Trust the Women Bulletin 6 - 26 June 2002
Hi everyone, some interesting things in this newsletter FYI, although nothing about birthing, the ideas have importance to women's issues generally this following item is just one of the snippets within and has some relevance to midwifery activity... If you are listening to future Australia Talk Back programs and want to contribute you can phone toll free to express your views on air: ph 1800-802-341 For tips about how to make effective talk back radio contributions, see the section of the National Women's Media Centre's Activist's Handbook on talk back radio: http://www.nwmc.org.au/Resources/activist/talkbackradio.htm warmly, Carolyn Hastie ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* TRUST THE WOMEN NATIONAL BULLETIN No 6 - 26th June 2002 - Post Convention issue - ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* COORDINATING COMMUNITY ACTION BY WOMEN AND LEADING TO TRUST THE WOMEN: WOMEN'S CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 11-13 June 2002, Canberra CONTENTS ~~ 1. Welcome 2. Trust the Women - Convention 2.1 Convention Report - Robin Tennant-Wood 2.2 Convention Outcomes - Gwen Gray 2.2.1 Statement of Regret and Apology 2.2.2 Convention Statement 2.2.3 Convention Resolutions 2.2.4 Statement of Themes 2.2.5 Action Issues 2.3 Remembering the Event 3. More News 3.1 Womens Suffrage Memorial - Judy Harrison 3.2 Country Viewpoint: Liz and Cathy! 3.3 Equal Opportunity - SMH 3.4 Bill of Rights - Australia Talks Back 4. Women in Communities 4.1 Rural Women Celebrating in Chiltern - Jill Briggs 4.2 Celebrating Success in Mt Gambier - Lara Scott 4.3 Community Workshops Coming Up! 5. Contacts 6. Supporting Organisations 7. Acknowledgments ~ 1. WELCOME! ~ The 100 year anniversary of the Commonwealth Franchise Act, that gave most Australian women the right to vote and stand in federal elections, was marked on 12 June 2002. But this was an incomplete centenary because the Franchise Act denied the right to vote federally to 'aboriginal native[s] of Australia, Africa, Asia or the Islands of the Pacific except New Zealand' unless covered under Section 41. The Trust the Women Convention held in Canberra from 11-13 June 2002 also marked 2002 as the 40 year anniversary of Indigenous people gaining the right to vote federally in Australia. The balance of 2002 provides a continuing opportunity for women in communities around Australia. This is an evocative time for women leaders - no matter what the context - to encourage reflection and new energy to promote the status of women in Australia. One of the main themes of the Trust the Women Convention was how long some of the things that need to be done are going to take. Women left the Convention with much food for thought about the role of Australian women in the social, political and constitutional future of our country. The need for continuing work, at so many levels, passes from each generation of women to the next. And, while we look back to what has been achieved - much more importantly - we must also find the ways forward. We are calling on you, the readers of this Bulletin to think about what you can do in your community, or in your role or position, to use the centenary and the 40 year anniversary to create new momentum. Although this is the last of the Trust the Women Bulletins, all of the material that has been circulated will remain available on the web site. Also, all of the women who attended the Trust the Women Convention two weeks ago are a fantastic resource - and some have already committed to undertaking follow on workshops or other activities in their communities. The national coordinator work is winding up because the resources for the project are coming to an end. But that this part is finishing certainly does not mean that the year is over! ~~ 2. TRUST THE WOMEN CONVENTION ~~ ~ 2.1 CONVENTION REPORT Contributed by Robin-Tennant Wood, National Community Coordinator The Trust the Women - Womens Constitutional Convention began with a solemn statement of apology and regret to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ended with a statement of outcomes and themes for action. Over 170 delegates attended the Convention from June 11-13, representing institutions, organisations, government departments, governments at all levels, political parties and, importantly, themselves. They came from all corners of the country Torres Strait to Tasmania; the Pilbara to the Pilliga; Moree to Melbourne; Darwin to Dogswamp; and Adelaide to Alice Springs. A truly inspirational group of diverse, active and positive women leaders. In a full program held over two and a half days, delegates heard a total of 38 papers on a range of subjects relating to womens participation at all levels of civic and political life. Thanks to the hard work of
FW: Paid Maternity Leave - poll to fill out
Thought people would be interested in this, please pass it on to anyone who may be wanting to contribute, warmly Carolyn Hastie The POLL, supported by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is 'live' on www.motherinc.com.au http://www.motherinc.com.au. Mothers and mothers-to-be will be invited to have their say on Maternity Leave in Australia and how Government policy can affect their lives, as well as those of their family/ies. Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Pru Goward invites Australian women to Please fill in this POLL, we need to know from mothers and women intending to be mothers, how you feel - more than anyone. According to Claudia Keech, Founder of motherInc., a national information and support network for mothers, The current Maternity Leave discussion paper, invites submissions from organisations, businesses and individuals as to the need or not of a National Maternity Leave Policy. The motherInc. POLL will provide a voice for the people who need most to be heard - current and future mothers Australia-wide. The POLL will also address the issue of Paternity Leave for fathers. **The results of the motherInc. Maternity Leave POLL, will be submitted to meet the July 12th deadline of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission - Valuing Parenthood initiative. Media enquiries: Claudia Keech or Natasha Franks (02) 9948 3655 or 0410 237 557 * motherInc. is a on-line/off-line business, which provides information and support to mothers Australia-wide. motherInc. also provides a voice for both mothers at home and those in the paid workforce to have a say via the media and at a parliamentary level. Source: motherInc. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Overdue baby
Dear Mary, what a joy! Congratulations to all of you :-) and what a template for our birthing services...may all women enjoy/have an environment of loving care set up by midwifery "mothers", with the healthy sense of self and respect for others and their process/growthimplicit in your modelling,so births can unfold in their individual perfection - roll on NMAP! with deepest love and respect, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Mary MurphySent: Sunday, 11 August 2002 12:38 AMTo: list; Kitty Ernst; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; darryl loney; Amy Bachrach; Lois Wattis; Tracy ReibelSubject: [ozmidwifery] Overdue baby Good News! My daughter has FINALLY given birth. 19 days post dated U/s more by LMP. Gabriel was born after a gentle 6hr labour and waterbirth at 1800hrs 10/8/02 weighing in at 5.2kgs.( I think about 11lbs 4oz.) Beautiful healthy placenta, 800gms, 200mls blood loss. No oxytocin, no tears or grazes. Apgars 7 10. No resuscneeded(except for midwife/grandma)Many thanks for the support of my wonderful midwife friend Susanjane Morison. Cheers, Mary Murphy
RE: [ozmidwifery] Pressure re ctg's etc
Mary hashighlighted some deep, complex and importantissues here regarding the pressure faced by midwives when working in a systems model, however that model is configured. The collective sense of responsibility, the political pressure, the need to defend the 'unorthodox', our protocol bound profession and the need to be 'doing the right thing' by the mainstream are all powerful considerations at any time. Mary's comments have had me thinking all afternoon as I juggled the various aspects in my head and heart. My guess is that it comes back to woman centered care, how the woman is feeling and what she in her head and heart wants to do. If the woman feels safe and certainin herself, then she will knowwhat is right for her. If she is uncertain/fearful, then that is what is needed to be taken into account, no matter what the model of care is or who or what is directing the management of the model. Women know themselves better than any so called expert. If a woman is worried, I'm worried. If they are not worried and they are clear and definite, It is easy tosupport their decisions. I use questions to discover what is happening for a woman, as it is often the strategically positionedquestion that can lead to insights and understanding for both/all of us. There is a story which comes to mind and it mayillustrate my thinking here. I had the immense pleasure and privilege of being midwife for a midwife colleague. She was having her second child. The pregnany was traumatic, her relationship with her husbandruptured during the pregnany and she became quite anaemic. She did everything to get her Hb up. At 40 weeks, she had a breech baby with cord around it's feet in the pelvis (cord presentation diagnosed on scan done when baby became breech). She was offered a caesarian and refused. She agreed to be admitted to hospital and whilst lying there on her back, stroking the baby, pondering life, the universe etc as one does at these times, she felt the head and gave it a gentle push towards the correct position. The baby turned easily, flipping to head first. She rang me immediately, concernedand anxious,worryingthatshe may have caused a cord compression. She had an immediate scan and CTG which showed a head first baby, cord well and truly out of the way. The CTG was great. She chose to go home, despite being cautioned about unstable lie etc. She finally went into labour at 43 +2 days, there was absolutely no interest in an induction. She "wasn't ready" she told me. Liquor volume/movements etc were fine. She screamed all through her labour, which she assured me was nothing to do with any physical sensation, she was releasing heremotional pain. Gave birth intact to a beautiful 8 something pound babywith clear liquor. Her birth notice in the paper included the words, "a screaming success". What's the point of the story in this context? The point of the story for me is that in a midwifery model of care, which is inherently women centered,the women lead the care.The joy of programs such as CMP Freo style and the NMAP is that more women can access midwifery care and, with the development of the relationship, gain the huge benefits that care for the human spirit and the emotions, as well as the physical body, brings. thanks Mary for the opportunity to discuss these issues. warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Mary MurphySent: Sunday, 11 August 2002 10:40 AMTo: listSubject: [ozmidwifery] Pressure re ctg's etc After replying to Joy's message I was thinking about where that "pressure in my head" came from. It wasn't because I was afraid about the baby. The movements were more than adequate, on palpation there was plenty of fluid. All other obs were perfect. Both of us felt that the baby was o.k. I think that the pressure comes from a collective sense of responsibility when part of a larger birthing community. The Community Midwifery Program is always under political pressure from the doctors to not put a foot wrong.Always defending us for our "un-orthodox"(ie non-interventionist) practice. My daughter is a client of that program and I am a midwife contracted to that program. Because of that it is always important for us to be seen to be doing the "right" thing. I felt that we were more or less obliged to do what is assumed to be "right" by the mainstream community. (except for being induced at 7-10 days which is fast becoming the rule at our large teaching hospital). It is something for you all to think about when contemplating NMAP. The gains outweigh the losses, but for midwives there is ALWAYS that loss of true autonomy, for the client a trade of a free homebirth, for some subtle pressures, increased protocols and that sense of responsibility to make sure the Program itself is not damaged, for the greater good. On the
RE: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery model of care in hospitals
Yes, Alphia, Wyong Hospital, part of the Central Coast Health Service is midwifery led. It's fantastic, the midwives do a great job and are well supported by the health service and the administration. The doctors are supportive and work in a collaborative practice model. All in all, a wonderful example and a real tribute to the health service, the midwives, the medical people and the women who access the service (who all love it!). warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Alphia Garrety Sent: Monday, 12 August 2002 3:14 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery model of care in hospitals Hi everyone, Does anyone know of a midwifery led hospital within NSW- not too far out of the Sydney area. I know of St George- any others?? Thanks Alphia -- 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.
[ozmidwifery] NSWMA Complementary Therapies Seminar for Midwives and Maternal and Infant Health 14th September, Sydney
Hi Everyone, I'm forwarding information about a wonderful complementary therapies seminar, Looks great! warmly Carolyn Hastie Complementary Therapies Seminar for Midwives, Maternal and Infant Health Care Professionals Saturday 14th September 2002 Lecture Theatre, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick 8.30am- Registration 9.00am Traditional Chinese MedicineNicole Hope-Allen 9.30am Chasteberry and PMS TBA 1015am Workshop Short Presentations- Reflexology Lyndall Mollart AromatherapyBernadette Leiser Meditation Jenny Palmer 10.45am Morning Tea 11.15am Hynpobirthing Katrina Allen 11.45 amHomoeopathy Julie Kris-McNab 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pmWorkshops Reflexology/ Aromatherapy/ Meditation Cross over 2.45pm Workshops Reflexology/ Aromatherapy/ Meditation 4.00pm Close # .. Name: __ Address: Email: __Phone: __ Fees: o $95 NSWMA Memberso $105 Non-members o $85 Student Midwives o Money Order/Cheque (payable to NSWMA) Credit Card:o Visa oBankcard oMasterCard Cardholder Name:_ Card Number: ___ Card Expiry Date: _Signature:__ Post to NSWMA PO Box 62 GLEBE 2037. Closing Date: 6th September 2002 Complementary Therapies for Midwives, Maternal and Infant Care Professionals One day Seminar There is an increasing interest in the topic of complementary therapies and a number of seminars on this topic have been held recently but this seminar s topics have been chosen specifically for health care professional working in or have an interest in the pregnancy, maternal and infant health. Nicole Hope Allen- midwife and accupuncturist Dr Ramesh Manocha- Doctor working at RHW Natural Therapies unit Lyndall Mollart- Midwife and reflexologist Bernadette Leiser- Midwife, qualifications in reflexology, aromatherapy, remedial massage, Bowen Therapy etc. Jane Palmer- Katrina Allen- Midwife and Hypobirthing Julie Kris-McNab- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Support Amina
Dear colleagues, can you please take a moment to sign the petition for a young woman, mother of three who has been sentenced to death by stoning for having a child out of wedlock. She lives in Nigeria. Amnesty international is on the case. I urge you all to contact the Nigerian embassy in Australia. The following links will tell you all about the situation. The last woman we all supported escaped death and was lashed. I would encourage all of you to join Amnesty International, this organisation does amazing, wonderful work. I feel sick thinking about what this woman and others are having to deal with. http://www.mertonai.org/amina/ http://www.amnesty.org.au/airesources/press-02-08-20.html 1. AUSTRALIA (CANBERRA) Nigerian High Commission N0. 5 Callemonda Rise OMALLY ACT 2606 P.O. Box 241, Civic Square ACT 2608 Canberra, Australia Tel: 61-2-6286 1322, 61-2-6286 1044, 61-2-6286 1966 Fax: 61-2-6286 5332 Telex: NIGCBN AA 62778 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] High Commissioner: Amb. R.R Soule In solidarity for freedom and respect and women's right to self determination, Carolyn Hastie the language of love has to be learned just as the language of speech James Prescott -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Maternal Alienation Forum - Adelaide event plus other things (long)
Hi Everyone! Thought Adelaide people may be interestedin this event (at the end of the e-mail). There are so many issues and things of great interest to respond to on the list at the moment,so much to comment on... In a nutshell, Hi Ric and Maria Helena, great to have youwith us, people like you give meGREAT hope :-) if there's two like you, there mustbe moreand once we get the critical mass :-) Vicki, the poster is stunning. You and Nic are doing such magic work. Brings tears to my eyes, doesn't that baby's facejust say it all? :-) I want 50 and I'll put themup all over the place - I'll email you separately about that.For those of you who haven't seen it, Vicki and Nic's film (and that songyou wrote Vicki - it's so haunting, I find myself humming iteverywhere) is stunning too. I recommend it to anyone who cares about women and babies and wants a bit of inspiration :-) Re: insurance and Victoria...WHAT. Isn't it amazing that the govt aren't changing the rules to assist with ensuring women's choices are available, not to mention people's right to choose the sort of work environment they want to work in. To deregister Now that's worthy of more letter writing. Re: the woman who had a caesarian for breech when the baby was cephalic. I wonder if the position of the baby was checked on admission? I've noticed a bit of a trend towards no palpation, just "slap the CTG on and let technology do it's thing" happening.And of course, ultrasound isused so much instead of palpation by our medical colleagues. Palpation, like other body centered things becoming a bit of a lost art, have others noticed that trend? Did I read that the woman was NESB?I can't help but wonder about the consent, explanations, debriefing etc. It's such a tragedy, the whole thing. And then ultrasound, great to see the research catching up with concerns and observations.Isn't it interesting how perceptions and orientations influences the way one observes? The movement (of the fetus being exposed to ultrasound) being constructed as 'liking it"or "not liking it" depending on one's perspective. One of my big concerns has always been what does it do to oocytes? Given that females have the full complement of eggs from early gestation and given that the sound waves interrupt DNA, my paranoia is wondering what effect that will have several generations on. Fertility is decreasing as it is...so maybe it is a good form of population control? When you think of the symbolism inherent in the vaginal probe ultrasoundbecoming such a "toy of the boys" it's chilling. And then dating? Sigh, what happened to the Bell Curve? Love the parable Vicki. Where did you say the shop was? I'm tending the garden for the seeds :-) Roll on NMAP! in solidarity (I love that Justine!) Carolyn Hastie and now the message from Adelaide, I've taken off the flyer for the list, if you are interested, email me direct and I'll send it to you. My e-mail address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] CH -Original Message-From: Ahern, Liz (LSC) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]Sent: Thursday, 12 September 2002 10:25 AMTo: Moore, Kay (LSC); Mertin, Peter (LSC)Cc: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'Subject: [sawomen] FW: message to be sent to all of community health Are you interested in exploring the impact of domestic violence and child sexual abuse on the relationship between mothers and their children? Do you want to hear about, and perhaps also explore how you can become involved in a project that will further develop ways of working with women and childrensubjected to violence? Then consider attending thisForum and Launch of the Maternal Alienation Project on 30 September. See the attached Flyer for details. For bookings or enquiries, ring Women's Health Statewide - 8239 9600 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]. Anne Morris Senior Project Officer Women's Health Statewide www.whs.sa.gov.au 64 Pennington Terrace North Adelaide SA 5006
RE: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action Plan
Title: FW: National Maternity Action Plan Brilliant Justine! What a woman, Roll on NMAP! in solidarity (I REALLY like this sign off!) Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Justine CainesSent: Monday, 16 September 2002 11:22 PMTo: OzMid ListSubject: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action PlanDear Oz MiddersFYI, I posted the following reply on Ausfem-PolnetIn SolidarityJustine Caines -- Forwarded MessageFrom: Justine Caines [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 23:20:07 +1000To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: National Maternity Action Plan Dear Barbara and AllIts pretty insulting to the great women across the country who have put many months into the development of this document to say you havent read it and then launch in with uninformed comment.The National Maternity Action Plan (NMAP) combines the plethora of evidence based research that determines midwives as the most appropriate and cost effective carers for the vast majority (80-85%) of women. NMAP is not about homebirth, NMAP is about all women being able to choose the care of a known midwife regardless of where they give birth.Less than 1% of Australian women can access the care of a known midwife. In NZ where women are able to choose their carer (legislation entitles a Midwife, GP and Obstetrician to be paid the same rate and women elect their carer and are funded by a birth payment) they have seen a rise in midwife care in 8 years from 14% to 72%. Women In Australia do not have equity of choice. In fact if a woman chooses to pursue a natural birth with a known midwife in the vast majority of cases she will have to fund the care herself (via an independent midwife). The cost of an independent midwife for the entire care from early pregnancy to 6 weeks post-natally including 1 on 1 care during the birth is less than a caesarean section alone. Please dont bandy choice when as a childbearing woman I can access an elective caesarean tomorrow without any medical indication that is considered 2-4 times more dangerous than a normal vaginal birth but I am actively discriminated against if I choose to access international best practice in maternity, the care of a known midwife.I see the choice of intervention for women in very safe hands, the medical lobby is very powerful and continues to claim interventionist practices as safer, despite an increase in the maternal death rate by 70% (The NHMRC Report revealed 46 direct maternal deaths showing an increase of 19 direct maternal deaths when compared to the 27 recorded in the previous triennium. This is the highest number of direct deaths reported since the 197981 triennium). http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdf/wh32.pdfJustine CainesMum to Ruby, nearly 3, Clancy 18 months and Will 2 and a half monthsACT President The Maternity Coalition--- Barbara McGarity [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ihave not read the whole action plan, but I would be concerned if it led to an effort by government to push women out of maternity hospitals/wards because it would be cheaper for the government. Women should have choice, and there are many women who have successful home births, but women should not be coerced. (Sometimes women are coerced also into thinking there is something wrong or unwomanly with accepting pain reduction measures, and feel guilty when the birth comes and they need them.) Sometimes equipment is needed urgently when there is a glitch in the birth, and some women gain confidence from knowing that they have the hospital resources immediately available. Women need to be adequately informed about all options and risks before making a decision. I well remember when one grandchild was born and the mechanism that turns on babies' sugar absorption failed to kick in, which can result very quickly in death. Fortunately the doctor recognised the stress and put in a drip to save the baby (so quickly that he broke the baby's toe, which is better than a dead baby). I realise that this is not a very clinical description, but it was an emergency that needed the expertise and equipment very quickly. After a few days of the drip, the mechanism kicked in normally. Barbara -- End of Forwarded Message
RE: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action Plan
Title: Re: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action Plan Hmm, my desire that it would... stir up the nest that is...sadly, I think all the hornets have left. :-) My idea of a joke. Actually, I think a lot of things people carry on about are a joke when the serious deep things of life like how mothers are treated in our society are left to flounder and i sure don't mean providing you beaut child care, although kibbutz style living would be a great idea! Our society is constantly getting things by the wrong end of the stick... anyway Kristy Ruddick has done us all proud hasn't she? As for in solidarity, I REALLY like it and I was a radical pinko once, theoretically that is, never joined the communist party, but certainly in my radical youth was a top far left socialist (still am :-) still a pure care for each other sort of person, but now, with insight on self responsibility but with the understanding that ignorance of universal laws leaves people incredibly disadvantaged. Ignorance is not bliss and hording the worlds wealth is not kind and imprisoning refugees is not just, so we keep the vision and keep on in solidarity :-) I won't be at Newcastle on the 12th. I'm off to NZ :-) I'm sorry to miss you. I admire you heaps. love, Carolyn -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Justine CainesSent: Tuesday, 17 September 2002 10:16 PMTo: OzMid ListSubject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action Plan Hey Carolyn,Let me know if I stirred up a hornets nest on Ausfem. I am no longer a subscriber.As for the In Solidarity I sincerely mean it, a left over of the union movement, where most didnt mean it!!! But dont worry I wont call you Comrade!! Look forward to catching up in Newcastle on the 12thJustineBrilliant Justine! What a woman, Roll on NMAP!in solidarity (I REALLY like this sign off!)Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Justine CainesSent: Monday, 16 September 2002 11:22 PMTo: OzMid ListSubject: [ozmidwifery] FW: National Maternity Action PlanDear Oz MiddersFYI, I posted the following reply on Ausfem-PolnetIn SolidarityJustine Caines -- Forwarded MessageFrom: Justine Caines [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 23:20:07 +1000To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: National Maternity Action PlanDear Barbara and AllIts pretty insulting to the great women across the country who have put many months into the development of this document to say you havent read it and then launch in with uninformed comment.The National Maternity Action Plan (NMAP) combines the plethora of evidence based research that determines midwives as the most appropriate and cost effective carers for the vast majority (80-85%) of women. NMAP is not about homebirth, NMAP is about all women being able to choose the care of a known midwife regardless of where they give birth.Less than 1% of Australian women can access the care of a known midwife. In NZ where women are able to choose their carer (legislation entitles a Midwife, GP and Obstetrician to be paid the same rate and women elect their carer and are funded by a birth payment) they have seen a rise in midwife care in 8 years from 14% to 72%. Women In Australia do not have equity of choice. In fact if a woman chooses to pursue a natural birth with a known midwife in the vast majority of cases she will have to fund the care herself (via an independent midwife). The cost of an independent midwife for the entire care from early pregnancy to 6 weeks post-natally including 1 on 1 care during the birth is less than a caesarean section alone. Please dont bandy choice when as a childbearing woman I can access an elective caesarean tomorrow without any medical indication that is considered 2-4 times more dangerous than a normal vaginal birth but I am actively discriminated against if I choose to access international best practice in maternity, the care of a known midwife.I see the choice of intervention for women in very safe hands, the medical lobby is very powerful and continues to claim interventionist practices as safer, despite an increase in the maternal death rate by 70% (The NHMRC Report revealed 46 direct maternal deaths showing an increase of 19 direct maternal deaths when compared to the 27 recorded in the previous triennium. This is the highest number of direct deaths reported since the 197981 triennium). http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdf/wh32.pdfJustine CainesMum to
RE: [ozmidwifery] A mans point of view.
