Re: [ozmidwifery] re co-sleeping
My oldest grandson is so used to co-sleeping that, when he was about 5 or 6 and we were discussing sleeping arrangements (must have been staying at my place or something) he thought that his stepfather could sleep with me in my bed! I don't think so!! Joy Joy Cocks RN (Div 1) RM IBCLC BRIGHT Vic 3741 email:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: nunyara [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 14:40 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] re co-sleeping Hi all! Just a word on the co-sleeping issue. Was told not to when I had my first child who is now 30 but tiredness won me over in the first couple of weeks so into the bed she came. Same thing happened with second child 12 months later. On and off they co-slept and, even now, when visiting and staying over (although they only live 5 minutes away), they jump at the chance to sleep in bed with Mum when Dad is away working. My grandson always sleeps with me when he stays as does my almost 4 year old grand daughter. My youngest daughter also co-sleeps with her children. Never any problems other than the occasional falling out of bed but the mattress on the floor does the trick there! Cheers Ramona -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cheryl LHK Sent: Monday, 22 January 2007 5:55 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] re co-sleeping Yes! So true. As a permanent P/T night-duty person, I hear the don't want to get him/her into a bad habit far too often. I find by night 2/3 they are so tired, they think that co-sleeping is a possibility and I encourage them fully! Mine still manage to find their way into our bed, and the youngest little possum is 4!! But at least they don't wander in until 4-5am now. Cheryl From: Ken Ward [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] re co-sleeping Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:27:17 +1100 It's not necessarily the midwives preventing co-sleeping. I often hear 'the baby's been awake all night. Would go to sleep and wake up as soon as I put him down.' When suggestions are made to co-sleep, they don't want to start bad habits. a lot of women are influenced by their mothers, partners etc, who don't approve of co-sleeping., thank God the influence on breast feeding isn't quite as strong as it used to be. It's strange, these little ones are expected to sleep on a hard, cold surface after been snuggled up listening to mum for months. If I remember right a co-sleeping policy was short and sweet. Mum had to be sedative free, the bedside up and bed as low as possible. Ken Maureen Ward [EMAIL PROTECTED] winmail.dat _ Advertisement: Fresh jobs daily. Stop waiting for the newspaper. Search Now! www.seek.com.au http://a.ninemsn.com.au/b.aspx?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fninemsn%2Eseek%2Ecom%2Eau_t =757263760_r=Hotmail_EndText_Dec06_m=EXT -- 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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
Co-slept with both my girls, but when I was pregnant with no2 I thought it would be a good idea to try my then 4 year old in her own bed, as I couldnt imagine where we would all fit if there were '4 in the bed'. 3 nights of total trauma but the thing that really convinced me was the 4 year old saying But you dad sleep together Im only a kid how come Im the only one who has to sleep alone? Really couldnt argue with the social justice aspects of that logic! Ended up with a queen bed flanked by 2 singles - a true 4 person bed - I was so thankful I had built the room big enough to accomodate, but sadly many houses just dont have the bedroom space to allow this kind of thing. They are now nearly 10 14 years old, there is no dad in the bed anymore, now they take it in turns to sleep with me ( still argue about who's turn it is). As in birth, there seems to be a lot of fear around co-sleeping, from smothering the baby to losing sleep /or privacy. The whole thinking around 'spoiling the baby' is not logic-based, it seems to me to be based on the fact that we as a culture want our children to 'grow up' as quickly as possible, so lets start teaching them independence from day 1. Load of bollocks I reckon! Lets hope those wonderful Vietnamese women dont start adopting the habits of western culture thinking that it will all be better if they do. cheers Jennifairy Having worked in Vietnam for 8 months - I asked some of the women how long before the baby sleeps in his own bed in Vietnam? They said, usually by 5 years when they go to school but often not until about 8!! Western culture is warped on this subject. Hey I realise co-sleeping has its downsides too but it's a matter of meeting everyone's needs the best way you can. Helen Mother of a 9 year old who still sleeps in our room in a bed next to ours. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] hb mw byron bay?
