RE: [ozmidwifery] Goodbye

[Philippa Scott]

I have been vocal on here of late haven’t I? I try to be quite but on this occasion I have a comment and a question or 2.   I appreciate as a consumer that there are people prepared to say what may be perceived as challenging. I appreciate the struggle that it is to work with in a high risk environment. The challenge is what can we do with in our own environment to make the changes that women need? Is it to involve or start a local consumer group? Maybe, let them do battle for you because it is ultimately for themselves. It is always more powerful when families themselves say it. Midwives wont change the system alone and don’t have to try too. I am sure you all recognize that. By giving the power to change it back to the women they are in fact able to become more empowered all round.   My question is two fold. Does a woman have the right to refuse cord blood gases being tested? If the consequence of having cord blood gases done is that she woman and her baby get a lower level of care (midwife has to leave her), she cannot have cord left till pulsating ends possibly denying the baby life giving support, it is not evidenced based, etc. shouldn’t she be explained these things at different times anti-natally and during birth (where possible) so that she can make an informed choice as to what she wants? I thinks so and in such a circumstance could you not use “offered and refused by client” as a very valid out with the pen pushers etc?   I am really trying to think outside the square a little and think of ways this can be done that protects women and midwives. I may be naïve about women’s rights but I think we should have some say in these procedures.   With respect,   Philippa Scott Birth Buddies - Doula Assisting women and their families in the preparation towards childbirth and labour. President of Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of carol Sent: Monday, 16 October 2006 2:48 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Goodbye   I agree with Felicity's comments.... Lisa please do not stop contributing to this list and sharing your valuable experience as even though I do not post often at all, I never miss reading everyone's posts and love learning from your valuable experience.... As you have stated Felicity, what is the point of everyone agreeing with everyone? Everyone's opinion is valuable and should be shared .... Carol.     Stephen & Felicity <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Personally, I love Lisa Barrett's contributions.  I've NEVER found her rude (though often matter of fact, and her words are issued without watering down - which I personally appreciate); the reason I believe some may struggle to accept her contributions is because she's not focused on the needs or benefit of Midwives, Doulas, or other professionals, nor interested in talking in circles; she's focused squarely on the birthing women, every time, in every case.  Let's remember that they're the ones who suffer when receiving care that is less than optimal (difficult though the Midwife's plight may be, it doesn't even compare to the struggle of the birthing women in our country) and let's applaud the efforts of experienced, passionate Midwives like Lisa who never lose sight of that, even at the cost of being attacked by her colleagues and being unpopular.  Granted, we all do our bit in different ways; INCLUDING Lisa.  I salute you, Lisa.  Please don't stop contributing; your comments not only provide balance (what is the point of everyone agreeing with everyone when clearly there are many things VERY wrong with our system) but inspire me on a daily basis - inspire my renewed faith in Midwifery and in women.  You talk a LOT of sense and it's refreshing.  Thankyou.   Sadie, I've enjoyed many of your comments as well.  I'm sorry if you feel you want to leave.  Goodbye, and best wishes for the future.     On Yahoo!7 Messenger: Make FREE PC-to-PC Calls