Mary M, thanks so much for sending this item. The following is a response I sent to Lifematters. In solidarity, Carolyn Hastie Oh dear! I read this man Sean Kelly's story with a deep sense of sorrow. How sad his experience is for himself and for his children and his partner. Humour is great isn't it? It relieves stress and is a great coping strategy. It also allows us to see under the surface and is a powerful social commentary. Leunig's wonderful cartoons bear testimony to that. Alas, it demonstrates in this situation, how the birth of a baby can be less than optimum for the child's wellbeing. Current brain and behavioural research shows how important it is that children are wanted and are welcomed with caring loving arms and hearts. This man's story also shows how fathers can feel alienated and dismissed. It is becoming more and more obvious that the environment around and within a mother influences the foundations of the sense of self of the infant. The early foundation sets the matrix for the emergence of the adult. The situation this man, Sean Kelly describes sounds typical of one where the couple have not had the opportunity to explore their feelings about parenting, nor have they been able to explore the realities of childbirth and develop effective self management strategies for pregnancy, birth, relationships or parenting. It is also clear that the couple did not know the midwives who were caring for them and therefore there was no rapport and no inclusion of the father in the transformative and extraordinary process of giving birth to a new, precious human being. What a tragedy. The good news is that it can be so different. Couples who have access to one to one midwifery care are enabled to explore their feelings, develop self management strategies and understand the process. One to one midwifery care also enables the father to become and feel valued and part of the whole process. To help him feel included, vitally important, unlike the way this man, Sean Kelly apparently felt, totally out of what was going on, being sent to get vases rather than allowed to be over-awed at the amazing journey of the human spirit and the sacredness of the process. A group called Materntiy Coaltion, consisting of various women's groups, mothers, midwives and others who care about birth and what happens to our babies at birth have consulted across Australia and have written a National Maternity Action Plan (NMAP) NMAP details can be found at www.maternitycoalition.org.au/nmap.html The National Maternty Action Plan is a document which calls for government bodies to facilitate substantial change to the way in which maternity services are provided, by making available to all women, their partners and their families, the choice of publically funded community midwifery care. This model promotes continuity of care from ante natal, through labour and birth, and for post natal care. The National Maternity Action Plan is being launched across Australia on the 24th September. People are gathering in every major city at the respective Parliament houses to launch NMAP. For more details, please call me, Carolyn Hastie, 0418 428 430. warmly, Carolyn Hastie "True self worth, success and wealth can only come about from responsible love, caring and compassionate thoughts and actions." Ty Metsker Child Development, Family and Individual Counselor
RE: [ozmidwifery] RE: language
Hi Rowena, can you please send me your email address again and I'll send the articleto you. I am sending it by attachment, it is not on a site. My email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't access your email address from the list, warmly, Carolyn -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Rowena WoolnoughSent: Sunday, 22 September 2002 2:49 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] RE: language Dear Carolyn, Tried to open the site you sent me for the article on language but only got a site trying to promote and sell something. Not sure if I was doing something wrong or what. Really want to reasd the article sp could you guide me to it again. Thanks Rowena - Original Message - From: Heartlogic To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2002 11:52 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] RE: language Hey Rowena and Veronica, you two are amazing! So wonderful to see such courage and willingness to learn, explore and stand up for women's psychological and emotional space! I agree, it is daunting to post to the list. I always wonder how what I say will be interpreted. Woman friendly language is a challenge. For the more senior midwives from the old school (and I'm one of them) it is a big deal to shift from saying 'deliver' and 'delivery' to "helping/assisting" and "birth", To change our language is a paradigm and power shift as well as a shift in terminology and we all know what creatures of habit we humans are! Doesn't it also show you Veronica, how arrogant we humans can become when we don't think we need to read and update ourselves on what's going on in the big wide world? The fact that three out of the four said what's that? about VBAC says something. And thelaughing indicates their discomfortat not knowing. The important thing in life is to be a continual learner, to always know there is more to learn and each woman teaches us something different, something new. Our colleagues do too, each one teaches us something, even if it is how not to be :-) It's interesting how people dismiss the idea of language being important, but whole worlds of ideology, philosphy and ethics are bound in words... Some ideas on language, for example... Calling women 'girls' diminishes women, think about the stereotype of what a 'girl' is, and you get the idea. Calling women 'ladies' - ladies wear pearls and twinsets and sit with their legs together, don't yell and are polite at all times. Ladies can't give birth. Birth is wild and naked and raw, it is on the sexual continuum and is out of control :-) not ladylike at all.( Wild gutsy ) Women give birth. Saying "I had a delivery or I had a birth or I had three babies last night etc" is power based language...who has the power here? WHO gave birth?? I could go on... I have some great references for you if you want, I wrote a paper on language and I can email it to you, let me know your email address and I will send it. Thank you both for contributing and letting us know what you are learning/experiencing and being willing to ride the waves of a changing system. We need you. warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Veronica HerbertSent: Sunday, 15 September 2002 10:53 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] RE: language Dear Carol, Thank you so much. What you say is so true. I have a great passion for midwifery and I learn a lot from the discussions on here. My lecturers at my Uni are always making sure we are using 'womanly language' and we are always getting picked up on what we say (isn't that right Kerry!!!). But, when we go into our clinical setting it is a different matter. The other day at handover I said a woman had had a "VBAC" instead of "Trial of scar". And3 of the4 midwives said "What do you mean?, what is that?" and I tried to explain thattrial of scarwas disempowering to women and that it was setting them up for failure. The 4th midwife who knew what it meant said "It's one of those new words they learn out at Uni"and they basically laughed at me. It does take alot of courage to stand up and voice your opinion or even try to explain something when you are still learning and don't have a big knowledge base.For me, I only did my graduate year of nursing last year, I started Midwifery in February and I will be finished (hopefully) somew
[ozmidwifery] FW: Important paid mat leave poll - pls circ
FYI Pls circ widely!!The Channel 9 "Sunday" program is running a poll on paid maternity leave.Although we usually take these poll results with more than a grain of salt,the show and the 9msn website is regarded as influential. The poll iscurrently running 51% in favour and 49% against the idea of govt funded PML.Please lodge your vote by going tohttp://sunday.ninemsn.com Women's Electoral Lobby NSW[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[ozmidwifery] Paid maternity leave poll
Hey folks, that poll is finished! Apologies for late and, subsequently, irrelevant posting. Good to see the yes's outway the no's. Good site to check out frequently to see what people are considering, I've bookmarked it. and I just learnt something :-) Number one lesson today - check the data no matter what the source before sending it on! On the internet anyway! Everyone ready for the launch tomorrow? Roll on NMAP in solidarity, Carolyn Hastie True self worth, success and wealth can only come about from responsible love, caring and compassionate thoughts and actions. Ty Metsker Child Development, Family and Individual Counselor -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] vbac
Good on you Veronica! And I don't mind at all, I'm delighted that you find it useful. Whatever will help people become more informed! I reckon it is so great that you are prepared to stand in the truth and walk the talk :-) the path of courage. Once again I had to "explain" and defend the use of the word VBAC. The response I got today was "Well I'm not going to change what I say!" When I said the term had been around since the late 70's (somebody said that on here so I hope it's right lol) they said they had never heard of it. Well they have now!!! I went home on my tea break and printed off copies of the paper that Carolyn (hope you don't mind Carolyn)wrote and I placed a copy in the postnatal ward, labour ward, special care nursery, and the tea room. I found this story very interesting. Another thing, we had a woman who was trying to have a VBAC today and the Registrar that was on said she was only allowed to push for 20 minutes and then she was to have a vaccuum extraction, if she hadn't pushed it out. Now I'm no expert on VBAC's but I thought that that was a little unfair, since in her last labour she had only got to 4cm dilated,and she had never been through second stage. Any thoughts?/? By the way, she got to about 5cms and was in good established labour managing well, had a V.E (was quite disappointed that she was "Half way"), had pethidine, contractions eased off and she went for a C/S! from Veronica Herbert (Midwifery Student, University of Ballarat) Unfair alright! Pressure like this on awoman, whether she is anxious or not to start with (and women having a VBAC are already anxious), is VERY counterproductive.It's downright abusive. Anxiety pours those stress hormones out in bucket loads. And what happens when women are stressed like that? Oxytocin turns off, or is interrupted and the body can't work properly and the cervix can't dilate efficiently or effectively very easily. It is amazing she was in such good labour, even with the negative pressure. Thechemical and electrical output with feelings of disappointment do similar turn offs to the hormonal cascade of the labouring body. Most women have to feel safe and supported for their bodies to work well. And the VE is interesting. How the 'f indings' from VE's are presented are so influential to a woman's state of being and her subsequent labour progress Saying"you're only five centimetres" or "you're half way"with any inflection of pity, disappointment or other negative inference is a downer, many women immediately respond in a 'not good enough' way and feel inadequate, which again, turns off or interrups the labour cascade. We really set people up don't we? Self fulfilling prophecy it's called. Give people these impossible hoops to jump through, turn the lights off so they can't see, put blindfolds on then say "you'll never do it". It's very like the psychological trick called 'gaslighting'. The term comes from a 1950's (or thereabouts) movie of the same name. The husband in the movie sends his wife mad by altering her sense of reality. He kept turning down the gaslight and when she said the light was changing, he would deny it and tell her she was mad. When we tell someone something enough, it becomes true.'Truth' no matter how suspect, coming from someone in a position of power has authority. What if the information was presented as "wow, you are five centimeters already! Aren't you fantastic!You are doing so well, you are a natural at thisand look how well you are coping" and then, turning to her support person/partner "isn't she fantastic? I bet you are proud of herand she isSO in control". Language is so powerful.We can pull the rug from under someone in a heartbeat. Or/and we can provide them with a mirror of strength and courage. It's wonderful to see you being so observant and analytical Veronica. Wonder what it could be like if the registrar could see with your eyes? Doesn't our future look bright with these students around? Makes my ol' heart very glad. warmly, Carolyn Hastie
RE: [ozmidwifery] vbac and second stage
Spot on Jo. Second stage for women who have had a previous caesarian can be fastor it can be slow and anywhere in between. Overall, as you say Jo, it is generally slower for these women. And it is all influenced bythe level of preparation. The more a woman is able to process her issues and talk about what happened and figure out how she may do it differently this time...and what she needs to do..the better it is for her - the Pink Kit is great too for helping women understand their birthing physiology whether they have access to one to one midwifery care or not. Women who have had a caesarian and seek to give birth normallyhave a double hurdle. They have toget beyond the caesarian issue and where they were up to when they had the caesarian (that this women Veronica talks about was five centimeters means she had moved beyond this issue) and then the hurdle of giving birth. Women are so isolated from birthing in our society, so many haven't even held a baby and all they hear are the horror stories and shroud waving from well meaning but idiotic professionals :-( sigh. each woman has to reinvent the wheel for herself when it comes to giving birth. They don't have any healthy models to follow and so, they enter what is the most significant body event (apart from the first sexual encounter...or does birth beat that?) without amap. That's where groups like yours are so effective, Jo and Jackie. Kitchen table wisdom. Story telling, lots and lots of stories of good births, smooth births, gentle births, happy births to help reprogramme their mind to enable healthy body action. Many women struggle at the point of birthing their baby, self doubt, fears about mothering tend to swell and interrupt the process, slowing it down. With loving, confident support (and I think this is where doulas are coming into their own - we midwives are more fascinated with the CTG than the eyeball to eyeball stuff), coupled with the knowledge gained from the many stories heard and integrated, second stage can be a great time of healing and processing and therefore, slow (er than someone who is not dealing with past caesarian issues). That's why not doing VE's is such a good idea, and then there is always the anterior lip ;-) warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Jo Dean BainbridgeSent: Monday, 23 September 2002 10:55 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: [ozmidwifery] vbac and second stage I would like to generate discussion on the list about typical vbac labours if I may? As a great number of vbacs are women whom have had a 'drama' in a previous birth which resulted in a cs, there is a valid belief that the woman would probably bring a number of 'issues' into the vbac. These issues are usually fear based "please don't let what happen last time happen again" and coupled with the fact that for most second stage is a mystery; I would like to propose that vbac labours should be given more support and less restrictions. I understand that if a woman labours for a long time the obs and drs may begin to worry about the stress on the scar and possible rupture; but I strongly believe thata woman's body will go at the right pace for her. Second stage is often longer with vbacs. Can anyone support this anecdotally? I think we (they!) put too many pressures on vbacs and don't see them for what they are...not high risk, but require high support and understanding. any thoughts? Jo Bainbridgefounding member CARES SAemail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]phone: 08 8388 6918birth with trust, faith love...
[ozmidwifery] FW: ausfem-polnet ACTION Required on abortion law and access in Qld
Our Queensland friends may want to contribute to this, warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Cait Calcutt Sent: Tuesday, 24 September 2002 12:03 PM To: Australian Women's Health Network; Pamela's List; ausfem-polnet Subject: ausfem-polnet ACTION Required on abortion law and access in Qld Hi all, Many of you will probably know that the Beattie Government has released the discussion paper - 'Mapping the Future: a discussion paper' for Queensland women and girls. This is part of the development of a five year agenda for Women and Girls, which will direct government action and funding priorities in this area. The discussion paper contains almost nil information regarding contraception, family planning and abortion. At the Queensland Women's Roundtable, held last week to assist in consultation around the document, these issues were raised. Particularly highlighted was that abortion still remains in the criminal code, lack of access to abortion services for rural, regional and remote women, and increasing geographic coverage for relationships and sexual health education and clinical services. The Office for Women are seeking feedback on the paper via a series of consultation sessions around the state. (Dates and Locations below) Also, people can feedback online and in written submissions. CHILDREN BY CHOICE IS REQUESTING THAT WOMEN AND ORGANISATIONS RESPOND TO THE DISCUSSION PAPER AND RAISE THE ISSUE OF ABORTION LAW and ACCESS, and SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES and INFORMATION. PLEASE: 1) Attend a consultation session and raise your concerns. Dates and Location below; Consultation Locations LocationDateVenue Brisbane City Monday 30th Sept. Women's Infolink, 56 Mary St. (5-7pm) Times: 12-2pm (light lunch served) Brisbane North Friday 20th Sept. Carseldine Palms Conference Training Centre Cairns Friday 20th Sept. Cairns City Library Mount Isa Monday 23rd Sept. Mercure Hotel Verona Mt Isa Brisbane South Monday 23rd Sept. Acacia Ridge Function Conference Centre Mackay Wednesday 25th Sept. Windmill Motel Reception Centre Rockhampton Thursday 26th Sept. Rockhampton Leagues Club Logan Friday 27th Sept. Kingston Butter Factory Community Arts Centre Bundaberg Monday 30th Sept. Brothers Sports Club Longreach Monday 30th Sept. Albert Park Motor Inn Charleville Tuesday 1st Oct. RSL Club Ipswich Wednesday 2nd Oct.Ipswich Civic Centre RomaThursday 3rd Oct. Maranoa Club Toowoomba Thursday 3rd Oct. Burke Wills Hotel Gold Coast Monday 7th Oct. Sharks Football Club Sunshine Coast Thursday 10th Oct.Rural Futures Network Centre Townsville Tuesday 15th Oct. Qld CWA Function Hall 2)Provide feedback on the discussion paper feedback online. The Office of Women's website has four separate forms to submit feedback on the various themes of the discussion paper. The form for health and well-being can be found at: http://www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au/consultation/con_wellbeing.html OR 3) Complete the discussion paper feedback form manually. You can download the feedback form as either a PDF or word document. See http://www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au/consultation/con_feedback.html for more details. You can obtain copies of the Discussion Paper via http://www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au/consultation/pdf/paper_text.pdf (text), http://www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au/consultation/pdf/paper_cover.pdf (cover). It is also available as a word document http://www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au/consultation/Mapping_the_Future.dot. In both versions the women's health section of the well being theme begins on page 9. or contact Office of Women. Postal address: PO Box 185, Albert Street Brisbane, Qld 4002, Australia Phone: (07) 3224 4062 Fax: (07) 3224 4272 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Many thanks and warm regards, Cait Calcutt Coordinator Children by Choice 237 Lutwyche Rd PO Box 2005 Windsor Qld 4030 Ph: 07 3357 5570 Fax: 07 3857 6246 Mobile: 0413 800 842 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.childrenbychoice.org.au Send mail to this list at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Admin requests (subscribe, help etc) to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Other requests/comments to [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Rape by stealth (longish)
Hi Jo, thanks for your affirming words. I appreciate your feedback. It is vitally important to work with medical students and to challenge their accepted, medically conditioned ways of thinking. It is great you are doing that. You just never know what effect you will have on the future by your great work and kindness in teaching them and showing them what woman friendly means. Investment in these beginning medicos is critical. Remember, the more emotional you can make it, the more their brains remember and bring it up in the future. A pity they are imprinted with how not to be - you could use that though to really get them to articulate the desired way and make that a stronger imprint - this is where the Socratic style of questioning is so useful, for example How do you think that woman feels after. and what would be a better way of doing and what do you think the best course of action in that situation would be? and Do you think Dr Blah Blah was being woman friendly when he and Who was in control in that situation? Do you think the woman felt empowered by the way those choices were explained to her? etc. It seems that asking is always better than telling :-). Yes, they do get the edges bumped off them by the old guard, that is a survival tactic to fit in to the culture... but little by little Those who know these things say culture change takes about 30 years... Towards a woman friendly culture, warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-ozmidwifery;acegraphics.com.au]On Behalf Of JoFromOz Sent: Monday, 21 October 2002 10:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Rape by stealth (longish) I love your post, Carolyn. You say a lot of what I feel but I don't know how to express it. The term 'stranded beetle' said it all for me... It makes me sad, but I am taking this thread as a challenge to be able to advocate better for women in situations such as these. I can only wish the 'new breed' of obstetric residents/registrars and obstetricians are more women-friendly. I have been working with some medical students recently, doing their obstetric placements. Many of them are saying that it is a great experience to see how NOT to be when/if they specialise in obstetrics. It is an advantage for the medical students to work on a day-to-day basis with midwives, but their growing minds still get poisoned with lectures and tutorials by those 'expert' obstetricians! Sincerely, Jo Babies are Born... Pizzas are Delivered. Interesting also the stranded beetle position in dogs indicates total surrender and lack of power - same for us human females - surrender and acquiescence and one is far less likely to complain or dissent in such a position. Roll on NMAP! In solidarity, Carolyn Hastie -- 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.
[ozmidwifery] Obs, brainwashing, hypnobirthing and horror stories - long
etc.belly castslots of humour - great memory fixative... warmly, Carolyn Hastie ended up being longer than I thought :-) trust it makes sense - have a great week everyone! We all have two choices: We can make a living or we can design a life. Jim Rohn Heartlogic Consultancy Leaders in personal mastery and healthy organisational change Phone +61 2 4389 3919 Fax +61 2 4388 6819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 Australia -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Obs, brainwashing, hypnobirthing and horror stories - long
Hi Jen, The marking I was refering to is for 3rd year nursing students at Newcastle Uni. I was co-opted at the last minute as they (the uni) were desperate as someone had dropped out at the second to last minute from the casual teaching pool. I have been employed as a part time, academic mentor for this semester. It has been an amazing experience. It is astonishing how much work and effort the students have put into their assignments, the depth of research and the wonderful critical thinking skills they display with their topics - I'm in awe of them. We have some wonderful people coming through the nursing stream - I think the future is very bright indeed looking at the talent I'm working with and if the Bmid students are like these students... (and I know you are by the questions and comments I read here) the wave of change is happening .and will soon be tidal.which brings joy to my heart. And, I've actually just started as Midwifery Educator at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle - another source of joy for me :-) It's good to be home. I worked at JHH when it first opened 12 years ago as an educator for midwifery. I've also been working privately as a midwife with homebirth. Private practice has to go now I'm full time employed person BUT the good thing with John Hunter and the fabulous midwifery leadership is that the staff are supported and encouraged to provide continuity of care for women with special needs - like those who have had bad experiences previously, so I'm signing up for that. Very exciting and very women centred ideology/philosophy being expressed. There is also a lot of interest in the NMAP, so Probably a longer answer than you wanted Jen :-) warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-ozmidwifery;acegraphics.com.au]On Behalf Of Jennifer Semple Sent: Sunday, 10 November 2002 1:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Obs, brainwashing, hypnobirthing and horror stories - long Carolyn, Where what do you teach? Kind regards, Jen BMid student, Victoria University - Original Message - From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, November 9, 2002 4:02 pm Subject: [ozmidwifery] Obs, brainwashing, hypnobirthing and horror stories - long hello all, I'm writing this in a rush, busy marking third year studentsassignments -- 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] another horror story
Rhonda said: "But - Oh the power play and the woman feels so unable to refuse these things. The Obstetric dominance can bend a woman into doing things that she woudl not otherswise do. I don't think we can judge her for that." Very true. Have you never done anything that you would rather not do, but the power dynamics led you to do otherwise? I can name thousands of times for me. I'm learning though. I'm learning to counter the default position of blind obedience to authority. To choose what I want instead of what others think is best. We are socialised into compliance. We are compliant even when we have ethical problems with what we are asked to do. Milgram and Zimbardo's work showed that clearly. How could she roll over?or sit up and sit still? How could she not? Unless she was fantastically liberated and in her own power. And how many birthing women can do that? At atime of exquisite vulnerability and surrender. (This is where we need the wild nature to rise up!) And to add to the story: A study involving 242 nulliparous pregnant women by Fisher, Smith and Astbury in 1995found the likelihood of women experiencing operative delivery and caesarian section was: increased further among those who in late pregnancy were thinking clearly, had high self-esteem, mature means of dealing with anxiety, were confident in their knowledge of childbirth procedures and in secure partnerships with highly educated men. There was no evidence that either elevated anxiety or abnormalities of personality contributed to obstetric outcome. These findings indicate that obstetric decision-making is significantly influenced by patient personality and socioeconomic circumstances. In particular, they suggest that fear of malpractice litigation, physician convenience factors and the response of obstetricians to assured, well pregnancy-educated pregnant women may be influencing the use of operative intervention in delivery. The response of obstetricians to assured, well, educated pregnant women in this study has chilling parallels to the findings from the investigation into gender and school education (Collins, C., Batten, M., Ainley, J. Getty, C. 1996). The researchers concluded that sex based harassment seems to be part of a process of establishing dominance relations among males as well as putting girls as a group in their place in a gender system. so it is about raising awareness of the power of socialisation; challenging one's own behaviours, seeking to become strong and powerful on an internal level that will stop us rolling over. In solidarity (thanks Justine) warmly, Carolyn
[ozmidwifery] Science, mothering, pelvic exams and wonderment - long
Hello all, haven't been on the lists of late, life had caught up with me. I logged on to send off this following item, as I thought most of you would be interested. The Science of Mother Love: Is Science Catching Up to Mother's Wisdom? By Cori Young http://www.mothering.com/9-0-0/html/9-9-0/mother-love.shtml and then came across all the fascinating conversations that poured into my email in box... I've introduced myself before, and because I haven't been around for a while, I better do so again. My name is Carolyn Hastie, passionate advocate of women centred maternity care and healthy workplaces. I am a mother, grandmother, midwife, educator and writer (etc - sure I have many other labels, those will do :-) I wanted to comment on Lieve's amazing loving care to her clients. Kahlil Gibran wrote work is love made visible. And so it is. How blessed we all are to have this stunning example of what is possible with midwifery care. The issue of learning vaginal examinations is an interesting one too. I'm not sure which list this topic was on now, so will keep on going here. In every medical school, medical students learnt VE's with anaesthetised women. In Newcastle in the 80's the medical school stopped the practice and students learnt with conscious women who were/are paid to teach the students and give feedback about their manner, communication style and technique. The students had an informal discussion with the women before the clinical practice session. The women explored ideas about respect, privacy and VE's, speculums and pap smears with the students. Sexual abuse issues were also discussed. Following the discussion, each woman took about six students and talked each of them through as they practiced doing vaginal examinations, both digitally and with a speculum. I thought this was such a great way of teaching students, I became an instructor. It was an interesting time as this was a very new idea. There was a lot of negativity about it, the nuns called it prostitution. I also dislike pap smears and vaginal examinations at the best of times, so a big commitment for me. My attitude was that it was far better for the students to practice on women (such as me) who could actively teach them, than have it happen to women without their consent or even with their 'consent' obtained in vulnerable situations. In situations with labouring women and midwifery students, I always discussed/discuss the idea of a vaginal examination with the women, without the student being present - with the woman in a standing or otherwise upright position - positioning is so much part of the power dynamic. If the women show the slightest hesitation, I go no further with the discussion. I examine first, telling both the student and the woman what I can feel as I go and asking her for feedback. Then, if the woman is still ok about it, the student examines the woman and describes what she/he feels as she/he goes. If the woman's experience of my examination has been at all painful, there is no student examination. It is a challenge with teaching students, as it is very very rare that I find it necessary to undertake a vaginal examination on a labouring woman. The woman is also thanked very sincerely for her generosity. in solidarity, (thanks to the amazing Justine who never fails to flabbergast me with her energy, activity and commitment to the cause) Carolyn Hastie I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. Helen Keller 1880-1968, Author and Lecturer Heartlogic Consultancy Leaders in personal mastery and healthy organisational change Phone +61 2 4389 3919 Fax +61 2 4388 6819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 Australia -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Interesting website
Another fascinating website, http://MilkOfHumanKindness.org warmly, Carolyn Hastie I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. Helen Keller 1880-1968, Author and Lecturer Heartlogic Consultancy Leaders in personal mastery and healthy organisational change Phone +61 2 4389 3919 Fax +61 2 4388 6819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 Australia -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Bullying - doing something about it
Dear Colleagues, This is a fantastic workshop Andrea has put together and will be so useful to managers and leaders everywhere. Good on you Andrea for doing this, wonderful to see. One of the many strands in this complex issue is that of learned helplessness. The pattern of learned helplessness has to be overcome in our profession and in that of nursing. I have been horrified by the working conditions in hospitals since I have been back as midwifery educator. People are overworked and overstretched. People are working too hard for little satisfaction. From what I see, the complexity of the clientele, the simply dreadful midwife/motherbaby ratio, the skill mix, the paperwork mountain, plus the responsibilities of new domestic violence and child reporting legislation, not to the mention burgeoning use of technology and the ever present fear of litigation in the approach to maternity care, are creating a fertile ground for all sorts of unconscious reactions/responses and inappropriate behaviour. And as for the students, the staff do their best and work hard to help them learn, but there is no time to teach on the job. This is just from my midwifery perspective, nursing is a whole other kettle of frogs. You know that saying, if you put a frog in hot water it will immediately jump out, but put a frog in cold water and heat it up and it doesnt realise what is happening and before it does, it expires from the heat. The health system is heating up to expiry point. At our place, we have been told there will be a 20% increase in women to care for, as GP's stop bulk billing and obstetricians stop doing private obstetrics, already there were 2000 more occasions of service at the prenatal clinic in the last 6 months - but there will be no more staff and no more resources. WHAT? That's right. However, there is another layer of senior management happening and the line of management is through a doctor - no senior midwife manager directly reporting to the executive. Grrr. So I figured what we need is serious action. I've joined the union (NSWNA) and become a branch delegate. I've been reading and searching for ways to address these and other issues and have joined a team called The real nurses team as they are have a real grasp of the issues facing both nursing and midwifery. They are dedicated to remaining independant from any political party to pursue safe and effective staff/patient and midwife/womanbaby ratios and other urgent requirements. I have been nominated for council for this team, along with two other midwives, Michael Whaites and Liz McCall. The election for General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and councillors from the committee of Delegates will be held by postal vote and closes 17th June 03. The details of all the nominees will be in the next Lamp. For those of you in NSW, please ensure your membership is current and investigate the nominees and choose who you will vote for and please vote. We need your voice. Please have a look at the Real Nurses Team site, it's www.realnurses.net For midwives working in other states, please join the union or if already members become actively involved. We are working for name change, to include midwifery in the title of the union. It is time to get real, to address the real issues facing our twin professions. There is power in numbers and many issues are the same for nurses and midwives, it is great to work together. in solidarity (thanks Justine) Carolyn Hastie Council nominee for the Real Nurses and Midwives Team www.realnurses.net -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Andrea Robertson Sent: Thursday, 3 April 2003 1:07 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Bullying - doing something about it Dear Denise and Marilyn, This issue is one I am very concerned about as well. I realise that it is a complex issue that is hard to tackle as many strands are involved in its source as well as its resolution. In a workplace, however, the managers have responsibility to make sure that bullying is not tolerated and individuals are supported and nurtured. The new midwifery we hope to see in place in Australia will be reliant on managers with foresight, ability and good team building skills. There will always be those who knock change and feel threatened by new (unfamiliar) ways of doing things - a good manager will need strategies to deal with these threats to progress. These are the kind of issues we will be tackling at the Managing Midwifery workshop at the end of April. It will include a whole day of skills development in coaching psychology that will enable midwifery managers to feel more confident around team building and motivating staff. This is definitely one program that all midwifery managers should try to attend. http://www.birthinternational.com/event/managing2003/index.html Please, everyone, make sure you manager has this info. Cheers Andrea At 02:54 AM
