[ozmidwifery] bye for now
Dear list friends and colleagues I need to go off the list for a while. My beloved life partner Noel has suffered what is called a transient ischaemic attack, in which he experienced temporary paralysis and loss of speech. He seems to be recovering well, for which we thank our God. We are praying for full restoration. Thanks to those who have already sent messages of support. We were in Sydney at the time, and spent several days in the Nepean Hospital. The care we received was excellent. Please be assured that I will continue to work to the best of my ability for womens rights in birthing. Joy Johnston --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.380 / Virus Database: 213 - Release Date: 24/07/2002
RE: relactation
Macha, I'd be interested to know if you have every tried co-bathing with Emeleen. This means hopping in the bath tub together and giving her the chance to suckle if she wants to. I think being skin to skin in a quiet watery environment re-triggers primal instincts about feeding in babies. Not sure if it still works at 14 months. I have seen a bottle fed baby (no breast feeding after first week) take the breast at 6 months - mother had not tried to relactate, and was totally blown away by the experience. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Macha McDonald [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2002 11:48 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject:relactation Macha's relactation story. Baby Emeleen was born 22nd March, 2001. First day was great. Second night was a nightmare. She wouldnt stop crying and my nipples were beginning to hurt. Midwife taught me to use controlled crying...on my 2 DAY old baby (If I knew then what I know now!). She howled through the night, I after exhausting and highly interventional labour was exhausted. Nobody would take my baby to the nursery, I was beginning to become irrational. Next morning, baby still crying, midwife says I'm not supposed to say this, but you need some sleep. Would you like to give Emeleen some formula?. Gladly agreed, and entered downward spiral at this point. Expressed madly through the day so I wouldnt have to give her formula again. When I got home, after 3 days in hospital, (sore nipples gone, technique on the ball) we were doing alright, feeling a bit stressed and tired, but coping. Day 5, enter bottlefeeding fascist mother. Shes hungry, you dont have enough milk, your boobs look smaller etc etc. Give baby another bottle. Attend hospital b/f centre, told to feed 3 hourly and express. I still felt incredibly stressed. Baby began putting on weight and was doing fine, but I was convinced, under influence of my mother, that it was not enough. She put on a whole lot, then in 5 days put on 15g, and I panicked. Started giving more bottles. Contacted ABA and got a supply line. Got a script of maxalon, and continued to b/f and supplement with supply line until Emeleen was 5 months old (and a bit). Totally on formula, she was incredibly constipated, so I decided to relactate, also because I missed breastfeeding, and felt totally inadequate, and like a failure. I used Goldfarb/Newman protocol (Diane35 and domperidone) to buil up breast tissue and after a month started expressing anywhere from 8-12 times a day. Tried every method under the sun to get Emeleen back to the breast, and the best I could do was get her to bite them..and then crack up laughing at mummies reaction. I persevered and am able to express about 140mls per day...not much, but I feel great Emeleen, now 14 months is incredibly interested in my boobs. Always looking down my shirt and squealing with delight when she squeazes milk from my nipples. It is surprisingly a good feeling...although not a complete breastfeeding relationship, we have our own way of doing it. The best thing about it is that I feel satisfied. I feel like I have achieved something, although it may seem like nothing to others. The very fact that she has learnt to accept my breasts and play with them is enoughand of course, she gets the important breastmilk!!! -- 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: Melbourne's Child article
Dear Liz While I agree wholeheartedly with most of the discussion on this, and I have seen the article in question, I feel I need to make a comment about your statement : The 'baby friendly initiative' I believe, was aimed at developing countries whose children were dying of diarrhoeal disease through contaminated water, incorrect formula and lack of hygiene. This is a not uncommon response, and it worries me greatly - I believe it's wrong. I was involved in both the Victorian and the national BFHI set-up. I am not actively involved in it now, but I support the underlying principles wholeheartedly. I know of no reason why every maternity service in Australia should not implement the '10 steps to successful breastfeeding', and seek external assessment through the Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation process. This has very little to do with dirty water - babies die unnecessarily in Australia too because they are not breastfed. The reasons for failure of breastfeeding (most are willing to initiate breastfeeding, but the drop-off rates are alarming) are many. There is reliable evidence that practices which have for many years been common in maternity services across the developed world, such as separation of mother and baby, timing of feeds, use of artificial supplements, use of dummies and teats, advertising of alternatives to breastfeeding ... all contribute to early weaning. These are the issues that are dealt with in the global Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Sally's comments about babies who are brought into this world doped up to their eyeballs in narcotics are also relevant here. These babies and their mothers require special skilled support, and it can all be done within the baby friendly process. There's nothing daunting, or excessively focused on technique in the baby friendly initiative that I know about. (I'm a realist - not everyone gets it right all the time, but that's life!) Finally, we all agree that most mothers, most of the time, want what's best for their babies. Midwives who seek to provide woman centred care will do all that they can to support the mother-baby bond, working with the natural process, and only interfering when we have a good reason. That's being mother-friendly too. Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding doesn't come easily. There are many deterrents in our society. Our work should be underpinned by reliable evidence, and I would ask anyone who knows of evidence contrary to the BFHI '10 steps' to speak up now. With my best wishes Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Birth matters Vol 6.2
The June issue of Birth Matters, the journal of the Maternity Coalition, is now on its way to members. The following is by way of explanation, and advertisement / membership drive. Please forward this message to other lists if you believe it may be welcome. Maternity Coalition is a national non-profit charity - an umbrella organisation made up of individuals and groups; consumers and providers of maternity care, as well as academics who comment on women's rights and social change. Articles which are given priority in Birth Matters are those which address the Maternity Coalition's agenda of advocating for the rights of women as mothers, and reform of maternity services. Our website is at present being updated - see www.maternitycoalition.org.au Annual membership is only $30 for individual subscribers in Australia. The articles in Vol 6.2 include discussion of 'Partnership in Practice' by NZ consumer advocate Rea Daellenbach, and a response by Kerreen Reiger. Jan Robinson's compilation of advice from the Democrats, 'Influencing the Decision Makers' is very useful to anyone who seeks to be an agent for change. Robin Payne reports on the 'Three Centres Consensus Guidelines on Antenatal Care'; Roslyn Donnellan - Fernandez continues her article, 'Midwifery in Australia'; Pinky McKay writes on 'Promoting breastfeeding, promoting guilt?', and we have two excellent first person accounts of birth, by Rebecca Lange and Leisa Smith. The regular columns include updates on what's happening in the Branches, and MIPP, and information on the National Maternity Action Plan. We have an author abstract from Helen Robinson of the Vic Perinatal Data Collection Unit ' Comparison of perineal trauma rates in women who gave birth inside hospital, or a birth centre, or unexpectedly outside hospital or had a planned home birth'. Those who have signed the Australian Midwifery Campaign Petition, advertised through Birth Matters, will be pleased to know that the signature tally is over 7,000 (now closed). Inserts with this issue of Birth Matters include a copy of the new 'Having a baby' pamphlet, which was published last year in SA, and has now been adapted (with permission) for use in Vic. It's an excellent consumer information resource, and has been made available by ACMI Vic Branch and Maternity Coalition. Now I expect that someone who reads this will want to subscribe. If this is the case, please send a cheque for $30 (+ tax-exempt donation) to: The Secretary PO Box 1190 Blackburn North, 3130, Victoria Membership Details Name: Address:Postcode: Telephone: E-Mail: please let us know your areas of interest and skills for participation in the Maternity Coalition Please make cheques payable to the Maternity Coalition Inc -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: FHMonitoring
