Re: Independent Midwives
I did include all the other politicians (on Julie's list) as well, however I had to send 3 emails because I had too many reciepients for one email!
PI Insurance - matter referred to Senator Meg Lees.
Hi all listers. I received this response today from Emma Murphy, on behalf of Senator Natasha Stott Despoja. Lets all cross our fingers and toes!!! Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- Dear Tina, I appreciate your desire to see this matter tackled at a national level. I have forwarded this email to Senator Meg Lees, the Democrats Federal Health Spokesperson. best wishes, Emma -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 9:02 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Midwives lose their Professional Indemnity Insurance Thank you for your email. The Democrats, through our State Spokesperson, the Hon. Sandra Kanck MLC, have been very active on issues relating to midwifery, including, most recently, the decision of Guild Insurance to cease offering insurance cover for midwives. I have attached the text of a press release issued last week by Ms Kanck, for your interest. Yous sincerly, Emma Murphy Hello Emma, Thankyou for your response on behalf of Senator Stott Despoja and the Australian Democrats Re:The Professional Indemnity crisis facing Australian Midwives. I would like to thank the Democrats for their attention to this issue, particularly the efforts of the Hon Sandra Kanck MLC. Given that through the efforts of Sandra Kanck the Democrats have a real understanding of the issues facing midwifery in Australia today, I further request that the Democrats tackle the Howard Government on this issue so that a solution can be found. Under both State and Commonwealth Cultural Diversity Charters the governments of this country outline their responsibilities to provide health services which are accessible to a culturally diverse society as well as sensitive and responsive to diversity. In regard to birthing, the government is failing its responsibilities to Australian women and their families. The state of birthing services in this country is a disgrace, with Australian women and their babies being subjected to unjustifiable amounts of highly interventionist birthing practices, at great economical, physical and emotional costs to our society. Evidenced based maternity care demands that midwives be afforded greater roles and responsibilities in the provision of maternity care. Decades of research, state and federal government inquiries and reports have all supported this view. With Guild's decision to withdraw professional indemnity cover for midwives, we are again witnessing further disincentives to substitute models of care that have superior outcomes and are expected to be more cost effective. The key missing ingredient needed to move forward here has been strong political support and recognition of midwives and of the midwifery profession's capacity to dramatically improve the provision of the quality, continuity and accessibility of maternity services. The inability of independent midwives to secure any form of professional indemnity insurance, to protect themselves and the clients they serve, virtually wipes out any further opportunity for the expansion of midwfery-led models of care in this country. I would further like to bring to your attention to some of the resounding attitudes that face midwifery today. Attitudes such as the one displayed in the response pasted below, from a Senator of the Howard Government, Senator Alan Eggleston, in response to the professional indemnity crisis. Senator Eggleston's response however misguided, misinformed and outright lacking of any substance - is powerful and resonates of the fear and mistrust of woman's innate ability to safely and joyously birth their babies. Senator's Eggleston's response is a sad reflection of the respect for women in our society and perpetuates the myths surrounding homebirth and further denigrates women's choice of a safe, responsible birth choice. The women and midwives of Australia need assistance to tackle the likes of Senator Eggleston and his ilk - We call on the Australian Democrats to help ensure that our democratic rights as birthing women to safe and responsible birth choices is upheld in this country. Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 2:44 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives YOU SHOULD THANK THE LORD YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS A SHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR A HAEMORAGE ... WOMEN HAVE
FW: Cool women
I have to say I am totally inspired by the way everyone is working with the insurance issues, the communication and cohesion that is building can probably move mountains. Regards to all and keep it going, Pru --- Cool Women They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. They don't take no for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without new shoes so their children can have them. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can help to heal a broken heart. Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin! Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have a lot to say and a lot to give. This has been sent to you from someone who respects you as a woman.. pass it along to your women friends to remind them how amazing they are. A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE!!! -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: Independent Midwives
Dear Senator, Thank you for reply. I accept that 1701 was a typographical error. Nevertheless, I feel thatyou still fail to recognise the safety of midwifery care. It is not a highly litigious area. An equalpartnership is formed between a woman and herindependent midwife.The womanis given unbiased, evidence-based information upon which she makes the decisions. Nothing is done to her without her consent. There isgood communication between a woman and her midwife. I believe that many cases before the courts are brought about through a woman's desire to just find out 'what happened' and the medical profession's refusal to 'give honest answers' and admit they made mistakes.I'm sure many women will tell you it's 'not about the money'. The insurance companys need to know this. Yours sincerely, Andrea Bilcliff. - Original Message - From: "Eggleston, Alan (Senator)" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 5:03 PM Subject: FW: Independent Midwives Dear Andrea this is the full exchange of emails on this matter
FORWARDED BY LIST ADMIN FOR Senator.Eggleston@aph.gov.au