RE: [ozmidwifery] Bullying - doing something about it
Judy wrote: With regard to the workload, I have just found out that the position I left last december has not been filled and more FTE have been cut from the staffing. Antenatal education is suffering and the workload is the same. I really don't know how the management (not midwife friendly) expects quality care. These hospital philosophies mean nothing when they keep doing this. Forcing such workloads is bullying in itself but I am sure they would not recognise this. Judy Yes, it is bullying Judy and no, they don't recognise it for what it is - because 'they' are so divorced from being 'with people' (aka with woman) - 'they'haven't got a clue as to the reality of our work - and so we have to tell them that the way 'they' construct our work environment is abusive. The CEO ofour place is a doctor whose background is pathology.The general manager is a financial whizz who is also adoctor and one who has never, from what I understand, practised bedside or even officechair side medicine. These people have absolutely no idea of what either midwifery or nursing is about. They do not understand the practice of either discipline at all. It is impossible for them. People can't do what they don't know. I personally find it simply amazing that these people have the right to dictate how nursing and midwifery budgets are spent. Where are all the tough characters that ruled the budgets for our professions andhad a say in the executives of the Health Services? The current trend towards clinical streaming is leading more and more away from the notion of self determination with financial matters. This is a huge issue for the union(s) to take up. Great opportunity here for all of us to unite and give the same message in a format 'they' understand. Time to stand up and be counted - we have the numbers and the power. I have been thinking - what would happen if we said by such a such a day at such and such a time, all over Australia, midwives and nurses would walk out and everyone did. We could give them two weeks notice, get doctors and adminstrators to organise themselves into rosters to provide care and then every single one of us, walk out. We have been 'nice'and compliant for too long. It is like being in a domestic violence situation - everyone wonders why women don't leave abusive men, but we know don't we? We care too much. Imagine if we asked for: midwifery models of care one to one care for labouring women well babies to be counted in workloads one midwifeto four motherbaby pairratios in prenatal/postnatal wards (that is whether the baby is internal or external to the mother) a recognition of the vital importance of the mother/baby relationship and the need to factor this in to workload considerations, especially for women with social challenges midwifery budgets managed by midwifery managers senior midwife midwifery directors who had equal standing on health service executives career pathways for midwives no HEC's on midwifery courses Mentoring for managers mandatory study leave for professional development clinical midwifery educators on each shift in every unit indemnity insurance for privately practising midwives 24 hour child care onsite flexible rosters mandatory safe skill mix anything else? and that's just midwifery,nursing needs have parallels Imagine. How long do you think we would be out for??? In solidarity ; -) gives me goosebumps just thinking of the possibilities When desire is greater than fear, we can achieve anything. Martin Luther King and Gandhi showed us that passion fora just cause and commitment makes social change inevitable. Carolyn Hastie council nominee for the Realnurses and Midwives team (NSWNA election June 03)
RE: [ozmidwifery] Bullying - doing something about it
Hmmm, you Barb and Sandra are amazing. Both being active in the union and doing what needs to be done! How sensible. I had drifted away from the union idea and hadn't been a member for ages, thinking that the union didn't have midwifery issues at heart and so was no longer relevant to me. It never occurred to me to become more active in the union, which would have been a far better plan I realise now. A position I now realise was the result of my version of learned helplessness, didn't think I could make a difference through that pathway. It has only been since coming in out of the wilderness (homebirth practice) and seeing how it is for my colleagues and students, not to mention the director of nursing who had been sidelined so much from the role of managing nursing (and midwifery)and who has been subjected to corporate bullying... g... that I felt moved to do something strategically intelligent instead of whinging and/or feeling aggrieved (which was VERY tempting and which I am still seeking to avoid doing :-) The position of the Realnurses team on the many complex issues facing our twin professions also gives me real hope. We can make a difference. Interesting looking at Victorian facts and stats about ratios for example - read on if you are interested... in solidarity ;-) Carolyn Hastie Council candidate, Realnurses and Midwives team (NSWNA Election June 03) www.realnurses.net I thought you would be interested in what is happening about ratios, so have included the following information: The Realnurses team are committed to delivering mandatory, enforceable nurse to patient ratios encompassing acuity and safe skill mix. This will be done in every sector - not just the public sector And this is only the start of our campaign to make nurses work easer, safer and more enjoyable. The Real FACTS about ratios Fact: Ratios have seen 2650 nurses return to the public sector in Victoria Fact: Victorian universities have seen a 26.5% increase in nursing enrolments since ratios were introduced Fact: Victorian employers argued that they would need between 800 and 1200 extra nurses, which they claimed would be impossible to get. In fact 2650 nurses returned Fact: In the Victorian ratios case the employer argued that they would need to close up to 1200 beds. They got the extra nurses despite the global nursing shortage and the mass bed closures did not eventuate Fact: The majority of wards and units in Victoria have now met the ratio requirements while NSW struggles with a nursing shortage Fact: Ratios are now in use in City, Regional and Rural areas of Victoria Fact: Ratios are being used successfully in a wide variety of clinical settings including medical, surgical, ED, midwifery, OT, ICUs, Rehabilitation, CCUs, Palliative Care and Special Care Nurseries Fact: Ratios in Victoria are minimum staffing levels. They also take into account skill mix and acuity of patients. Agreements have been signed in some areas to give specific wards higher ratios Fact: As part of the ratios case in Victoria, nurses were awarded 3 days paid professional leave Fact: The Judges in the ratios case stated that ratios had to be met through the employment of permanent nursing staff Fact: The Judges ordered the employer to employ an additional 50 FTE CNEs and an additional 50 FTE CNCs Fact: In Victoria ratios have improved roster planning Fact: Ratios are enforceable and guarantee nurses appropriate and safe staffing levels Fact: In Victoria, 'Patient Dependency Systems' were tried and discarded because they were not enforceable and management did not follow them Fact: Management in Victoria can no longer keep beds open on a promise that they will find more nurses later in the shift Fact: The Victorian model of ratios has been such a huge success that models are being introduced in Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, California USA, Massachusetts USA, Maine USA and are being looked at in New Zealand. ANF Victoria research is showing that ratios are responsible for: 1. Reduction in staff turnover 2. Reduction in sick leave 3. Improved morale 4. Increased graduate confidence because of suitably resourced preceptors 5. A decline in workplace injuries These facts are from the ANF Victoria website www.anfvic.asn.au and from the AIRC Victorian ratios decision. Please take the time to check the website and see for yourself. What About NSW Professor John Dwyer, Professor of Medicine, University of New South Wales and Clinical Director of programs for Medicine and Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, said as part of his evidence in the 'Whats a Nurse Worth' case: 'Now I know the argument is if we specify the ratio, given the number of nurses we don't have, we would have to close a lot of beds but the argument can be put the other way, until tested no one can give the answer'. The Realnurses Team say it is time to test the argument. He went on to say: 'We
[ozmidwifery] National Women's Media Centre
Hello everyone, is it gorgeous weather all over Australia at the moment? It is stunning here on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW. I thought you may be interested in another avenue for promoting NMAP and that is through joining the National Women's Media Centre. It's $30 a year for an individual (more for organisations). Here is the link for the Electronic Archive at NLA for the NWMC site http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/22170/20011022/www.nwmc.org.au/index.html It's worth having a look and seeing what is available there. I've just come across this group and am joining to day. It asks on the form what areas of interest one has and what activites would the new member like the group to be involved in. Perfect, I thought. If all of us join and promote resolution of birthing women's issues AKA NMAP; creches, childcare at work; adequate pay for mothers chosing to stay home with their children (diverting some of the defence spending for example $8.3 billion!) and supportive structures for at home mothers (at home help with housework/meals/other child care etc/time out support etc), collectively, what a difference we can make. warmly, Carolyn Hastie Only one week left to vote in the NSW Nurses Association election. Vote for the RealNurses(and midwives)team. Let's ensure nurses and midwives have the working conditions, resources and numbers to provide the kind of care we believe is right and to feel happy and ethically congruent at work. www.realnurses.net for a how to vote card The world is wide and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. Frances Willard Heartlogic Consultancy The Bully Busters - creating positive workcultures through improving emotional intelligence Phone +61 2 4389 3919 Fax +61 2 4388 6819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 Australia -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] NSW Union election update: Elaine Keenan Paul Rasmussen Sacked fromthe NSWNA
Title: Elaine Keenan & Paul Rasmussen Sacked from the NSWNA Hello all, I have forwarded thisinformationon to those of you who are interested in NSW issues. These issues affect NSW midwives as well as NSW nurses. I care deeply about social justice, freedom of speech and the right to compete.It would appearthese principles arethreatened in our union. I found Paul and Elaine ethical, dynamic and concerned about working conditions for both nurses and midwives. They have both been organisers for the union for a number of years (about nine?) I would have thought their commitment,clarityand obvious loyalty to the NSWNA and our professions would have been qualities to beharnessed for the good of ourtwin professions future - diverse voices are to be embraced - we can all learn from those who seek change to the status quo. I have written to Brett Holmes seeking clarity and to register my concern. In solidarity, Carolyn Hastie Elaine Keenan Paul Rasmussen Sacked from the NSWNAPlease read this email support a campaign for democracyDear ColleaguesThe election is over and the Brett Holmes Team won. The Realnurses Team offers its congratulations and wishes them well in delivering improvements for all nurses.The realnurses team and our policies offered nurses choice in the recent elections. Our campaign has had many positive outcome for all members, and these included: Getting Nurses workloads on the agenda. The workload case was only launched by the after the Realnurses team launched their policy Getting the issue of NSWNA independence openly debated Forcing the issue of members right to vote on pay offers Giving members real choice. Members had the choice of three teams including 48 candidates for councilWe would like to thank you for all your support and bring you up to date with the events that have followed.The count took place on June 17. The Realnurses Team phoned The Holmes Team at 4pm and congratulated them on their win.On June 18 Elaine Keenan and Paul Rasmussen were notified that they would not be required to attend work the next day.On June 19 they were sent a letter by courier informing them that they were suspended and that NSWNA staff had been advised to block their entry to the NSWNA building.On June 24 Council of the NSWNA was called to a extra-ordinary meeting at midday. Coral Levett, the President of the NSWNA, refused both Elaine and Pauls request to address council, and also denied them representation at the council meeting.On June 24 Elaine and Paul received letters by courier that they had been terminated (Sacked) and that they would be given thirty minutes to remove personal belongings from their desks. The reason for the sacking was given as breakdown of the working relationship. Evidence supporting this argument was not provided. The letter did not mention any representation or referral for legal advice despite the fact that both Elaine and Paul have been members of the NSWNA for many years.Never before have officers of the NSWNA been sacked for offering democratic choice. Elaine and Paul have always been committed to an Association that is open to all views, ideas and debate.Of particular concern is the swift and ruthless application of the sacking following the election, the refusal of the NSWNA to afford Elaine and Paul procedural fairness including preventing Elaine and Paul from addressing council or being represented.Despite many years of NSWNA membership Elaine and Paul have not received any NSWNA representation except for the offer of $500.00 each toward legal advice. This is woefully inadequate. It is Elaine and Pauls intention to seek a legal remedy and this will require substantial resources. We believe that the democracy of the NSWNA is severely threatened by these sackings. This action has sent a clear message to officers of the NSWNA and members that opposition, debate or new ideas will not be tolerated.We also believe that there has been a complete breach of procedural fairness. How will the NSWNA be viewed by employers and the community if its actions and treatment of its own employees is so appalling?We call on all nurses to protest this action and demand democracy. In a climate of reduction of democracy in the workplace, we now have a reduction of democracy in our union. We need to demand a more effective and responsive democracy and call on our leader to account for these decision to all members. We need to enfranchise diversity and participation in democracy at every level.You can help by doing all or any of the following actions: Forward this email on to other nurses Email Brett Holmes: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please send a copy to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Put resolutions to your Branch expressing your concerns at Brett's actions If you are attending annual conference, tell Brett personally what you think and /or engage in debate
RE: [ozmidwifery] Sun baths
Hi folks, have to wade in on this one :-) Certainly much much less overt physiological jaundice in my private practice. One theory/explanation about bilirubin in newbornsthatI've come across is that bilirubin is an antioxident and mops up all the free radicals liberated by the birthing process and if you do bilirubin levels on all babies, all of them have some. Overt physiological jaundice and deepening of same is very much to do with inadequate attachment/poor colostrum transfer and with homebirth/private practicemother/baby dyads, early B/F with excellent attachment is the norm as the mothers are very well prepared for the realities of what to do and how it worksbabies guts are well stimulated, meconium is passed easily and early; the entire range of normal physiological processes and cellular interactions with feeding are optimally initiated and maintained. Women understand normal newborn behaviour/feeding patterns and feed their babies to rhythm rather that reading their babies signals as unsettled or troublesome those first few nights. All of which allows babies to adapt to extrauterine life and its demands in the optimal way. Note: I'm not talking here about those factors such as blood incompatibilies, bruising, prematurity, infectionetc etc that impact upon the neonates physiology. I'm talking about healthy term newborn babies. As far as over reacting to physiological jaundice - kernicterus is a worry with sick and premature babies - the blood brain barrier is not robust in these infants. For full term, healthy babies, there is greater tolerance - less need to do those heel prick levels when the baby is active, alert and feeding and the baby is slightly jaundiced- my criteria is thewhites of eyes being yellow(and there are shades of that aren't there?) - and the levels are always lower than one thinks they would be. My criteria of light bath is being near an open window, not sun and kept warm, out of breeze. On home maternity visiting runs, making sure from day0the infant is getting excellent/optimal transfer of milk/colostrum helps avoid much of these concerns. Can anyone tell me what makes the UV from "lights" ok for babies skin health? warmly, Carolyn Hastie -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Lynne StaffSent: Sunday, 13 July 2003 8:13 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Sun baths I haven't heard this theory before, Denise, but have to put on this post that I have noticed, as have homebirth colleagues of mine, that there is a very low incidence of jaundice in infants born at home. Between us we think the rare use of oxytocics, any medications in labour, early and frequent feeding - there's probably more. Any other homebirth midwives want to comment on this? - Original Message - From: Denise Hynd To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 5:24 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Sun baths Dear mary Your comment I also wonder if we haven't been seduced into being a bit paranoid about jaundice? Reminded me of hearing at a breastfeeding confernece here a few years ago of preliminary studies being done in the States (USA) by (?) Prof G (?) which was exploring the benefits of levels jaundice as it is physiological to a degree and there is a theory that this may be of benefit to the developing immune systems and many babies who have some physiological jaundice have lower rates of infections in infancy and childhood. Does any one else heard of this theory??Denise - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2003 4:11 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Sun baths Thanks for that information Lois, My understanding was that we needed 620 NM of light waves for effectiveness. Johnson says " exposing the baby's skin to sunlight".. does this mean direct through the glass or indirect through the glass or direct sunshine or indirect near the window?As you say, it is very difficult to quantify the number of nanometers in the various seasons in Australia. I also wonder if we haven't been seduced into being a bit paranoid about jaundice? What is the range of nanometers of the bililights that are currently used for treatment? When I was researching it for my research proposal, the research seemed to be going away from the causes of jaundice and the simple solutions, into the area of drug control of SBRs. That area doesn't seem to have taken off and I wonder what the latest research says? MM - Original Message - From: Lois Wattis To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[ozmidwifery] Amina Lawal free
An update for those of you who have been following Amina Lawal's sentencing by the Sharia court in Nigeria and written of letters of support. It is wonderful this woman is finally free to mother her children in peace. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s953985.htm A great vote of gratitude and admiration to Amnesty International and all the other women's and social justice groups who have been campaigning for Amina's rights. It is wonderful the panel of five judges, although split, recognised the inherent 'wrongness'of the original sentence. It is a sign of growing awareness and change. warmly, Carolyn Hastie When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. Helen Keller Heartlogic Consultancy The Bully Busters - creating positive workcultures through improving emotional intelligence MetaSystems Life and Executive Coaching - Essential Skills for the new Millenium Quantum Leadership Strategies Phone +61 2 4389 3919 Fax +61 2 4388 6819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 Australia -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] sydney morning herald
Hello colleagues, Having rung Justine early myself, I can attest to the dangerous part :-) How wonderful that they did contact you Justine. I caught the tail end of the radio national piece and heard Barbara, she was excellent :-) You are right too Justine in that this is an excellent example of the madness of our current system and how it is getting out of control. It will make people sit up and take notice. this following is my letter to the editor. (remember to add your phone number and address when you write in - although in my case, my second letter (because they wanted me to send it again with the phone number) was a bit better, because the more I thought about it, the more steely eyed clarity I got) so this is my letter The more I think about this study, the more disturbed I get. Who in their right mind would randomly assign healthy pregnant women to major abdominal surgery with all it's attendant risks and problems? The turn of the century saw the esteemed father of obstetrics Dr Marion Simms in the USA perform hideous gynaecological surgery on unanaesthetised black women. This latest idea smacks of similar philosophical ideas and disregard for ethics. Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Justine Caines Sent: Friday, 1 January 1904 1:37 AM To: OzMid List Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] sydney morning herald Hi Claire and all I was contacted at 6.48 am (and anyone who knows me knows that's dangerous!) by ABC NSW to make comment. I also called in on ABC Sydney 702. I then alerted Barb Vernon at ACMI who was able to secure a spot on the national coverage of PM (just before 6pm tonight) She was great and argued that a randomised control trial is just SO unethical. This may sound strange but sometimes the most repugnant stuff is actually a blessing as it gets people questioning the former unquestioned/able. Letters to the SMH would be good Address [EMAIL PROTECTED] Justine Has anyone else read the article in the smh about the possible research into vaginal versus caesarian, which is better? The article is very anti the idea, but does anyone know more about it. I can't believe there are people with money who could give it for this, there are so many more worthwhile things to research and I can't possibly understand what previous research could justify this. I am confused as to how this possible tragedy to women could be about to happen. Are we heading for extinction of the human race? I will type the article in if anyone wants to see it, it is pretty unreal. Claire Saxby _ Stay in touch with absent friends - get MSN Messenger http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger -- 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.
[ozmidwifery] FW: ausfem-polnet Randomised controlled trial
Thought folks might be interested in three responses from the australian feminists political list to the RCT issue. I posted the information there to see how mainstream feminists view this issue. It is fascinating how people think about things. warmly, Carolyn Hastie Subject: Re: ausfem-polnet Randomised controlled trial Yes, I agree, it sounds totally unnecessary and fairly horrendous! The proposed research seems to be in the class of having a randomised food delivery trial for feeding citizens through a tube and through normal oral eating to find out which is better. Barbara Subject: Re: ausfem-polnet Randomised controlled trial Seems to me that if research is likely to show that natural childbirth is the safest method, that Dr Ellwood and others wouldn't feel so threatened by these kinds of studies. I also think that there are some misconceptions about the caesarian method: antibiotics are not routinely administered post-operatively; hospital stays are generally not much longer at five days or two days for early release (compared to three days and one day respectively); women are able to choose to have caesarians through the public system (they currently occur more frequently in the private system at present because it is doctors who influence women's choices); and it seems that the cost to the health system would not be higher with a half hour operation than the many hours - or days - of attendance by professionals at a natural, hospital childbirth. (Personal experience makes me confident about the accuracy of the first three of these statements, the last is me theorising!) I also think it is likely that complications from caesarians mostly occur in cases where there is an emergency operation after the mother has already started labour. In terms of likely complications, of course there are always risks associated with surgery. There are also risks associated with natural childbirth. Recovery periods also vary greatly, and this may also depend on whether it was an emergency caesar. I've had two caesars and had no problems with recovery. There was very little post-operative pain (admittedly the morphine probably helped!), was able to drive myself home on day five and return to full time work after two weeks. The issue of the dangers of going to a hospital also need to be separated out from the issue of caesarians for as long as it is still the usual practice for women to go there, regardless of the method of childbirth. While everyone has views on which is the best way to give birth, I just don't understand why there is so much opposition to research that attempts to establish which method is more or less dangerous? --- Julieanne wrote: At 12:54 PM 17/10/03 +1000, you wrote: What I find puzzling is why they would need to do more research, the literature is overwhelmingly flooded with decades worth of similar studies. The facts are known and statistically proven a hundred times over, but it seems that every couple of years they keep doing more and more studies to come up with the same results. Maybe if they do enough, eventually they will come up with the preferred answers :) The acceleration in Caesarian rates has been of big concern in all Western OECD countries throughout the 90s, Australia has accelerated more than most since the mid-90s, and we now beat America, and only 2 countries beat us - Brazil and Mexico. The irony is, the USA has a national policy instituted in 2000 to reduce their national Caesarian rate below 20%. Ditto in the UK. The World Health Organisation has stated that Caesarian rates between 10-15% should be the acceptable range in Western countries. They stated this in 1989, 1993 and repeated it yet again in 1998. Most of Western Europe is the range of 10-15% Meanwhile Australia is pushing 25% national average, and much of that increase in the last 5 years. But it varies a lot, with QLD pushing over 30%, and 35% in private patients, ranging down to 18% in Victoria. As for health outcomes, there has never been any proven statistical difference between the health outcomes of the babies, when major criteria are matched. Also depends heavily on what you are comparing - there is also a difference between 'elective' and 'emergency' Caesars, and general health status and health outcomes of different populations. Ideally your study populations should be matched for criteria such as age, socio-economic status, number of previous children, previous pregnancy histories, smokers, drinkers, educational status, general health and so on. Indigenous mothers have appalling rates of low-birthweight and sick babies, regardless of whether they are birthed by Caesar or not. As for the mothers, surgery always carries a higher risk. Any surgical procedure carries risks inherent simply because it is surgery. Post-surgical infection rates are of concern. To prevent this, patients are treated with high doses of
RE: [ozmidwifery] Pain threshold
Hi Diane, It's great to see these principles being taught so well. They do work when the necessary diligence is applied and the principles are being validated by neuroscience (at last). All we humans are hypnotising ourselves all the time (or being hypnotised by mass media) and it is about time we learnt how to self talk (hypnotise) ourselves for outcomes we desire and work with our biological intelligence, rather than against it. Fear (adrenalin, cortisol in excess etc) is such a powerful disruptor of healthy/normal biological functioning. Increasing prefrontal cortex activity helps people feel safe and over ride amygdala hijacks. see http://edition.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/11/07/brain.fear/index.html and http://edition.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/09/ego.pain.ap/index.html for a quick summary. Brain research is fascinating, liberating and exciting. It is busy validating what adepts and mystics (and people like Grantley Dick Read) have told us for ages. Brain research is also validating the value of story telling in midwifery care, getting women together, enjoying food together kitchen table wisdom, defusing women's fears and providing the kind of environment that enables undisturbed birth. It takes 'soft' data and makes it 'hard' - isn't that a funny metaphor for information? especially when applied to women's birth processes ;-) And a point of clarity? Is it pain threshold or tolerance or reframing? It seems to me that all of us go ouch when stuck with a pin, self talk can help us change our perception and reaction therefore our experience of phenomena. Just philosophising and musing. Perception and attitude are everything in my mind. in solidarity (thanks Justine) Carolyn Hastie -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Diane Gardner Sent: Sunday, 26 October 2003 10:41 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Pain threshold Hi Cheryl I work with HypnoBirthing (a method that a woman uses to put herself into self hypnosis while she is in labour). I have been a part of many births with couples and I know that the mind definitely has control of the sensation the body will feel. Many of my mums feel only pressure and they are awake and in control of their birthing. I have not had one negative birth story since I started practicing 3 years ago even when medical intervention was needed. The relaxation and breathing still continues even if medical intevention is required, although that doesn't happen anywhere near as often. I did have one that didn't have as much success. It was a mum who had her own business at home and WORKED long hours right up until she went into labour. I had my doubts when she was in her classes that she would have all the necessary rest her body and baby needed and that she would practice so that the relaxation process it would become automatic. The concept of HypnoBirthing came from an English Obstetricial, Grantly Dick Read who back in the 1912-14 wanted to know why some women went into labour and gave birth with no fuss while others suffered excruciating pain. His research showed that the ones who trusted in the natural function of their body and relaxed would give birth with no fuss and they did. Mind you he was nearly thrown out of his profession because of his outrageous ideas. Are they so outrageous? I know they aren't. I've seen that they aren't. He wrote the book Childbirth Without Fear that was first published in 1944 and reading it today it is still totally relevant althought the old fashioned languaging makes me smile. The program is trained here in Australia by Peter Jackson, in Bowral NSW, who is himself a midwife and last week in his training he had 14 midwives amongst the participants! They had seen HypnoBirthing in practice and wanted to be able to use it to help women in labour. Even for women haven't gone through the program, the breathing and relaxation can help tremendously. The US site where it originated is www.hypnobirthing.com. Many stories up there of the successes. You have to ask why in China, Africa, India and other 3rd world countries, do mothers give birth so easily and without the excruciating pain? They trust in the natural process and they believe that it doesn't hurt and it doesn't. They are also part of a supporting community, something which is missing in our culture today with so many women focused on working rather than being at home and their mothers, aunties etc. who are out there working as well. Many young mothers have no one to turn to except their maternal health nurses. When I've attended a birth and wittness a woman giving birth gently and a midwife in tears because she hasn't wittnessed a natural birth for such a long time, I know that I'm on the right track. Mind you I have had the gruff midwives who tutt, tutt and try their bullying tactics but my couples stand their ground and often a midwife has stomped out of the room because she doesn't have the control
[ozmidwifery] Fw: Women and birth Journal free on ScienceDirect