Hi Janet, I'm local to Byron. 02 6680 2717 Sue Cookson Hi all, I have a couple of enquiries atm for Byron. Who's local? : ) TIA, J For home birth information go to: Joyous Birth Australian home birth network and forums. http://www.joyousbirth.info/ Or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] __ NOD32 1.1454 (20060321) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.nod32.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Kalgoorlie
Hi Raelene, No policies as such, but I quite like placing the mattress of the baby cot beside the bedrail (tucked quite firmly into the mattress) as a little safety feature.Widely used in the Kimberley. The Sids brochure we use in Vic has a little spiel on co-sleeping which I try to show to mums. Cath Nolan. PS Have had a lunch and lovely day with Tara and Cath and kids today, lots of Kal talk, say hi from us here. - Original Message - From: Donna Towers To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 6:08 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Kalgoorlie Hear, hear Suzi! I would have to agree with you. After two years working with women all around this amazing country of ours, I still say that my eight years in Kalgoorlie taught me the most. Hi Raelene and team. Good Luck with the co-sleeping issue. I have found that Australia wide many policies are forcing babies out of their mothers beds! Very frustrating! Donna Towers
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
Hi all, We have a co-sleeping policy where I work so women who haven't got lots of pain relief on board are encouraged to cuddle up with their babies. I have long thought that we get a glimse of the race memory of co-sleeping when we have a cat or dog on the bed and we often dont move or feel the strong urge not to disturb them if that makes sence. I explain to new mums that humans would have died out as a species if they couldn't safely sleep with their babies. My boys are big now (15, 16, 21) but I remember the sublime pleasure of holding them as babies and falling asleep together. Cheers, Julie -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
This story reminds me of my time working in Gove in the Northern Territory. The aboriginal women on the ward would co-sleep from day 1 and also leave their babies in their beds when they went outside to escape the airconditioning. You had to be VERY CAREFUL before you went ripping the sheets off the bed to make it. I was always afraid a baby would end up in the linen skip one day Helen - Original Message - From: Lyle Burgoyne [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:22 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Finnish midwife looking for a training
Hi all, A friend of mine a really nice future midwife from Finland is looking for a place in Australia, where she could do a 3 month training in antenatal care and birthing. This would take place some time in Jan-May 2008. She would love to be able to do both hospital / birthing centre and homebirths. She is required to help and assist the birting family as much as possible during the training. Please let me know if you know any good possibilities for her. Best Regards, Päivi
RE: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
If it wasn't for Pinky I wouldn't have co-slept with my two! I was very much a mainstream girl, expecting the system to look after me and tell me what to do. I met Pinky at a hospital pre-natal class 5 years ago, so it planted the seed about instinctive parenting there. After my daughter was born, I had a rough time from everyone around me who thought they knew about where a baby should be sleeping and for how long etc., and I felt guilty telling even my mothers group that I was co-sleeping. They all seemed to have it together, baking cakes, having showers, hosting dinners etc with sleeping babies. Yet I seemed the only person who had a daughter who was inconsolable unless she was attached to me 24x7 and sleep was a rare event. One midwife had even said to me in the hospital, 'I hope you won't be doing that when you get home.' Two weeks in sleep school (which was designed to be three days) that didn't 'work' so we had to leave anyway, a baby that lost weight and threw up solid foods every time as a result (even rice cereal) and me PND. So speaking to Pinky on my return, I was able to surrender and ignore all that rubbish and get on with it, which isn't as easy as it sounds for someone who felt clueless about parenting and no family support. She was a lifesaver. Both of my children have been breastfed past two also, it's a chain of events that happens with this sort of support - of course with a bub losing weight, what do you think they all told me I needed to do? :) So I strongly recommend my clients (and those on my site) read 'Sleeping Like a Baby', because it is appealing to a wide, commercial audience and I think that's the key. They all love it, and they love having certain books suggested to them to read, because there are so many out there. I have a recommended reading list I provide. But of course, many don't read these books until they really need it ;) I wish for the day where you go to the GP or wherever and get handed brochures on both homebirth and hospital birth, co-sleeping and cot sleeping etc. That would be just great. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Helen and Graham Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 7:36 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping This story reminds me of my time working in Gove in the Northern Territory. The aboriginal women on the ward would co-sleep from day 1 and also leave their babies in their beds when they went outside to escape the airconditioning. You had to be VERY CAREFUL before you went ripping the sheets off the bed to make it. I was always afraid a baby would end up in the linen skip one day Helen - Original Message - From: Lyle Burgoyne [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:22 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.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: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
-sleeping Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
Well, I co-slept with the kids (4,6,8) last night on the trampoline with the labrador snuffling underneath whilst we watching the stars come out and the comet on the south skyline as well. They are ratty today, my hips ache like anything, but the 8 yr old is SO happy - that's what memories are made of isn't it?? Cheryl _ Advertisement: Fresh jobs daily. Stop waiting for the newspaper. Search now! www.seek.com.au http://a.ninemsn.com.au/b.aspx?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fninemsn%2Eseek%2Ecom%2Eau_t=757263760_r=Hotmail_EndText_Dec06_m=EXT -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
There's no doubt that co-sleeping is the norm for indigenous women. In my experience the baby is either in bed with the mother, or on the breast. Often the aboriginal women would be puzzled as to why the other (ie white) babies were crying. It was a bit of an adjustment coming back to work in a mostly caucasian setting where distressed mothers and crying babies seem to be the norm (especially at night). As far as instinctive mothering goes, I think we can learn alot from the indigenous women. Cheers Michelle - Original Message From: Helen and Graham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, 24 January, 2007 6:36:19 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping This story reminds me of my time working in Gove in the Northern Territory. The aboriginal women on the ward would co-sleep from day 1 and also leave their babies in their beds when they went outside to escape the airconditioning. You had to be VERY CAREFUL before you went ripping the sheets off the bed to make it. I was always afraid a baby would end up in the linen skip one day Helen - Original Message - From: Lyle Burgoyne [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:22 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com
[ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been, Kay said. It was the most traumatic thing we have had to go through. I would have thought it would have been one of the happiest times of our lives, but it was terrible. Kay said Michael pressed the emergency buzzer three times, but no one responded until after a nearby caterer alerted medical staff. When someone finally came, Michael asked why it took so long and they told him the buzzer didn't work, Kay said. I was completely shocked. It is an emergency buzzer. This was an emergency. But the director of nursing at Monash Medical Centre, Kym Forrest, said in a statement to the Herald Sun: The buzzers were checked and both were working. The obstetrician and midwives were in fact alerted to the baby's arrival by the buzzer being sounded from Kay's room. Ms Forrest also denied the door had been kicked in. It is a dual lock which can be opened from both sides and this was the way access was achieved, she said. But Kay said the toilet cubicle, complete with broken door, looked like a murder scene. There was blood everywhere. I was screaming. It was just horrible, she said. The couple are seeking a formal apology, but Ms Forrest said they had not lodged a formal complaint with the hospital. We regret that Kay did not have the birth experience our midwives strive to provide to all the mums in their care, Ms Forrest said. We are as disappointed as Kay and Michael that the birth of their second child did not go according to plan, but babies have a mind of their own sometimes. Opposition health spokeswoman Helen Shardey called for the Government to investigate: It is just lucky the baby was not seriously injured in this fiasco. A spokeswoman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said it was an operational matter for the hospital to deal with. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, http://www.bellybelly.com.au BellyBelly.com.au Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support BellyBelly Birth Support
RE: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