[This message has been forwarded to the list by List Admin] At 17:24 20/07/2001, you wrote: From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: FW: Returned mail: unknown mailer error 1 Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 17:23:22 +1000 -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Sent: Friday, 20 July 2001 11:58 AM To: 'Sue Cooper' Subject: RE: Independent Midwives I have replied to a number of the emails received today on this issue following the distribution of the first email and thank you for your courtesy in distributing the others. The reference to 1701 was a typographical error and was meant to be 1901 implying that things have changed a lot in the last 100 years. My point simply is that the insurance industry decision reflects the higher level of public expectation of all medical outcomes in contemporary Australia and the fact that this is now a litigious society second only to the USA where enormous damages are awarded which the insurance industry has to bear. There would seem to be no simple solution except to meet the training reqirements acceptable to the insurance industry in terms of minimization of liability . -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, 20 July 2001 11:11 AM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives Seems someone did the distributing for me. I also sent on your further replies, I am about fact and honesty, not deciet. I agree that the interests of the unborn child are of paramount importance. It is argued that this does not generally mean the bright and unhostile surroundings of a hospital environment. Any birthplace carries risk regardless of place. I, for one, would not give birth without necessary technologies near by, others might, and that is their choice. Thank you for your more 'discussion' based emails, they are far more appealing and alot more worthy of respect. Sue Cooper -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, July 20, 2001 1:08 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives I do not dispute the arguement about choice , however the interests of the unborn child also deserve full consideration and that implies a ready availability of modern medical services to manage complications which may adversely affect the child. Clearly that is the view of the insurance industry in this matter. You have obviously broadcast the initial reply to your email . I trust you will have the courtesy to distribute the further ones as well. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 7:09 PM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives I don't doubt for one second that obstetricians are a valuable asset to a percentage of pregnancies and birth, and that serious complications can occur during pregnancy and labour. My point is that all women and their families should have a choice, and an informed one, as to who their caregiver will be. Midwives play a huge role and as I am sure you are aware they should be the main care giver, and an obstetrician used when a problem arises. Independent midwives are used at home, in hospital and in birthing centres. The best outcome would be for midwives and obstetricians to work together, as they do, successfully, in other countries. Some women would prefer a high tech pregnancy and birth with all of the mod cons, others would prefer a more in depth pregnancy and birth. Aren't all women entitled their own informed choice? -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 8:26 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives The flaw in your arguement is that serious obstetric complications can occur without warning and the insurance industry has clearly come to the conclusion that the risk element is such that the industry is not in a position to cover the risk. The trend over many years has been towards specialist management of obstetrics in a hospital setting and as I am sure you would know these days not many GPs are involved in managing labour and of those who are almost all have post graduate training and qualifications in obstetrics which is required because of the higher standard of knowledge and expertise regarded as necessary in this day and age. I am sure you would not dispute that obestricshas undergone enormous changes since the 1960s and the expectations of the community have risen with respect to outcomes in medicine in general , not just Obstetrics. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 1:25 PM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives This reply just goes to show your obvious lack of knowledge on the subject. Would you
Re: Independent Midwives
This bounced so I'm sending it again. Sorry if I've confused anyone with my earlier message. Dear Senator Eggleston,I read with much interest your response to Suzanne Cooper (copied below). I agree entirely, that women have a responsibility to their unborn child to ensure that the services of modern medical skills and technology are available if needed. Healthy pregnant women choosing to birth with a midwife at home or in the hospital should not be denied access to such care IF NEEDED. Governments ALSO have a duty to ensure that women have unrestricted access to this care.Unfortunately, this is not the case in Australia. Healthy pregnant women who make the informed choice to birth with independent midwives are saving the Government thousands of dollars in often unnecessary expensive antenatal testing and screening, interventions, and the resultant morbidity associated with them. Yet they are often denied access to back up medical care and their midwives are refused visiting rights. Now the midwives are being denied access to insurance!Many of the complications associated with birth in healthy women are as a result of interfering with the natural process. Midwives respect the natural process and are highly skilled in 'normal' pregnancy and birth. They can recognise deviations from 'normal' and refer when needed. Obstetricians are highly skilled in the 'abnormal'. Midwives recognise and respect this expertise. Unfortunately midwives are not afforded the same respect and recognition.Are you suggesting that in the "modern world" there is no place for the natural process? That all women should have their babies extracted by instruments or surgically removed? Or are you suggesting that obstetricians should support women in labour continuously for the 12, 24 or however many hours it takes? I'd like to see that!I strongly recommend that you read the world-wide evidence that supports the safety and cost effectiveness of midwifery. You are right...this is 2001 not 1701. It is about time Australia looked at what is happening out there in the "modern world"!Yours sincerely,Andrea Bilcliff.-Original Message-From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 2:44 PMSubject: RE: Independent MidwivesYOU SHOULD THANK THE LORD YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS ASHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR A HAEMORAGE ... WOMEN HAVE REWPONSIBILITY TO THEUNBORN CHILD TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES OF MODERN MEDICAL SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGYARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS PAID BT DOCTORS ENGAGED IN OBSTETRICS ARE SO HIGHBECAUSE THE ELEMENT OF RISK IS SUCH THAT IF THERE IS ANY SUGGESTION OFSUBSTANDARD SERVICE COURTS WILL AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES.IF MIDWIVES WANT TO PRACTISE IN THE MODERN WORLD THEY SHOULD DO MEDICINEBECOME DOCTORS AND TRAIN AS OBSTETRECIANS.THIS IS 2001 NOT 1701.
