Hi Janet, It is amazing that people behave this way in a hospital, but would never dream of, or get away with, behaving that way anywhere else. It is easy to see why women would choose to go outside the system, and in extreme cases choose an unattended homebirth, rather than repeat experiences such as you describe. I don't know how the problem can be fixed. But I know people need to share their stories, both for their own well being and so that the system can be challenged and others can be forewarned. This is difficult though, as women should not be entering hospital to give birth feeling fearful about the way that they will be treated. Partners suffer too when women are treated so appallingly, and often are not able to advocate for a labouring woman. The hospital staff have all the power in this situation. Midwives too, can be traumatised by what happens, and as a small player in a large institution they often collude with the perpetrators so that they can continue to work with that individual without too much conflict. Of course some midwives are perpetrators too. For women who can afford a doula, this may be an excellent investment, but not everyone can afford a doula, and even fewer can afford their own midwife. It is hard for women to share their story, but I think that they should be supported to do so publicly (with a clear idea of what they hope to achieve and how they can share the story without further harm to themselves). I also think women who can afford it should at least get legal advice and ensure that the ob knows about it. Unfortunately some may be more concerned about litigation rather than the damage that they cause. At the moment power is unequally shared in the health care system, and I think this is a large part of the problem. I do think this will change as consumers start to demand that it does. Nicole.
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Janet Fraser Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 3:28 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: Re: [ozmidwifery] Northern Rivers Hi Nicole, I wrote an enormous letter including my birth story to the hospital where my birthrape was perpetrated. It made no difference. I still have women from that hospital joining the birth trauma group I run on a regular basis. I don't understand why we consumers have to point out the violence in the system to those who work in it. If a woman says no and is disregarded, she will be traumatised. If a woman is separated from her baby and mocked by staff, she will be traumatised. If a woman screams "Get out!" in the middle of a VE because she has never experienced anything more excruciating in her life, it is clear to the meanest intelligence that there is a problem. To me this is like asking me to explain to my rapist that rape is bad. We know rape is bad, we shouldn't need to be told not to do it. The woman in those examples was me. You can read the story and complaint letter here http://www.joyousbirth.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14 J -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
