that you need to give them as much information as possible and also be able to discuss calmly with them about their fears.  I would find it hard to stay calm and I guess you would be feeling pretty upset with them.  Maybe you could also talk about why they are so angry - are they really that sure that you are putting their health at risk or do they not approve of this type of client, or maybe it has to do with other issues in your practise that have not been dealt with.  I and I think many Australian midwives would find this situation difficult to understand as most of us work in the public system and so have no say about who our clients are.  We care for whoever needs it.  I think also that we identify strongly with the origins of midwife which is to be "with women".  I understand that the literal meaning of vroedvrouw is wise woman (the best name for a midwife I have heard yet).  Can you appeal to their wisdom?  Ultimately you will make a decision.  It is important to give them space to really listen to them and hear what they are also trying to tell you - is there something that they are concerned about that you haven't really heard?  Also a bit of time can make the world of difference - perhaps giving them time to digest information before a final decision is made.  If they will not provide care is there the option that you could care for her in a one to one manner? My best wishes to you. Maxine   ----- Original Message ----- From: Lieve Huybrechts To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 12:26 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] hep C and homebirth Hoi friends,   Last week I send the question about hep C and homebirth. Since then I got a lot of information and I could decide that homebirth was not a problem with some precautions to protect ourselves. But I have a problem with my colleagues. We have a practice of three midwives and the other two refuse to help the mother, saying that they think the risc is to much to take. She was also a drugaddict, but clean now for several years. She had recent a partner with unsafe sexual behaviour (several partners). My colleagues say that she is responsible herself for what she got and take the consequences of it. I believe that everybody needs a second chance.   They say, considering our teamwork that I have to refuse her too. They are angry at me. I feel that refusing her is some discimination. How should you handle this in your practice?   warm greetings Lieve       Lieve Huybrechts vroedvrouw 0477/740853 www.geboorte-infocentrum.be -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 2/09/2005