Fw: Midwives lose their Professional Indemnity Insurance
Yet again Tina well done. You are an extremely incredible women. Megan Jones - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2001 9:02 PM Subject: Re: Midwives lose their Professional Indemnity Insurance In a message dated 19/07/01 1:57:22 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Thank you for your email. The Democrats, through our State Spokesperson, the Hon. Sandra Kanck MLC, have been very active on issues relating to midwifery, including, most recently, the decision of Guild Insurance to cease offering insurance cover for midwives. I have attached the text of a press release issued last week by Ms Kanck, for your interest. Yous sincerly, Emma Murphy Hello Emma, thankyou for your response on behalf of Senator Stott Despoja and the Australian Democrats Re:The Professional Indemnity crisis facing Australian Midwives. I would like to thank the Democrats for their attention to this issue, particularly the efforts of the Hon Sandra Kanck MLC. Given that through the efforts of Sandra Kanck the Democrats have a real understanding of the issues facing midwifery in Australia today, I further request that the Democrats tackle the Howard Government on this issue so that a solution can be found. Under both State and Commonwealth Cultural Diversity Charters the governments of this country outline their responsibilities to provide health services which are accessible to a culturally diverse society as well as sensitive and responsive to diversity. In regard to birthing, the government is failing its responsibilities to Australian women and their families. The state of birthing services in this country is a disgrace, with Australian women and their babies being subjected to unjustifiable amounts of highly interventionist birthing practices, at great economical, physical and emotional costs to our society. Evidenced based maternity care demands that midwives be afforded greater roles and responsibilities in the provision of maternity care. Decades of research, state and federal government inquiries and reports have all supported this view. With Guild's decision to withdraw professional indemnity cover for midwives, we are again witnessing further disincentives to substitute models of care that have superior outcomes and are expected to be more cost effective. The key missing ingredient needed to move forward here has been strong political support and recognition of midwives and of the midwifery profession's capacity to dramatically improve the provision of the quality, continuity and accessibility of maternity services. The inability of independent midwives to secure any form of professional indemnity insurance, to protect themselves and the clients they serve, virtually wipes out any further opportunity for the expansion of midwfery-led models of care in this country. I would further like to bring to your attention to some of the resounding attitudes that face midwifery today. Attitudes such as the one displayed in the response pasted below, from a Senator of the Howard Government, Senator Alan Eggleston, in response to the professional indemnity crisis. Senator Eggleston's response however misguided, misinformed and outright lacking of any substance - is powerful and resonates of the fear and mistrust of woman's innate ability to safely and joyously birth their babies. Senator's Eggleston's response is a sad reflection of the respect for women in our society and perpetuates the myths surrounding homebirth and further denigrates women's choice of a safe, responsible birth choice. The women and midwives of Australia need assistance to tackle the likes of Senator Eggleston and his ilk - We call on the Australian Democrats to help ensure that our democratic rights as birthing women to safe and responsible birth choices is upheld in this country. Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 2:44 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives YOU SHOULD THANK THE LORD YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS A SHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR A HAEMORAGE ... WOMEN HAVE REWPONSIBILITY TO THE UNBORN CHILD TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES OF MODERN MEDICAL SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS PAID BT DOCTORS ENGAGED IN OBSTETRICS ARE SO HIGH BECAUSE THE ELEMENT OF RISK IS SUCH THAT IF THERE IS ANY SUGGESTION OF
Fw: Independent Midwives
For information of all - Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/ - Original Message - From: Sue Cooper [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Marie Heath [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 1:13 PM Subject: Fw: Independent Midwives After I gave my reply informing him that I was going to send his initial reply on...he sent me this.. -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 8:26 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives The flaw in your arguement is that serious obstetric complications can occur without warning and the insurance industry has clearly come to the conclusion that the risk element is such that the industry is not in a position to cover the risk. The trend over many years has been towards specialist management of obstetrics in a hospital setting and as I am sure you would know these days not many GPs are involved in managing labour and of those who are almost all have post graduate training and qualifications in obstetrics which is required because of the higher standard of knowledge and expertise regarded as necessary in this day and age. I am sure you would not dispute that obestricshas undergone enormous changes since the 1960s and the expectations of the community have risen with respect to outcomes in medicine in general , not just Obstetrics. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 1:25 PM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives This reply just goes to show your obvious lack of knowledge on the subject. Would you go to an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon if you had a cold? or a GP? That is what midwives are. Obstericians are only supposed to be used for problems. I would also like to point out that independent midwives do births in hospitals and birth centres aswell, you are obviously of the incorrect assumption that they only do them on the side of the road. Thank you for your reply, it will go nicely tagged onto the bottom of my next group of letters to the media. Sue Cooper -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 2:44 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives YOU SHOULD THANK THE LORD YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS A SHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR A HAEMORAGE ... WOMEN HAVE REWPONSIBILITY TO THE UNBORN CHILD TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES OF MODERN MEDICAL SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS PAID BT DOCTORS ENGAGED IN OBSTETRICS ARE SO HIGH BECAUSE THE ELEMENT OF RISK IS SUCH THAT IF THERE IS ANY SUGGESTION OF SUBSTANDARD SERVICE COURTS WILL AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES. IF MIDWIVES WANT TO PRACTISE IN THE MODERN WORLD THEY SHOULD DO MEDICINE , BECOME DOCTORS AND TRAIN AS OBSTETRECIANS. THIS IS 2001 NOT 1701. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, 18 July 2001 5:03 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL
Re: Independent Midwives
LOOKS LIKE THIS PERSON HAS HER/HIS MIND CLOSED SHUT. MM - Original Message - From: Marie Heath [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ozmidwifery (E-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 7:56 PM Subject: Fw: Independent Midwives and more ! - Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/ - Original Message - From: Sue Cooper [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Marie Heath [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 1:14 PM Subject: Fw: Independent Midwives and this -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, July 20, 2001 1:08 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives I do not dispute the arguement about choice , however the interests of the unborn child also deserve full consideration and that implies a ready availability of modern medical services to manage complications which may adversely affect the child. Clearly that is the view of the insurance industry in this matter. You have obviously broadcast the initial reply to your email . I trust you will have the courtesy to distribute the further ones as well. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 7:09 PM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives I don't doubt for one second that obstetricians are a valuable asset to a percentage of pregnancies and birth, and that serious complications can occur during pregnancy and labour. My point is that all women and their families should have a choice, and an informed one, as to who their caregiver will be. Midwives play a huge role and as I am sure you are aware they should be the main care giver, and an obstetrician used when a problem arises. Independent midwives are used at home, in hospital and in birthing centres. The best outcome would be for midwives and obstetricians to work together, as they do, successfully, in other countries. Some women would prefer a high tech pregnancy and birth with all of the mod cons, others would prefer a more in depth pregnancy and birth. Aren't all women entitled their own informed choice? -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 8:26 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives The flaw in your arguement is that serious obstetric complications can occur without warning and the insurance industry has clearly come to the conclusion that the risk element is such that the industry is not in a position to cover the risk. The trend over many years has been towards specialist management of obstetrics in a hospital setting and as I am sure you would know these days not many GPs are involved in managing labour and of those who are almost all have post graduate training and qualifications in obstetrics which is required because of the higher standard of knowledge and expertise regarded as necessary in this day and age. I am sure you would not dispute that obestricshas undergone enormous changes since the 1960s and the expectations of the community have risen with respect to outcomes in medicine in general , not just Obstetrics. -Original Message- From: Sue Cooper [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, 19 July 2001 1:25 PM To: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) Subject: Re: Independent Midwives This reply just goes to show your obvious lack of knowledge on the subject. Would you go to an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon if you had a cold? or a GP? That is what midwives are. Obstericians are only supposed to be used for problems. I would also like to point out that independent midwives do births in hospitals and birth centres aswell, you are obviously of the incorrect assumption that they only do them on the