Anne asked me Is this hand book from NZ [NZCOM MIDWIVES HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICE] online or can one purchase it somehow? I don't know. Is there someone on the list who knows? I bought mine directly from NZCOM some years ago. Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: FHMonitoring
There is a basic principle that I think is often overlooked when we look for rules and set procedures. In my mind, any test or investigation should be done with the intention of taking action on its result. Listening to FH (using a doppler or a pinnard or anything) is such a test. In homebirth practice I have found that there are times when I have listened to a FH every 30 minutes, but usually not, unless I'm concerned about something. This has been particularly in situations like Jan describes - sometimes out in the bush, a long way from any emergency medical facility, and sometimes in town. Just because I am in proximity to a labouring woman does not give me the right or need to take over in a sense of monitoring the baby's heart rate. Heart rate is only one of the points that we take note of, and much of a midwife's work can be done quietly and unobtrusively, while the woman gets on with the work of giving birth. Looking at observations as potential points of intervention, or points of decision, the times I like to hear the baby's heartbeat are * When I arrive to attend a labouring woman. Not usually immediately, but after I have observed her activity and response to the labour * When the membranes rupture * At any time when we (she or I or both) is/am/are concerned about progress. There is a very important distinction in this between spontaneous birth in the woman's own place, and birth that is complicated by induction, pain killers, or even unfamiliar environments and people. Regular recording of FH makes much more sense in those situations, as the woman's own power in birth is probably compromised. This principle of decision points in pregnancy and birth is discussed well in the NZCOM MIDWIVES HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICE. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2002 9:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: FHM File: ATT00026.htm Dear list Point IS WE DO HAVE RESEARCH THAT SAYS CONTINUOS MONITORING WITHOUT IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO SCALP pH DOES NOT IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN OR NEWBORNS [in healthy populations ] Once again there should be no rules but partnership with families around theirs, yours and the babies needs Another slant on picture before taking FH is what is your action to be if the FH is whatever. IE IF THE WOMAN IS CLOSE TO BIRTH AND YOUR DEEP IN THE BUSH, OR THE 2ND STAGE IS PROGRESSING REALLY QUICKLY . It is distressing to see a lovely birth marred by the MW trying to get a fetal heart on a crowning baby with a healthy coloured scalp. I listen to baby around 1/2 hrly then closer in 2nd stage but would not disturb the momentum of the birth process to be totally prescriptive on this issue. I noticed in the German book [Runa's birth] the MW did a CTG.AT HOME ARE WE HEADING IN THAT DIRECTION? jan - Original Message - From: S.J.F.ELECTRICAL. To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2002 8:42 AM Subject: Re: FHM Dear All It sounds to me there is a thin line between fear and trust here? Trust in the total picture the woman baby and process? I know it is easier for me to say this because I have been with women I have known through their pregnancy! But also the question arises for me as the discussion sounds like talking about what is required by research protocols, our fear of loosing a baby etc (can we really save all babies and whilst we are trying to do that what else are we doing?? Rather than what is needed for this baby and woman to feel safe and be able to let go and birth! Adrenaline is contagious it does affect the birth , the woman and the babies! For me it is this that is most often what I as a midwife feel neds to be cleared out of the way of the births I have attended both at home and in Hospital! Denise - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2002 9:03 PM Subject: Re: FHM Deb I think Ann was asking about non electronic monitoring ie doppler/ fetascope/pinard during labor. Do you have any research on that? One of my classmates at Seattle Midwifery School did her Senior paper on this topic, however I don't have her paper with me and it is unpublished. I generally have listened to FHt's every 30 minutes (before, during and after a ctx) in active labor, and then every 5 minutes during second stage/ after every contraction. Obviously we are listening for decels and it is contentious as to if we can differentiate late, early, or variable decels with a doppler (probably not with a pinard/fetascope). I think there is great practitioner variability with the use of intermitent auscultation. I am interested to here what others do at home and at birth centers/ hospital. marilyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http
FW: looking for a midwife in Byron Bay
If anyone is able to respond to this request, it would be greatly appreciated. Please send your answers to the inquirer, rather than replying to me. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:35 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:(no subject) Subj: Midwives Date: 22/05/2002 12:23:06 GMT Daylight Time From: A HREF=mailto:Ryansmiles;Ryansmiles/A To: A HREF=mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED];byronchild@byronpublicati ons.com/A Hello I'm writing with a request for help, I wonder if someone could help me get some information. I am five months pregnant and planning to move to Byron Bay at 7 1/2 months. I desperately want to have a home birth but am having a very difficult time trying to find a midwife from my current home in the UK. I wonder if you have any lists of midwives practicing privately in the Byron Bay area or contact details of anyone who might have such a thing. I'm very sorry to bother you, its just that I am finding it very difficult to find anyone and am getting more and more worried as I get bigger and bigger! Many, many thanks Ryan Lowe Subj: Midwives Date: 22/05/2002 12:23:06 GMT Daylight Time From: Ryansmiles To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello I'm writing with a request for help, I wonder if someone could help me get some information. I am five months pregnant and planning to move to Byron Bay at 7 1/2 months. I desperately want to have a home birth but am having a very difficult time trying to find a midwife from my current home in the UK. I wonder if you have any lists of midwives practicing privately in the Byron Bay area or contact details of anyone who might have such a thing. I'm very sorry to bother you, its just that I am finding it very difficult to find anyone and am getting more and more worried as I get bigger and bigger! Many, many thanks Ryan Lowe
a baby born on International Midwives' Day
I had cancelled my plans to go to Bendigo yesterday afternoon for the IMDay celebrations. Then the phone call came, in broken English, Joy we want you to come. The contractions are hard. The blood has dropped (ie show). It was *international*. The woman has come to this country from S America, and although she managed enough English in the months leading up to the birth, she needed her mother tongue, Spanish, in labour. It was *midwives*. My helper is a Spanish-speaking midwife who I met when she was a student, and who has been with me for a previous homebirth. She translated my words to the woman, as we waited in the bedroom. The other children were playing in another room of the house. The baby was born beautifully, and was suckling strongly within minutes. I marvel at the strength of this and every woman in birth, and at every aspect of the natural process. It was a good day. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: midwifery positions
Jayne, the medicalisation of childbirth goes way back. There were a couple of private hospitals that would give us visiting access for a variety of 'shared care' (the obstetrician was always in charge). That is no longer available since the loss of insurance. No public hospital that I know of has given a midwife visiting access, despite efforts over many years. There is one hospital where midwives have a modified caseload/team (Wangaratta), and one public hospital with a Know Your Midwife (KYM) option (Box Hill). Homebirth numbers fluctuate a little from year to year, but there are more BBAs (born before arrival at hospital) in Vic than planned homebirths. Just a snippet for those who are statistically minded. The Vic government data collection unit has been asking the question 'intended' and 'actual' place of birth, since 1999. We have recently been given the figures for the planned homebirths that transferred care to hospital in 99 and 2000, and the outcomes are excellent. Caesar rate of 4%; transfer to hospital rate of 18%; Two vaginal breech births took place in hospital, and three at home during the two-year period. Primipara (first timers) constitute about 41% of the total birthing population in Victoria, and approximately 30% of those who actually give birth at home. The full details of this report will be sent off for publication. The facts need to be celebrated. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Jayne [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 10:22 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: midwifery positions Joy, is this the situation in Victoria since the insurance debacle? Specifically concerning no visiting access to hospitals and only 100 homebirths each year?? Or does it cover the period before the insurance was pulled? Jayne I can understand why a midwife would not choose to come to Victoria, where no midwife can get visiting access to hospitals; where there is no public funding for homebirth; where there are only 100 homebirths each year, out of 60,000; -- 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: consumer representation