I can obviously see why this mum's distressed, but I can help ask why she was surprised no one offered her Panadol. Having been in labour my fair share of times, never has it been offered and I think I would have laughed if it had been! Kylie From: "Kelly Zantey" [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auTo: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auSubject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical CentreDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:33:54 +1100 Mum gives birth in toiletJane MetlikovecJanuary 24, 2007 12:00amA MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help.Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted "the birth did not go according to plan". At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. "A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol," Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. "I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been," Kay said. "It was the most traumatic thing we have had to go through. I would have thought it would have been one of the happiest times of our lives, but it was terrible." Kay said Michael pressed the emergency buzzer three times, but no one responded until after a nearby caterer alerted medical staff. "When someone finally came, Michael asked why it took so long and they told him the buzzer didn't work," Kay said. "I was completely shocked. It is an emergency buzzer. This was an emergency." But the director of nursing at Monash Medical Centre, Kym Forrest, said in a statement to the Herald Sun: "The buzzers were checked and both were working. The obstetrician and midwives were in fact alerted to the baby's arrival by the buzzer being sounded from Kay's room." Ms Forrest also denied the door had been kicked in. "It is a dual lock which can be opened from both sides and this was the way access was achieved," she said. But Kay said the toilet cubicle, complete with broken door, "looked like a murder scene". "There was blood everywhere. I was screaming. It was just horrible," she said. The couple are seeking a formal apology, but Ms Forrest said they had not lodged a formal complaint with the hospital. "We regret that Kay did not have the birth experience our midwives strive to provide to all the mums in their care," Ms Forrest said. "We are as disappointed as Kay and Michael that the birth of their second child did not go according to plan, but babies have a mind of their own sometimes." Opposition health spokeswoman Helen Shardey called for the Government to investigate: "It is just lucky the baby was not seriously injured in this fiasco." A spokeswoman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said it was an operational matter for the hospital to deal with. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator,BellyBelly.com.au Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby BellyBelly Birth Support -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
Oh Puleeeze!!! Talk about over dramatising. Many many bubs enter the world in toilets as we all know - while I feel sympathy that this woman was unprepared for a very fast birth, I feel for the midwives who are being blamed for this very normal turn of events. Sue - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:33 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been, Kay said. It was the most traumatic thing we have had to go through. I would have thought it would have been one of the happiest times of our lives, but it was terrible. Kay said Michael pressed the emergency buzzer three times, but no one responded until after a nearby caterer alerted medical staff. When someone finally came, Michael asked why it took so long and they told him the buzzer didn't work, Kay said. I was completely shocked. It is an emergency buzzer. This was an emergency. But the director of nursing at Monash Medical Centre, Kym Forrest, said in a statement to the Herald Sun: The buzzers were checked and both were working. The obstetrician and midwives were in fact alerted to the baby's arrival by the buzzer being sounded from Kay's room. Ms Forrest also denied the door had been kicked in. It is a dual lock which can be opened from both sides and this was the way access was achieved, she said. But Kay said the toilet cubicle, complete with broken door, looked like a murder scene. There was blood everywhere. I was screaming. It was just horrible, she said. The couple are seeking a formal apology, but Ms Forrest said they had not lodged a formal complaint with the hospital. We regret that Kay did not have the birth experience our midwives strive to provide to all the mums in their care, Ms Forrest said. We are as disappointed as Kay and Michael that the birth of their second child did not go according to plan, but babies have a mind of their own sometimes. Opposition health spokeswoman Helen Shardey called for the Government to investigate: It is just lucky the baby was not seriously injured in this fiasco. A spokeswoman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said it was an operational matter for the hospital to deal with. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby BellyBelly Birth Support -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.7/647 - Release Date: 23/01/2007 8:02 AM
Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping
Totally agree Michelle. I am still adjusting. Up there they teach you more about BF than you could ever learn in a textbook! Helen - Original Message - From: Michelle Windsor To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:56 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping There's no doubt that co-sleeping is the norm for indigenous women. In my experience the baby is either in bed with the mother, or on the breast. Often the aboriginal women would be puzzled as to why the other (ie white) babies were crying. It was a bit of an adjustment coming back to work in a mostly caucasian setting where distressed mothers and crying babies seem to be the norm (especially at night). As far as instinctive mothering goes, I think we can learn alot from the indigenous women. Cheers Michelle - Original Message From: Helen and Graham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, 24 January, 2007 6:36:19 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping This story reminds me of my time working in Gove in the Northern Territory. The aboriginal women on the ward would co-sleep from day 1 and also leave their babies in their beds when they went outside to escape the airconditioning. You had to be VERY CAREFUL before you went ripping the sheets off the bed to make it. I was always afraid a baby would end up in the linen skip one day Helen - Original Message - From: Lyle Burgoyne [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:22 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] co-sleeping Hi Raelene, We have a policy that allows co-sleeping.We had more concerns about babies falling out of bed(did actually happen) rather than them being smothered by mums so our policy just makes sure the bed rail is up on which ever side of mum the baby is sleeping with a pillow against the bed rail so bub doesnt slip through.We regularly have bubs in bed with mums .Works well for both mums and bubs. All the best with getting a working policy Lyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] 22/01/2007 1:54 pm Hi everyone, I need some help! I'm trying to formulate a policy regarding co-sleeping and want to offer alternative sleeping arrangements for mothers and babies whilst in hospital. Does anyone know of a special cot that has been developed that allows the baby to sleep with mum but in a separate cot that is attached to the main bed. I've seen pictures of babies using a biliblanket in a cot attached to the bed in this way, but can't find any information. Can you help. Regards Raelene George Maternity Ward Kalgoorlie Hospital -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 2000 (20070123) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
Yep. A fast, intense birth can be traumatic; but it's also a healthy, normal event regardless. It all sounds a bit ridiculous and comical. Personally I'd be thankful for the privacy and lack of intervention that birthing in a toilet provides! The comment about not even being offered a panadol suggests the Mama wanted a managed (medicated) birth and perhaps she's distressed that she didn't get that; maybe in time it will become something she is thankful for, instead. A healthy undrugged baby born effectively from a healthy undrugged woman (even if into a toilet) is a wonderful thing! :) - Original Message - From: Susan Cudlipp To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Oh Puleeeze!!! Talk about over dramatising. Many many bubs enter the world in toilets as we all know - while I feel sympathy that this woman was unprepared for a very fast birth, I feel for the midwives who are being blamed for this very normal turn of events. Sue - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:33 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been, Kay said. It was the most traumatic thing we have had to go through. I would have thought it would have been one of the happiest times of our lives, but it was terrible. Kay said Michael pressed the emergency buzzer three times, but no one responded until after a nearby caterer alerted medical staff. When someone finally came, Michael asked why it took so long and they told him the buzzer didn't work, Kay said. I was completely shocked. It is an emergency buzzer. This was an emergency. But the director of nursing at Monash Medical Centre, Kym Forrest, said in a statement to the Herald Sun: The buzzers were checked and both were working. The obstetrician and midwives were in fact alerted to the baby's arrival by the buzzer being sounded from Kay's room. Ms Forrest also denied the door had been kicked in. It is a dual lock which can be opened from both sides and this was the way access was achieved, she said. But Kay said the toilet cubicle, complete with broken door, looked like a murder scene. There was blood everywhere. I was screaming. It was just horrible, she said. The couple are seeking a formal apology, but Ms Forrest said they had not lodged a formal complaint with the hospital. We regret that Kay did not have the birth experience our midwives strive to provide to all the mums in their care, Ms Forrest said. We are as disappointed as Kay and Michael that the birth of their second child did not go according to plan, but babies have a mind of their own sometimes. Opposition health spokeswoman Helen Shardey called for the Government to investigate: It is just lucky the baby was not seriously injured in this fiasco. A spokeswoman for Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said it was an operational matter for the hospital to deal with. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby BellyBelly Birth Support No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.7/647 - Release Date: 23/01/2007