Hello everyone, FYI wonderful articles. Great call to action from the fabulous Hannah Dahlen! All in all, a must read. yours in midwifery, Carolyn Hastie The Australian Midwifery Journal has been re-named an lauched via Elsevier science as an online journal. If you are iterested you can access the first issue free (see below). Best wishes, Kathleen Fahy Professor of Midwifery Faculty of Health The University of Newcastle University Drive, Callaghan, 2308 Ph 02 49215966 Fax 02 49216301 Mobile 0404087449 Stone, Sally (ELS-AUS) [EMAIL PROTECTED] 10/04/06 01:17 pm Dear Team Just a note to let you know that WOMBI went live on ScienceDirect this weekend. You can see the journal at the institutional site at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/18715192 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/18715192 The first issue will be free of charge to all comers for the rest of the year. Please note that in the HTML version (full text and links) the references are linked to the EMBASE abstracts - this is a really neat feature which you may want to share with colleagues. The backfiles are not available, but in the pipes - will update in the next few days The WOMBI member site, which will be branded for the College, will be live shortly, and we'll send a note as soon as it is ready Best wishes Sally Sally Stone Director - Journals Medical Communications Elsevier Australia 30-52 Smidmore Street Marrickville NSW 2204 Tel: +61 (0)2 9517 8956 Fax: +61 (0)2 9517 2249 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth Sexual Assault
Hello Kelly, From my point of view, the most important aspect in working with this woman is to go at her pace and with deep respect, love and kindness. It is also very important for women to have agency and for everyone to know deep down that every woman has strength, courage and ability to manage whatever comes if they have people around them who really care about how they feel, what happens when and ensure they are able to say who, when and how. Exploring ideas with her, asking her how does she stay strong, what gives her strength in challenging and/or difficult situations; explaining all aspects of typical 'care' with her, helping her develop self protective/management strategies; helping her focus her attention on what she wants, rather than what she doesn't want - although doing the list of what she doesn't want can help to obtain the list of what is important to her. It's fantastic that this women has reached out for support. That's a big step in the right direction. I support Justine's comments totally about Liz Mullinar and ASCA. They are wonderful and very effective and have retreats with other survivors helping women process their stories/fears and behaviours to live a better life. And Justine is a shining example of what women can move through and out the other side of. Another group who do wonderful work with women with histories of abuse are the Spiritual Midwifery College in Melbourne. Some things that may be useful to discuss with the woman are: the secretions and fluids and the bodily sensations, including bowel and bladder pressurethat are stimulated by the movement of the baby through her pelvis and vagina and the setting off of the body nervous system networks (both chemical and electrical)that are emotionally encoded with the abuse 'memory' - memory is only memory to the conscious mind or what is termed declarative memory, it is ever present reality to the subconscious mind, or what is termed 'implicit memory' which issubconcious 'knowing' (aka nervous system patterns - neural networks) which bypass the prefrontal cortex (conscious thinking part of our brain) and goes straight through the emotional brain/limbic system and then off to the cortex and whole body/brainand so the women can feel terrible, threatened, resistent without consciously recollecting or knowingwhy and then the hormonal (emotional) flood of stress hormones and electrical impulses causes cervixes to close, thicken, pelvic musculature to contract hence malpositions to occur and labour stalls or goes sideways and then intervention threatens/looms which makes the cycle more likely to spiral downward out of control, or in some situations, propels the woman to give birth quickly, which then can lead to PPH because the woman is in shock! Women with histories of abuse can dissociate or take themselves outoftheir bodiesduring labour and birth because dissociation is one of the ways children self manage abusive situations - it is important to talk with the women throughthis kind of possiblity and she will know what you mean. There is a real difference between being in the 'zone' aka primitive brain for birth and being dissociated, women are absent, their eyes glaze over...they may look startled The most important thing for women is to feel 'in control' - to make decisions and to be heard and respected? So how can she feel in control of her process and if it comes down to it, what is done to her? Because of all the embodied patterns of resistence and tension, many women with histories of abuse end up with inductions, multiple VE'sand birth interventions, including, if birth is vaginal, episiotomies and 3rd/4th degree tears. It is, as Justine says, they need to be able to do their journey their own way, with loving support of the many stalls and kangaroo hops their labours tend to take as they journey through their feelings and emotional reactions to their body sensations, stories and birthing. Unfortunately with the biscuit cutter approach to maternity care 'one size fits all' sort of mentality, the mainstream is often unable to tolerate the meandering labours many women, and especially those with women with histories of abuse, often have. Often the women can't tolerate them either, and it is much better if it is the woman who decides something needs to be done and what that is. Women who have been abused can have 'flashbacks' in labour orin pregnancy as the baby engages or tries to - that is they remember in vivid detail traces or wisps of aspects of the abuse, some even have full technicolour videos with stereo soundgoing off inside them as the baby pushes on some part of their pelvic anatomy - the baby can be corkscrewed right back up out of the pelvis with the instinctive response to those sensations/images/sounds Breastfeeding is another situation/experience that can rouse the deepest demons for women with histories of sexual assault/abuse;
Re: [ozmidwifery] premature urge to push
Hello Kristen, From the literature, uncontrollable urges to push before full dilatation of the woman's cervix and descent of the baby's head are certainly associated with babies who are in a posterior position, that is back of the baby's head, the bone called the occiput, pressing against the woman's sacrum and putting pressure on her bowel 'prematurely'. That is the accepted, physical version of events. Physical interventions to change the baby's position include, but are not limited to: *position changes of all kinds mostly during labour surges, *such as leaning forward, *leaning backward, *opening the ischial spines with various strategies such *as assisting with inwards pressure on the alae of the sacrum; * lifting the trochanters when the woman is squatting (that takes some doing but is a wonderful opener) *lunges with one leg raised on a chair, squatting etc; *the flapping fish (yoga) position which is lying down on the side the baby's back is on, with leg and arm behind, so the person is more on their abdomen - also called the recovery position; lunging as before, but with the woman's body leaning posteriorally into the side the baby is on to reduce space and encourage baby to rotate to the front. *Another excellent strategy is (the midwife or doctor) using the fingers of one hand in the woman's vagina to construct an artificial pelvic floor to help the baby rotate to the front. This is most useful with a greater degree of dilatation as the person needs to have their hand directly on the baby's head to put the counter pressure on (gently and firmly) for increased flexion and rotation of the baby's head. Of course, the woman needs to be informed and agree and be in a position (birth stool is great for this) to enable the midwife/doctor to do this. As we know, we are not merely physical, a bit of material, like a brick or plank of timber, we are a breathing, feeling, moving, social entity. We are more, much more than that which can be cut or fashioned into an article of usefulness. From another point of view, examining our human self, we are an amazing brain and nervous system network, whose function is predominately based on a lifetime collection of learned patterns, concepts and expressions overlaying a genetic intelligence of predetermined processes and capabilites, such as giving birth. Neuroscience. neuropsychology and endocrinology now tells us that emotions (chemicals) are what fires the feeling/vibratory/electrical brain/nervous system into action (which affects/is expressed in the muscular etc reactions/behaviour of the whole body) and the conscious (spiritual) self, that bit of us that thinks in the moment and is untouchable and invisible, is the thinking director of the whole brain/body mind and action, This director is located in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. From my observation and experiences, an uncontrolled urge to push is often associated with thought patterns such as 'wanting it over' and the associated emotional response (through the amygdala) is a release of a chemical flooding, that matchs that pattern of thought. The brain and nervous system gets the chemical and electrical message, for example 'to get it over' and the body starts the pressure before it is really ready to do so. Doing physical things can help move the woman's focus and attention from what is wrong to what she wants to happen. In this instance, moving from 'wanting it over' to turning the baby or the baby being born. To help the physical actions, (which, because of the neural networks throughout the body, also changes the mind) the woman can be helped to say and focus on what will actually help labour progress appropriately at the right time. Concerted and repeated efforts are necessary to change the thought patterns and emotional response, especially when we are in challenging situations and labour is one of the most challenging. If the woman can be helped to change her focus and attention from pain or 'wanting it over' , this change can make big shifts in the electrical and chemical messages in her neurology which then automatically alters how her body responds and acts. Saying over and over again and getting emotional about aspects such as I welcome my baby, I'm a strong and powerful woman. I let go, my baby's coming etc changes the woman's neurology and the emotional code from impatience to one that facilitates birth. Deep relaxation and communication with the baby, talking to the baby, instructing it to turn to the perfect position for birth, to tuck its head up so it can turn perfectly, etc are all helpful thought patterns for progress. We are amazing beings and if anyone is interested in cellular biology and our fantastic body/mind and how we are one wonderful system of many interconnecting communication processes, I recommend Bruce Lipton (a cellular biologist) and his work. He has a website
Re: [ozmidwifery] premature urge to push
Absolutely Vedrana, if you think it would be helpful. I am delighted to be asked. Thanks, :-) If you find after putting it up on the webforum, anyone would like to ask questions or if anything is not clear, I'm more than happy for people to contact me and see if I can help further. My email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] My phone number is 0418 428 430 I'm co editing a book about Birth Territory - my chapter is all about mother (plus father, family, midwives/other health professionals, culture etc) as 'territory' of the fetus. so I'm doing lots of thinking/reading/pondering etc about all these aspects/ideas/concepts etc. I'm actually on time off to write as I haven't been able to get it to it with the work/processes/development involved with setting up and the first year (will be on 4th July!) of the wonderful, spectacular, normal, healthy physiologically enhancing birthspace of Belmont Birthing Service. What joy that is/has been. So good to be able to prove/demonstrate that if a woman understands and welcomes the process of birth and has had an opportunity to explore what it all means to her; you leave the woman and her process alone, while providing a loving, kind and supportive, individualised environment, birth happens and happens beautifully, joyfully and with the woman in charge of her process. What a difference that makes. The midwives are ecstatic, the women are happy and intact and the babies are smiling and relaxed. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Vedrana Valčić [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 4:50 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] premature urge to push Dear Carolyn, I'd like to copy your mail to one web forum (mainly about pregnancy, birth, childhood) in Croatia. Its address is www.roda.hr/rodaphpBB2. Would that be OK? Warm regards, Vedrana -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of safetsleep international Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 8:12 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] premature urge to push wow...'special lady'in my humble experience there are not many who have grown to grasp this level of intellectual and experiential awareness and intelligence ...i will be saving this email and reading it and the references for some time...thankyou warm regards miram - Original Message - From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 4:44 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] premature urge to push Hello Kristen, From the literature, uncontrollable urges to push before full dilatation of the woman's cervix and descent of the baby's head are certainly associated with babies who are in a posterior position, that is back of the baby's head, the bone called the occiput, pressing against the woman's sacrum and putting pressure on her bowel 'prematurely'. That is the accepted, physical version of events. Physical interventions to change the baby's position include, but are not limited to: *position changes of all kinds mostly during labour surges, *such as leaning forward, *leaning backward, *opening the ischial spines with various strategies such *as assisting with inwards pressure on the alae of the sacrum; * lifting the trochanters when the woman is squatting (that takes some doing but is a wonderful opener) *lunges with one leg raised on a chair, squatting etc; *the flapping fish (yoga) position which is lying down on the side the baby's back is on, with leg and arm behind, so the person is more on their abdomen - also called the recovery position; lunging as before, but with the woman's body leaning posteriorally into the side the baby is on to reduce space and encourage baby to rotate to the front. *Another excellent strategy is (the midwife or doctor) using the fingers of one hand in the woman's vagina to construct an artificial pelvic floor to help the baby rotate to the front. This is most useful with a greater degree of dilatation as the person needs to have their hand directly on the baby's head to put the counter pressure on (gently and firmly) for increased flexion and rotation of the baby's head. Of course, the woman needs to be informed and agree and be in a position (birth stool is great for this) to enable the midwife/doctor to do this. As we know, we are not merely physical, a bit of material, like a brick or plank of timber, we are a breathing, feeling, moving, social entity. We are more, much more than that which can be cut or fashioned into an article of usefulness. From another point of view, examining our human self, we are an amazing brain and nervous system network, whose function is predominately based on a lifetime collection of learned patterns, concepts and expressions overlaying a genetic intelligence of predetermined processes and capabilites, such as giving birth. Neuroscience. neuropsychology and endocrinology
[ozmidwifery] Fw: Opinion: Don't Blame Mothers for C-Section Vogue
Fascinating! FYI, warmly, Carolyn Hastie Vogue Moms who are too posh to push are one factor regularly cited as contributing to record high C-Section rates. Commentators Judy Norsigian and Gene Declercq say this drastically distorts the story. Essay follows promos. Seats are limited. Please make your reservation now for the gala 21 leaders for the 21st Century 2006, Tuesday, May 16, 6 p.m. in New York City's Tavern on the Green. Go to: http://www.womensenews.org/21leaders2006.cfm Women's eNews encourages your comments about our stories and women's issues. Please post to our Letters to the Editors section at http://www.womensenews.org/letters/discus.pl. or e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] AOL subscribers: To view the Commentoon by Ann Telnaes and HTML e-mail, please remember to click on the Show images and enable links in the header of your e-mail. Does someone send you Women's eNews? Please help us grow and get your own free subscription today at www.womensenews.org/join.cfm. Here's today's update: COMMENTARY Don't Blame Mothers for C-Section Vogue By Declercq and Norsigian - WeNews commentators Editor's Note: The following is a commentary. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily the views of Women's Enews. BOSTON (WOMENSENEWS)--Too posh to push. That catchy phrase originated in 2001 headlines of British tabloids and has been echoing through the news media ever since. It suggests a trend toward an increasing number of medically elective Caesarean sections requested by upper-class mothers. In late March, the National Institutes of Health held a meeting called Maternal Request Caesareans. While dropping the emphasis on posh, the title of the conference and its draft report seem to reinforce the general impression that mothers are fueling the trend toward elective Caesareans, which are at record levels in the United States. Problem: No systematic evidence of this is available. In addition, focusing on maternal request obscures a more complex story concerning changes in obstetrical practice. Although some studies do describe an increase in Caesareans without any medical indication, this may not represent real maternal requests at all. These studies, based on birth certificates or hospital billing records, have no way of documenting whether the surgery was sought by the mother or based on physician advice. Childbirth Connection, a New York-based national nonprofit with whom we have each separately collaborated in the past, has conducted the only representative national studies, Listening to Mothers, that directly survey mothers about their birth experience, including those who had a Caesarean section. The first study was published in 2002, initial findings of the second were completed in March. In the most recent survey carried out in January and February 2006 among 18- to 45-year-old women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals to a single infant last year, only 1 in 252 women (0.4 percent) who had a primary Caesarean section without a medical reason actually chose this option herself. Although there are undoubtedly some women who do seek elective Caesareans, they are hardly enough to increase the number of Caesareans by 400,000 nationally since 1996. Great News Story With Caesarean rates at an all-time high--accounting for 1.2 million surgeries and 29 percent of all births in 2004--reporters and editors are naturally interested in seeking explanations and patient choice makes an attractive news story. Such stories often include human interest elements, such as following one woman's decision to elect a Caesarean. They also involve broader ethical issues, such as whether individuals should have the right to choose elective surgery and, if so, who should pay for it. The news coverage, however, too often gives a skewed impression of who is electing to have a Caesarean. Many stories on maternal request, for instance, feature suburban white professional women, often obstetricians themselves. These stories may be interesting, but they feed an inaccurate stereotype. Mothers with the highest Caesarean rates in the United States--African American women over 35--are rarely featured in such coverage. So if it's not maternal requests, what then is causing the increase in Caesareans? Answer: Primarily changes in obstetrical practice. Long gone are the days when a single obstetrician handled a caseload of women to whom he or she made the extraordinary commitment to attend her birth no matter when that woman went into labor. Now, the overwhelming majority of obstetrical practices are group-based, substantially reducing that individual bond with a mother. In Childbirth Connections' 2002 survey, 19 percent of mothers reported they had never met the person who delivered their babies and another 10 percent indicated they had only briefly met
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth Sexual Assault
Kelly, good on you for being totally 'with her' through her journey. The body sensations for women who have sexual abuse backgrounds are usually too challenging to work through at the time of birth unless there has been a huge, and I mean huge, conscious and deliberate working through all aspects of the possible triggering of body memories/flashbacks/associations and birth/breastfeeding. The ability to disassociate, like the woman you have been working with, is such a necessary survival mechanism for women who aren't able to accommodate the sensations in that moment. Having you, 'being with' her, in every sense of that concept, is part of the healing journey. It is wonderful that she has you to work through it with her; to explore each step of the process, being a mirror, asking the right questions/mentoring in a loving way, at her pace, to help her to make sense of her experiences and integrate the whole thing in a healthy and empowering way into her sense of self. Unfortunately, 'the system' doesn't realise the impact 'the policies and practices' have on women, especially women with backgrounds of abuse, and so, unwittingly, does things which compound the perceptions and feelings associated with being abused, that is of being, for example, out of control, helpless, done to etc which most often, leads to the women being overwhelmed with emotional tsunamis which leads to physical shutdown. The physical shut down can then lead to devastation (eg . multiple VE's; forceps; epidurals that don't work; episiotomies, vaginal tears; third and fourth degree tears and of course, caesarians with the baby being taken away, which then interrups the attachment process). And so the abuse cycle is perpetuated and reinforced. There is the whole body fluid thing as well, not only the incredible discomfort associated with liquor and mucous and blood from the vagina, also the breast stimulation/breastfeeding can trigger all sorts of wildly repulsive and distressing feelings for the woman. These women have so much to deal with. Justine is a wonderful exemplar of how 1-2-1 care can make such a difference. We have to help women thrive, not merely survive and we as midwives, doulas and loving interested persons have to do all in our power to 'subvert the assembly line' (thanks DenisWalsh) way of providing maternity care and agitate and create 1-2-1 care across the country. When the mothers are cared for, babies do well. It is time to move from fetal surveillance, to loving and supporting the mother through her journey. And it has to start early, even before conception ideally. And even if not before conception, then as early in pregnancy as possible. Women need several visits early in pregnancy (weekly would be good) to work through the issues of their history, experiences, relationships, feelings about pregnancy, nutrition, exercise etc. And NOT in the cattleyard! In relaxed, friendly, homely environments that enable genuine relationships and trust to develop. Justine quotes the statistics which say that 1-4 women have histories of SA. Some researchers suggest it is even higher than that. Sigh. We all have a lot of work to do to change this reality. Good on you Kelly for being there. Sleep well. hugs, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Kelly @ BellyBelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 12:51 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Birth Sexual Assault Just letting everyone know the SA birth happened early (SROM) and labour started quite well, mum seemed great. BUT... it quickly became very full on and I couldn't believe it was exactly what I had read about. Huge learning curve and I am kicking myself for not realizing sooner that it was going downhill in a textbook SA style. She was transitional at 1-2cms plus a posterior bub, was throwing up, shakes, wanting out, good contrax etc but that cervix wasn't moving fast enough. After lots of hard work she got to 9cms but ended up with a Caesar, it had been two days, we'd all had no sleep and she and bubs were exhausted and going downhill. She was getting a fever, blood in urine, I think traces of proteins / keytones, just everything you can imagine apart from fetal distress was thrown out. She just didn't like the feeling of pressure (baby) and wanted to block it all out. Epi didn't help. VE's were a nightmare and of course given it was going the way it was they wanted to do several. During the caesar I was allowed to come in with her (first one I actually had seen, I found it quite disturbing but of course didn't say so!) and she found it extremely difficult as she had surgery to correct damage from rape. I could tell that she was having major issues and tried to get her visualising and using lots of reassurance but she wasn't there with me... but as soon as bubs was born and she was out of there she was completely fine. We have lots of
Re: [ozmidwifery] MOY interview
How simply, heartwarminglyand elegantly beautiful. Thanks for sharing this Mary, it's great to see you so appreciated. You are, and always have been, a gem and an inspiration. hugs, Carolyn (Hastie) - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 6:19 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] MOY interview Cherie wrote: She placed me at the centre of my own experience, respecting my wishes and encouraging me to listen to my own body and trust my instincts. I felt totally empowered, safe and comfortable. My every need was anticipated and attended to. Her support was unobtrusive and wise. Thank you Mary. Mary Could you post what she said? I know that you the modest person that you are would not blow your own trumpet, but I would love to hear what she said about midwifery skills.
[ozmidwifery] Fw: NSW Health futures planning process - sorry for any cross posting
FYI, warmly, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: Jo Tilly To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 11:59 AM Subject: NSW Health futures planning process - sorry for any cross posting Hi all, I have recentlyfound out through my involvement as a consumer in Sydney South WestArea Health Service,that the NSW Health Department has embarked on a'Futures Planning' processto identify directions for public health in NSW over the next 15-20 years. I think this is a really important opportunity to put forward our views about the future of public maternity services. The Dept is holding a series of public consultations andpeople are also able to make submissions. See http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/futuresplanning/yoursay.htmlfor details. A copy of the consultation documents and details of an online questionnaire can also be found on the site. Details of locations for the consultation meetings around the state can be found at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/futuresplanning/com_meeting.htmland the meetings start in Western Sydney and Tamworth later this week. I imagine that like most of these kind of consultation processes, the more individual submissions and responses to consultations that they receive, the more likely they are to respond to community concern, so I would really encourage you and anyone else you know to send in your views and/or attend a consultation meeting. Submissions, responses etcclose on 7 July, so people have a while, but the more people that participate, the better. Please also send this email around to anyone else you can think of who would be interested. Cheers, Jo JoTilly Marrickville WARNING:Theinformationcontainedinthisemailmaybeconfidential.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,anyuseorcopyingofanypartofthisinformationisunauthorised.Ifyouhavereceivedthisemailinerror,weapologiseforanyinconvenienceandrequestthatyounotifythesenderimmediatelyanddeleteallcopiesofthisemail,togetherwithanyattachments.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth Sexual Assault
Hello Kelly, Diane said Kelly, be careful about what you say in the de-brief. ... it is far more important to listen to her and let her vent than giving her too much information. She will be very raw and vulnerable and will take in everything you say... agree wholeheartedly with that. Kindness, love and listening. Let her talk and cry if she needs to, ask open questions about how she feels and what she thinks... meaning making is important after any event and particularly the birth of her precious, beautiful baby. Being able to listen to the difficult parts with love and openness are critical, inviting her to talk about her feelings how is that for you... how do you feel about that... and being able to be with her through her pain without having to 'fix' it... it is important to know that she has the internal power and strength to find meaning and resolution the biggest thing is being able to express what has happened in an open, trusting, trustworthy space and being heard... during the reflective process it is amazing what insights we come up with for ourselves. Pain expressed in the loving presence of someone who lets us do that, means the molecules/chemicals of emotion are liberated and are not mapped in our neurology as deeply as it would have been had it not been expressed. It is great she has you to talk to! What a blessing. So many women nurse their hurts to themselves and that hurt becomes woven into the fabric of who they are. warmly, Carolyn Hastie -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Gastro Labour
Hello Kelly, The very first thing is to help her manage her anxiety (emotional self) constructively and focus on being well and birthing her healthy baby in a wonderful way. The hormones liberated by anxiety, depending on which tack she is on, if she is resistent and focused on problems (this switches on the sympathetic pathway of the autonomic nervous system aka fight/flight/freeze), will stoplabour and cause all sorts of problems with labouring effectively whether 'they' induce her or not. if, of course, her anxiety(emotional self)is focused on birthing her baby easily and brilliantly (switching on the parasympathetic pathway of the autonomic nervous system aka love, relaxation, healing), the hormones released in response to 'anxiety' (or desire to birth well) will help propel her into labour and birth. The 'runs' are often associated (neural networks) with feeling 'out of control' and vomiting is associated(neural networks again)with rejecting an experience on some level. it is interesting how our cells and organsrespond to the emotional environment - all the communication systems at a cellular levelare amazing and sometimes (often in fact) just acknowledging the emotional undercurrent enables these physical phenomena to dissipate - makes sense when you consider how the neural networks (electrical patterns/ signals) and chemical signals (hormones) and then the energetic (quantum field - vibrating electrons) are communicating throughout our body/minds. The cholestasis is a fascinating one - it would be good to see/work out what has been irritating her (on an emotional level) and with the itch, what is getting "under her skin". I have seen that situation miraculously dissolve when the irritating source was identified, the most recent time a couple of months ago with someone whose husband wasn't getting things ready like she wanted him to and thought he should do! Stunning effect when the irritation was owned, expressed in words and appropriately managed for herself. Funny and very pleasingto see blood results change for the better in this sort of situation. Calm, relaxed, loving thoughts towards herself, herbaby and birth are essential here. "Seeing" the medical caregivers as having her best interests at heart and really wanting the best for her is important so that she can let go of fear (hormones liberated through sympathetic pathway response) and resistence (neural networks tighten musculature etc)- help her to state what her needs are so they can hear and respect them. 'They' may seek to rehydrate her with intravenous fluids if she has become dehydrated and often looking after sick children and then getting sick oneselfleads to dehydration. I would be surprised if they chose to induce her in a compromised state of 'gastro' like symptoms, but I guess anything is possible. She has the right to ask for time/say no and just rest and recuperate - seems like she needs time out to focus on her self for a time.It is very tough managing sick children and being nearly due! This is a situation where EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique - similar to acupressure) can be used to good effect. Hope this is useful. It is wonderful this woman has you for support Kelly. (I have been wondering how the other woman you were working with is going). Good on you for all the loving care you give. It is very inspirational. warmly, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: Kelly @ BellyBelly To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, June 09, 2006 11:05 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Gastro Labour Hello all, I have a woman whos due for an induction on Tuesday due to cholestasis but showing signs of being in early labour (which is great if we can avoid induction). Problem is her children have gastro and tonight shes started vomiting and has diahorrea so shes very, very anxious and worried about how this will affect the baby now and once its born. The hospital have told her to come in right away which she is doing, then shes going to call with an update. Any ideas on what to expect or what this might mean? Shes also concerned they may try and encourage the induction earlier, she has a soft cervix which she thinks the Ob said is 2cms, shes a multi. Best Regards,Kelly ZanteyCreator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to ParenthoodBellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support
[ozmidwifery] Anyone know?
Hello everyone, I'm looking for a quote from a book and I'm hoping someone may know it/the book/the author. The quote goes something like that midwives stand at the bedposts of life and death... such people are like rubies and that there will be no machines which go ping for me etc It was written by an Australian journalist, she spoke at a midwifery conference in Sydney either late 80's or early 90's and her book is titled something like Cats, cradles and (something...) I'm having a senior moment and can't locate any of it!! If you can help me, please respond privately to avoid clogging the list. My email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks so much to anyone who can shed light on this for me. Have a great weekend everyone. warmly, Carolyn Heartlogic Internationalwww.heartlogic.bizPhone: +61 2 43893919PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 Australia Discover timeless wisdom and a practical prosperity program in the amazing forgotten 1910 classic, The Science of Getting Rich.You can download it here:http://www.scienceofgettingrich.net/gifts/key.html "Wherever you are is where you start. The next time you getstressed, ask yourself 'How would I be doing this differently if I were willing to let this be easy?" Alan Cohen
Re: [ozmidwifery] Anyone know?