Midwives used to put Silver Nitrate drops in the eyes of newborns in Vic 30 years ago, but I haven't seen any routine treatment of this kind in the past 20 years. Routine blood screening includes testing for syphilis. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 1:33 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: consumer representation That was exactly my reaction Louise but my experience in Australia is limited so I refrained. Even in many places in America the list is old. Eye meds (usually antibiotic cream) are still the law even though text books state that antibiotic eye ointment of the type routinely used would NOT be the treatment for gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in a newborn. So, my question here is what research/evidence stopped the routine use of eye meds in Australia? I know I changed the topic. I'm not sure what your terminology for a heplock is but I think I heard someone refer to it as an IV cannula with a bung in it... marilyn -- 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: midwifery positions
Hi Marilyn The Nurses Board of Victoria can be accessed through www.nbv.org.au (I am a member of the Board. The following is my opinion - I cannot speak on behalf of the Board.) I understand that there are in the range of 100 midwives registered in Vic who did their education through direct entry courses and are not general nurses. Also there are several universities that have begun the 3-year B Mid courses this year, and these courses have Nurses Board accreditation. I think the Nurses Act 1993 needs to be repealed, and a new Nurses and Midwives Act, or a separate Midwives Act, brought in. This requires a lot of work by the midwifery profession with the government Policy branch. As far as the law is concerned at the moment, midwives in Vic (and the rest of Australia) are registered nurses. Midwives who are not general nurses have a 'restriction' placed on their registration: Registered Nurse (division 1) Midwife with restriction to midwifery (not sure of the actual wording). I can understand why a midwife would not choose to come to Victoria, where no midwife can get visiting access to hospitals; where there is no public funding for homebirth; where there are only 100 homebirths each year, out of 60,000; where birth centres have alarmingly high rates of transfer out to obstetric care; where more than 40% of inductions are for reasons other than acceptable reasons; where the rate of vaginal birth after a primary caesarean is only 20% ... But WA has the Community Midwifery Program, about which I am sure someone will tell you. Wherever you go, there will be a great deal of work needed, seeking reform of the maternity services and humanisation of birth. We need strong women who can commit themselves to work in a team of consumers and midwives and others across the country for a very worthy cause. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 1:52 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:midwifery positions Dear List: As many of you may know I have been hanging out at the list for a while. I have now finished my midwifery education in the USA (direct entry at Seattle Midwifery School), have received my license to practice midwifery in Washington, and am in the process of applying for registration in Australia. I have downloaded application packages from the Nurses Boards in NSW, Qld., and SA. and I am in the process of collecting the portfolio of certificates etc. that are required . I have a couple of questions regarding the NSW application: they want to know if I have had traffic infringements (the wording is convictions specifically including traffic infringements), do they mean speeding tickets? (yes, I have had 4 in various jurisdictions over the last 33 years of driving). The other question is more crucial: I had collected a package (when I was in Australia in January) from the nurses board for applying to be registered as a midwife only (which is what I am, I am not trained/educated as a nurse), I then downloaded stuff from the web site and on the midwife application it had a sentence which was not there before: to be completed by midwives who are RN's. Has something changed in NSW? Should I wait to send in my application in NSW until the new ammendment has passed through the parliament? I have nothing against Victoria or Western Australia, I have been advised though that the states I have listed above might be more amenable to my qualification than either Victoria or WA. I am open to input. I am still an Australian citizen so I don't need a work visa to come to Australia. I am planning on leaving the USA on May 22nd. However I am wondering if any of you know of any midwifery or midwifery related positions that are available, anywhere in Australia. Thanking you in advance for any responses. marilyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: consumer representation
This message is from Robin Payne, who is a consumer activist extraordinaire, and runs the Choices for Childbirth work in Melbourne. Dear friends I have become the consumer rep. on the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist's (RANZCOG) curriculum development committee. Next Thursday (18th April) I will participate in a full day workshop on the curriculum with 15 other committee members (all members of RANZCOG). I am keen to represent as broad a view as possible although feel there are some fundamental commonalities that all women would expect from the obstetrician as her carer. I would value any feedback and comments from anyone who wishes to comment as I have been asked to make a 10 minute presentation at the study day on A Consumer View of What the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Needs to be Like in 2020. As this is coming up fairly soon your comments would be appreciated asap. Even if you just jot down key points, I can then incorporate them into what I'm saying. I will also be providing feedback via the Maternity Coalition journal Birth Matters on my presentation for the day. Please feel free to contact via email or on (03) 9380 2863 if you would like more info. thanks, Robin Payne --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.286 / Virus Database: 152 - Release Date: 9/10/01 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: Letter of Invitation
Anyone with children between 4 and 12 years of age may be interested in
replying to this request.
-Original Message-
From: Lisa Soares [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 11:19 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED];
[EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject:Letter of Invitation
To whom it may concern,
My name is Lisa Soares, a doctoral student in the School of Psychological
Science at La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria under the supervision of
Dr. Sabine Wingenfeld. We are currently conducting a study examining how
different cultural beliefs and values influence parenting in the hope that
this research will enable us to better understand how parents from diverse
cultural backgrounds raise their children.
As the results of this research will help understand the needs of parents
from different cultural backgrounds (including Anglo), we hope that you or
people that you know with children between 4 and 12 years of age, may be
able to assist us with this research by participating in this study. This
would involve completing a short questionnaire which would take about 30
minutes to complete. Moreover, strictest confidence is assured and no-one
will be identified in any way.
Your assistance would be much appreciated. If you have any further
inquires or comment, please contact either myself, Lisa Soares either by
email or on 03 9479 1489 or Dr. Sabine Wingenfeld on 9479 3802.
Thank you in anticipation
Lisa Soares
(B.Sc) (B.AppSc. {Hon})
To whom it may concern,
My name is Lisa Soares, a doctoral student in the School of Psychological
Science at La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria under the supervision
of Dr. Sabine Wingenfeld. We are currently conducting a study
examining how different cultural beliefs and values influence parenting
in the hope that this research will enable us to better understand how
parents from diverse cultural backgrounds raise their children.
As the results of this research will help understand the needs of parents
from different cultural backgrounds (including Anglo), we hope that you
or people that you know with children between 4 and 12 years of age, may
be able to assist us with this research by participating in this
study. This would involve completing a short questionnaire which
would take about 30 minutes to complete. Moreover, strictest
confidence is assured and no-one will be identified in any way.
Your assistance would be much appreciated. If you have any further
inquires or comment, please contact either myself, Lisa Soares either by
email or on 03 9479 1489 or Dr. Sabine Wingenfeld on 9479 3802.