side of the road. Thank you for your reply, it will go nicely tagged onto the bottom of my next group of letters to the media. Sue Cooper -Original Message- From: Eggleston, Alan (Senator) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Sue Cooper' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 19, 2001 2:44 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives YOU SHOULD THANK THE LORD YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS A SHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR A HAEMORAGE ... WOMEN HAVE REWPONSIBILITY TO THE UNBORN CHILD TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES OF MODERN MEDICAL SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS PAID BT DOCTORS ENGAGED IN OBSTETRICS ARE SO HIGH BECAUSE THE ELEMENT OF RISK IS SUCH THAT IF THERE IS ANY SUGGESTION OF SUBSTANDARD SERVICE COURTS WILL AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES. IF MIDWIVES WANT TO PRACTISE IN THE MODERN WORLD THEY SHOULD DO MEDICINE , BECOME DOCTORS AND TRAIN AS OBSTETRECIANS. THIS IS 2001 NOT
Re: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
In a message dated 20/07/01 10:06:50 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: LOOKS LIKE THIS PERSON HAS HER/HIS MIND CLOSED SHUT. MM Hi all, After reading all of dear Senator Eggleston's responses to this issue, I started to smell a rat. I like MM could see that this man was very set in his ways and not negtiable on this issue and seemed to have a pathological adversion to midwifery. Why I asked?? Who is this man?? Where has his gross disregard for the skills of midwives developed from??? I went to the Australian Liberal party website and did a little researching. Surprise, surprise surprise ! Look what I found!! http://search.aph.gov.au/search/ParlInfo.ASP?Folder=BIOGSCriteria=name_id:4L6 ;action=bookmark Senator Alan Egglestons was a GP Obstetrician before entering politics!!! Now, this suddenly makes me feel a hell of alot better, in that I now know who'm I'm dealing with. For interest these are his Qualifications listed on the website above for his biographical details. MRCS, LRCP, DOBst, RCOG, DRACOG, FRACOP, BA (Murdoch) Medical Practitioner 1969-1996. Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
In a message dated 20/07/01 10:34:30 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: For interest these are his Qualifications listed on the website above for his biographical details. MRCS, LRCP, DOBst, RCOG, DRACOG, FRACOP, Oopps, made a mistake in the letters behind his name. FRACOP - should read FRACGP !! I'd hate to misrepresnt him. Hell knows, he might sue me !! Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
In a message dated 20/07/01 10:57:33 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hmmm, VERY interesting, Tina. So why isn't he an OB now? Even MORE power and money in Politics... The concept of birth as pathological is like a disease, isn't it? Regards, Lois Hi Lois, given that his biography says he was a medical practioner for nearly thirty years, my guess is that politics is a comfy prelude to retirement with all its MP super perks etc etc... Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
I hope that this indemnity issue could yet be seen as an opportunity for bridge-building and closer co-operation/mutual respect/support between the various professionals involved in birthing services. Obstetricians and GP's have (albeit in a less urgent dramatic fashion) been struggling with this for several years. Unfortunately MIPP's, like privately practicing medicos don't have the security that hospital/state indemnity provides their public colleagues. I hope that someone is trying to sit down and find common ground with medical groups who are also calling for a NZ system of compensation. I would be surprised and disappointed if you didn't receive support from college leaders. Such crises demonstrate the importance of having lines of communication open, and working relationships already formed - even if there are other issues on which groups/individuals disagree. I doubt that its helpful to focus on individuals who are clearly not supportive. David -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Morning Sickness Remedies
Dear List, Can anyone please advise of anything they recommend for morning sickness, I have a friend who has tried ginger, but by this stage can no longer look at anything ginger. Does anyone know of the usefulness of B^ and are there any possible dangers associated with same. All suggestions greatly appreciated, Karen Powered by telstra.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Morning Sickness Remedies
Dear Karen Blackmores make a morning sickness formula that contains ginger and Vit B6 - many women find it provides at least some relief. You cann't take Vit B6 for prolonged periods of time though. Cheers Jane Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Caring, Professional Midwifery Services Sydney Visit http://www.pregnancy.com.au -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Karen_Tinkler Sent: Saturday, 21 July 2001 6:38 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Morning Sickness Remedies Dear List, Can anyone please advise of anything they recommend for morning sickness, I have a friend who has tried ginger, but by this stage can no longer look at anything ginger. Does anyone know of the usefulness of B^ and are there any possible dangers associated with same. All suggestions greatly appreciated, Karen Powered by telstra.com -- 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.