It's OK! I went to Amazon and found the book - one copy only in all USA! for sale that is, second hand and all. It's called Cats, Cradles and Chamomile Tea written by Anna Maria Delloso. Thanks to those of you who were seeking to help. I love having you all there as my cyber buddies! warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Heartlogic To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2006 1:17 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Anyone know? Hello everyone, I'm looking for a quote from a book and I'm hoping someone may know it/the book/the author. The quote goes something like that midwives stand at the bedposts of life and death... such people are like rubies and that there will be no machines which go ping for me etc It was written by an Australian journalist, she spoke at a midwifery conference in Sydney either late 80's or early 90's and her book is titled something like Cats, cradles and (something...) I'm having a senior moment and can't locate any of it!! If you can help me, please respond privately to avoid clogging the list. My email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks so much to anyone who can shed light on this for me. Have a great weekend everyone. warmly, Carolyn Heartlogic Internationalwww.heartlogic.bizPhone: +61 2 43893919PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 Australia Discover timeless wisdom and a practical prosperity program in the amazing forgotten 1910 classic, The Science of Getting Rich.You can download it here:http://www.scienceofgettingrich.net/gifts/key.html "Wherever you are is where you start. The next time you getstressed, ask yourself 'How would I be doing this differently if I were willing to let this be easy?" Alan Cohen
[ozmidwifery] Consent, information and outcomes (reply to Judy's story - long)
Judy said: .admitted with a transverse lie at term but rejected any treatment. She was a mulipara. Many times over the next week the dangers were explained (such explanation was well documented) and she declined CS. Finally she consented and it was scheduled for the next day. That evening SROM and thick mec. Emergency CS and a beautiful boy around 9 lbs was born. Died next day of Mec aspiration pneumonia.. What if there is another way of processing this story? How about looking at it from a neurobiophysiological point of view? We now know that the biobody suit is an interweaving multisystem communication centre with messenger molecules interacting at unbelievable numbers of encounters per millisecond. We now know that emotions (one form (with many parts/aspects) of messenger molecules) are the central organising process of the nervous system (both central and peripheral) We know that much that goes on both internally and externally bypasses the conscious mind (awareness) We now know that the conscious mind (that is awareness) hangs around in the prefrontal cortex and a bit of the left side of the brain It is focus and intent, coupled with perception (beliefs underpin perception) that shapes so much of what we experience We now know that the pictures we see over and over again have a strong tendency to come true - that is the role of the right side (hemisphere) of the brain - it is our creative link. Even when we are not consciously thinking them. They form a pattern in the neurology/nervous system. we now know that neural net profiles (that is the way the neurons fire together in patterns, plus the way that message is passed through the nervous system/unconscious mind aka body) create 'states' or emodied patterns of movement, behaviour, feelings (which is when the part of the brain associated with movement/place in space/kinaesthetics, plus that part associated with emotions, motivation, sex, stress, etc plus the left and right side of the brain AND the prefrontal cortex and all its meaning making connections all work together for a common purpose) and all of this is transmitted from one part of the biobody suit to another in nano/milliseconds via the four main messenger molecule communication pathways that messages from people in authority are hypnotic, that is they go straight into the imaginative part of the brain/neurology bypassing the conscious mind and that if there is resistence to the message it is even more powerfully encoded in the neurology. so that everything is affected, including the prenate of a mother. so I wonder how that woman was responding on a deep, emotional and imaginative level to the constant bombardment of negative messages? hmmm Babies who are sideways in the uterus have a message, the neural net profile of the mother is being fired about something which causes her neurology (which includes her nervous system) to go into patterns - these patterns cause the pelvic muscles, plus the muscles of the uterus to adopt different tensions, which therefore play out as different baby positions - often a malposition. Sideways babies usually are indicating that something is sideways in the woman's life and you need to ask the woman what that is, rather than frighten (with all the nervous system electrics and messenger molecule cascades that come with fear in all his guises - well meaning or not) her into submission. What if... as a result of the constant shroud waving *the mother was fearful and resistent *she thought that couldn't happen to me as she pictured it happening as it was being replayed over and over again *fear and resistence sends electrical messages everywhere, floods of messenger molecules through her and the baby's bodies - totally switching into high alert the sympathetic pathway of the autonomic system DANGER was the ongoing message for a week... cortisol in chronic (and more than a few minutes of DANGER is chronic) washes away brain cells and connections and is toxic to cells and babies hmmm babies pickled in stress juices don't grow well, they don't feel loved and welcomed and they feel fear sometimes what we do as health professionals can be like pointing the bone (which is very easy to understand why that works when we understand the role of expectation, belief and how the brain works) is this one of them? I don't know of course, no one can know for sure. It depends on so many variables, such as what was she thinking about minute by minute day after day? How did she feel after being informed of the dangers and risks? What was her reaction? What did she think about when no one was there? What was going on for her at home and in life? That's worth thinking about. Carolyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Birth and Trust
Mary said: "We make our own reality, so prepare for this birth by using techniques which calm the mind and tone the body. Employ a midwife you trust and then 'get on with it". So true Mary :-) I agree with Justine, we do need to clone you! love, Carolyn Hastie
[ozmidwifery] Update Belmont Birthing Service
Dear all, I'm delighted to let you all know that Belmont Birthing Service midwives have now had the pleasure of being present to the 100th baby born on site! All mothers and babies well and happy, despite the rhetoric around the opening of the service. Our service has been opened for one year on the4th July and that is another BIG milestone. Everyone is starting to think that maybe we (our service) issafe and that weare going to stay around :-) The Belmont Birthing Service midwives are going to the Homebirth conference. I'm staying home to be on call with one of the midwives, but everyone else is going to Geelong! They are a fabulous group of people who have made big leaps from a medical model way of practising to a social model of women centered midwifery and they have been and are brilliant. viva midwifery :-) love, Carolyn Hastie
Re: [ozmidwifery] Update Belmont Birthing Service
Hello Jo and Helen (and others who emailed privately) It is awesome news and fantastic! It has been a big year, lots of support, lots of opposition and wonderful women who wanta choice and choosethis sort of maternity care. The 'powers that be' have been wonderful. Held strong amidst much opposition. I have nothing but admiration for both our health service executives and the politicians. The Premier Mr Iemma and NSW health minister Mr Hatzistergos are to be congratulatedfor their ability to remained focussed on what is best for birthing women - that is, their right to choose and in providing options such as Ryde, Belmont and St George - despite the relentless negativity of a few unenlightened but nonetheless, formidable people. The midwives have provided comprehensive 1-2-1 care for 187 women since we started a year ago. We also have over a 100 women who are currently booked with our service. Many of the women who book with us were/are considered 'unsuitable' (ACMI Guidelines for referral and consultation) for birthing at Belmont, which is completely 'stand alone' in that there are no doctors on site and no core staff. If, according to the ACMI guidelines, the women are considered safer at the tertiary referral hospital for birth, the midwives provide all antenatal care with appropriate referral and consultation with the obstetricians at John Hunter and then accompany the women in labour to birth at JHH. The midwives then followed up those women at home for three weeks, just the same as if the birth had occured at Belmont. Education and information sharing is ongoing.Births through water are popular as the women love our big baths! All babies andmothersfor both groups of women arewell and healthy. Breastfeeding initiation and continuationrates are high. Skin to Skin for mothers and babies at birth and beyondis explained, promoted and encouraged. We have a weekly discussion group, weekly lullaby group, weekly parenting education sessions and breastfeeding information and education sessions every two months. The midwives don't see the third day blues (which is also really interesting), women are happy and babies are calm. Women are very satisfied with their experience and their care. We will release a full year of stats and information as soon as the year is up. If anyone wants our statistics when they are produced officially and to the decimal point, email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and I will include you in the mail out. In the interim, you may like to know that the stats are wonderful for both 'low risk' and 'high risk' women. Low low caesarian and instrumental delivery rate (10%), low low PPH rate ( 5%); three premature babies; One person with antenatal preeclampsia (which I think is really interesting). Testimony to women, birth and great midwives - the power of love. The team is fantastic. The families are wonderful too,very supportive. The fact that BBS exists is very much due to the power of Maternity Coaltion and the absolutely indefatigable efforts and energy of Carol Chapman and Justine Caines without whom none of this would have happened. warmly, Carolyn
Re: [ozmidwifery] community mid program WA
Government, money, ignorance, arrogance, power dynamics, the culture of fear. You name it Kristin. That's why it hasn't happened. And it is not for want of trying. It is a huge challenge getting similar models in the same health service, let alone different states! But The tide is turning.Midwifery led, women centered birthing programmes are rising out of the ashes from the fires lit bywomen's distress and angerfrombeing subject to conveyor belt maternity processing. The social ills that plague our society are being laid fairly and squarely at the feet of the efficiency driven, mechanised, cold, industrialised approach to childbirth. And, 350 delegates to the homebirth conference is one of many signs of a culture shift. Neuroscience is one of our greatest building blocks for why the way thatwomen feel and experience their childbearing is vitally important for the future health and wellbeing of the child. Funnily enough, the Human Genome project also provides an opportunity. Findings from this project enable usto strengthen the message aboutvaluing women's feelings, thoughts, ideals and wishes. The Genome project has putgenetic determinism tobed for once and for all. It is now known that significant life events can turn on genes that switch on protein synthesis which in turn switches on new neuronsand new connections between them changing our brain. This means thatour minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day experiences, thoughts, emotions and behaviour modulate gene _expression_ and neurogenesis in ways that change the physical structure and development of the brain for all of us. For pregnant women, this new understanding is even more compellingbecause of thehuge impact on the fetus. It is a societal and therefore government responsibility to assume the duty of care to provide the optimal, most loving,nuturingenvironment for every childbearing woman. One in which one of her most significant life event(s), that of having a baby gets the respect, honouring and support she needs. warmly, Carolyn (Hastie) - Original Message - From: Kristin Beckedahl To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 1:21 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] community mid program WA Can someone tell me why other states in Australia do not embrace the initiative of aCommunity Mid Programme, like the one in WA. I'm sure there is a reason or two for it not being a national program; and I presume its cuaght up with government? money? insurance? demand? Love to hear your thoughts... Kristin-- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] community mid program WA
Actually, NSW Health is really moving now. They have not only supported homebirth through the programme at St George, they have indicated that they support homebirth as an option generally. They are in fact, busy producing a guideline for health services who wish to provide homebirth services. Our service manager, Anne Saxton (an absolutely amazing person and a visionary) has put in a submission to area executive for Belmont Birthing Service to offer homebirth as part of our service. warmly, Carolyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Fw: NSW Heatlh Have your say closes on line 7th of JULY
Hello everyone, If you are interested in letting the State Health Department know some of your concerns about maternity care please go to this online questionnaire and fill it in. I've just done this and it is easy. Took me about 15 minutes to finish. It is a great way to let NSW Health know what you think. Imagine if everyone were to do this. I just kept writing about every birthing women, regardless of risk status being able to access one to one midwifery care. To return a completed questionnaire or to provide comments or a submission. Post to Futures Planning Project, Locked Mail Bag 961, North Sydney NSW 2059. Online form http://www2.health.nsw.gov.au/futuresplanning/Default.cfm Complete the questionnaire online by visiting our website and following the instructions on the screen. By email [EMAIL PROTECTED] For formal submission or to provide responses or comments. By telephone as a recorded message ph 1300 139 250 You can leave a recorded message in response to the questions, or to request information or other assistance.The deadline for all responses, comments and submissions is 7 July 2006 warmly, Carolyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage
Hello Helen, I have recommended perineal stretching/massage for a long time (over twenty years). Along with good nutrition (zinc!) for tissue integrity. From my point of view, perineal stretching/massage familiarizes women with their anatomy; helps them to conceptualise what needs to stretch and how it can stretch - helps women to really realise how stunningly amazing the whole area (aswell as all the body!) trulyis and the ability to stretch to accomodate anything from a tampon or finger, to a penis to a baby's head and return to normal - not a tunnel but a potential space. Perineal stretching also gives women feedback about the sensations they are most likely going to experience as their baby descends and stretches the perineum. The feedbackteaches them how they can consciously (with awareness)distend their perineum, welcoming the sensations, letting go of tensionand enable it to stretch gently and elastically as they move to adjust the pressure of the head on the perineal area. It has seemed like a very sensible self management strategy from what I have observed. My observation is that the self awareness gained from perineal stretching/massagecan help put the woman in the driver's seat of her own process and therefore is a good thing. I have just put together a perineal stretching information sheet for the women who come to our service. Suzi(thanks Suzi it's great!) shared with me some information and I have utilized that and the drawings in our information sheet. If anyone would like to utilize it, I'm happy to share it with you. Of course, it also includes discussion with the midwives about breath awareness, conscious letting go of tension, movement in labour/positioning to maximise stretchabilty, nutrition in pregnancy etc. If you want the information, email me at work [EMAIL PROTECTED] Also, Wintergreen's Pink Kit is a great resource for pelvic awareness. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Helen and Graham To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 1:57 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage Just wondering whether everyone is recommending perineal massage antenatally as a way of reducing the risk of tearing? I have read research to suggest it has been effective so I have just started to tell women about it. I also am careful to say that it may not work but there is no harm in trying. I remember it was bandied around years ago but there wasn't any research to support it's effectiveness back then. What are your thoughts Helen
Re: [ozmidwifery] caseload midwifery
Hello Nicole, Our team at Belmont Birthing Service has an annualised salary. It was negotiated with the NSWNA and the health service. The midwives are happy with the arrangement. If you want further details, please email me at work on [EMAIL PROTECTED] warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Nicole Carver To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 9:12 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] caseload midwifery Hi all, I am looking for some information from people working in caseload models. We are about to start work on a caseload model and need info about which method of payment is best. Some seem to think annualised salaries are best, but others think we might get short changed and arekeen to see us get paid for what we actually work, getting paid a base rate, with penalties paid in the following fortnight. What has been your experience? Warm regards, Nicole Carver.
[ozmidwifery] Fw: Well done! 78,000 of us help prevent detention law
for those of you who care about keeping families safe andout ofdetention - Original Message - From: GetUp To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 1:42 PM Subject: Well done! 78,000 of us help prevent detention law Dear friends,Since last week, our GetUp petition to stop asylum seekers being detained offshore has surged from 33,000 to 78,000 signatures. To give you an idea, together we would now fill the Fritz Walter World Cup Stadium 1.6 times. Congratulations to GetUp members old and new who have once again worked together to make the people's voice heard inside Parliament. With your support behind them, courageous MPs and senators did not budge. The eleventh-hour attempt to pass new detention legislation, prior to the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia, failed. Now we hold firm. In the next six weeks dissenting politicians will be under intense pressure to buckle and vote yes when Parliament reconvenes in August. We will therefore table this petition in Parliament again - with the full weight of each and every name added since - and continue our support for politicians from all parties who've expressed serious concerns about this law. If you haven't already signed, please click on the link below to help us reach our new, biggest ever target of 100,000! www.getup.org.au/campaign/NoChildInDetentionOnly two weeks ago, veteran political journalist Laurie Oaks said that anyone who argued against the proposed migration changes to the Senate Inquiry was "wasting their time". Now it's another story in the media. Instead of another rubber stamp for party politics, this is a fight for principle. Let's use the opportunity to grow this overwhelming message of public unity, and remind our elected representatives that we will continue to hold them accountable. To share the message with others, there's a note you can use below.Thank you for your tremendous efforts,The GetUp teamPS: There are a number of amendments currently on offer to push this law through when Parliament reconvenes; GetUp's blog outlines why they fail to address our concerns.Hi,I'm one of more than 78,000 Australians involved a national campaign to stop our migration laws from being changed for the worse - and we're succeeding. Last week, the Government planned to push legislation through Parliament to send all asylum seekers who arrive by boat, including children, into detention overseas. But with an incredible outpouring of public support, politicians from all the major parties opposed to this law chose to stand firm.Now we're aiming for target of 100,000 signatures, before Parliament resumes in six weeks and the Prime Minister tries to pass this law again. The stakes are high and dissenting MPs and senators are facing incredible pressure to buckle and vote yes. They've asked for our support to stay strong. Please join me in taking a stand, and sign the petition by clicking on the link below.www.getup.org.au/campaign/NoChildInDetentionMany thanks,---If you have trouble with any links in this email, please go directly to www.getup.org.au. GetUp is an independent, not-for-profit community campaigning group. We use new technology to empower Australians to have their say on important national issues.To unsubscribe from GetUp, please click here.
[ozmidwifery] Off topic - about Justice
Dear Friends, Justicefor birthing women is a focus for our beautiful profession. We are all working hard to ensure this in every way we can. Our sense of justice and a fair go is what underpins Australian society. This basic framework is threatened on many levels. Even though there is some movement with the way birth is constructed and supported, there are other areas in which our sense of self as a society is being warped. One considerable distortionis the way in which David Hicks is being treated. Can you please have a look at the GetUp website and if you feel moved, please sign the petition to bring him home for a proper trial. warmly, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: GetUp! To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 6:16 AM Subject: Thank you for taking action to defend Australian rights Thank you for speaking up! With our Government facing unprecedented pressure to find a real solution now, please spread the word to others: it's time for David Hicks to finally come home and let justice run its course: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/defendaustralianrights.Thanks again for being part of this, The GetUp Team
[ozmidwifery] Fw: Hawaiian Law Now Permits Parents to Keep Placentas
FYI, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Women's eNews [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 7:38 PM Subject: Hawaiian Law Now Permits Parents to Keep Placentas A move to declare placentas infectious waste angered Hawaiians who use the placenta in religious ceremonies, highlighting the conflict between modern medicine and traditional culture, Nancy Cook Lauer reports today. A new law now guarantees women the right to take the placenta home. Story follows promos. New blog! on Women's eNews: Calling Beirut from New York City. Nouhad Moawad left Beirut on July 2 for an internship at Women's eNews. Majoring in translation at Beirut's Lebanese University, the tri-lingual (English, French and Arabic) Moawad wished to spend the summer immersed in English and New York City. Read the Blog at: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2818 The pictures and video from this year's 21 Leaders for the 21st Century are now posted on our Web site. Watch the video and remember the fantastic evening or pour your self a glass of something and pretend you are there! Women's eNews(www.womensenews.org) encourages your comments about our stories and women's issues. Please post to our Letters to the Editors section at http://www.womensenews.org/letters/discus.pl or e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] AOL subscribers: To view the Commentoon by Ann Telnaes and HTML e-mail, please remember to click on the Show images and enable links in the header of your e-mail. Does someone send you Women's eNews? Please help us grow and get your own free subscription today at www.womensenews.org/join.cfm. Here's today's update: IN THE STATES Hawaiian Law Now Permits Parents to Keep Placentas By Nancy Cook Lauer - WeNews correspondent HONOLULU (WOMENSENEWS)--To some, it's simply a byproduct of childbirth, a biological waste. To others, it's even a possible source of biological material for genetic research. But to those of Polynesian and some African and Asian cultures, the placenta is sacred. In a transformation of an issue that was once a private matter between a woman and her doctor, the placenta became a political issue in Hawaii this spring, and its ramifications could spread to other states. Following an uproar from Native Hawaiians after the state declared placenta tissue an infectious waste in 2005, the Aloha State has become the first in the nation to expressly give a woman permission to take the placenta home from the hospital following childbirth. The new Hawaii law was introduced by the bipartisan Honolulu-based Women's Legislative Caucus and championed by Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition and a myriad of cultural organizations based in Honolulu and the Neighbor Islands. Four families have taken advantage of the new policy since Gov. Linda Lingle signed it into law April 21. It's part of a growing sensitivity to the cultural practices of diverse groups even in the midst of greater concerns over diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS that could be spread by biological waste. The placenta--or iewe, pronounced eh-AY-vay --has an important symbolism in Hawaiian culture, and some rebuff the modern medical practice of simply throwing it out. Those practicing the religious and cultural ways of their ancestors explain that, in Hawaii, the burial sites of placentas of their forebears have the same significance as where they are buried after they die. The iewe of the newborn child is sacred and must be handled in a sacred manner in order to provide for the physical health of the child, Native Hawaiian historian Lilikala Kameeleihiwa told a state legislative committee considering the new law. Moreover, the careful disposition of the iewe will indicate how the child will grow up and molds the child's identity. Research Potential in Placenta Following President George W. Bush's July 18 veto of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, some Native Hawaiians, who make up about 20 percent of the state's population, are concerned scientists will start harvesting their sacred placentas from hospitals from the approximately 20,000 births in the state each year. Like stem cells, certain placenta cells have been demonstrated to have the capacity to become cells of other parts of the body and could potentially be used to meet research demands. Indeed, Pittsburgh biotechnology company, Stemnion Inc., has licensed the patent rights to a process for removing stem cell-like material from placentas to treat cirrhosis and diabetes and spur healing, although the company says it uses only donated placentas with permission from the families. It is distressing to me and my family that a part of our children is unceremoniously thrown out as waste or used without permission in medical
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth, Trauma Personality
Hello everyone, these are great resources Judy, thanks for sharing them. Bernig Mauger's books are great, she is an amazing woman with the work she does. The evidence is overwhelming that babies are affected and their brain/personality shaped by what happens during pregnancy and at birth and of course, after birth. Babies, whether in the womb or out of it are emotional creatures and respond to their environment emotionally. They (and we) learn through our emotional experiences both good and bad. Our neurology is wired up (neural networks) by how we feel about things and prenates and neonates are the same. The APPAH is a very interesting organisation and their website is fascinating www.birthpsychology.com Dr James Prescott's work on the origin of violence and peace http://www.violence.de/ the Association for the transformation of the lives of children is also excellent. http://www.atlc.org/ and then there is touch the future http://www.ttfuture.org/services/publications/power_of_love.htm Michel Odent's womb ecology http://www.wombecology.com/ there are books like The Developing Mind: How the brain and relationships shape who we are by Dr Daniel Seigal and there are lots more warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Judy Chapman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2006 6:04 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth, Trauma Personality Have just found these: http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/birthsoul/index.php http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/lifelong/index.php Cheers Judy Kelly @ BellyBelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Help! Someone started a discussion on my forums about birth and how it shapes the baby as an individual. Of course, everyone thought that concept was ludicrous, think studies and percentages are rubbish and must think I am a quack for thinking otherwise LOL J Can anyone else back me up?! I need some support!!! If you aren't signed up in my forums, please feel free to, or post here any suggestions or comments. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=17144 Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.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] Birth, Trauma Personality
Diane, this is a wonderful website, thanks for sharing this. I'm writing a chapter on the fetal experience and the sequelae of what the fetus experiences and feels about it for a book on Birth Territory. What is explored and explained on this website is part of what I am writing about. It is very exciting that all this information is coming together. Dr Bruce Lipton's work on cells is amazing, as it Dr Candace Pert's work. Dr Frank Lake was a stunningly advanced and profound thinker, his ideas are extraordinary in the way he posits the maternal fetal distress syndrome and this is before the modern scanning devices which clearly demonstrate mind/body communication systems. Bruce Lipton's work can be accessed from his website www.brucelipton.com Two videos which are helpful in explaining quantum physics and our cellular life are what the bleep do we know? and The Secret. Both of which I recommend to anyone to buy and explore the ideas expressed in the videos and how the ideas translate to midwifery or doula practice. You can get the bleep from Amazon and The Secret from Nibbana on the net. www.amazon.com www.nibbana.com.au This is a very exciting time to be alive as we now have fantastic information at our fingertips. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Diane Gardner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 9:12 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth, Trauma Personality Hi Kelly I read an article earlier this year on some research done on suicide and it was found that often the method used was linked to birth. e.g cord tight around neck (hanging), heavily drugged birth (drug overdose) etc. Here is a really good website on perinatal studies, pregnancy and birth memories: www.holistic.ie/amethyst/documents/suicide.htm We already know that a baby's hearing is fully developed at 18 weeks gestation so just imagine what they are listening in on, especially in the birth room and the horror birth stories being told. regards Diane Gardner Kelly @ BellyBelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Help! Someone started a discussion on my forums about birth and how it shapes the baby as an individual. Of course, everyone thought that concept was ludicrous, think studies and percentages are rubbish and must think I am a quack for thinking otherwise LOL J Can anyone else back me up?! I need some support!!! If you aren't signed up in my forums, please feel free to, or post here any suggestions or comments. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=17144 Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.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] Birth, Trauma Personality
forgot to mention another wonderful book The Field, by Lyn McTaggart warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Diane Gardner [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 9:12 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth, Trauma Personality Hi Kelly I read an article earlier this year on some research done on suicide and it was found that often the method used was linked to birth. e.g cord tight around neck (hanging), heavily drugged birth (drug overdose) etc. Here is a really good website on perinatal studies, pregnancy and birth memories: www.holistic.ie/amethyst/documents/suicide.htm We already know that a baby's hearing is fully developed at 18 weeks gestation so just imagine what they are listening in on, especially in the birth room and the horror birth stories being told. regards Diane Gardner Kelly @ BellyBelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Help! Someone started a discussion on my forums about birth and how it shapes the baby as an individual. Of course, everyone thought that concept was ludicrous, think studies and percentages are rubbish and must think I am a quack for thinking otherwise LOL J Can anyone else back me up?! I need some support!!! If you aren't signed up in my forums, please feel free to, or post here any suggestions or comments. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=17144 Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.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] Birth, Trauma Personality
And you may find this work amazing! http://www.primal-page.com/birthart.htm warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Judy Chapman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2006 6:04 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Birth, Trauma Personality Have just found these: http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/birthsoul/index.php http://childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/lifelong/index.php Cheers Judy Kelly @ BellyBelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Help! Someone started a discussion on my forums about birth and how it shapes the baby as an individual. Of course, everyone thought that concept was ludicrous, think studies and percentages are rubbish and must think I am a quack for thinking otherwise LOL J Can anyone else back me up?! I need some support!!! If you aren't signed up in my forums, please feel free to, or post here any suggestions or comments. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=17144 Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions From Conception to Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support - http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth-support Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.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] Article on ultrasounds from Uk
Thanks for sharing this Lisa. Amazing isn't it? They (medical folks) normalise ultrasound for pregnancy and then act surprised andtut tut about "consumer led developments" when people, thinking ultrasound is 'safe' want to have them done to "see" the baby! "Bruce Ramsay, a consultant speaking for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology, said: "Keepsake ultrasounds are a new consumer-led development and undoubtedly increase the exposure of the foetus to ultrasound with no obvious medical benefit." good grief! And undermining women's sense of self and intuitive knowing about being pregnant, coupled with frightening women about oh so many possible problems with being pregnantand leading to the tentative pregnancy experience of so many women (is my baby normal??? "I don't really believe I'm pregnant until I 'see' it; oh, 'low lying placenta' fears for up to 32 weeks with caesarian hanging over women's heads like the sword of Damocles)is a 'medical benefit'? grr so now it is out there that neurons are wiring in funny ways (hello? the rise in ADHD, autism etc just may be associated with ultrasound? what a surprise!) and... what about the eggs? If the ovary has its full complement of eggs (oops ova) by 6-8 weeks post conception...what does ultrasound do to the DNA/RNA in the ova hmmm I've personally wondered if ultrasound isn't a way that will naturally limit white middle class populations. A ready built population control mechanism. One way of dealing with the crazy consumerism plague of western civilisation. Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: lisa chalmers To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 1:04 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Article on ultrasounds from Uk http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/08/nultra08.xml Elbert Hubbard: "The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher."
[ozmidwifery] MSNBC.com Article: More infant deaths with elective C-sections
More infant deaths with elective C-sectionsA new study has found a higher risk of infant deaths among infants born by Caesarean section to mothers who have no medical need for the procedure.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14838765/from/ET/
[ozmidwifery] Thanks!!! re Raspberry Leaf Tea
Thanks to all you wonderful people who wrote both off list and on list with the details about Raspberry leaf tea! I'm so grateful. Thanks too to Ramona who went to such trouble to transcribe the information from Kerry Bone's book. Very very helpful. with best wishes to all of you, happily, Carolyn Hastie
[ozmidwifery] was Goodbyes now Hello!
Hello friends/colleagues/students/teachers, I've been watching this conversation with great interest. We as human beings are in the most amazing time of evolution. Midwifery is, as an intensely human activity (some would say the most primal of them all) is clearly undergoing heroic transformation. We are all being called forth to relate in new ways, from a base of personal power that enables us to hold diversity and look with wisdom at what there is to learn from everything. There are many great thinkers exploring what it means to be human at this time of extraordinary change and how we can best move forward to a future which brings out the best in each one of us. for example, (this is from the webpage) "Spiral Dynamics reveals the hidden complexity codes that shape human nature, create global diversities, and drive evolutionary change.These dynamic Spiral forces attract and repel individuals, form the webs and meshes that connect people within groups, communities and organizations, and forge the rise and fall of nations and cultures". The person who articulated the concept of Spiral Dynamics, Don Beck, has this to say. "Its not that we need to form new organizations. It's simply that we have to awaken to newways of thinking. I believe it makes no sense to spend a lot of time attacking the current realities. It is time to create the new models that have in them the complexity that makes the older systems obsolete. And to the extent that we can do that, and do that quickly, I think we can provide what will be necessary for a major breakthrough for the future." here is the website, so you can explore further: http://spiraldynamics.net/index.shtml It is good if each of us listens with great respect to each person's perspective. We need everyone's voice. It is good to listen from the position of detached observer. If it conflicts with us or how we believe things should be, all the better! That means something is being triggered within us, some neural net profile is being twanged. That is how we can learn the most. It is out of conflict that new order comes (second law of thermodynamics). The rips and the tides create the incredible beauty of the shoreline. Weneed the passion, the uppityness, the fearless belief in women and their processes and their right to choose their path. When there is dissent, we need to get excited, not leave! That is when things are changing and we need to make sure it is for the better. Remember that how we take things is about us. Sure, people seem polite or rude or whatever at times, but perception is in the eye of the beholder. It is our own neural networks and our own sensory faculties which are picking up the messages that are around us. And it is like those garage sales you see every weekend 'one man's (sic) trash is another man's (sic) treasure!' One last comment. I would encourage EVERYONE to get hold of the DVD "The Secret". "The Secret" is probably the best thing I have seen which explains Universal principles and quantum physics and how the brain/body works in a practical way. Just excellent. Our future depends upon people using these principles in an intelligent, consciousway. Go to: www.nibbana.com.au to find out more. Bring it on! Pax, Carolyn (Hastie)
Re: [ozmidwifery] risk
Mary said, the reference The cardinal rule of risk communication is the same as that for emergency medicine: first do no harm. is interesting. What strikes you as particularly interesting about that Mary? I'm very interested in your perspective as you are one of the wisest women I know. warmly, Carolyn
[ozmidwifery] Sharing ideas
Hello all, I'm reading a wonderful book, "Spirituality and Mental Health Breakthrough" edited by Phil Barker and Poppy Buchanan. Phil and Poppy are a great couple. Phil was a professor of mental health nursing and Poppy a social worker. They often come to Australia and talk about mental health issues as 'spiritual emergencies' - which appeals to me no end. Phil has little round glasses, a long beard and a long pigtail, wearsblack, has rainbow socks and red clogs and speaks with a delightful Scottish accent. Totally delightful and totally respectful and kind about our humanity, in whatever form it takes. I'm reading a chapter by a David Brandon, a professor of community care about "meaning". He writes: "At the basis of all healing, for which we are simply a vehicle, is increasing self-awareness and compassion towards others. Nothing very special. This asks that we are increasingly gentle with ourselves and with others; that we recognise in our hearts our connectedness; that we surrender our different images of perfection as a deluded measure of the world and see it with honesty and love. As Sawaki Roshi commented: 'everybody is in his own dream. The discrepencies that exist between the dreams are the problem". Or perhaps those discrepencies are the flashpoints, the point of paradox where all change is possible? Pax, Carolyn (Hastie) Heartlogic www.heartlogic.bizPhone: +61 2 43893919PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 "As a single footstep will not make a path in the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over again the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives" Henry David Thoreau
Re: [ozmidwifery] I need to vent!!!