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
It reminds me of the article a couple of years ago criticising the lower rate of epidurals in Tassie. Some of us think that's good ; ) I hope this woman gets some debriefing and FWIW I always tell hospy birthing mamas to birth in the loo although perhaps not directly into the toilet itself... I wonder why she couldn't just catch the baby? Whatever. More media crap about the dangers of birth. Of course if she'd been at home.. The ambulance is probably a good indication that this birth was being viewed as a medical emergency : ) J - Original Message - From: Stephen Felicity To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Yep. A fast, intense birth can be traumatic; but it's also a healthy, normal event regardless. It all sounds a bit ridiculous and comical. Personally I'd be thankful for the privacy and lack of intervention that birthing in a toilet provides! The comment about not even being offered a panadol suggests the Mama wanted a managed (medicated) birth and perhaps she's distressed that she didn't get that; maybe in time it will become something she is thankful for, instead. A healthy undrugged baby born effectively from a healthy undrugged woman (even if into a toilet) is a wonderful thing! :) - Original Message - From: Susan Cudlipp To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Oh Puleeeze!!! Talk about over dramatising. Many many bubs enter the world in toilets as we all know - while I feel sympathy that this woman was unprepared for a very fast birth, I feel for the midwives who are being blamed for this very normal turn of events. Sue - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:33 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been, Kay said. It was the most traumatic thing we have had to go through. I would have thought it would have been one of the happiest times of our lives, but it was terrible. Kay said Michael pressed the emergency buzzer three times, but no one responded until after a nearby caterer alerted medical staff. When someone finally came, Michael asked why it took so long and they told him the buzzer didn't work, Kay said. I was completely shocked. It is an emergency buzzer. This was an emergency. But the director of nursing at Monash Medical Centre, Kym Forrest, said in a statement to the Herald Sun: The buzzers were checked and both were working. The obstetrician and midwives were in fact alerted to the baby's arrival by the buzzer being sounded from Kay's room. Ms Forrest also denied the door had been kicked in. It is a dual lock which can be opened from both sides and this was the way access was achieved, she said. But Kay said the toilet cubicle, complete with broken door, looked like a murder scene. There was blood everywhere. I was screaming. It was just horrible, she said. The couple are seeking a formal apology, but Ms Forrest said they had not lodged a formal complaint with the hospital. We regret that Kay did not have the birth experience our midwives strive to provide to all the mums in their care, Ms Forrest said. We
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
During my first year out as a fully fledged midwife I was giving handover when I heard my buzzer go another midwife answered it and then it went again so I went in and the multi who I had just put in there was in the process of catching her own baby whilst sitting on the toilet. Talk about the who har that came out from that, A PERFECTLY CAPABLE WOMAN CATCHING HER PERFECTLY HEALTHY BABY WHILST SITTING ON THE TOILET I honestly couldn't see the big deal but I was dragged over hot coals by the NUM because of it and consequently with all the negative comments left birth suite and went back to postnatal. I now work in a much bigger more progressive birthing unit where birthing on the toilet or on the toilet floor isn't a negative thing at all. I can distinctively remember a so called senior midwife 'telling' me I better write damn good notes. If anyone can tell me what the big deal is about birthing on the toilet I would love to hear. P.S The mother I am talking about wasn't at all distressed about the event even more of a reason that it wasn't a big deal. Amanda Ward Creative Memories Consultant Ph. (07) 3261 4354 Mob, 0417 009 648 Email. [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Janet Fraser [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:37:36 +1100 It reminds me of the article a couple of years ago criticising the lower rate