Re: Strategy meeting re: PI insurance for midwives
As a multi skilled passionate rural midwife nurse I am an active member of both the NSWNA NSWMA. I have just returned from the NSWNA Annual General Conference where I raised the issue of professional indemnity insurance. I was assured that the NSWNA is working closely with the NSWMA/ACMI to address this inequitable outrageous situation is seeking legal opinion on the best way forward. Keep up the struggle. Liz McCall - Original Message - From: Virginia Miltrup [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 8:10 PM Subject: Strategy meeting re: PI insurance for midwives Sydney venue. Interested persons and groups are invited to a strategic planning session to discuss the midwives insurance issue. The meeting's objective is to consider possible solutions and to prioritise what actions are necessary to achieve them. A great deal of fantastic work has been done to date. It is hoped that by involving both consumer and midwifery groups in this session we can be even more effective by pooling our resources and working cooperatively to gain further momentum. Meeting outcomes will be posted to ozmidwifery to enable everyone to benefit and to add further comments where appropriate. The meeting will be held on Friday 27 July 2001 from 7pm to 9pm. Venue: Valhalla Room, Dundas Valley Rugby Union Football Club 35 Quarry Rd, Dundas Valley (02 9638 4589). Tea coffee available for $1.50. RSVP to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Meeting updates will be available on the news and events page at: www.homebirthaccesssydney.com.au This meeting is being sponsored by the Australian Society of Independent Midwives and Homebirth Access Sydney. Regards Virginia Miltrup Homebirth Access Sydney _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. -- 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.
Fw: Independent Midwives
Thought you might be interested to see the reply I received from Senator Tchen! Andrea. - Original Message - From: Tchen, Tsebin (Senator) To: 'Andrea Bilcliff' Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 5:43 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives Dear Ms Bilcliff, You are probably not aware that Senator Eggleston is a doctor and before going into the Senator had a practice in outback WA. So he would have a good idea on how a birth's natural process might turn out to be a life-threatening medical process. Alan Eggelston is an open-minded and easy-going person, so I think you can be sure that he does not discount the benefits of natural child birth to both the mother and the child - provided there is adequate and accessible medical back-up. I am not sure if midwives are legally liable the way obstetrecians are. My impression from evidence I heard from midwife representatives at the senate inquiry into child birth was that they are not. I don't think the midwife representatives claimed any expertise for assessing the condition of the festus, and they apparently were releived of their responsibilities during birth once a doctor took over. Your argument that child birth is a natural process and should be allowed to take place naturally is a central theme, but I have yet to hear a representative midwife practitioner state categorically at what point a child birth is no longer natural but the health of both the mother and the baby is still unimpaired. I think the real issue should not be whether there is a best child birth procedure or which profession is best at child birth, but how these professions should work together to ensure the best outcome. Tsebin Tchen -Original Message- From: Andrea Bilcliff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, 20 July 2001 4:25 PM Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Independent Midwives Dear Senator Eggleston, I read with much interest your response to Suzanne Cooper (copied below). I agree entirely, that women have a responsibility to their unborn child to ensure that the services of modern medical skills and technology are available if needed. Healthy pregnant women choosing to birth with a midwife at home or in the hospital should not be denied access to such care IF NEEDED. Governments ALSO have a duty to ensure that women have unrestricted access to this care. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Australia. Healthy pregnant women who make the informed choice to birth with independent midwives are saving the Government thousands of dollars in often unnecessary expensive antenatal testing and screening, interventions, and the resultant morbidity associated with them. Yet they are often denied access to back up medical care and their midwives are refused visiting rights. Now the midwives are being denied access to insurance! Many of the complications associated with birth in healthy women are as a result of interfering with the natural process. Midwives respect the natural process and are highly skilled in 'normal' pregnancy and birth. They can recognise deviations from 'normal' and refer when needed. Obstetricians are highly skilled in the 'abnormal'. Midwives recognise and respect this expertise. Unfortunately midwives are not afforded the same respect and recognition. Are you suggesting that in the modern world there is no place for the natural process? That all women should have their babies extracted by instruments or surgically removed? Or are you suggesting that obstetricians should support women in labour
Fw: Morning Sickness Remedies
Dear Karen, I have had some success with the essential oil cardammon. It was recommended to be by a qualified aromatherapist. You just put one drop on a tissue, hanky or piece of lined and when you feel nauseated inhale its aroma. Hope this helps. Good luck Megan Jones - Original Message - From: Karen_Tinkler [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 6:07 AM Subject: Morning Sickness Remedies Dear List, Can anyone please advise of anything they recommend for morning sickness, I have a friend who has tried ginger, but by this stage can no longer look at anything ginger. Does anyone know of the usefulness of B^ and are there any possible dangers associated with same. All suggestions greatly appreciated, Karen Powered by telstra.com -- 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.