Thank you in anticipation
Lisa Soares
(B.Sc) (B.AppSc. {Hon})
manual exploration
Re VBAC and manual checking of the uterine scar immediately after a vaginal birth Most of you who have commented on this have been horrified - rightly so I believe. I would like to add my personal experience of manual exploration of my (unscarred) uterus after ordinary vaginal births in 1973 and 75 in Michigan USA. The doctors attending these births proceeded to do a bi-manual exploration of my uterus as soon as the placenta had been delivered. Left hand grips the fundus abdominally, and right hand goes all the way in. I don't remember this as a traumatic or specially painful manoeuvre and it was all over in a flash. I remember asking what he was doing, and he said it was important to make sure the uterus was empty. Next time I didn't ask cos I already knew! I won't go into why I allowed such a thing to be done. The power gap between me, as a 23 year old 'resident alien' (that's what I was called, as I had a green card) in that country, and the 'system' was immense, but w ould have been pretty much the same if I had stayed in Australia. I had completed midwifery training at the Royal Women's in Melbourne earlier the same year. I was submissive to all authority, and particularly in the medical field. The spark of independent thinking was dormant, and waiting to be ignited. My experience reminds me that there have been, and still are, many practices that have been imposed on women in the name of scientific medical (and midwifery) care. It's less than 30 years since I was shaved, enema'd, put in a white gown with a split all the way down the back, IV drip'd, VE'd every hour to assess progress, confined, stirrup'd, episiotimy'd, take a deep breath and push, push, push, and the rest. My baby was sucked out, wrapped tightly, separated from me, 'allowed' to suckle for brief periods, and taken to a nursery for observation. I was given something to 'help' me rest, and my baby was given cows milk formula in the nursery, even though I had said I didn't want this to happen. Yet we survive to tell the story, and much of what happened 30 years ago still happens today. Women still submit, and midwives still support ritualistic practices that do not benefit the woman or baby. My heart longs for the day when I see real improvements in maternity services here in Victoria, and in the rest of Australia. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: placements
This is an inquiry from two Scottish midwifery students (direct entry). I hope someone can offer placements to them. Joy -Original Message- From: Graeme McCabe [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, March 25, 2002 10:58 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:placements Dear Ms Johnston, We are two student midwives from Glasgow,studying at Napier University in Edinburgh.We are currently in our second year and in June 2003,as part of our course, we have to carry out a 5 week elective placement.We are therefore writing to you to enquire if you know of any hospitals,birthing centres or any contacts etc which would be happy to take student midwives for this period of time. We do not have any particular preferences in which areas we wish to work in,we would be happy to see how midwives in Australia work in general.We would be very grateful if you would be able to help us out in any way. I hope you do not mind us contacting you,we found your e-mail address from reading about students from our University who had visited Australia. Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you. Karen Steele and Lisa Hay. e-mail; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Ms Johnston, We are two student midwives from Glasgow,studying at Napier University in Edinburgh.We are currently in our second year and in June 2003,as part of our course, we have to carry out a 5 week elective placement.We are therefore writing to you to enquire if you know of any hospitals,birthing centres or any contacts etc which would be happy to take student midwives for this period of time. We do not have any particular preferences in which areas we wish to work in,we would be happy to see how midwivesin Australia work in general.We would be very grateful if you would be able to help us out in any way. I hope you do not mind us contacting you,we found your e-mail address from reading about students from our University who had visited Australia. Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you. Karen Steele and Lisa Hay. e-mail; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Finally - cord cutting and clamping
Hi I have been watching from some distance as this thread has been discussed, and think your reflective response today, Maralyn, is very good. We need to try to understand what is actually happening, rather than necessarily what we were taught to do. The little motto, In normal birth there should be a valid reason to interfere with the natural process (WHO Care in Normal Birth 1996) should be a guiding principle. I'm not sure if there is a consensus on what constitutes the gold standard for active management of S3 (eg when the oxytocic is administered, when the cord is clamped, if the blood is drained from the maternal end of the severed cord c). We had a discussion on this list some time ago about what physiological S3 is, and it seems that there are many variations. Midwives attending homebirths seem to have a great variety of 'management' practices too. (M Odent says Don't manage third stage). My practice is to attempt to maintain an unstimulating and calm atmosphere in the room in the minutes immediately after the birth, and trust mother nature (/hormones /physiology) to get on with the marvellous job of completion. I encourage folk to wait until S3 is completed before they make phone calls, and if there are photos, they need to be done quietly. If a woman gave birth in water, we usually wait 5-10 minutes as an initial rest and recovery period, then have a warm supported chair or bed in the same room so that she can give her full attention to the baby. I don't encourage remaining in the water for the birthing of the placenta. Often standing up to get out of the tub gives the woman a feeling of fullness, and she can pop her placenta out. Staying in the same room is important to me, as I think moving to a different space can impede progress. This all may seem pretty prescriptive - it's not fixed in concrete, but it makes sense to me, as a mother and a midwife. I think the first 30 minutes or so are crucial, and I watch the woman and baby without engaging her in eye contact or conversation, and try to make sure they are warm and comfortable. I don't check cord pulsation. Some women are weary, or not able to move immediately into the completion phase. Peaceful quiet seems to allow them to rest, until they are ready to pay a lot of attention to baby, or want to move. Often they say I'll stand up now, and the placenta will come. Of course it's nice for everyone if this happens in the first hour, but I have not had any problem with waiting longer. Sometimes I think birth of the placenta is like a second birth - as though there needs to be a series of contractions, dilation of the cervix, and an expulsive effort. I used to worry about physiological S3 when I needed to collect cord blood from the babies of Rh negative mothers. But I have found that a very small amount of cord blood taken from the vessels on the fetal side of the placenta is adequate. Women usually report less blood loss in the hours after the birth when they have birthed their placentas naturally. I expect to see between 100-400ml blood loss with the placenta. 'twill have to do for now. Happy birthings. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 6:51 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: RE: Finally Thank you all for your responses to my question. I too like to leave the maternal end of the cord unclamped, although as a student I had some midwives ask me to reclamp it as they wanted to know where the blood being lost was coming from. On thinking about the responses I would like to venture that the concern about the baby getting extra blood has been also raised in discussions of physiologic third stage and I think Lois's response is right on the money: it depends on the position of the baby in relation to the mum how much extra blood the baby is getting. Regarding the stronger contractions causing more blood being pumped to the baby, I don't think it works this way for these reasons: 1. The baby's heart is pumping the blood, not the uterus. 2. When you augment or induce a woman in labour and if her uterus experiences hyperstimulation, then the baby may receive less blood not more resulting in fetal distress. 3. The intent of the oxytocic in third stage is to schear the placenta off the uterine wall with the increased contractions constricting the uterine capillaries, if anything perhaps the stronger uterine contractions would restrict the amount of residual placental blood available to the baby. 4. My original concern about the oxytocic crossing the placenta to the baby also seems to be mute if what I just wrote is in someway correct. Bottom line is I still feel like I am guessing about this. The question came up when as a student the mum I was caring for had agreed to having third stage actively managed (she had had a long labour: tired uterus), but she
PI Insurance
Dear ozmidwives, and interested consumer activists Has anyone explored a personal PI insurance arrangement, where a midwife buys insurance as an individual? What is available? What terms? What cost? I am wanting to pursue this line of inquiry myself, and would appreciate any help from colleagues who have already gone into it. With the recent changes to Victoria's Nurses Act, giving the Board discretionary power to require us to demonstrate that we have insurance, it's only a matter of time before midwives who continue to attend homebirths come under the spotlight. If no insurance is interpreted as 'unprofessional conduct', which is a possibility (imo), midwives attending homebirths could be up for investigation and discipline. I don't believe this would stop homebirth, but it would certainly force it underground. This is not in the public interest. I believe that if the Nurses Boards and other regulatory authorities around Australia are truly committed to protecting the public, they will actively seek to protect the right of the woman to access a known midwife to attend birth in any setting, in a way that is consistent with the ICM Definition of the Midwife. Surely this is best practice. I look forward to your responses, and will keep you informed of the results of my inquiries. Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Jaundice and meconium
Dear Kirsten I am going to give my nod to the OB nurses in this case. If I saw a baby at 24 hours, who has not yet passed decent amounts of meconium, I would be asking why. Particularly if jaundice is present. There may be other causes, such as Abo or another blood incompatibility factor, but mec can contribute. I would not use a thermometer or suppository, but I would massage around the baby's anus with my finger and some gentle oil. By holding bub's legs up against his abdo, you can assist the baby's efforts to push it out. If this doesn't work you have to wonder if there could be an obstruction, and watch for meconium ileus. (Animal mothers are often observed to lick their baby's bottoms, and encourage bowel actions that way.) Early suckling gives the baby colostrum which has a laxative effect. Babies who don't get the colostrum early in their lives may become jaundiced for no other reason than delayed meconium passage. Best wishes from another aussie who spent a considerable time in USA with a green card, and experienced maternity services as a consumer. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Kirsten Blacker [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 4:11 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Jaundice and meconium HI all, A question for the more phyisiologically minded amongst us. I was caring for a mother-baby the other day. At about 24 hours of age the baby already was looking jaundiced, and had not pooped. The OB nurses I work with seem to think that BECAUSE the baby had not yet passed mec, that was why he was looking jaundiced, which just didn't sit right with me, particularly at 24 hours of age. So they stimulated the rectum with a thermometer, and got a nice cot full of the best black stuff, which made them happy. They told mum t hen that everything should be fine because the baby had pooped now. I reinforced to mum frequent breastfeeding, and also quickly reviewed blood group for ABO incompatability (mum was B+). ANYWAY, my question is, particularly at such an early age was the connection reasonable? The theory seemed to be that the bilirubin was being reabsorbed from the gut and causing jaundice, which doesn't sound 'right' to me. Thoughts, oh wise ones? Kirsten Blacker infliciting her crazy Australian ways on the unsuspecting American public in Minnesota, USA. -- 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: umbil cord bld merchandising.