I was asked to judge a baby contest in the late 70's. Of course I was horrified at the time, but was compelled because of where I worked etc etc. I gave all the babies first prize. :-) ' They' didn't ask me again. :-) Great idea to send those letters Barb. I keep getting the official replies from some poor bunny in the 'office' - I know, I've been one myself at one time. But the numbers do matter. Each letter represents in political terms, 100 voters, so if everyone on this list wrote :-) politically yours, (which reminds me, I'm standing for the Democrats again next election, just got officially 'selected') Carolyn (Hastie) - Original Message - From: Jackie Kitschke To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 9:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] I need to vent!!! Not to mention the "Pick my pretty baby"competitions. Jackie - Original Message - From: Barbara Glare Chris Bright To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 6:37 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] I need to vent!!! HI, They won't have free rein if we all (mothers and health professionals COMPLAIN) It amazes me that amidst the ocean of media report about healthy eating and obesity, the importance of breastfeeding is ignored, or ridiculed on television as it was on "Sunrise" yesterday morning (and probably will be on 60 minutes on the weekend) or crucified like it was on "Life at One" last week. The media needs to lift it's act, and they will only do so when they get the message from US. Yesterday morning "Sunrise" did an article on David Suzuki, talking about in 1992 more than 1/2 of the world's scientific Nobel Laureats wrote an open letter warning of the damage to the enviromnment. No media outlet in the world ran the story. Then Sunrise spoke about a poll they were running. Breast v. bottle, and the announcer tut-tutting about how breastfeeding was a personal choice and women shouldn't be judgemental of each other. Excuse me! they had just set it up! Breastfeeding is not a choice like wearing your blue top or your red top tonight. And getting information to women and health professionals has nothing at all to do with guilt - the usual excuse used by the media to ( and promoted by the formula companies to ultimately promote their wares) Anyway, as to complaining Write to your member of Parliament asking him to write to/forward on the material you send to Tony Abbott, Minister for Health. This way you kill 2 birds with the one stone. You educate your local MP and Let Tony Abbott know that health professionals and mothers of Australia are NOT HAPPY Also, write to the APMAIF panel, enclosing any brochures etc that you have. Don't worry about whether it is technically a breech of the agreement. If it is enough to offend you as a mother or a health professional, send it in - let them know how you feel! APMAIF SecretariatDepartment of Health and AgeingMail Drop Point 15GPO Box 9848ACT 2601 While you are at it, you could complain to the Victorian Office of Children about their decision to keep having their Maternal and child health nurses educated by Wyeth. You could write to the CEO Gill Callister [EMAIL PROTECTED] And send a copy to Minister Sheryl Garbutt at the same time. Warm Regards, Barb - Original Message - From: jesse/jayne To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:35 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] I need to vent!!! Arethe formula companies really giving infant FORUMULA samples to pregnant women here? Are they breeching the WHO Code so blatantly here? I thought it was fairly well regulated - unlike many other countries. If it does happen at the Expo, you should report them to the ABA for further action. Unfortunately they have free reign with that toddler milk crap in a can/drink dispensing machine whatever. Jayne - Original Message - From: Janet Fraser To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:06 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] I need to vent!!! Writing a complaint letter about inappropriate advertising of artificial baby "milk" might help you channel this rage. I HATE those stalls with a passion. You know that expo is really the Prams'n'Formula Expo, don't you? You'll also see lots of drug companies giving unbiassed (snort) show bags to pregnant women and even better,
[ozmidwifery] Fw: 60 Minutes
Title: 60 Minutes Dear all, The attachment parenting programme on 60mins provides a great opportunity to discussthe issues in the media. I am forwarding an email from Kali Wendorf from Byron Child for your information. For the real story on attachment parenting, one great resource is Dr James Prescott's work on the origin of love and violence. Peaceful societies carried their babies and breastfed them for over 2 1/2 years, hostile societies separate mothers and babies, subject babies to all sorts of interventions, distorts women's sense of self, does not breastfed, expects babies to self soothe and generally aborts nurturing behaviour. See link below http://ttfuture.org/services/bonding/main.htm As Allen Ginsberg said "Whoever controls the media - the images - controls the culture" with best wishes, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: Byronchild Admin To: byronchild Admin Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 10:50 PM Subject: 60 Minutes Hello beloved readers of byronchild,I am writing you in hope that you will stand up to make your voices heard. Opportunities like this do not arise often. Last nights 60 Minutes (22nd Oct, Australia) hosted a feature on Attachment Parenting. It was a catastrophe, and demonstrated incredibly negligent journalism. It portrayed attachment parenting, and by extension anyone wishing to explore childrearing possibilities outside of the dominant disconnection parenting paradigm, as being possibly dangerous to childrens welfare. Great if they want to have a real discussion, but plainly that was not on the agenda.Not one Attachment Parenting expert was interviewed, no research presented, nor evidence regarding optimal development, only a selection of parents who were poorly portrayed. Then the only expert on hand was a GP who said that aspects of Attachment Parenting and home-schooling borders on child abuse. I would like to use the opportunity to address the sloppy journalism that has become the norm in this country, as well as create a chance for bonding and attachment to be really considered by mainstream media.Please write to 60 Minutes after reading for yourself the transcript (see link below), and register your opinion about their piece. Or alternatively, forward to them the form letter I have created below. You can use it as is or change it to suit. Make sure you contact them this week. Hundreds of people have been contacted about this matter. Wouldnt it be great if they heard from all of us. Perhaps 60 Minutes may do a real story. It is possible!Seehttp://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/sixtyminutes/stories/2006_10_22/story_1801.aspEmail them at [EMAIL PROTECTED]Love,Kali Kali WendorfEditorbyronchild magazine Byron Publications Pty LtdPO Box 971, Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia 2482Tel: 02 6684 4353http://www.byronchild.comTo Whom it May Concern,October 22nds feature story on Attachment Parenting was a shocking example of poor and biased journalism. Attachment Parenting remains the only style of parenting in recorded history that is backed by a large and highly respected body of research. It is one of the few solutions to the pandemic of challenges facing humanity today, as it produces children who are confident, intelligent and empathetic. Your shoddy treatment of this evidence-based style of parenting, which promotes healthy bonding in infants and young children, is inexcusable.It is well known fact that failure to establish a strong, loving connection with a primary caregiver is a major cause of autism, depression, violence, eating disorders, substance abuse and many other common problems of adolescence and adulthood.What a shame your program persisted in perpetuating even more ignorance in this area. Please do your research, and produce an accurate program soon.Regards,-- End of Forwarded Message
[ozmidwifery] Survey of midwives and nurses
Hello all, you may be interested in contributing to this study of the nursing and midwifery professions. This was sent through by Joy Johnson, amidwife in Victoria. warmly, Carolyn Nurses and midwives e-cohort is a longitudinal population-based study which is funded by the Australian Research Council and a range of industry partners. The purpose of the study is to examine factors associated with both workforce and health outcomes in a cohort of nurses and midwives within Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.During 2006-2007 all nurses and midwives in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom are being invited to participate in this longitudinal study. In addition, all undergraduate university pre-registration nursing students from Queensland and South Australia will be invited to participate. It is anticipated that the study will provide important information to inform education and workforce policy for the nursing and midwifery professions. Study outcomes will also focus on factors influencing the physical and mental health of nurses and midwives. Please join us and contribute to the information we need to maintain a happy and healthy nursing and midwifery workforce!As a participant based in Australia or New Zealand you are eligible to win holiday flights sponsored by Virgin Blue. As a United Kingdom based participant you are in the draw for Virgin Atlantic flights from London to New York! For more information, or to register for the study go to: http://www.e-cohort.net/default.cfm __._,_.___
[ozmidwifery] Seeking midwife to join us at Belmont Birthing Services
Hello everyone, We are seeking a midwife to join our team at Belmont Birthing Service. We are a stand alone maternity service situated within Belmont Hospital. We are a women centered, relationship based midwifery team iwth a primary health care focus. We are located at Belmont, on the beautiful Lake Macquarie near Newcastle, NSW. Please pass this on to anyone you think may be interested. The ad is in the Thursday SMH and Sat NH this week. (look for HH06/1058) on the intranet it will be on there on Thursday... site is www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au If you want to join us, you can apply on line or send your applications to the Recruitment unit at Waratah stating the number or emailing it to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The advertisement says: HH06/1058 Midwife Permanent Full time Belmont Birthing Services Come and join the dynamic team at the Belmont Birthing Service, part of John Hunter Hospital maternity division. This Birthing Service offers relationship based, one to one midwifery care relevant to women's needs across the continuum of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. We are seeking an innovative and motivated full time midwife, who is an independent thinker and expert clinician and able to work effectively with a great team to join our service. The successful applicant will demonstrate a broad range of midwifery skills, knowledge and communication skills in providing evidence based and appropriate women centered midwifery care. We embrace educational opportunities and strive for a high level of professionalism. Closing date: 24th November, 2006 Enquiries: Carolyn Hastie 0428 112786 Midwifery Manager Belmont Birthing Services Belmont Hospital Enhancing lives through positive birth experiences -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS
Hello Melanie, A Danish Obstetrician came to John Hunter Hospital (Newcastle NSW) and presented some time ago on the use of Chlorhexidine douche for women with GBS positive swabs. Very popular in Denmark apparently and is being heralded as the treatment for women in third world countries because it is cheap. The Cochrane review is equivocal in its endorsment, but the Danish Obs was very very convincing with her stats. When Belmont Birthing Service first opened, all the women with GBS positive swabs had to go to John Hunter to give birth because we were not credentialled to give IV antibiotics at Belmont. We are a stand alone midwifery service so do not have doctors onsite for assistance if someone had an anaphylaxis. Many of the women were very upset about not being able to have their babies at Belmont, whilst others were very unhappy about using antibiotics for all the good reasons already mentioned, so remembering the chlorhexidine douche presentation, we were able to provide that as an option for those women who were willing to use that as something that was not considered as effective as antibiotics. We have since done the nurse immunisers course and so are also able to give IV antibiotics at Belmont. Interestingly, most women still choose the douche. We can give the women the equipment to take home and they can douche themselves if they think they are going into labour, or if their membranes release. We give them two doses and they let us know what they are doing. The chlorhexidine is a lovely blue colour, so it is interesting to see women's vaginal discharge after the douche - looks different on the partograph :-) We have a GBS policy for us and an instruction sheet for the women. We also have an information sheet for women to read before they do the swab. If you would like a copy, please email me at work and I can send them to you. [EMAIL PROTECTED] warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Melanie Sommeling [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 10:15 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS Hi wise women of the list, I am curious if anyone can enlighten me of any alternatives to Antibiotics in labour to decrease GBS transfer from mother to baby. I recollect some info about douching during labour, but the info was sketchy to say the least. I understand the risks of transfer are low and the risk or negative effects are even lower, but alternatively have witnessed a birth of a GBS positive mother where AB's were administered and the baby still developed respiratory distress with several hours of birth and question the validity of using AB'a at all. Any advice on the matter would be greatly appriciated. Melanie -- 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.
[ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections
Whilst I'm on the soapbox, I was thinking that you may be interested in the intradermal water injections and their efficacy. We had Janice Deocampo come to Belmont and give a seminar on the use of this technique for women with excruciating back pain. Midwives came from Gosford, Maitland, John Hunter and Taree. Janice presented her information and we all practised on each other (OUCH). It feels like a wasp sting. One of the midwives had back pain which was cured for six hours with the injection she received that day! It took us MONTHS to get the procedure through clinical governance. However, it is through. We have used the injections for about eight women since only one was not completely successful. We have even found them fantastic for late first stage when the backache has stopped the woman from progessing and even second stage when women wouldn't push because the backache was too bad. After the injections, voila - baby! John Hunter midwives are also now using this technique too with great success. Janice Deo Campo did a research project and the results are in the Birth Issues Journal from CAPERS. It is a wonderful, effective tool which may just help someone avoid an epidural or even make birth much more manageable for those women with excrutiating backache. If anyone wants the protocol and information sheet, please email me at work [EMAIL PROTECTED] and I will send it to you. warmly, Carolyn Heartlogic www.heartlogic.biz Phone: +61 2 43893919 PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 As a single footstep will not make a path in the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over again the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives Henry David Thoreau
Re: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS
This http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbs.html is a great site and of course, the question about health, wellness and GBS screening rears its head in any thinking person's mind. However, we (working in the 'system') deal with the harsh reality of modern obstetrics and neonatology and until our culture settles down about the concept of 'risk' and our individual and corporate madness about fear of litigation... we comply with the dominant 'status quo' and help create many of the situations we are seeking to 'control'. We have official 'conversations' about whether women who decline (fill in the blank) should be able to give birth at our unit at all. g How I yearn for the day when information about Quantum physics and neuropsychobiophysiology permeates and influences all obstetrics and neonatology and true informed choice is truly valued and the pressure to conform that causes resistence patterns or reluctant compliance, with all the mischief that brings, is avoided. It is coming, it has to. The day of the factory approach to mothers and babies is over. Some people haven't caught up yet. Just to clarify, clearly there are situations where it is very advisable, if not imperative, that women are screened for various phenomena or have intervention(s) that is/are indicated by their particular situation. It is the 'cookie cutter' one size fits all and if you don't 'comply' then you are wrong approach to childbearing that is the issue. Information (unbiased), exploration of ideas as to what things mean to the individual, freedom and supported choices are the answer. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: LJG [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 9:44 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS Hi Melanie Try gentlebirth... http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gbs.html Hi wise women of the list, I am curious if anyone can enlighten me of any alternatives to Antibiotics in labour to decrease GBS transfer from mother to baby. I recollect some info about douching during labour, but the info was sketchy to say the least. I understand the risks of transfer are low and the risk or negative effects are even lower, but alternatively have witnessed a birth of a GBS positive mother where AB's were administered and the baby still developed respiratory distress with several hours of birth and question the validity of using AB'a at all. Any advice on the matter would be greatly appriciated. Melanie -- 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] Alternative GBS
Good question Mary. Thanks for your comments. As far as Chlorhexidine cream goes, my memory is that it was an antibacterial lubricant for vaginal examinations and that it irritated too many women's mucosa and that is why we gave that up in favour of the clear gel. As for the creams we put on babies to 'debug' them in the old days - my memory is 'phisohex' and 'steriskin' and yes, they were considered to be toxic after many years of dousing untold thousands of babies with these substances. As I have thought about your question I realise that I have no idea what the active agent was in these cleansers. In thinking further about the issue of the chlorhexidine douche and toxicity, my thinking is that the concentration of active substance in a watery medium is much lower that any preparation that is cream based and quickly 'washed out' by the active vaginal mucosa and if membranes are released, the liquor, so reducing any possiblity of toxic reaction. My other thought that as it is locally given, the absorption rate would be much less than that of antibiotics given intravenously and so provides a satisfactory option for women who chose to use some form of preventative chemical therapy and yet wish to avoid antibiotics. What is interesting for me is that women who are GBS negative, have to transfer if they have SROMS and are over 18 hours without having given birth, but if they are GBS positive and using chlorhexidine they don't transfer ... all very fascinating. What do you think about the douche and toxicity? Is my thinking plausible? warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 1:50 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS What about the risk of absorption of chlorhexidine? When the cream was used on newborn babies it was toxic. MM A Danish Obstetrician came to John Hunter Hospital (Newcastle NSW) and presented some time ago on the use of Chlorhexidine douche for women with GBS positive swabs. Very popular in Denmark apparently and is being heralded as the treatment for women in third world countries because it is cheap. The Cochrane review is equivocal in its endorsment, but the Danish Obs was very very convincing with her stats. When Belmont Birthing Service first opened, all the women with GBS positive swabs had to go to John Hunter to give birth because we were not credentialled to give IV antibiotics at Belmont. We are a stand alone midwifery service so do not have doctors onsite for assistance if someone had an anaphylaxis. Many of the women were very upset about not being able to have their babies at Belmont, whilst others were very unhappy about using antibiotics for all the good reasons already mentioned, so remembering the chlorhexidine douche presentation, we were able to provide that as an option for those women who were willing to use that as something that was not considered as effective as antibiotics. We have since done the nurse immunisers course and so are also able to give IV antibiotics at Belmont. Interestingly, most women still choose the douche. We can give the women the equipment to take home and they can douche themselves if they think they are going into labour, or if their membranes release. We give them two doses and they let us know what they are doing. The chlorhexidine is a lovely blue colour, so it is interesting to see women's vaginal discharge after the douche - looks different on the partograph :-) We have a GBS policy for us and an instruction sheet for the women. We also have an information sheet for women to read before they do the swab. If you would like a copy, please email me at work and I can send them to you. [EMAIL PROTECTED] warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Melanie Sommeling [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 10:15 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Alternative GBS Hi wise women of the list, I am curious if anyone can enlighten me of any alternatives to Antibiotics in labour to decrease GBS transfer from mother to baby. I recollect some info about douching during labour, but the info was sketchy to say the least. I understand the risks of transfer are low and the risk or negative effects are even lower, but alternatively have witnessed a birth of a GBS positive mother where AB's were administered and the baby still developed respiratory distress with several hours of birth and question the validity of using AB'a at all. Any advice on the matter would be greatly appriciated. Melanie -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] GBS
Yes, I know the literature, but our health service has made it a required screening. All women in our health service are 'offered' the screening. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 6:43 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] GBS Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Publisher: Taylor Francis Issue: Volume 25, Number 5 / July 2005 Pages: 462 - 464 URL: Linking Options DOI: 10.1080/01443610500160261 Group B streptococcus disease in neonates: To screen or not to screen? O. Subair A1, P. Wagner , F. Omojole , H. Morgan A Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whittington Hospital, London, UK Abstract: Summary An audit was undertaken of the prevention of early-onset Group B streptococcus (EOGBS) disease in neonates. The prevention strategy in use involved offering Intra-partum Antibiotic Prophylaxis (IAP) to mothers with identified risk factors, which include maternal fever in labour gt; 38°C, previous baby with GBS disease, prolonged rupture of membranes gt; 18 h, pre-term labour, GBS urinary tract infection and known GBS carriage. The most common risk factor identified was GBS carriage (41%) which was known ante-partum but logistical problems prevented these mothers from receiving adequate prophylaxis 4 h before delivery and so were classified as at risk of GBS disease. We found an incidence of GBS in our unit of 0.55 per 1,000 births over the study period. One neonate developed EOGBS disease and the mother had no identifiable risk factor ante-partum/intra-partum. Recent recommendations from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) could reduce the number of babies having sepsis screens performed as the time interval from beginning IAP to delivery has been shortened to 2 h and routine surface cultures or blood cultures are not recommended in well newborns. The evidence is lacking at this point to recommend universal screening for GBS in all pregnant women but patients are increasingly aware of this option and may request anogenital swabs to assess GBS carriage.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections
Hello Andrea, thanks for your kind words. As for the sacral water injections, we have only used them for late first stage and second stage. So repeats haven't been an issue for us. Yes, it does sting, but all the women, bar one, found the injections wonderful. One of the women I saw for her three week postnatal visit and she voluntarily told me all about the injections with great wonder. I didn't know she had them, and when I asked her all about her experience with our service and the birth of her baby etc, she waxed lyrical about the change in sensation with the injections. Very interesting. And yes, because it stings so much, two midwives give the injection at the same time, the women would not let you do it again immediately after, they swat your hands away - or try to. :-) I appreciate the logic with giving them both at the same time. The midwives at JHH have been using them in the birth centre as well. They reckon the injections are great too. I haven't heard any feedback about the refusal for long labours, I'll check that out and get back to you. I'll send you the protocol from work, it's on my work computer, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Andrea Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 7:06 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hi Carolyn, It is so good to hear that Belmont is doing well - what a great standard bearer for midwifery and women! Can I ask you something about the sterile water injections? When I was in the Colac area earlier this year doing a workshop, I was told that although this method was brilliant at relieving the pain, especially with posterior labours, women were often reluctant to have the injections a second time, when the effects of the first round had worn off (it was suggested the effect would last for 2 -3 hours). I found this interesting, and speculated that the pain of the injections must have been bad, for women to think that a short lived sting would be worse than long painful contractions that often come with an OP labour. What has been your experience with doing follow up injections, especially during a long labour? I was also told that it was a good idea to have two midwives do the injections simultaneously - that way the pain was shorter (but presumably more intense with two injections being done at the same time). Can you shed any light on this aspect as well? Many thanks, Andrea PS I would love a copy of your protocol as well, if you email it me. At 02:00 AM 18/11/2006, you wrote: Whilst I'm on the soapbox, I was thinking that you may be interested in the intradermal water injections and their efficacy. We had Janice Deocampo come to Belmont and give a seminar on the use of this technique for women with excruciating back pain. Midwives came from Gosford, Maitland, John Hunter and Taree. Janice presented her information and we all practised on each other (OUCH). It feels like a wasp sting. One of the midwives had back pain which was cured for six hours with the injection she received that day! It took us MONTHS to get the procedure through clinical governance. However, it is through. We have used the injections for about eight women since only one was not completely successful. We have even found them fantastic for late first stage when the backache has stopped the woman from progessing and even second stage when women wouldn't push because the backache was too bad. After the injections, voila - baby! John Hunter midwives are also now using this technique too with great success. Janice Deo Campo did a research project and the results are in the Birth Issues Journal from CAPERS. It is a wonderful, effective tool which may just help someone avoid an epidural or even make birth much more manageable for those women with excrutiating backache. If anyone wants the protocol and information sheet, please email me at work mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] and I will send it to you. warmly, Carolyn Heartlogic http://www.heartlogic.bizwww.heartlogic.biz Phone: +61 2 43893919 PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 As a single footstep will not make a path in the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over again the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives Henry David Thoreau -- 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] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections
I thought I'd better add that the women reflexively try to swat our hands away, it stings very much - and their response is very automatic and understandable. When we were learning we all practiced on each other so we know what it feels like! We talk to the women about how it will feel. We ask the women's partners to hold them as we do the injections, sometimes the partners get taken by surprise by the response, even when we explain what is likely to happen! BTW, I'm grateful to have so many colleagues write and show interest in the protocols, I'm overwhelmed by the response. Isn't it just wonderful that so many midwives are out there making a difference and exploring different ideas to help women and give women choice! What a great group of people you are. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 8:53 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hello Andrea, thanks for your kind words. As for the sacral water injections, we have only used them for late first stage and second stage. So repeats haven't been an issue for us. Yes, it does sting, but all the women, bar one, found the injections wonderful. One of the women I saw for her three week postnatal visit and she voluntarily told me all about the injections with great wonder. I didn't know she had them, and when I asked her all about her experience with our service and the birth of her baby etc, she waxed lyrical about the change in sensation with the injections. Very interesting. And yes, because it stings so much, two midwives give the injection at the same time, the women would not let you do it again immediately after, they swat your hands away - or try to. :-) I appreciate the logic with giving them both at the same time. The midwives at JHH have been using them in the birth centre as well. They reckon the injections are great too. I haven't heard any feedback about the refusal for long labours, I'll check that out and get back to you. I'll send you the protocol from work, it's on my work computer, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Andrea Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 7:06 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hi Carolyn, It is so good to hear that Belmont is doing well - what a great standard bearer for midwifery and women! Can I ask you something about the sterile water injections? When I was in the Colac area earlier this year doing a workshop, I was told that although this method was brilliant at relieving the pain, especially with posterior labours, women were often reluctant to have the injections a second time, when the effects of the first round had worn off (it was suggested the effect would last for 2 -3 hours). I found this interesting, and speculated that the pain of the injections must have been bad, for women to think that a short lived sting would be worse than long painful contractions that often come with an OP labour. What has been your experience with doing follow up injections, especially during a long labour? I was also told that it was a good idea to have two midwives do the injections simultaneously - that way the pain was shorter (but presumably more intense with two injections being done at the same time). Can you shed any light on this aspect as well? Many thanks, Andrea PS I would love a copy of your protocol as well, if you email it me. At 02:00 AM 18/11/2006, you wrote: Whilst I'm on the soapbox, I was thinking that you may be interested in the intradermal water injections and their efficacy. We had Janice Deocampo come to Belmont and give a seminar on the use of this technique for women with excruciating back pain. Midwives came from Gosford, Maitland, John Hunter and Taree. Janice presented her information and we all practised on each other (OUCH). It feels like a wasp sting. One of the midwives had back pain which was cured for six hours with the injection she received that day! It took us MONTHS to get the procedure through clinical governance. However, it is through. We have used the injections for about eight women since only one was not completely successful. We have even found them fantastic for late first stage when the backache has stopped the woman from progessing and even second stage when women wouldn't push because the backache was too bad. After the injections, voila - baby! John Hunter midwives are also now using this technique too with great success. Janice Deo Campo did a research project and the results are in the Birth Issues Journal from CAPERS. It is a wonderful, effective tool which may just help someone avoid an epidural or even make birth much more manageable for those women with excrutiating backache. If anyone wants the protocol
Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections
would be great - I haven't done looking myself as I'm just completing my degree. Did my last official birth last night - now for the portfolio and remaining assignments. Thanks, Sue Hello Andrea, thanks for your kind words. As for the sacral water injections, we have only used them for late first stage and second stage. So repeats haven't been an issue for us. Yes, it does sting, but all the women, bar one, found the injections wonderful. One of the women I saw for her three week postnatal visit and she voluntarily told me all about the injections with great wonder. I didn't know she had them, and when I asked her all about her experience with our service and the birth of her baby etc, she waxed lyrical about the change in sensation with the injections. Very interesting. And yes, because it stings so much, two midwives give the injection at the same time, the women would not let you do it again immediately after, they swat your hands away - or try to. :-) I appreciate the logic with giving them both at the same time. The midwives at JHH have been using them in the birth centre as well. They reckon the injections are great too. I haven't heard any feedback about the refusal for long labours, I'll check that out and get back to you. I'll send you the protocol from work, it's on my work computer, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Andrea Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 7:06 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hi Carolyn, It is so good to hear that Belmont is doing well - what a great standard bearer for midwifery and women! Can I ask you something about the sterile water injections? When I was in the Colac area earlier this year doing a workshop, I was told that although this method was brilliant at relieving the pain, especially with posterior labours, women were often reluctant to have the injections a second time, when the effects of the first round had worn off (it was suggested the effect would last for 2 -3 hours). I found this interesting, and speculated that the pain of the injections must have been bad, for women to think that a short lived sting would be worse than long painful contractions that often come with an OP labour. What has been your experience with doing follow up injections, especially during a long labour? I was also told that it was a good idea to have two midwives do the injections simultaneously - that way the pain was shorter (but presumably more intense with two injections being done at the same time). Can you shed any light on this aspect as well? Many thanks, Andrea PS I would love a copy of your protocol as well, if you email it me. At 02:00 AM 18/11/2006, you wrote: Whilst I'm on the soapbox, I was thinking that you may be interested in the intradermal water injections and their efficacy. We had Janice Deocampo come to Belmont and give a seminar on the use of this technique for women with excruciating back pain. Midwives came from Gosford, Maitland, John Hunter and Taree. Janice presented her information and we all practised on each other (OUCH). It feels like a wasp sting. One of the midwives had back pain which was cured for six hours with the injection she received that day! It took us MONTHS to get the procedure through clinical governance. However, it is through. We have used the injections for about eight women since only one was not completely successful. We have even found them fantastic for late first stage when the backache has stopped the woman from progessing and even second stage when women wouldn't push because the backache was too bad. After the injections, voila - baby! John Hunter midwives are also now using this technique too with great success. Janice Deo Campo did a research project and the results are in the Birth Issues Journal from CAPERS. It is a wonderful, effective tool which may just help someone avoid an epidural or even make birth much more manageable for those women with excrutiating backache. If anyone wants the protocol and information sheet, please email me at work mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] .au and I will send it to you. warmly, Carolyn Heartlogic http://www.heartlogic.bizwww.heartlogic.biz Phone: +61 2 43893919 PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 As a single footstep will not make a path in the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over again the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives Henry David Thoreau -- 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. __ NOD32 1.1454 (20060321) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32
Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections
Ooops, forgot to mention that this information about pain physiology comes from The third chapter Physiology of Pain by Sue Moore in the wonderful book Understanding Pain and its Relief in Labour. Sue Moore edited this book as well as writing several of the chapters. apologies for my omission. I added the information about the water injections. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 2:32 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hello Ramona, The current suggestion for why the sterile water injections work is tied to what is called the gate control theory of pain management. Nerve fibres can be classified or categorised according to their diameter and speed of conduction. The larger the diameter of the nerve fibre, the faster the speed of transmission. Myelinated nerve fibres transmit information faster than non myelinated fibres. In the peripheral nervous system there are myelinated nerve fibres, alpha-beta (very fast) and alpha-delta (fast) and unmyelinated nerve fibres known as C (slow) fibres. The alpha fibres are fast conductors, the C fibres slower conductors. In terms of pain transmission, fast fibres transmit sharp, well defined, localised sensations (touch plus sting of water injections). C fibres transmit slower, chronic, duller kinds of pain signals (baby's occiput/head on sacrum pressure/pain). The original gate-control theory proposed that a physiological gating mechanism operates within the spinal chord's dorsal grey matter. Sensory signals can only pass through these chemical 'gates' when the gates are open. The gates are opened by the release of neurotransmitters which excite the postsynaptic membrane of neurons, therefore transmitting pain signals within the ascending 'pain tracts'. The gate is closed by inhibitory neurotransmitters and the release of endogenous opiods. Touch/pressure etc stimulates the fast, big diameter alpha-beta nerve fibres, sensory signals are transmitted along with pain transmission via the slower alpha delta and C fibres; alpha beta fibres stimulate inhibitory neurons in the dorsal horn closing the gate to other slower sensory and pain related information (particularly C fibres). At the same time, descending information from the brain activate these same inhibitory interneurons which are also involved in the release of endogenous opiods. Mechano-reptors (touch receptors) respond to the whole variety of sensory stimuli such as touch, heat, width of stimulus, depth of stimulus etc. The skin is very rich in these receptors. That is why rubbing etc is helpful with backpain or any other kind of pain. The sting of the water injections stimulates many receptors, exciting both alpha fibres (transmitting touch and pain from the sting) and therefore is thought to slam those gates shut in the dorsal horn whilst the brain's feedback to the sensation of the sting is to release of endogenous endorphins. So the sacral water injections are thought to work because of the excitory action of the alpha beta fibres in closing the gates, the gates closure reinforced by inhibitory action from the brain in response to alpha delta firing and the release of endogenous opiods. It is important to use sterile water as sterile water has the greatest sting. Normal saline is hardly felt as the body is mainly salt water, therefore it doesn't excite the pathways to close the gates nor does it stimulate the release of endogenous opiods. Rubbing the spot of the sting also reduces the excitory nature of the sting - very tempting to rub, we love to help! But in this situation, it is counter productive. We want the sting - the sting is the thing that changes the painful stimuli sensation from deeper within the woman's back (head on sacrum), and lets the woman get on with labour. I hope I've managed to explain this sensibly! Its all fascinating stuff. I'm so grateful to Janice DeoCampo for bringing this to Australia from Sweden where her daughter had her baby and used this technique. Brilliant. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: nunyara [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 7:25 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Hi all! I was very interested to read about these sterile water injections. They sound a great alternative to other types of pain relief but I was wondering just how the sterile water works? Cheers Ramona Nunyara -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sue Cookson Sent: Friday, 24 November 2006 5:54 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Intradermal sacral sterile water injections Thanks Pauline, it would be great to receive the research on intradermal water injections, Sue Here
Re: [ozmidwifery] use of IV syntocinon during late 2nd stage haemmorhage
My thinking on this one is that perhaps if the contractions were infrequent ie 5 mins apart, the midwife may have been seeking to increase the number of contractions, therefore increasing pushing opportunities to reduce the length of time til the baby was born therefore reducing the blood loss. Sometimes we (experienced midwives) can say things like 'to reduce the blood loss' when that is the end domino result of what our actions are - not a direct cause/effect if you know what I mean and that is confusing to beginner practitioners - we have the whole scene played out in our heads like holographic images, but as beginners we only have 'join the dots' fine lines of information and understanding. Sam, did you ask the midwife to explain her actions to you? It would be good to go back and ask her exactly what she did and what were the things she was thinking? Frame it from the point of view that you are learning and are trying to understand the step by step decision making process so you can think like that. She may, of course, find it difficult to articulate her reasoning because as the novice to expert four stage process (described by Dubin 1972) goes, the end stage expert behaviour is mostly unconscious patterns of behaviour. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Samantha Saye To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 2:49 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] use of IV syntocinon during late 2nd stage haemmorhage No, the baby wasnt born, but the head was on view. The midwife upped the rate of synto while the woman was pushing. sam ---Original Message--- From: LJG Date: 11/27/06 12:13:37 To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] use of IV syntocinon during late 2nd stage haemmorhage Hi Sam Am a bit confused...was the baby born? If not how much head was on view? Often these last minute 'bleeds' can come from the vaginal wall or cervix for which increasing the synto would be useless. Lisa -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Samantha Saye Sent: Monday, 27 November 2006 8:51 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] use of IV syntocinon during late 2nd stage haemmorhage Hi all, Just wanted to ask a question regarding the use of IV synto during a late 2nd stage haemmorhage. I was with a woman the other day (i'm a student mid) who was experiencing a VBAC and the woman was losing alot of blood. She had been given IV synto at a rate of 30ml/hr and as the woman started to bleed, the midwife turned up the synto to the maximum rate apparently to reduce the haemmorhage. I've never seen this done before, and was wondering what the knowledgeable midwives :) on this lists thoughts are? The woman ended up losing prob 800ml of blood (and the new mid forgot to give syntometrine injection). Sam 02_header.gif Description: GIF image 02_header1.gif Description: GIF image 02.gif Description: GIF image
Re: [ozmidwifery] Seeking midwife to join us at Belmont Birthing Services
Hello Helen, I've replied to the list to answer the question you asked about onsite medical help. We are a stand alone unit situated within Belmont Hospital. Our nearest medical help is at John Hunter Hospital about 12 kms away and about half an hour by ambulance. The CMO's at Belmont do not have the training or experience to manage problems with neonates or mothers with obstetric problems and so are not involved in any of our processes. Our midwives are highly trained and credentialled to be able to manage various potential neonatal and maternal issues. In reality, this is no different to how the service was managed before as doctors were not onsite for obstetrics after 4pm. The differences are those that really make a difference to outcomes! The differences are: that the women are all healthy with singelton pregnancies, the women know their midwives and the midwives know the women, they have great trusting relationships, their labours are purely physiological, the only interventions are those of movement, positioning, water, self talk etc so the chances of things going anything but right are greatly reduced. In the previous obstetric service, the midwives had to manage all sorts of complexities and risk status in the women, including medical interventions, so to my mind, the new format makes the maternity service much safer than it was previously. I personally can't figure out what is happening at Ryde and guess it is a signal how vulnerable women's services are to competing and not always women friendly power dynamics. Something we all need to take full account of and never let ourselves become complacent. The tide is turning and still rips happen. Hope this helps, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Helen and Graham To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 4:32 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Seeking midwife to join us at Belmont Birthing Services Hi Carolyn I am just writing to say that I won't be applying for the job at Belmont this time around. Whilst I feel confident that I am qualified and experienced enough to perform the role, I don't meet all of the position criteria at this stage, having had a break away from mid to have my son and having mainly worked in small regional birthing units with low birth rates. I do have a question however, is there a doctor within Belmont Hospital who is available if required at the birth? I am trying to compare your situation with the Ryde Hospital situation and wonder why they are having to close the birthing service temporarily due to lack of doctor availability. Helen - Original Message - From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 5:45 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Seeking midwife to join us at Belmont Birthing Services Hello everyone, We are seeking a midwife to join our team at Belmont Birthing Service. We are a stand alone maternity service situated within Belmont Hospital. We are a women centered, relationship based midwifery team iwth a primary health care focus. We are located at Belmont, on the beautiful Lake Macquarie near Newcastle, NSW. Please pass this on to anyone you think may be interested. The ad is in the Thursday SMH and Sat NH this week. (look for HH06/1058) on the intranet it will be on there on Thursday... site is www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au If you want to join us, you can apply on line or send your applications to the Recruitment unit at Waratah stating the number or emailing it to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The advertisement says: HH06/1058 Midwife Permanent Full time Belmont Birthing Services Come and join the dynamic team at the Belmont Birthing Service, part of John Hunter Hospital maternity division. This Birthing Service offers relationship based, one to one midwifery care relevant to women's needs across the continuum of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. We are seeking an innovative and motivated full time midwife, who is an independent thinker and expert clinician and able to work effectively with a great team to join our service. The successful applicant will demonstrate a broad range of midwifery skills, knowledge and communication skills in providing evidence based and appropriate women centered midwifery care. We embrace educational opportunities and strive for a high level of professionalism. Closing date: 24th November, 2006 Enquiries: Carolyn Hastie 0428 112786 Midwifery Manager Belmont Birthing Services Belmont Hospital Enhancing lives through positive birth experiences -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. __ NOD32 1862 (20061110) Information
Re: [ozmidwifery] Donation of birthing kits
Hello Wendy, the Alola foundation is good too for our East Timor sisters - you can purchase maternity packs as Christmas gifts. http://www.alolafoundation.org/gift.php The following is information from the website. Alola is the childhood nickname of a young East Timorese girl from Suai called Juliana dos Santos. During the violence of September 1999, Juliana was kidnapped by a militia leader and taken to Indonesian West Timor. She was 15 years old. This militia leader still holds her today. Ms Kirsty Sword Gusmão is the founder and Chairwoman of The Alola Foundation. Kirsty is the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of East Timor (RDTL) Kirsty continues to campaign for the return of Juliana. See CNRT Website for articles. Kirsty is an amazing woman and her campaign to improve the lives of the women of East Timor is truly inspirational. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 9:21 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Donation of birthing kits Hi All. Can anyone provide me contact details of either an organisation or individual through which donation of a birthing kit can be made to Midwives/communities/coutries in need. This is a Christmas gift/donation instead of Kris Kringle at a workplace. Kindest Regards Wendy Buckland
Re: [ozmidwifery] 'Dodging Bullets Catching Babies'
What wonderful work you are doing Margaret! This report of your experiences is fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing it. You report the statistics from the Alola foundation. Are you also working with Kirsty Sword Gusmao, the first lady of the world's newest nation, East Timor? It would be great to join your inspirational efforts with hers. She is working hard for the welfare of women and children in East Timor and is very focussed on providing resources for midwives and birthing women. with great admiration, warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Margaret Aggar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 8:19 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] 'Dodging Bullets Catching Babies' I have been on and off the list for several years, and was off it when the recent emails came through about Birth Kits for Third World Countries, so thought I would send some information about my experience in Dili this year and the on-going support that will be given there. I have a number of opportunities to speak about my experience in Dili in the new year, one of these will be the NSW Pregnancy, Birth and Early Pregnancy CoOrdinator's Network on March 21 and another, the Central Coast Midwives Association on March 28. If anyone would like more information please contact me - details below. Below is some information about my 2 trips to East Timor in 2005 2006. I will be returning in 2007. Dili, East Timor May 1 - June 28, 2006 I first went to Dili East Timor in May 2005 for 16 days, after hearing that the mortality rate there was 100 times that of Australia's. As a Midwife and Childbirth Educator, I was 'crazy' enough to think that there might be something I can do to help! Some Facts about East Timor: ·East Timor is one of the most fertile nations of the world ·Only 10% of pregnant women in East Timor give birth with the assistance of a qualified Midwife ·The Maternal and Neonatal Mortality rate in East Timor is 100 times that of Australia, 860 deaths for every 100,000 live births. One of the reasons for such a high level of maternal problems is the low utilisation of skilled assistance for pre-natal care, birth and post-natal care. Peri-Natal Neonatal Mortality ·8-9 out of every 100 children born, die before their 1st birthday. ·3-4 out of every 100 children die before reaching age 5. · Risk of dying is markedly higher in rural than urban areas. ·Newborn babies die or are damaged because of birth asphyxia, trauma or infections. ·In highland / rural areas only about 12% of women had a trained attendant at their birth. ·In 2003 61% of births were assisted by relatives or friends During my visit in 2005, I was asked by a Dr in a clinic in Bairo Pite, Dili if I would provide some training for Midwives working at the clinic so that they could then provide training for women in remote villages that currently assist with births, but haven't had any formal training. I was also asked to provide Birth Kits with resources for the Birth Attendants in these remote villages. I arrived in Dili on May 1, 2006 several days after demonstrations and rioting broke out in Dili resulting in deaths and injuries. On May 4, 20,000 people fled from Dili. I received regular text and e-mail updates from The Australian Embassy, there were opportunities to leave, but I declined these, preferring to work with the Midwives and complete the training that I had planned to do. I got used to the sound of gunfire in the early weeks - it was great to have a noisy air-conditioner in my room to block the noise out at night! Despite the unrest in East Timor and the capital of Dili, I was able to continue to visit the clinic daily, with the exception of one day May 27, when I was advised not to leave my accommodation due to gunfire around the area of the clinic, there was also a lot of gunfire in the area I was staying. I contacted some friends that I had made the previous year to see if they were okay - they were flat on the floor of their home, trying to avoid bullets, and told me that every home around them was on fire! I had to call the Embassy to get assistance for them to get out. This was the day that the Australian troops began to arrive - I had never thought that the sound on an APC or Army chopper would bring me such comfort! It was great to have the troops there, and they eventually began to disarm those with weapons, however the gang activity of fires and destruction continued. One of the officers from the Australian Army that had been in East Timor in 1999, told me that when the Army arrived in 1999, the gang activity stopped, however this time it has continued. The Timorese that were still in Dili were beginning to move to refugee camps outside Embassies, in Churches and Clinics, the Hospital and at the Airport. One refugee camp - a Church had 14,000 people in
Re: [ozmidwifery] paed burn cream
Wow, Nikki, what an amazing story! So glad your son has emerged from that traumatic experience so well. Our bodies are truly extraordinary in their ability to heal when given the right environment. Manuka honey is brilliant isn't it? It works well on grazes and labial etc tears for birthing women too. As for fire stories and remedies, I fell in the fire when I was about five years old and burnt both my hands really badly. I was sitting on a box in front of the fire, rocking. My grandmother told me I would fall in the fire if I kept rocking and of course I kept rocking and fell in. Kids are so obedient. There was no going to hospital for anything much in those days. I lived with my grandmother who was a folk healer as I guess many women of her generation were and she smothered my hands daily in a mixture of grated chalk and glycerine and put cotton socks on them. I whinged and carried on. She was resolute. She added the power of love to the mix of the chalk and glycerine together with her steadfast faith in my healing. My hands took (what seems to me) forever to heal. I have no scars on my hands at all. That power and commitment to healing and health you had in helping your son heal, and my grandmother had in my healing, is exactly what we need in every arena of life, deciding what you want, finding what works for you in the circumstances, using what you have, sticking with it, whilst seeing and holding in mind the big picture. It is profoundly effective in the consideration of our core business as midwives, childbirth educators, doulas and birthing women. It works from giving birth to changing maternity services. Thanks for sharing Nikki, all power to you and yours. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Nikki Macfarlane [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 3:37 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] paed burn cream Kristin, My son was badly burned in an accident at home in February this year when the gas cylinder under the stove exploded. He was 12 at the time so not exactly a babe but the treatment I used worked wonders. I live in Singapore and after dousing him with room temp water for as long as we could, we took him to the closest hospital. The ambulance service pretty much leaves a lot to be desired here so we took him ourselves. When i got to A E found there was not one nurse or doctor who knew how to deal with burns, so we had a pink fit until they finally got containers for us to put water in and await a burns specialist. Burns adhesives were used to protect his arms and legs which had extensive second degree burns. We took him home the next day where I felt I could nurse him more effectively than was being done in hospital. After a few days the burns began to exude copious amounts of exudate - pretty disgusting stuff. It was running out of the dressings and he was getting very uncomfortable. they also did not appear to be healing at all although what i was researching seemed to be in line with his progress. I decided to switch tact completely and took the dressings off. We cleaned the wounds by running sterile water over them - did not touch but just let the water clean them. I then wet soft gauze swabs with the sterile water and squeezed out the excess water and then slatheered the swabs with manuka honey. I pured manuka honey over the wounds, then placed the gauze swabs on the top. Finally, wrapped the whole thing in crepe bandage. We would change the dressings three times a day or more often if needed. Within 24 hours there was no exudate at all and the wounds were becoming pink again. Within 72 hours he was off all pain meds and beginning to move around. I continued to redress for about seven days. Now, 10 months later, he has almost no scarring. The worst affected area was his wrist which was borderline third degree. There is no scarring there at all and full mobility in his wrist and hand. The only noticeable sign is where the hair follicles appeared to be burnt and he now has small brown marks on his lower legs - they look like odd pigmentation. I followed up with the Manuka Research unit at Waikato University and got some interesting research papers from the professor there. For us, this worked really well. There was minimal pain - redressing was only difficult when there was not enough honey on the edges of thee swabs so it stuck a little to the healing wounds. For this we just ran sterile water over it until it all softened up. I would give him pain meds about 20 minutes before we started redressing and this would help as well. The burns specialist we were seeing was impressed with his healing and told me that it was significantly more rapid and had an improved appearance compared to the dressings they used. I cannot remember the name of the dressings but it was the clear type that could allow oxygen through. I had read in several places that
Fw: [ozmidwifery] Epidurals and Breastfeeding
- Original Message - From: Barbara Glare Chris Bright To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 9:13 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Epidurals and Breastfeeding The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Shortcut to: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20905801-2702,00.html Epidural babies can't get grip on what's breast David King December 11, 2006 WOMEN who give birth with the aid of pain-relieving epidurals find it harder to breastfeed than those who give birth naturally, an Australian study has found. The research suggests some of the drugs used in epidurals make their way into babies' bloodstreams, subtly affecting their brains and development for weeks afterwards -- including making them less willing to breastfeed. The study by University of Sydney epidemiologist Siranda Torvaldsen adds to a growing body of knowledge that makes a link between the use of the pain-killing drug fentanyl in epidurals and problems with breastfeeding. During an epidural a catheter is inserted into the spine to allow the infusion of pain-killing drugs. These deaden the nerves that relay sensations of pain from the lower body. In a commentary on the research, published today in International Breastfeeding Journal, British scientist Sue Jordan suggests the impact of epidurals on breastfeeding should be officially classed as an adverse drug reaction. Dr Jordan, senior lecturer in applied therapeutics at Swansea University, said women given the infusions should be offered extra support to stop their infants being disadvantaged by this hidden, but far-reaching, adverse drug reaction. Dr Torvaldsen and her colleagues studied 1280 women who had given birth in the ACT, of whom 416 had an epidural. They found that 93 per cent of the women breastfed their baby in the first week, but those who had received epidurals generally had more difficulty in the days immediately after birth. By the time six months had passed, the women who had been given epidurals were twice as likely to have stopped breast-feeding, even after allowing for factors such as maternal age and education. The authors suggest the most likely cause of the problem was fentanyl, an opioid widely used as one of the components of epidurals. Such drugs pass quickly into the bloodstream and easily cross the placenta to reach the unborn baby. Dr Torvaldsen said she conducted the research after speaking to lactation consultants who had noticed that since the addition of fentanyl in epidurals they had seen more women having problems breastfeeding. She said her research added to other studies in the area, particularly a Canadian study that examined fentanyl dosages and breastfeeding outcomes. The Canadian study of 177 mothers found they were less likely to be breastfeeding if they had been given an epidural with fentanyl. Joy Heads, a lactation consultant at Sydney's Royal Hospital for Women, said similar problems had been seen when the pain-killer pethidine had been given to mothers in late stages of labour. She said some newborn babies had lost their sucking co-ordination if the mother had an intra-muscular injection of the pethidine in the last half hour of a normal delivery. Additional reporting: Sunday Times Barb Glare Counsellor, ABA Warrnambool Group Mum of Zac, 13, Dan, 11, Cassie, 8 and Guan 3 Director, ABA and Mothers Direct [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.mothersdirect.com.au Have you bought your 2007 calendar yet?
[ozmidwifery] from women's enews
From Women's E News Irene Lew is editorial intern and Nouhad Moawad is Arabic intern at Women's eNews. Half of the world's pregnant women still lack access to skilled care at childbirth, contributing to a high number of women and infants who continue to die every day, according to the United Nations Population Fund. There are 529,000 maternal deaths in the world annually. Large numbers of poor Nigerian women are giving birth without the help of trained medical professionals, and only 12 percent of the poorest 20 percent have access to skilled medical care during childbirth, according to the United Nations Development Program's 2006 report. Rather than going to a hospital, women are giving birth in churches and in their own homes because they cannot afford medical help, the Nigerian newspaper Daily Trust reported Dec. 13. In order to reduce maternal and newborn mortality, midwives and public health experts from 20 countries around the world have gathered in Tunisia for the first-ever International Forum on Midwifery in the Community. The World Health Organization estimates that 334,000 more midwives are needed around the globe to reduce maternal and newborn death and disability. A strong midwifery profession is key to achieving safer childbirth, and all pregnant women should have access to a midwife, said Thoraya Obaid, head of the U.N. Population Fund. World Health Organization, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health: http://www.who.int/pmnch/en/ Heartlogic www.heartlogic.biz Phone: +61 2 43893919 PO Box 5405 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 As a single footstep will not make a path in the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over again the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives Henry David Thoreau
Re: [ozmidwifery] waterbirth
Hello All, Late to the conversation, the palace of possibilities has been busy! We have lovely big baths at Belmont and many women choose to stay in them to give birth, some who never wanted a 'waterbirth' and many who did/do. What is very interesting is that the midwives who work at Belmont (a wonderful group of women) in moving from fragmented to relationship based midwifery care, have all fallen in love with birth physiology and leave it alone, supporting the whole woman and her process and so many of the women also have physiological third stages with all the attendant benefits that brings mothers and babies. love, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 11:33 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] waterbirth Thank you all for your swift replies. I am supporting midwife who, as a midwife in homebirth, did lots of water births and was recently present at a water birth in a hospital where SHE supported the midwife who supported a woman's wishes for a water birth. As we have only 'accidental' water birth policies in WA hospitals, these midwives are being 'hauled over the coals' for not making the woman get out of the water to birth. Lots of intimidation going on. This will all help. Thanks and Merry Christmas, Mary M
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please...
Hello Kelly, Dr Andrew Bisits, Dr Olly Brown and Dr David Somerset are all happy to support women who choose to give birth naturally to their babies who are in the breech position. They are located at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. NSW. warmest regards, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 3:12 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... Thank-you! And thanks to everyone in advance, I won't reply individually to everyone on the list to save clogging up emails, I will reply privately. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth/breech-birth-in-australia - I shall have something up soon, its not live yet, creating it now. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dan Rachael Austin Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 2:52 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... Ian Etherington OB/Gyn works out of the Mater Hospital in Rockhampton and will support (even encourage) women to birth breech, so long as it isn't a footling. Merry Christmas, Rachael - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 10:48 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... I am compiling a list of Obs/carers who will support a woman for vaginal breech birth as I am seeing more breech women pop up and think they have no choice, booked in for caesars at 37-38wks. So if I can at least help them find a supportive carer, it makes it a heck of a lot easier to accept other info ;) So if you can please let me know if you have names of anyone doing vaginal breech birth around Australia, I am going to collate them. Thanks! Ps. I already have Lionel Steinberg (attended a great breech birth a couple of weeks ago with him as carer), Guy Skinner and David Freidin in Melbourne, would love stacks more. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey __ NOD32 1.1725 (20060825) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please...