Fw: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
I experienced working with a Dr Eggleston in Port Hedland WA when I was a student nurse. This man was not very popular with midwives. He had an appalling attitude to women. I remember one incidence in particular when he openly defamed a midwife who was managing a women's health centre, which was badly needed in a population which had large groups of muslin aboriginal women. As most people know it is culturally inappropriate for these women to be attended by males. This midwife however did not sit back and take it. She approached a lawyer and had a letter drafted demanding a public appology or she would take Dr Eggleston to court for defamation. He back tracked so fast it wasn't funny and before the end of the week had a apology put in the local paper. The line he used to discredit this midwife was to say she was not qualified to practice women's health. So people if this is the same man I have experienced I wouldn't waste your time. Megan Jones - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 10:11 PM Subject: Re: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston??? In a message dated 20/07/01 10:34:30 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: For interest these are his Qualifications listed on the website above for his biographical details. MRCS, LRCP, DOBst, RCOG, DRACOG, FRACOP, Oopps, made a mistake in the letters behind his name. FRACOP - should read FRACGP !! I'd hate to misrepresnt him. Hell knows, he might sue me !! Yours in birth, Tina Pettigrew Birthworks Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife. Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective. As we trust the flowers to open to new life - So we can trust birth Harriette Hartigan. --- -- 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.
Re: Birth Video
Dear Sue Contact Childbirth Eduction Association (CEA) about this. They made a wonderful video about two years ago at KGV Birth Centre. It is the greatest portrayal of a women gently giving birth in her own way with her husband wispering in her ear (the cameras are ABOVE them). The midwife is almost invisible except for her hand with the Doppler on one occassion. All birth centres should have a copy of this video and it could also set the standard for planned natural births in labour ward as well. Lots of input from other professionals concerned as well.. re importance of antenatal birth plans and preparation and follow up with aftercare, lactation, etc. Phone CEA 02 9580 0399 fax. 02 9580 9986 You could also check out their website. Jan -- __ Jan Robinson Phone/fax: 011+ 61+ 2+ 9546 4350 Independent Midwife Practitioner e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 8 Robin Crescent www: midwiferyeducation.com.au South Hurstville NSW 2221 National Coordinator, ASIM __ -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: Independent Midwives
Dear Senator, Thank you for your reply. I was not aware that Senator Eggleston was previously in the medical profession, although I had my suspicions from the tone of his emails! The issue of "adequate and accessible medical back-up" is a central one. Midwives are experts in the care ofhealthy women during pregnancy and birth. Obstetricians are experts incomplicated pregnancy and birth. The roles are complimentary and thereshould beno competition between the two. Midwives do not wish to perform caesarean sections any more than obstetricians wish to spend hours with a woman in labour. Midwives seek to refer and transfer to the medical back-upWHEN NEEDED.However the current system prevents this from happening. I am not sure which "midwife representatives" at the senate enquiry into childbirth you spoke to, but I can most definitely assure you that midwives are legally liable for their actions with or without the presence of a doctor! I refer you to the internationally accepted definition of a midwife: "A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery. She must be able to give the necessary supervision care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries [assist the birthing woman] on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help..." Yes,both professions should be working together for the best outcomes for women. The Government should also be working withboth professions and ceasing to support the current medical monopoly of the maternity system. Yours sincerely, Andrea Bilcliff. - Original Message - From: Tchen, Tsebin (Senator) To: 'Andrea Bilcliff' Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 5:43 PM Subject: RE: Independent Midwives Dear Ms Bilcliff, You are probably not aware that Senator Eggleston is a doctor and before going into the Senator had a practice in outback WA. So he would have a good idea on how a birth's natural process might turn out to be a life-threatening medical process. Alan Eggelston is an open-minded and easy-going person, so I think you can be sure that he does not discount the benefits of natural child birth to both the mother and the child - provided there is adequate and accessible medical back-up. I am not sure if midwives are legally liablethe wayobstetrecians are. My impression from evidenceI heard frommidwife representatives at the senate inquiry into child birth was that they are not. I don't think the midwife representativesclaimed any expertise for assessing the condition of the festus, and they apparently were releived oftheir responsibilities during birth once a doctor took over. Your argument that child birth is a natural process and should be allowed to take place naturally is a central theme, but I have yet to hear a representative midwife practitioner state categorically at what point a child birth is no longer natural but the health of both the mother and the baby is still unimpaired. I think the real issue should not be whether there is a "best" child birth procedure or which profession is "best" at child birth, but how these professions should work together to ensure the best outcome. Tsebin Tchen
Re: Independent Midwives - So who is Senator Eggleston???????????