I would like to add my vote of concern and caution in midwives promoting cord blood collection and storage. We have no reliable evidence as to the value of this practice. I would like to see a discussion paper prepared by a collaborative group and current evidence presented clearly so that informed decisions can be made. Thanks for the references that have been given. I have been busy with births, so this response must be brief. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Mary Murphy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 10:25 PM To: Andrea Quanchi; midwifery mailing list Subject:Re: umbil cord bld merchandising. File: ATT6.htm Re: umbil cord bld merchandising. If midwives feel the sqme way as Andrea and me, then we should all be emailing/writing to the ACMI and telling them so. I don't believe it is sufficient just to vent on the List. MM mary you beat me to it but I feel the same way as you and was quite annoyed that this came through the ACMI. Yes we need to be able to inform parents who will ask about this due to its constant exposure in the media but i would like to see the ACMI produce an information sheet with the advantages of letting the baby have as much of this precious stuff as it can at birth and maybe as you say the likelihood of needing it later would decrease. Has anyone researched that. Alana (ACMI) what was the incentive for ACMI to send this out for cryosite. I hope it was financial compensation and if so I think members should be told this with the mail out. Andrea Quanchi -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Art work.
That's a good thought Erika, but I don't have the pictures. Everyone took their own home. I suspect the pictures have deep personal significance to some that they may not feel ready to do a 'show and tell' to the big world out there. Perhaps we need to run a workshop (or 3) just for the purpose? joy -Original Message- From: daryl and erika munton [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 8:27 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Art work. Joy, Thank you for sharing about your prenatal womens group and how you had done some art work together. It would be great to have an opportunity to show this art work to others, from those who wish to share it. Could there be an opportunity on Intl midwives day if there is some sort of get together/celebration planned to display the art work of our mothers, midwives, birth supporters etc? Erika -- 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: prenatal group
Hi Megan I pronounce the 'mai' the same as 'my', but I suppose others have different pronunciations. 'Maia' was a fertility goddess, and the month of May was named after her - springtime, fertility c in the Northern hemisphere. I wasn't thinking of scrabble when I said we need to learn the word and use it! Joy -Original Message- From: Meaghan Moon [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, February 15, 2002 3:22 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: prenatal group Joy, How do you pronounce this word? I want to make sure I say it correctly. It also looks like a good one to use when you have one of those awful all vowel scrabble hands! Meaghan, This is the sense of the word 'maieutic', which means 'pertaining to the midwife'. It's a word we all need to learn and use frequently. -- 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.
prenatal group
This is a reminder for Melbourne (Eastern suburbs) people about the monthly prenatal group that I have been facilitating for the past few months. FIRST Wednesday of the month, 1-3 pm, at my home. If you know women who would like to come along, please pass on this message. Also midwives and birth attendants who are committed to woman-centred birth are welcome. This is a women's group, and male partners (or professionals) are not invited. I would like to tell you briefly about how this group is going, in the hope that someone else may see an opportunity to fill a need somewhere else. I took my inspiration from an article 'Group prenatal care' in Midwifery Today (Autumn 2001) by June Whitson, CNM. We have had 4 or 5 at each group. We have sat around an outside table one time, and the dining table another time. We have a cool drink or a cup of tea, no fuss. Many topics have come up in discussion, including birth plans, exercise balls, vaccination, and children at birth. In the session this month I got out the textas and paper, and we all did drawings. The plan was to explore birth. One woman drew her body, with a large opening with water flowing out, and lots of waves. Another used lots of colours, and drew a type of hour-glass shape, and spoke of release. She then embellished her drawing with everything that came up in discussion - waves, a cocoon, a tree fern with a frond opening out, and many layers of detail. Another woman pictured surrender and opening. She spoke of the loneliness and sense of achievement she experienced in the birth of her baby. She said the red layer meant rawness and blood. My drawings (I wish I could attach them here) firstly explored the stretching of the perineum. I have thought a lot about a woman's perineum being a curtain into and out of the sacred place. I think about it as a midwife, and as a birthing woman. A large circle represented the baby crowning. Around the edge I drew a long umbilical cord - thick and strong. The words that I heard from the others in the group found their way onto my page - Let go - surrender - everything - work - channel - open - trust - life - change - flow - peace - connected - control - release. Then I drew a second picture. The concept of a 'desert island' came up - what would we do to survive if we were forced to? I wrote down instinct and inner wisdom. My desert island then became a placenta, with wavey vessels across it, coming to a central circle which was the point of attachment of the cord. Then it became a breast, and the vessels were swollen in full lactation, and the central point was a nipple. The ocean and waves around the island made me think of strong labour like the surf, and sometimes we get dumped, and we need to come to the surface and prepare for the next one - I remembered a time as a teenager when I was rescued from a rip the surf, and I remembered the challenge of birthing my first child. Someone talked about names - the child is the next generation of my people. There were some very special things happening in that group. We have so great a potential for learning from within ourselves. This is the sense of the word 'maieutic', which means 'pertaining to the midwife'. It's a word we all need to learn and use frequently. Thanks folks for listening. I have been to a birth thismorning, for one of the women who came to the group, with the support of one of the young midwives who also came along. Beautiful baby Maggie and her mum are strong and well, at home. Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Homebirth numbers in NSW
. It would be easier for me to keep my mouth shut, but I feel compelled to say something here. I was also at the last Homebirth Australia AGM at Noosa (Nov 2000 I think) and contributed to the discussion about statistics. It was my first HBA meeting, so I do not understand all the 'history'. I was not practising in homebirth when the last set of statistics were collected by HBA. I have contributed to MIPP (midwives in private practice Vic) statistics which have been reported at midwifery conferences and submitted for publication. It was clear in the HBA meeting that midwives would need to be satisfied that their data would be properly managed before they submitted it to anyone. That was no criticism of any person. When I see a proposal for data collection I will consider it, regardless of who is managing it. There were lots of other issues raised in this discussion. I plead with all who are committed to reform of maternity services in Australia to address the problems, and not allow personal conflict to arise. We can all contribute something, and can be strengthened in the process. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: I'm back
Welcome back Sally! We missed you. Briefly,... No news on PI insurance. Many midwives have pulled out of homebirths. All the advice is that we are mad to practise uninsured. A group is working on a national plan for community based midwifery, funded in mainstream systems. Talk to Tracy Reibel about it - she's the main author. Hope you and family settle in well to the west. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Sally Westbury [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2002 12:48 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:I'm back hello to one and all. I wonder what I have missed out on. any news about professional indemnity insurance?? are midwives really stopping being with women at homebirths??? -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: Correction: Alternative birth options in Brisbane
-Original Message- From: Marina Begolo [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 1:44 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Correction: Alternative birth options in Brisbane Joy, please pass this on for me. Thanks, Marina Hi all, I will pass this via a third party as the viruses emmanting from the list come thick and fast after each direct contribution and fill my mailbox with garbage. There is a birth centre at the Royal Women's Hospital; a Community Midwifery Scheme at the mater Mothers Hospital, and a homebirth practice available in Brisbane. Boothville closed years ago. There are also private hospitals in outer suburbs (though not alternative). Blessings, Marina If you want to change the world, begin with changing yourself... Marina Begolo 2001 Isn't there a birth centre attached to the Royal Women's in Brisbane? Julie Lawson used to be the manager of the unit - don't know if she still is.The Friends of the Birth Centre have a website: http://www.fbc.org.au/main.htm There is also the Home Midwifery Association in Brisbane who may have more info on choices available. Their telephone number is 07 3839 5883 Another source of info may be Childbirth Education Brisbane - tel. 3359 9724. I think also the Boothville Maternity Hospital is staffed by midwives and offers an alternative to the typical obstetrics model. Nikki Macfarlane _ Join the world's largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Recommendation
