Re: [ozmidwifery] ACMI referral guidelines

[Gloria Lemay]

I wanted to put in some thoughts about these matters even though I don't understand the specifics of your system.  We have probably gone through many of the same things here in Canada.  One thing that we are changing in our approach to dealing with those who oppose us is "dramatic language".  It's not accurate to say you are "being beaten about the head".  I know it's a turn of phrase only but there is power in language.  It actually takes rigour to say "We have received 3 letters stating........." rather than saying things like "raked over the coals, having our heads in a noose, being burned at the stake, etc."  All of those things don't accurately describe what we are dealing with today and to the degree that we indulge in the drama, we lose power.   Secondly, backlash and resistance are normal when things are on the move.  They are actually good signs of progress.  The progress will be seen in surprising and unexpected places.  When you have a whole group of women focused on improving maternity care, the improvements may not come in the place you are putting energy but they will come and you can be proud that your contribution made a difference.    I find it interesting that the obstetricians are not accepting your evidence.  That means they are reading it, at least.   Have you ever "not accepted" something and then come to see that you can accept it later?  I sure have---- I remember the first time I saw someone breastfeeding an 8 month old.  I was a teenager and I was completely disgusted that someone would have a child that size on their breast.  Years later, there I was with my 4 y.o. still sucking away.   Just shows that it's possible to completely transform a point of view.    So, keep up your stand for the normalcy of birth and the possibility of Australia being a world leader in bringing dignity and health back to the birthing room.  You may never get credit for it but you'll have huge satisfaction that you were part of a movement in 2005 that made a difference for your daughter and grand daughters. Gloria in Canada ----- Original Message ----- From: Janet Fraser To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 5:26 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] ACMI referral guidelines I'm so sorry, Anne. I deeply sympathise with you and I wish I could do something to help. I think it's time that those of us with actual real evidence went on the offensive and stopped allowing Obs to dictate the terms of this discourse. They need to be asked to demonstrate their fitness to practice according to evidence based guidelines not that mulch that they fluff up for the media. Sending you strength and support from Melbourne. For the record, in ob terms, isn't a "low risk" woman one who isn't pregnant? ; ) Janet ----- Original Message ----- From: Anne Clarke To: OZMIDWIFERY Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 10:05 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] ACMI referral guidelines Dear All,   We are still being beaten around the head about using the ACMI referral guidelines.   Just today an obstetrician said 'well they (ACMI referral guidelines) are not RANZCOG approved' and he added that 'ACMI does not represent the vast majority of Midwives like RANZCOG represents all Obstetricians'.   When the references were pointed out and the referral guidelines were based securely in best practice, it was like water on a ducks back.  Can't see anything without the stamp of approval from RANZCOG nothing else exists.   As you can tell from this the obstetricians want to use referral guidelines based on their interpretation and not on a Midwifery best practice model of care. You would think it should be the same for Midwives and obstetricians.  With a mindset like this obstetricians want complete control and veto and they hide this mindset behind the facade of 'safety'.   Another issue is that they want a definition of 'low risk'.   I just want to scream! Anne Clarke Birth Centre, Brisbane