of epidurals in Tassie. Some of us think that's good ; ) I hope this woman gets some debriefing and FWIW I always tell hospy birthing mamas to birth in the loo although perhaps not directly into the toilet itself... I wonder why she couldn't just catch the baby? Whatever. More media crap about the dangers of birth. Of course if she'd been at home.. The ambulance is probably a good indication that this birth was being viewed as a medical emergency : ) J - Original Message - From: Stephen Felicity To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Yep. A fast, intense birth can be traumatic; but it's also a healthy, normal event regardless. It all sounds a bit ridiculous and comical. Personally I'd be thankful for the privacy and lack of intervention that birthing in a toilet provides! The comment about not even being offered a panadol suggests the Mama wanted a managed (medicated) birth and perhaps she's distressed that she didn't get that; maybe in time it will become something she is thankful for, instead. A healthy undrugged baby born effectively from a healthy undrugged woman (even if into a toilet) is a wonderful thing! :) - Original Message - From: Susan Cudlipp To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Oh Puleeeze!!! Talk about over dramatising. Many many bubs enter the world in toilets as we all know - while I feel sympathy that this woman was unprepared for a very fast birth, I feel for the midwives who are being blamed for this very normal turn of events. Sue - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:33 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she was terrified her daughter could have died, and described the ordeal as horrific. I thought she could have been seriously hurt, or worse. If it wasn't for Michael coming to my aid, I don't know what the result would have been, Kay said.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
The comment about not even being offered a panadol suggests the Mama wanted a managed (medicated) birth and perhaps she's distressed that she didn't get that; maybe in time it will become something she is thankful for, instead. I doubt it Felicity..the cynic in me says that theres a complaint coming because she didn't get an epidural :) It's a common theme...I didn't get to the birthing suite in time to have.a...b...or c.with disappointed look on face! Women will often look at you strangely when you suggest it's ok if they have their baby in the loo/shower etc.sorry just a cynical hosptial midwife Lisa
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
That news article is good old fear-mongering at its finest. The pity is not that this woman birthed on the toilet, but that she didn't get reported as saying I birthed on the loo! What a story for the grandkiddies! ;) ;) Amanda W wrote: During my first year out as a fully fledged midwife I was giving handover when I heard my buzzer go another midwife answered it and then it went again so I went in and the multi who I had just put in there was in the process of catching her own baby whilst sitting on the toilet. Talk about the who har that came out from that, A PERFECTLY CAPABLE WOMAN CATCHING HER PERFECTLY HEALTHY BABY WHILST SITTING ON THE TOILET I honestly couldn't see the big deal but I was dragged over hot coals by the NUM because of it and consequently with all the negative comments left birth suite and went back to postnatal. I now work in a much bigger more progressive birthing unit where birthing on the toilet or on the toilet floor isn't a negative thing at all. I can distinctively remember a so called senior midwife 'telling' me I better write damn good notes. If anyone can tell me what the big deal is about birthing on the toilet I would love to hear. P.S The mother I am talking about wasn't at all distressed about the event even more of a reason that it wasn't a big deal. Amanda Ward Creative Memories Consultant Ph. (07) 3261 4354 Mob, 0417 009 648 Email. [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Janet Fraser [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:37:36 +1100 It reminds me of the article a couple of years ago criticising the lower rate of epidurals in Tassie. Some of us think that's good ; ) I hope this woman gets some debriefing and FWIW I always tell hospy birthing mamas to birth in the loo although perhaps not directly into the toilet itself... I wonder why she couldn't just catch the baby? Whatever. More media crap about the dangers of birth. Of course if she'd been at home.. The ambulance is probably a good indication that this birth was being viewed as a medical emergency : ) J - Original Message - From: Stephen Felicity To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:33 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Yep. A fast, intense birth can be traumatic; but it's also a healthy, normal event regardless. It all sounds a bit ridiculous and comical. Personally I'd be thankful for the privacy and lack of intervention that birthing in a toilet provides! The comment about not even being offered a panadol suggests the Mama wanted a managed (medicated) birth and perhaps she's