Kirsty I assume by your email address that you are a student at UQ. That's in Brisbane isn't it? (it was when I was a student there) If you really can't plan homebirth, what's wrong with the birth centres at the public hospitals in Brisbane? Why do 'pot luck' doctors need to be involved at all - unless you develop complications of course? The fact that you are on this list means you must be interested in maternity issues. There are lots of people on the list who would work with you through your situation, to help you get the best for yourself, as well as be an effective change agent in the process. Are you interested? Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Phillip Fogarty [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2002 5:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Recommendation File: ATT8.htm Hi All, I was wondering if anybody could recommend a Doctor who is highly considerate of a mothers wishes. (I know what is going through your minds after that one... hee hee.) I have spent much time considering my available options (unfortunately home birth is not financially one of them... maybe by the time we have our third they will allow HB Midwives to be covered by insurance...) I don't really want to leave everything to 'pot luck' and hope that I manage to visit the right Doctor who will work WITH me instead of for me. I was quite fortunate that the hospital (public) was so busy on the day I delivered our first child - I had NO intervention, and was told to 'listen to my body' when I was suddenly pushing... When I mentioned to my GP that we would be trying and I wanted to know if she knew anybody who had ideals aligned with my own, she said that she could only go by her own experience and could only therefore recommend her own OB so I would probably be better off talking to friends. I decided this wouldn't help much as I only know two people who have recently had babies and neither of them were happy with their OB's. So any help would be much appreciated! Thanks and keep smiling! Kirsty. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
responding to the DHS phone-in for the Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy
[Please forward] The question of responding to the DHS phone-in for the Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been on my mind. How can anyone contribute in a way that will be useful? This was discussed at the midwifery discussion group last night. The answer is that we all need to respond, and by responding in a coordinated and organised way, we will strengthen our voice. Getting recognised as a strategy for women's health and wellbeing in this discussion paper is only one of many actions that need to be taken. By getting the COMMUNITY MIDWIFERY option identified as a strategic direction that the community really wants (ie lots of people say it, in their own words) we can then use the strategy to support further lobbying. It's not just a matter of what you personally would like to be able to do when you have a baby, or even what's available locally where you are. The maternity services in Victoria are patchy and fragmented - not good! There are little projects that get funded for a couple of years then get derailed for lots of reasons. The problem that needs to be addressed is that our current health funding for mainstream services does not support women who want community based midwifery, with a primary care midwife who has access to the specialist public hospital services when required, which is arguably the safest, most cost effective option for well women. We are not asking for more funding - just for access to what's there. Remember that as an organisation Maternity Coalition is committed to lobbying for reform of maternity services. Not a small task. The choice of 'what's best for me' should belong to the consumer of the service, not the provider - which is the current situation, and why reform is needed. If a woman happens to work out that she would like to have a *known* midwife attending her for perhaps the most demanding and intense activity she has ever engaged in [ie giving birth and becoming a mother], the ONLY way she can get that in the current system is NOT to use the system. [Unless she happens to get into one of the rare caseload programs that are here today, and ? tomorrow] She has to find her own midwife, and give birth in the only place she has control over, which is her home. That's a great option, but it should NOT be the only option, and it should NOT have a price tag attached, and should NOT be removed at the whim of insurance companies. The community does want this strategy in place. Maternity Coalition is nearing its goal of 10 THOUSAND SIGNATURES on the Midwifery Campaign petition!!! I hope this little pep talk encourages a lot of people to respond to this particular phone in. Joy Johnston The details of the inquiry are: FOR YOUR INFORMATION - FROM: Ms Deb Pietsch on (03) 96168611 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ms Rachael Green on (03) 96168030 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] ** The Victorian Government is putting together a Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which aims to: * Improve the health and wellbeing of women, particularly those most at risk * Provide a policy framework for planning, funding and delivery of services to women in relation to their health and wellbeing A Discussion paper has been developed, outlining key issues facing Victorian women, and proposed action areas and strategies to respond to these. We are keen to hear what you have to say about the Discussion Paper, and this PHONE IN is another opportunity for you to tell us what you think. PHONE IN Please call on (03) 9616 7380: Friday 8 February 2002 between 10am to 7pm Saturday 9 February 2002 between 10am to 5pm (the cost to rural callers will be considered, with the option of call back) For further information about the Strategy or for a copy of the Discussion Paper, call Ms Deb Pietsch on (03) 96168611 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ms Rachael Green on (03) 96168030 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or access the website www.women.vic.gov.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: activism
Dear Josie and others who have requested the draft. We expect an updated draft that brings in the work of people who have seen it (before Christmas) - should be ready in the next week or so. I expect there will be a message from Barb Vernon on ozmid when it is ready for distribution. It's great to have this level of interest. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Josie Greaves [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2002 9:54 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:RE: activism Dear Joy, I would also love a copy of the draft of the National Plan for Community Based Midwifery. Cheers Josie Greaves Ceduna District Health Service [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Darren and Lorraine Sent: Tuesday, 22 January 2002 9:31 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; ozmidwifery Subject: Re: activism Dear Joy Is it possible for you to also forward to me a copy of the draft of the National Plan for Community Based Midwifery. Thanks alot Lorraine Sharpe 'Goldfields Birthplace' - Original Message - From: Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2002 5:56 AM Subject: RE: activism Dear Macha It's music to an 'older' activist's ears to hear you say I'd love to start a natural birth and child care movement where I live!!!. You have taken the first step. Please keep going. This group has the people and knowledge to help you do just that. It is truly reprehensible that small community hospitals are closing maternity services, and this has been happening for years. It goes against world standards for best practice: The district is the basic unity for planning and implementing [maternity] care (WHO 1994 Mother-Baby package. Implementing safe motherhood in countries.) You are correct in suggesting that midwives should be able to provide the basic service for the majority of pregnant women throughout pregnancy and birth and thereafter. That's what midwives are supposed to do. The women who develop medical or obstetric complications may need to be transferred to a bigger unit, and most of them will know that in advance of labour. Closing local maternity units means that ALL women are treated as if they have complications. Inductions for reasons other than acceptable medical reasons become more common, often because distance of travel becomes an issue, and the cascade of interventions sets in. If you are serious about starting a natural birth and child care movement, see if you can find a couple of other women (consumers), a couple of midwives who know how to practise under their own responsibility, and other interested people who bring useful skills, and get a little community action group going. You need to develop a plan to establish a midwife managed unit, similar to a birth centre, with midwives taking caseloads. Get someone to manage media exposure. If there are supportive doctors, they can help, but you don't need them necessarily. (I'm sticking my neck way out, but I stand by that statement!) Find support in the rural section of the Health dept, and in Community Services. Make it a community issue. Expect opposition, and plan ways to overcome it. Use the term 'Community Based Midwifery', and get your community to own it. Link in with Maternity Coalition. We can't do it for you, but we can support you. You may have read on this list of the National Plan for Community Based Midwifery that is being developed - if you want to see the draft, please contact me, or Barb Vernon. My advice is, GO FOR IT! Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel: 03 9808 9614 Fax: 03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -Original Message- From: Macha McDonald [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, January 21, 2002 8:15 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject: activism File: ATT3.htm I'd love to start a natural birth and child care movement where I live!!! They may stop delivering at our local hospital (Cobram) because the obs cant afford the leap in insurance. I wander if people resorted to our many midwifes, they could still deliver here. The problem is information. I liken my learning of birth options to picking subjects in my final years of school. You have 10 minutes to submit your subject requests. Essentially, 10 minutes to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. The GP said to me when I found out I was preg, Which hospital will you deliver in. Hold on. I haven't even come to terms with being preg yet. So, I picked the nearest womens and childrens. And I regret it so much. I wish I had said, I'll tell you in the next visit. I thought I was expected to decide then and there. Unfortunatly, this is how many women are learning about birth options. Going through awful invasive experiences before they learn that they have choices. Regards, Macha
RE: activism
Dear Macha It's music to an 'older' activist's ears to hear you say I'd love to start a natural birth and child care movement where I live!!!. You have taken the first step. Please keep going. This group has the people and knowledge to help you do just that. It is truly reprehensible that small community hospitals are closing maternity services, and this has been happening for years. It goes against world standards for best practice: The district is the basic unity for planning and implementing [maternity] care (WHO 1994 Mother-Baby package. Implementing safe motherhood in countries.) You are correct in suggesting that midwives should be able to provide the basic service for the majority of pregnant women throughout pregnancy and birth and thereafter. That's what midwives are supposed to do. The women who develop medical or obstetric complications may need to be transferred to a bigger unit, and most of them will know that in advance of labour. Closing local maternity units means that ALL women are treated as if they have complications. Inductions for reasons other than acceptable medical reasons become more common, often because distance of travel becomes an issue, and the cascade of interventions sets in. If you are serious about starting a natural birth and child care movement, see if you can find a couple of other women (consumers), a couple of midwives who know how to practise under their own responsibility, and other interested people who bring useful skills, and get a little community action group going. You need to develop a plan to establish a midwife managed unit, similar to a birth centre, with midwives taking caseloads. Get someone to manage media exposure. If there are supportive doctors, they can help, but you don't need them necessarily. (I'm sticking my neck way out, but I stand by that statement!) Find support in the rural section of the Health dept, and in Community Services. Make it a community issue. Expect opposition, and plan ways to overcome it. Use the term 'Community Based Midwifery', and get your community to own it. Link in with Maternity Coalition. We can't do it for you, but we can support you. You may have read on this list of the National Plan for Community Based Midwifery that is being developed - if you want to see the draft, please contact me, or Barb Vernon. My advice is, GO FOR IT! Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -Original Message- From: Macha McDonald [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, January 21, 2002 8:15 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject:activism File: ATT3.htm I'd love to start a natural birth and child care movement where I live!!! They may stop delivering at our local hospital (Cobram) because the obs cant afford the leap in insurance. I wander if people resorted to our many midwifes, they could still deliver here. The problem is information. I liken my learning of birth options to picking subjects in my final years of school. You have 10 minutes to submit your subject requests. Essentially, 10 minutes to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. The GP said to me when I found out I was preg, Which hospital will you deliver in. Hold on. I haven't even come to terms with being preg yet. So, I picked the nearest womens and childrens. And I regret it so much. I wish I had said, I'll tell you in the next visit. I thought I was expected to decide then and there. Unfortunatly, this is how many women are learning about birth options. Going through awful invasive experiences before they learn that they have choices. Regards, Macha. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: FW: request for protocols
Dear list A couple of weeks ago I forwarded this message. I haven't seen any response. I have to assume that either noone is interested or noone has time to respond. (I have attended 2 wonderful women for homebirths since then, so have been a bit caught up myself.) I don't want to let this one go. A service needs to have statements that describe what is to be expected in a particular situation - ie policies, procedures, protocols. If a midwife (or other health professional) works for a service (eg hospital) they are required to work within the policies and procedures (protocols) of that institution. That does not mean slavishly *doing* things to the customer (patient), as nothing (other than potentially lifesaving first aid) can be done without the consent of the person it is being done to. The midwife has the opportunity to explain a protocol (such as taking standard observations of temp, pulse, blood pressure, abdominal palpation and fetal heart rate), and ask permission to do this. There is a statement in the Vic Code of Practice for midwives that Each midwife has the professional responsibility to identify policies, procedures, or practices that are restrictive and/or detrimental to the standard of midwifery practice and woman-centred care. In identifying these issues, midwives must act to ensure that they are brought to the attention of the relevant authority. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ANY HOSPITALS HAVE DEALT WITH SUCH CHALLENGES? What are midwives doing about this? If there was a complaint that a midwife had not followed hospital procedure, it would be good for the midwife's defence if she/he could show that the woman refused the procedure, and that the midwife had requested that the hospital review the protocol in the light of evidence. Any comment please? Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm Previous message: This request for a hospital protocol for care in first stage of labour has come to me from India. Many people on the list have voiced objections to 'restrictive' and 'medical' hospital practices. Would anyone care to suggest what should be included in a woman-centred, evidence based protocol? The inquirer would appreciate the literature on which such a protocol is based, and I am sure the ozmidwyves would appreciate being included in the discussion. Many thanks Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: aileen mathias [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2002 5:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:reply Dear madam Johnston, I am a M.Sc nursing student at Fr. Muller's college of nursing, India. I would like to use the protocol for my research studies. Problem statement is ; Development of protocols on Nursing care of women in first stage of labour in a selected hospital in Mangalore. I will be glad if you can help me by sending your material the way you went about, the review of literature, need for the study, and background of the study etc. Here in India the development of protocol is not yet began since the people are educated and problem of consumer protection act our midwifery cntre Hospital, decided to develop a protocol in the labour room. So i would like to do on 1st stage of labour. Kindly if you know anybody who has done the study on protocol send their e-mail address or thier abstarct and litratures. Fr. Muller's is one of the big hospitals in South India. I would be grateful to you if you can send me the material. Thanking you, Sr.Aileen. Looking for a job? Visit Yahoo! India Careers Visit http://in.careers.yahoo.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
MIDWIFERY DISCUSSION GROUP - MELBOURNE
Reminder - as advertised in Birth Matters: Date: Friday 1 February, 7pm for start at 7.30pm Topic: 'THE SYSTEM': SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR MOTHERS AND MIDWIVES At: Johnstons' home 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South (Melway Map 61 G5) Tel: 03 9808 9614 All welcome
RE: Where are you all?