I doubt that its helpful to focus on individuals who are clearly not supportive. I totally agree with David. Don't let this guy become your focus, or you will aim all your anger, frustration and fear at him, instead of funnelling that energy towards fixing the insurance problem. In focusing on him, you are going off on a tangent, and wasting precious time and energy. REFOCUS! Write him off and approach supportive pollies... You can put a little black mark next to his name as your next project, or use his comments during this campaign to display the problems midwives are facing in accessing support, etc, but don't focus on him. That energy can be so much better utilised elsewhere. BB Jackie. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Fw: midwifery insurance
- Original Message - From: Larry Megan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ''Roz Donnellan-Fernandez'' [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2001 9:32 PM Subject: midwifery insurance Hi Roz, sent you a copy of my letter to Dean Brown. Phoned today and spoke to his liasion officer, had a bit of a chat and was told to put it in writing. The idiot told me to make contact with my GP for my future care. I told him I had a healthcarer, you. He thought I should be seeing a doctor to make hospital arrangements. I had the pleasure of telling him that I had birthed at home before, new the procedure and I had already made my backup booking. Anyway I think that we should get as many people as possible to write to Dean Brown appealing for his support. The more numbers, the greater the impact. I suggested to Jen that Homebirth Network should be contacting all its members to actively pledge support. If you can think of any other ways of annoying the minister then let me know. Also given SGIC a serve today regarding their ad. Apparently it was supposed to say something about hospital care. Rang the ACCC and he took the complaint seriously but there are a few issues re. health in advertising at the moment. Said if they run it again he would follow it up. Jen had better success with the insurance ombudsman, and he/she will be acting immediately on it. Jen can tell you more about it. So wev'e had some success today. The fights not over yet, silly people messing with pregnnat women, they should know better! Take care, love Megan.x Dear Hon Dean Brown, I wish to express my concern over the withdrawal of Guild Insurance from midwife Professional Indemnity Insurance. I am a mother of two, five months pregnant with my third child and planning on birthing at home with an Independent Midwife. I also am an active member in the consumer group Birth Matters and take into consideration how this effects other families and their choices in childbirth. To myself and my family the benefits of having an Independent midwife providing my HealthCare far outweigh the choices available to me through either the private or public hospital systems. I would like to point out to you the type of care that is given by an Independent midwife and how this both compares to hospital care and my feelings on how it effects me personally. - my appointments are in my own home. I do not have to work around my children's sleep times or find childcare. My appointments on average last at least 2 hours, allowing plenty of time to discuss any issues I have regarding my pregnancy. My understanding is that with an Obstetrician or the public birthing centres appointments are only allocated 15 mins or a double appointment is made if required. My children are involved with my midwife and enjoy helping her do the health checks on myself and the baby. They are being educated that birth is a normal process and treated as such. - My first baby was born at a public hospital and I used water as an effective method of pain relief, not requiring any analgesics. My second child was a planned birth at home and I spent quite a bit of time in a birthing pool. I went on to birth my baby in the water without any other pain relief and an excellent outcome for myself and baby. I intend on using water with this labour and to birth in water if appropriate at the time. Whilst this option is available to me in hospital, especially at a birthing centre, I am not guaranteed a room or that a bath will be available to me at the time of my labour. I may also have the problem of the midwife not being confident with a water birth and therefor risking the outcome. The Independent Midwife I have is supportive and competent in water birth and has admitting rights in our chosen back-up Hospital, should we need to transfer. - Birthing at home allows me to stay completely relaxed in my own environment and places less stress on my family. We are interested in having our other children present at the birth and for this situation they are certainly going to be more comfortable in their own home. Birthing women are not encouraged to come into hospital until their labour is well established. Often this is a time when a women needs to centre into herself and focus on the eminent birth of her child. I have absolutely no desire to be in a car whilst having strong contractions meant for birthing my baby. This transfer often slows a women's labour until she feels comfortable in her new surroundings. I see no point in extending labour any longer than need be and only a women who has birthed can truly share that knowledge. - The hours after my second child's birth was also extremely satisfying. There was no rush to clean us up and take down the baby's details and move us out. My baby was loved not treated. We all sat around in the comfort of our lounge whilst my midwife spent time looking at the placenta and explaining how it functions.