distressed that she didn't get that; maybe in time it will become something she is thankful for, instead. A healthy undrugged baby born effectively from a healthy undrugged woman (even if into a toilet) is a wonderful thing! :) - Original Message - From: Susan Cudlipp To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 5:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Oh Puleeeze!!! Talk about over dramatising. Many many bubs enter the world in toilets as we all know - while I feel sympathy that this woman was unprepared for a very fast birth, I feel for the midwives who are being blamed for this very normal turn of events. Sue - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11:33 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre Mum gives birth in toilet Jane Metlikovec January 24, 2007 12:00am A MOTHER says her baby daughter was born in a hospital toilet bowl and had to be rescued after staff ignored her screams for help. Kay, 24, was in the final stages of labour when she was rushed by ambulance to Monash Medical Centre on Tuesday last week. In a statement to the Herald Sun yesterday, the hospital said it regretted the birth did not go according to plan. At the hospital, the Mt Waverley mother of two was told to wait in a standard share room instead of being directed to a birthing suite, despite having contractions fewer than two minutes apart. A midwife saw me when I came in and pressed on my stomach once. Nobody checked if I was dilated. I didn't even get offered a Panadol, Kay said. An hour after arriving, distressed and screaming in agony, she went to the toilet, where she gave birth to a girl. Her husband Michael, who had become frantic, had hit an emergency buzzer in panic to try to get help, but he said none came in time so he kicked down the locked door and ran in, pulling the infant from the toilet bowl. Kay said she
Re: [ozmidwifery] Mum Gives Birth In Toilet - Monash Medical Centre
You know what, I have a different take on this. If the newspaper article has reported accurately what the parents said (and I highly doubt they have, but for the sake of argument lets give themt he benefit of the doubt!), there are some serious failings of expectations here and little empathy going on from the medical staff. The mother was rushed to hospital by ambulance and arrived in the later stages of labor - this in itself appeared to be distressing for her as it appeared she was taken by surprise by the speed with which labor was progressing. So, now having arrived in advanced labor, she is not checked as she expects to be and does not appear to have a midwife in the room with her. Now that may be because she does not appear to be in strong labour, or that there is no midwife available. But from the mother's perspective, it is not what she expects. She feels out of control, in intense pain, and not receiving the level of hospital support she is expecting. She could have called for help and support or asked her husband to go and find a midwife. But her expectations were not being met. And it is a pretty reasonable expectation to have a midwife at the very least to reassure a mother who feels she is in strong labor, and realistically to be checking or staying by her side if she appears to be imminently birthing. At the point at which the baby is born, both parents describe themselves as frantic. This was not the experience they were hoping for. Yes, she did it without pain medication or any intervention. Yes, this is what many women aspire to. Yes, this is better for baby and mother healthwise in most circumstances. However, the mother felt unsupported, and the father felt panicky. And the hospital's response? We are as disappointed as Kay and Michael that the birth of their second child did not go according to plan, but babies have a mind of their own sometimes. Really? What a leap! To make the assumption that the midwives feel the same degree of disappointment as the parents. Yes, babies do sometimes come quicker than anticipated. What would have been nice is for this mum and dad to have been heard and had their sense of distress and lack of support acknowledged. Whether the midwives felt justified in their actions or not, the parents still felt the way they did. The mum was in the hospital for at least an hour and appeared to have no midwifery support during that time. I get that there may have been none available. But to dismiss the whole affair with a patronising comment about how the midwives are just as upset as the parents is hardly effective communication and certainly not displaying good listening skills towards the parents. Now of course, the whole newspaper article may be complete tosh and the parents/midwives may not have said anything that was attributed to them in the quotes. Always a shame that such stories are not seen as an opportunity to talk about how incredible our bodies are or how tragic it is that the health system the world over is failing women because of shortages of experienced midwives, or a multitude of other approaches that would be more beneficial towards women and babies. Nikki Macfarlane Childbirth International