Hello Kelly, as you can see I'm catching up on emails so am not sure what you have had as comments so far. Here is my two cents worth. Depends what degree of talipes the baby has as to whether it would influence the baby's ability to use her feet to move herself around. Apart from uterine structural issues, such as bicornuate etc which influence babies ability to position themselves, there are often emotional issues causing pelvic tension and therefore breech or other so called 'malpositions' - they happen to be not ideal for birth, but a sensible position when the pelvis is too tight, the tension in the pelvis means that babies can't adopt the 'head down' position. As the head of the baby goes to where it is comfortable, meaning there is least resistence - usually the bowl of the pelvis, making that the 'ideal' birthing position. Exploring emotional issues and the use of hypnosis is very useful for a) uncovering issues b) relaxing overall body tension and c) communicating with the baby and all these things combine to relax the pelvis and encourage the baby to therefore seek the optimal position. best regards, Carolyn Hastie - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 4:16 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... OK, now I have a question for you - breech and talipes. A woman has just said this: Scan came back all fine, but bubs feet are in the birth canal area and as she has talipes they think with her feet being crossed over she may have trouble moving them out of where they are. We'll just have to wait a few weeks and see. Any suggestions/comments I can pass on? Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby BellyBelly Birth Support -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kelly Zantey Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 3:12 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... Thank-you! And thanks to everyone in advance, I won't reply individually to everyone on the list to save clogging up emails, I will reply privately. http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth/breech-birth-in-australia - I shall have something up soon, its not live yet, creating it now. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dan Rachael Austin Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 2:52 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... Ian Etherington OB/Gyn works out of the Mater Hospital in Rockhampton and will support (even encourage) women to birth breech, so long as it isn't a footling. Merry Christmas, Rachael - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 10:48 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Vaginal Breech Birth - Names Please... I am compiling a list of Obs/carers who will support a woman for vaginal breech birth as I am seeing more breech women pop up and think they have no choice, booked in for caesars at 37-38wks. So if I can at least help them find a supportive carer, it makes it a heck of a lot easier to accept other info ;) So if you can please let me know if you have names of anyone doing vaginal breech birth around Australia, I am going to collate them. Thanks! Ps. I already have Lionel Steinberg (attended a great breech birth a couple of weeks ago with him as carer), Guy Skinner and David Freidin in Melbourne, would love stacks more. Best Regards, Kelly Zantey __ NOD32 1.1725 (20060825) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
[ozmidwifery] Women's e News and Ruth Lubic's work
for those of you Ozmidders who aren't aware of the wonderful Ruth Lubic, this will inspire you. love, Carolyn A Washington health center has reduced C-section rates by emphasizing birthing care from midwives. Also in today's Cheers and Jeers column, activists call on the Indian government to reduce the country's 7,000 annual female feticides. Story follows promos. Best holiday wishes from the staff of Women's eNews Women's eNews(www.womensenews.org) encourages your comments about our stories and women's issues. Please e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] AOL subscribers: To view the Commentoon by Ann Telnaes and HTML e-mail, please remember to click on the Show images and enable links in the header of your e-mail. Does someone send you Women's eNews? Please help us grow and get your own free subscription today at www.womensenews.org/join.cfm. -- Here's today's update: CHEERS AND JEERS OF THE WEEK Birth Center Lowers Health Costs; Male Child Mania By Lew and Moawad WeNews correspondent (WOMENSENEWS)-- Cheers The District of Columbia's only independent birthing center substantially reduced rates of Caesarean sections and preterm deliveries, saving the health-care system more than $800,000 a year, the Washington Post reported Dec. 21. Ruth Watson Lubic, founder and chair of the Family Birthing Center, presented the financial projections this fall. The nonprofit Family Birthing Center of the Washington County Health System provides gynecological and obstetrical services, as well as parenting advice to women and general health services to children. In addition to these services, an increasing number of prenatal patients are choosing to deliver in its birthing rooms. The remaining pregnant women give birth at Washington Hospital Center, accompanied by one of the center's seven midwives. According to preliminary 2006 numbers, the staff seems likely to celebrate a record number of newborns, which exceeds the 153 births last year, as well as the greatest percentage of births delivered away from the hospital. Through mid-October, less than 5 percent of those infants had arrived before 37 weeks and only 2 percent were considered low birth weight. Only 7 percent of their mothers had Cesarean sections. By comparison, in 2004, Caesarean sections accounted for 29 percent of all U.S. births. As a lifelong nurse and midwife, Lubic says that the trust and communication that develop between patients and midwives during prenatal appointments translates into better health outcomes for babies. If we don't help women feel good about their ability to give birth, then they're not going to feel so good about their ability to mother, she said. Conversely, there's nothing better than a birth well done to raise self esteem. More News to Cheer This Week: a.. Three Republicans and 107 Democratic House representatives have called for Dr. Eric Keroack to be removed from his post overseeing the government's distribution of $283 million in family planning grants, Reuters reported Dec. 20. President Bush selected Keroack, a prominent anti-choice activist, as a deputy secretary of the Health and Human Services Department Nov. 16 in a move that was widely criticized by reproductive rights activists. We are telling this administration that it needs to get its act together in providing real assistance to low-income families to protect women and children, said Rep. Joseph Crowley of New York, who drafted the letter. b.. The Iraqi women's nongovernmental organization Khansa organized a conference on religious tolerance and dialogue in Najaf in response to growing sectarian violence, the Middle East Times reported Dec. 18. About 90 human rights activists and journalists, mostly women, as well as clerics from Baghdad, Najaf and Babel attended the event to speak out against violence and to call for unity among Sunni and Shia Muslims and Christians. Another conference will be held in January. c.. A woman's health center organized a candlelight vigil on the Atlantic City boardwalk where the bodies of four murdered prostitutes were found near a drainage ditch. The action was meant to bring attention to violence against women, the Trentonian newspaper reported Dec. 19. A lot of the press coverage, because of the women's lifestyle, has made it sound as if they were somehow throwaway victims, said Claudia Ratzlaff, executive director of Atlantic County Women's Center. We are here to give a voice to the most recent victims of crime against women, to mourn their deaths and to acknowledge the value of their lives as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. d.. Sex workers in the Indian state of West Bengal are being shown how to use female condoms in efforts to
[ozmidwifery] Re: [C-Aware] (no subject)
Oh dear, look at the subliminal message in this photo. The baby bottle feeding and held remotely frm the mother's body, sigh. Doesn't that show the source of the disconnection so rampant in our society sadly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Helen and Graham To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; ozmidwifery ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2006 10:46 PM Subject: [C-Aware] (no subject) http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/story/?id=30477 Caesareans and circumcisions REPORTER: Jackie Quist BROADCAST DATE: December 19, 2006 Researchers are looking again at whether circumcision can reduce the spread of AIDS, and whether caesarean section births create extra risks. Two of the most emotive and contentious medical issues affecting most Australian families are caesarean births and whether to circumcise boys. Now experts say new research may change the way we think about both. National spokesperson for the Caesarean Awareness Network, Cas McCulloch, says up to 29 per cent of Australia's childbirths are now caesarean sections. It is an increasing rate that suggests Australia is on the way to having one-in-three babies entering the world in an operating theatre. Of course, some caesareans are a medical necessity. Some are the mother's choice and others are recommended by the treating doctor. Anecdotally, we hear stories that actually confirm that that is the case, Ms McCulloch said. We know that litigation plays a really important role in doctors' decisions to prefer caesareans. We also know that a lot of doctors think caesareans are safer. After two natural births, Karen Hindle was told she had placenta previa. There was no option but to have baby Sarah by caesarean. It worked out really well as far as the child was concerned, but for me, I was very sick for about two/two and a half months, Karen said. ADVERTISEMENT Karen can't understand why anyone would elect to have a caesarean. I could barely stand for the first six weeks, she said. I could only stand at five minute intervals and then I was on the couch, or on the bed, for the rest of the time. It would take me a bit to psych myself up for the shower, so it was a bit horrific. Ms McCulloch claimed there were other possible downsides to caesareans. There's a longer stay in hospital, there's a risk of respiratory distress for the baby, there's a higher risk of breastfeeding complications, she said. There's a risk that the baby might be cut during the surgery, there's a risk that your other organs might be cut during the surgery, there's a number of risks. Severe bleeding was another risk. Studies now show that one-in-155 women needed a hysterectomy after their first caesarean birth, with the risk rising to one-in-40 after the fourth. If you have a baby boy, there's the issue of circumcision. The trend these days is not to circumcise, but Melbourne University's Dr. Roger Short said the debate needed to be re-examined. The new evidence that has come through should make everyone turn around and do a complete rethink, he said. This month, the results of a large, two year study conducted in Africa showed circumcised men almost halved their risk of contracting the HIV virus. The suggestion was this age old practice may be the most effective weapon against a scourge that now plagues some Third World countries. Karen and Keith McFarlane were among the 10 per cent of Australian parents who circumcise their sons. The procedure takes only one minute, but does carry a risk of bleeding and infection. In Australia, a child dies every five years from a botched procedure. According to Dr. George Williams from Circumcision Information Australia, it is a practice the country simply cannot justify. The ethics is, do doctors have the right to alter a penis that is normal, and by surgical means? Dr Williams said. I don't think that can be ethically justified. Disclaimer The information on yahoo7.com.au/todaytonight is made available for information purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Also, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information is not guaranteed. The Seven Network does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information. -- ___ 'The C-Aware list exists to promote discussion about caesarean birth and VBAC, and to provide space for all interested parties to take part in this discussion. The contents of emails sent through the C-Aware list are confidential and are for the sole purpose of free and frank discussion of the issues women are confronted with when approaching caesarean, or birth after caesarean. Birthrites holds no responsibility
Re: [ozmidwifery] Disturbing trend...
Another escalating disturbing trend is that of women telling pregnant women horrible stories. On Thursday night as I was doing some last minute shopping, a young pregnant womanworking in a fashion store was telling me how scared she is of giving birth. As we chatted about her fears, she told me some of the terrible things women have been saying to her. Pregnant women have always been subject to public scrutiny and 'advice' but goodness me, what people have been saying to her is just appalling. The next day, Friday, a women who is 38 weeks came in scared stiff (literally). Her very kind and interested neighbour (not!) had been regaling her with the story of 'someone' who's baby died in the uterus at 38 weeks! Gee whizz and we wonder why the caesarean section rate is rising! Now folks, we have some serious culture change to do. I think Kelly has the right idea, marketing midwifery and relationships and getting this human relationship issue on the political agenda. We are terrifying women into birth disability and god knows what all that fear is doing to the baby's neural network wiring! Hmmm, rising anxiety in people may be one thing. sadly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Kelly Zantey To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 8:21 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Disturbing trend... In one of my programs, I can see which search terms people have entered into search engines which have resulted in them finding my site. I have noticed now that almost on a daily basis that people are searching for the words 'controlled crying and vomiting' I guess I am grateful that they aren't ending up on the government site that says this is normal, but I find it quite disturbing none the less. L Best Regards, Kelly Zantey
Re: [ozmidwifery] Question re conference at John Hunter
Hello Lyle, The conference will be fantastic! I'm really looking forward to the debate on CTG's. The debate is titled This house believes that the use of EFM in labour should be abandoned For those who would like the conference information and registration form, please email me on: [EMAIL PROTECTED] and I will send it to you. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Lyle Burgoyne [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2006 1:08 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Question re conference at John Hunter Hi, I have seen a brief email about a conference at John Hunter Hospital on the 9th and 10th Feb 2007 dealing with Midwifery models of care and Electronic fetal monitoring. Does anyone have any more information about this conference and are applicatiuons available online anywhere? Thanks Lyle 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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] synto AFTER 3rd stage?
Great question Kristin. If a woman who has given birth to her baby is in her 'tend and befriend' neural network regulatory process aka parasympathetic aspect of her autonomic nervous system, then her endogenous oxytocin will be high, therefore doing what endogenous oxytocin does - contract her uterus, stimulate lactogenesis, generate sensations of loving her baby, stimulate all sorts of yummy, healthy physiological effects, which in turn creates more of the same. BTW, that is the state we are all meant to be in - our physiology works for health and harmony in that 'state'. If however, she is frightened, cold, disrupted, interfered with or her baby is taken away from her for whatever reason, including weighing, measuring etc, therefore her autonomic nervous system switches into the 'flight, fight or freeze' state, then she may be much more likely to bleed and therefore 'need' exogenous oxytocin. Fascinating how we create what we are always trying to prevent/control :-) Something that is not well enough known is that when we give exogenous oxytocics aka syntocinon, then that synthetic hormone does not cross the blood brain barrier and therefore does not act like a behavioural hormone, meaning it does not help mothers fall in love with their babies and it does switch off the woman's own oxytocin supply, which complicates the falling in love issue. So giving exogenous oxytocin interrrupts bonding and even distorts it. That's a big responsibility and we are seeing the effects of our (medically dominated and controlled/interrupted birthing process) meddlesome ways in our society's ills right now. I for one, would not advocate giving syntocinon after the placenta was born for 'insurance' reasons. It is really time that we all started looking at what makes our physiology work best, instead of the Newtonian way of always trying to control 'risk'. That is shutting the door after the horse has bolted way of doing things. We have to reduced risk by optimising conditions before we get to the risky state. We are busy creating risk by frightening women. We have to start asking 'what helps women feel confident?' 'what helps women feel safe in their own skins?' ' what can we do to make the birth environment one which enhances women's sense of self and internal security?' what helps women feel relaxed and calm?' What do we need to do to help women stay in their parasympathetic aspect of their autonomic nervous system? At Belmont, we are seeing the effects of facilitating, supporting and respecting the normal parasympathetic way of being - healthy happy babies and mothers, well bonded. Labour goes better and faster, perineums are stretchier, love is more likely and deep, connection between mother/baby/family is facilitated, breastfeeding goes better, babies are healthy and happy and smiling from birth - we know they smile in the womb, but we can't see that til they're born. love, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Kristin Beckedahl To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 12:47 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] synto AFTER 3rd stage? Hi all, A woman I will be supporting for her first birth had a checkup y'day where she discussed her birth plan with the midwife. MW was very impressed and supportive overall, yet was concerned about her decision for a natural 3rd stage. She has stated on her birth plan that she would prefer to take the wait and see approach and only have it if there was 'excessive' bleeding. The MW was happy to negiotiate this with her and suggested she have it not at birth, but after the placenta has come away. Would she really need it at this stageif her loss was minimal...? Any insights would be appreciated thanks! Kristin -- Advertisement: It's simple! Sell your car for just $20 at carsales.com.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Dr Jose Villars and pre-eclampsia
Interestingly Lea and Janet, women who are relaxed, given plenty of opportunity to talk about their lives and what pregnancy and parenting mean to them as part of relationship based midwifery care also seem to avoid pre eclampsia - it could be nutritionally mediated as well, as we spend time talking to women about what they eat. Out of all the women we have looked after through Belmont, we have had 2 women out of the 280 who have given birth so far through the service, who got pre eclampsia in pregnancy and one whose BP went up after giving birth. Several women whose legs have been oedematous, (they had no signs of pre eclampsia), had great results from lymphatic drainage aka reflexology. It is easy to see the huge difference after the massage/reflexology session and the women sure feel different in themselves. Sitting down, massaging women's feet gives a great opportunity to talk about what is going on in their lives and it is ALWAYS a lot. Once the tension dissipates, so does the oedema. all fascinating. only anecdotal :-) but fascinating (dis)stress and tension have a lot to answer for I reckon. warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Lea Mason To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 4:35 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Dr Jose Villars and pre-eclampsia Hi Janet, I haven't heard of this man's work but here are a couple of interesting articles about pre-eclampsia if you are looking into current studies by doctors. Even though they are referring to new ways of treating with drugs, I think both these articles actually point to nutrition having a huge effect. If they are finding that Evidence suggests that the disorder is triggered when the fetus is not able to absorb sufficient amounts of oxygen from the placental blood supply... then what is it that would enable better ability to absorb oxygen from the placental blood supply?...good nutrition - which allows a healthy placenta to develop. So Dr Tom Brewer's idea that pre-eclampsia can be avoided by excellent nutrition during pregnancy still holds true as we find out more and more about the condition from studies. http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060724fa_fact http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1123568331.html?dids=1123568331:1123568331FMT=ABSFMTS=ABS:FTtype=currentdate=Sep+7%2C+2006author=Thomas+H.+Maugh+IIpub=Los+Angeles+Timesedition=startpage=A.19desc=The+Nation (I've emailed you privately the full text of this one) Cheers, Lea Mason, AAHCC Certified Bradley® Natural Childbirth Educator Labour Support Professional http://www.birthsteps.com.au - Original Message - From: Janet Fraser To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 4:07 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Dr Jose Villars and pre-eclampsia Hi, I'm looking online for this man's work and can't find anything much but a mention at the US patent office. This makes me suspicious but anyway... Apparently the thrust of his work is that nutrition has no effect on pre-eclampsia, something with which I cannot agree. But I can't find his work to read! The preeclampsiafoundation.org people like him but their site is solely surgeon-driven and that too I don't like! Anyone help me? Very grateful : ) J For home birth information go to: Joyous Birth Australian home birth network and forums. http://www.joyousbirth.info/ Or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [ozmidwifery] synto AFTER 3rd stage?
Hello Angela, From my perspective, it would seem that an exogenous oxytocic mediated third stage, with its forceful, prolonged contraction would be more likely to force fetal blood into the maternal system. That contraction, coupled with pulling and tugging, removing placental bits from the endometrium by applied tension (aka controlled cord traction) would be more likely to provide opportunities for micro tears in the delicate chorionic villi walls, lending itself to transplacental transfer of blood cells. The intelligent way the woman's endogenous oxytocin's pulsatile nature provides gentle and yet effective uterine contractions, allowing the placenta to come off the wall of the uterus like a sticky note off a piece of paper and drop into the lower segment, whilst clamping the uterine wall blood vessels has a different 'energetic' feel to it all. Given that at the sub atomic level we are all energy, that differet 'feel' may well be very important. BTW, that pressure of the placenta in the lower segment provides the pelvic and bowel sensations to let the woman know it is time to give birth to her placenta. I would suggest therefore, that physiological 'management' is the optimal form of third stage 'care' for women with rhesus positive and rhesus negative blood groups. Funny how often physiology wins out over intervention. Hmm. Is that what you are meaning by your question Angela? warmly, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Angela Thompson To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 11:45 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] synto AFTER 3rd stage? Carolyn, Would you have any feedback on managed 3rd stage for rhesus negative women? Thanks Angela On 12/24/06, Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Great question Kristin. If a woman who has given birth to her baby is in her 'tend and befriend' neural network regulatory process aka parasympathetic aspect of her autonomic nervous system, then her endogenous oxytocin will be high, therefore doing what endogenous oxytocin does - contract her uterus, stimulate lactogenesis, generate sensations of loving her baby, stimulate all sorts of yummy, healthy physiological effects, which in turn creates more of the same. BTW, that is the state we are all meant to be in - our physiology works for health and harmony in that 'state'. If however, she is frightened, cold, disrupted, interfered with or her baby is taken away from her for whatever reason, including weighing, measuring etc, therefore her autonomic nervous system switches into the 'flight, fight or freeze' state, then she may be much more likely to bleed and therefore 'need' exogenous oxytocin. Fascinating how we create what we are always trying to prevent/control :-) Something that is not well enough known is that when we give exogenous oxytocics aka syntocinon, then that synthetic hormone does not cross the blood brain barrier and therefore does not act like a behavioural hormone, meaning it does not help mothers fall in love with their babies and it does switch off the woman's own oxytocin supply, which complicates the falling in love issue. So giving exogenous oxytocin interrrupts bonding and even distorts it. That's a big responsibility and we are seeing the effects of our (medically dominated and controlled/interrupted birthing process) meddlesome ways in our society's ills right now. I for one, would not advocate giving syntocinon after the placenta was born for 'insurance' reasons. It is really time that we all started looking at what makes our physiology work best, instead of the Newtonian way of always trying to control 'risk'. That is shutting the door after the horse has bolted way of doing things. We have to reduced risk by optimising conditions before we get to the risky state. We are busy creating risk by frightening women. We have to start asking 'what helps women feel confident?' 'what helps women feel safe in their own skins?' ' what can we do to make the birth environment one which enhances women's sense of self and internal security?' what helps women feel relaxed and calm?' What do we need to do to help women stay in their parasympathetic aspect of their autonomic nervous system? At Belmont, we are seeing the effects of facilitating, supporting and respecting the normal parasympathetic way of being - healthy happy babies and mothers, well bonded. Labour goes better and faster, perineums are stretchier, love is more likely and deep, connection between mother/baby/family is facilitated, breastfeeding goes better, babies are healthy and happy and smiling from birth - we know they smile in the womb, but we can't see that til they're born. love, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Kristin Beckedahl To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 12:47 PM
Re: [ozmidwifery] What happened with this birth?
Dear Gail, Firstly, your instincts are spot on. This is a very distressing story. It is not a coincidence that these women's labours stalled following his VE's, that is absolutely to be expected and is the result of a mindless disruption of the women's optimal state of neurophyiological functioning. Taylorism, that is an industrial, efficiency management model, has no place in the dynamic fluid process of birth, sadly it has become merged into the 'health' care system with this sort of unconscious abuse becoming more common. 'Discussions' with the doctors at that stage will do nothing except breed resistence and further intervention; in mindless individuals it can even result in payback situations where intervention will be done just because you are the midwife. The right to rule is still endemic in the maternity services. the first thing to understand is that these people really believe they are doing the right thing. the second thing to understand is that they are taught all about the abnormalities of birth, they have absolutely no idea about normal physiology as applied to birth (gross generalisation, I know) the third thing is that they are terrified of birth the fourth thing is that they are taught throughout medical school that they are the boss of everything and the government and health departments agree and structure everything (I know, there are exceptions) to reinforce that idea the fifth and probably MOST important thing is that they do get taught about 'patient' autonomy and the need for consent. So, here is where it gets interesting and where our opportunity lies. It is vitally important that you use every moment with birthing women to help them understand the situation, without making it combatative and engendering a siege mentality and ask them what they want to have happen, how they would like things to go, so they can say what they want - be left alone, checked in another hour a few more hours, more time, a bath, move freely, have the baby listened to by doppler in the shower/bath etc if women have the information that can help them with the deeply damaging throw away lines that get trotted out like 'stillbirth' 'brain damage' etc, then women can say what they want and we as midwives can support them in that and remember to DOCUMENT what women want. To do things against rational people's will is abuse. To argue about medical intervention with midwives is a nuisance and an affront to power beliefs. Getting strategic is important. Learning tactical support of birthing women is a midwifery art form and a very challenging one. It is crucial that you avoid blame, judgement and criticism as these emotional states are damaging for everyone and lead to despair. It is useful to come from the point of view that they mean well but are ignorant about birth physiology and are taught to look for problems. Neuroscience and quantum physics teaches us we find what we are looking for. That also means we make it up if it is not there. Our job is to work with women and their processes, to give women information to make their own decisions and to help them actualise their decisions and to help doctors know what women want. :-) makes it so simple really. Simple does not, however, mean easy. Every time you find yourself with a pregnant and/or birthing woman ask questions of yourself like 'how can I best inform her of her options?' ' how can I best explain the process of birth so she knows what to expect?' 'how can I support her with what she wants?' ' how can I best let her know how well she is doing so that she can feel secure in asking for more time if she needs it?' how can I best let her know her rights so she feels powerful and in control of her process?' some women, no matter what doors you open, will succumb to medical pressue. That is just the way it is and all we can do is support her through her experience with love, compassion and kindness. One last thing, make friends with that doctor. It is not 'sucking up' it is working with integrity. Everyone wants to do a good job. Approach that person, say you feel uncomfortable about the interaction - open dialogue. We need to be friends with each other. Focus on creating a healthy workplace. Over time, you may have more influence as trust deepens between you. We need to focus on the long term with our doctor midwife relationships. Remember that he is scared of birth and wants to control it - the women get in the way of that and get caught in the melee. He is doing the best he can with what he knows. Doctors are not enemies, they are, in the main, ignorant about normal birthing physiology. Power dynamics, history and politics have put them where they don't belong. We as midwives have to work with that reality to the best of our ability. Birthing women, when they have accurate information, can call the tune. However, if someone is doing something that is not medically
[ozmidwifery] Taylorism
Hi Sally, thanks to you and the others for your kind words. We all ought to get together for coffee (or Caro or Green Tea :-) Perhaps the next homebirth conference?? Of course you can forward this and anything else I write to whoever you wish. As for Taylorism, Frederick Winslow Taylor was the 'father' of scientific management, very centered on industrial 'efficiency' and his work was used in time and motion studies. Lenin loved his ideas and you can see what happened in the USSR as a result. His ideas have found their way into many aspects of human life, including the birth place. If you have the internet, you can google 'taylorism' and you can read as much as you like about him and his work. Happy New Year, love, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Sally @ home [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 8:37 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] What happened with this birth? Carolyn, You are amazing...after being completely denigrated by the medicos and some of my colleagues for believing that women DO NOT need V'E's every 4 hours to assess progress of labour, what you have written is a breath of fresh air, with your permission I would like to forward your previous email to my colleagues, to make those who practice obsteric nursing aware and to support those who truly work with women. Have you got some info on Taylorism, I would like saome background on it. Thanks heaps. regards Sally - Original Message - From: Gail McKenzie [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 5:07 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] What happened with this birth? WOW!!! Thank you thank you thank you. Carolyn, that was just what I needed. Are you going to the homebirth conference this year? If so, I would dearly love to catch up with you everyone else who contributes to the ozmidwifery site. maybe we can wear a flower or something so we recognise each other. Much love and admiration, Gail From: Heartlogic [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] What happened with this birth? Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:24:40 +1100 Dear Gail, Firstly, your instincts are spot on. This is a very distressing story. It is not a coincidence that these women's labours stalled following his VE's, that is absolutely to be expected and is the result of a mindless disruption of the women's optimal state of neurophyiological functioning. Taylorism, that is an industrial, efficiency management model, has no place in the dynamic fluid process of birth, sadly it has become merged into the 'health' care system with this sort of unconscious abuse becoming more common. 'Discussions' with the doctors at that stage will do nothing except breed resistence and further intervention; in mindless individuals it can even result in payback situations where intervention will be done just because you are the midwife. The right to rule is still endemic in the maternity services. the first thing to understand is that these people really believe they are doing the right thing. the second thing to understand is that they are taught all about the abnormalities of birth, they have absolutely no idea about normal physiology as applied to birth (gross generalisation, I know) the third thing is that they are terrified of birth the fourth thing is that they are taught throughout medical school that they are the boss of everything and the government and health departments agree and structure everything (I know, there are exceptions) to reinforce that idea the fifth and probably MOST important thing is that they do get taught about 'patient' autonomy and the need for consent. So, here is where it gets interesting and where our opportunity lies. It is vitally important that you use every moment with birthing women to help them understand the situation, without making it combatative and engendering a siege mentality and ask them what they want to have happen, how they would like things to go, so they can say what they want - be left alone, checked in another hour a few more hours, more time, a bath, move freely, have the baby listened to by doppler in the shower/bath etc if women have the information that can help them with the deeply damaging throw away lines that get trotted out like 'stillbirth' 'brain damage' etc, then women can say what they want and we as midwives can support them in that and remember to DOCUMENT what women want. To do things against rational people's will is abuse. To argue about medical intervention with midwives is a nuisance and an affront to power beliefs. Getting strategic is important. Learning tactical support of birthing women is a midwifery art form and a very challenging one. It is crucial that you avoid blame, judgement and criticism as these emotional states
[ozmidwifery] culture shift, warrior women, fazes and phases (was 'what happened with this birth)
Yep :-) Hey Lioness/warrior woman - namaste it is all about culture shift and it is happening getting quicker now. you say it is a new 'faze' - was that an intentional double entendre? I think we are all much more clear sighted and clear minded than ever. :-) hugs, love and Happy New Year, Carolyn - Original Message - From: Sue Cookson To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 2:14 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] What happened with this birth? Hi Carolyn, Gail and others, I can't agree with you enough Carolyn. Having just completed (yes!!) my BMid degree after attending homebirths for 23 years without a degree, I agree with everything that you have written - in particular the need to work with the doctors not against them, talk to your colleagues, don't just turn off or walk away. We as a society have participated in all that has been set up - the heirarchies, the 'powerful' few, the fear that has permeated and changed women's respect and understanding of birth. And it will only be through quiet, respectful but definite changes - mainly working with and truly understanding the nature of birth and the role that we as midwives can and do play, that anything at all will change. Through my clinical placements over the past two years I have seen many absolutely horrific situations in hospitals and I honestly can't remember one where it wasn't in my eyes due to the management - be it the dominance, the belittling of the woman, the panic from care providers, lots of practices that are not evidence-based and should be changed yesterday, poor practice and often simply the lack of understanding of normal labour by the care providers causing haemorrhages, depressed babies , separation, interference... And so at fifty years old I enter a new faze in my life - not totally sure where or how but it will certainly be building bridges, informing people - families and practitioners alike - of safe and effective practice, agitating for change and then more change. As a mother of four homeborn beautiful kids I feel now like a warrior/lioness ready to move into a new era and will be challenging all those shitty old practices and attitudes as I go. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead (1901-1978) Happy New Year to all of you, Sue
