Re: [ozmidwifery] community mid program WA

[Heartlogic]

Government, money, ignorance, arrogance, power dynamics, the culture of fear.  You name it Kristin. That's why it hasn't happened. And it is not for want of trying.  It is a huge challenge getting similar models in the same health service, let alone different states!   But   The tide is turning. Midwifery led, women centered birthing programmes are rising out of the ashes from the fires lit by women's distress and anger from being subject to conveyor belt maternity processing.  The social ills that plague our society are being laid fairly and squarely at the feet of the efficiency driven, mechanised, cold, industrialised approach to childbirth.   And, 350 delegates to the homebirth conference is one of many signs of a culture shift.    Neuroscience is one of our greatest building blocks for why the way that women feel and experience their childbearing is vitally important for the future health and wellbeing of the child.   Funnily enough, the Human Genome project also provides an opportunity. Findings from this project enable us to strengthen the message about valuing women's feelings, thoughts, ideals and wishes. The Genome project has put genetic determinism to bed for once and for all.  It is now known that significant life events can turn on genes that switch on protein synthesis which in turn switches on new neurons and new connections between them changing our brain.   This means that our minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day experiences, thoughts, emotions and behaviour modulate gene _expression_ and neurogenesis in ways that change the physical structure and development of the brain for all of us. For pregnant women, this new understanding is even more compelling because of the huge impact on the fetus.   It is a societal and therefore government responsibility to assume the duty of care to provide the optimal, most loving, nuturing environment for every childbearing woman.  One in which one of her most significant life event(s), that of having a baby gets the respect, honouring and support she needs.   warmly, Carolyn (Hastie)             ----- Original Message ----- From: Kristin Beckedahl To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 1:21 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] community mid program WA Can someone tell me why other states in Australia do not embrace the initiative of a Community Mid Programme, like the one in WA.  I'm sure there is a reason or two for it not being a national program; and I presume its cuaght up with government? money? insurance? demand? Love to hear your thoughts... Kristin -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.