Hi all My excuse is that I have been avoiding my office, and doing simple things like going for walks with my daughter Miriam who is home from Perth where she works as a physio. But time passes and I'm back in the office now. My first homebirth for the year has brought a new blessing into a family whose three children have been born at home. The first was 'unintended' - booked for birth centre. The subsequent ride in an ambulance, and hospital stay made this woman question the need for hospital. My helper at the birth on Saturday night was a young mum who is thinking about studying midwifery Bmid. She had swum in the 'pier to pub' ocean swim from Lorne to Portsea earlier that day, and got home just in time to come out and witness a birth. Impressive women! I have been on this list since it started. I appreciate the contact it gives me with others, both midwives and committed activists (you have to be committed to keep up). My hope for this year is that there will be a national reformation of maternity services, enabling women throughout the country to access a known midwife as primary carer, throughout pregnancy and birth, with unrestricted access to basic hospital facilities and specialist services when and as required, funded equitably with other maternity service options. I believe this is an achievable goal, and is consistent with the goal of the Australian Midwifery Campaign, and I re-commit myself to working with all who will work towards it. Best wishes Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Mary Murphy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2002 2:57 PM To: midwifery mailing list Subject:Where are you all? File: ATT4.htm Is there anyone out there East of the border? I am not sure if there is something wrong with the system or if everyone in the East is too busy with fires, holidays etc to chat. Would appreciate a response from our Eastern seaboard sisters. Cheers, MMurphy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Vitamin K
It's interesting to see Vitamin K mentioned by several people in the context of the discussion on resuscitation. There have been cases reported in the literature in which babies were given oxytocic in stead of vitamin K, with disastrous consequences. ACMI Vic Branch took action several years ago, and developed a Position Statement on storage and administration of neonatal Vitamin K. The Nurses Board of Victoria reprinted the Position Statement in Nexus June 1998 (which is distributed to all who are registered), with the statement The Board considers that the following Position Statement ... should be drawn to the attention of all Midwives in Victoria. This serious potential for harm should be dealt with by changing practice, and I urge any midwives on this list to ensure that such errors could not happen where you work. I have copied out the statement below fyi. Joy Johnston ACMI Victorian Branch Position Statement (published ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8) Storage and Administration of Neonatal Vitamin K In recent years there have been several reports of accidental administration of oxytocic (ergometrine) to newborn infants in Victorian maternity units. These incidents have apparently occurred when oxytocic drugs, intended for administration to the woman, have been stored near to neonatal Vitamin K (Konakion), intended for prophylactic administration to the infant. The reported adverse effects in the infants include one fatality, respiratory distress, apnoea, and convulsions. The Victorian Poisons Information Centre advises that neonatal Vitamin K should not be administered to the infant in the birthing area. The Victorian Branch of the Australian College of Midwives (the College) endorses this advice. The College recommends a review of procedures and policies in the light of this information. Vitamin K is not an emergency drug. Non-emergency medical treatments should not be allowed to interfere with the early contact and bonding between the woman and her child. Vitamin K should be given at an appropriate time, and with the mother's informed consent. References: The Aust J Hospital Pharmacy 1996. 26: p454 ACMI Vic. Open Line 1997. 5:2, p8 Mitchell AA et al. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn (letter) JAMA 1983; 250:730 Donatini B et al. Inadvertent administration of uterolytics to neonates (letter) Lancett 1993; 341:839 Pandey SK and Haines CL. Accidental administration of ergometrine to a newborn infant. BMJ 1982; 285:693 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
A Christmas tale
'Twas a week before Christmas and the expert said to the young woman This baby is too big. Let's get it out. We don't need to wait any longer. The prostaglandin gel was placed deep in her body, and its effect was powerful. Lying propped up on a strange, high bed, with straps around her belly linking her to a machine, she was totally unprepared for the intense surges that gripped her body. Gradually the excitement she had felt was overridden by fear and a sense of entrapment. Meanwhile the baby's heart rate kept printing out on paper that was spewed from the machine. Someone thrust a plastic tube in her hand, and she sucked on the gas in an attempt to numb sensation. She quickly became weary. Then there were injections of strong drugs. These didn't take away the pain - they merely dulled her mind and made her unable to respond. Before long she pleaded for a caesarean, the only alternative she knew to the terrible and unrelenting torture. The expert arranged for the pain to be taken away and she lay, quiet at last. However the attention of those in the room was turned to the papery snake, and the lines on it. The volume on the machine was increased, and she heard ominous slowing of her child's heart rate. Without sensation in her lower body, her mind was still on high alert, and she sensed another type of anxiety. The carers who had paid little attention to her distress moments ago were taking quick action. The expert was summoned, and it was not long before her child was dragged out of her body. While people did things to the crying baby who weighed only 3.5 kilos, the expert put stitches deep in her vagina to repair a large cut. A few days later she was at the dinner table with her loving family. Christmas dinner. She struggled to put food into her mouth. Feeling waves of nausea, she needed to excuse herself. The constant use of pain medication had left her bowel clogged beyond belief. Then the baby woke for a feed. The baby - she couldn't even say my baby, or call him by name - was about to attack her again. Sitting in the cosy den she burst into tears. Her mother was shocked to see raw patches on the exposed nipple, like a nasty sore on a large full breast. Like the bulls eye of a target that has been repeatedly hit. The young woman's mother called a friend who had some skill in such matters. Apologetically. The friend mused that if a mother and her new baby could not get the help they need on Christmas day, there must be something very wrong. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: midwifery ideals/long
And re the recent discussion what is a midwife. I have stayed out of this thread (so far). Personal issues have kept me distracted. When I read the message about Claire Brassard I felt grieved at the loss of someone who seems to have the midwife's heart and skill, without the registration. I have not met her, but I accept the word of people like Sue Cookson, who I have met. I am grieved that the group of people who support lay midwives has not worked out a way for such women to have their competence acknowledged, and a registration granted. I think this would be a win-win situation. It's probably a discussion that needed to be had. Much midwifery knowledge is basic women's knowledge, and in many instances I think this knowledge has been preserved by (lay) women (some of whom may have taken the role of midwife) and willingly shared with registered midwives who have sought to regain an understanding of what it means to be 'with woman'. Those midwives also share their knowledge, in a mutually supportive way. The destructive paradigm of domination of one group or person over another does not fit with midwifery. Regulating professions is something that is widely accepted in our society, and is supported throughout legislation. The purpose of these laws is protection of the public - the ordinary Ms Public is supposed to be confident about what a midwife is, and is able to check that the person is actually qualified, and is able to complain if a midwife does something wrong. We can't compare the present situation for unregistered birth attendants with previous generations, or with the birth attendants in developing nations. Gloria Lemay in Canada is an exceptional case, and she was taken to court a couple of years ago. The judgment went in her favour - that as long as she didn't hold herself out as belonging to the College of Midwives, she could do her work attending births. That story is in Birth Matters Vol 4.3 Sept 2000 p10. This is a disjointed argument. I hope someone finds what I have said useful. My plea is let's not split up into warring factions, competing for the tiny proportion of women who choose to step out of the system. I think we all need to work towards achieving national acceptance of a woman's need to be able to choose a known midwife (best practice - evidence based) as a funded option throughout the health system. (ie the Australian Midwifery Campaign) Btw the Campaign Petition now has about 6000 signatures. That's a lot of evidence. We would appreciate all petitions being returned to Maternity Coalition as soon as they are filled. If you want to download a petition, go to www.maternitycoalition.org.au Warm regards Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -Original Message- From: Mary Murphy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2001 9:16 PM To: midwifery mailing list Subject:midwifery ideals/long File: ATT4.htm A quote from Jan Tritten... Midwifery Today. We do midwifery to help families have good, healthy, and if possible, joyful pregnancies and births. Our greatest love should be for women and their babies. The bottom line for you as students and aspiring midwives is to keep your focus on motherbaby-You are answering a calling, one of service, not one that is self-serving. If you don't feel deep in your heart that you are called to be a midwife, please do something else. This is not work in which you will make a lot of money. In these times, it is one of the more uncertain jobs you can undertake. My hope is that we, as enlightened, alternative thinkers and doers, can somehow do better. I had hoped there would be mutual respect and a sense of harmony, or better yet, unity with a lot of diversity (my emphasis) For those who are called to midwifery, there awaits a life that will take all the love you have to give. You have the awesome honor of being with woman on her most important life passage. You are there, often the first one to touch the new life sent directly by God to reside awhile on this planet. You are there when people become a family, when maidens become mothers. This is a powerfully spiritual experience and you are there. You are a key person in this life-changing passage. The deepest humility is a necessary characteristic of being a midwife. You will always be learning because the women you continue to serve are your most important teachers. Honor them and their babies by putting them first, before your numbers, before your license-even before yourself. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
new Nurse Practitioner role in Victoria
Fyi - [midwife] has been added by me, and is a correct reading of this material, even if the midwife has not qualified in nursing. This may appear very a sell-out to nursing to some - I'm sorry if you think that. I believe that it gives midwives an opportunity to practise midwifery in any setting - hospital or community. We need these advanced practices so that we can practise on our own authority, without having to ask permission from a doctor to get a blood test, or having to pretend we are a 'support person' when we attend a woman in hospital. So that hospital midwives can take authoritative professional responsibility, and seek collaboration with obstetric specialists when required, rather than follow protocols which require doctors to be the lead professionals in all births. Perhaps this will be a step in separating nursing and midwifery? Joy Johnston MEDIA INFORMATION FROM THE NURSES BOARD OF VICTORIA 14 December 2001 NURSES [MIDWIVES'] NEW ROLE FORGES AHEAD The long awaited Nurse Practitioner Role is now a reality with nurses [midwives] invited to apply to the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) for endorsement from this point forward. NBV's Chief Executive, Leanne Raven says that the Board is excited about receiving applications for this new role. The framework for all of the necessary processes is now in place for the implementation of the Nurse Practitioner, which will enable nurses [midwives] to perform advanced duties in practice. Endorsed Nurse Practitioners may be qualified to prescribe certain medicines, initiate lab tests, refer to specialists and admit and discharge patients. Through this role Victorian nurses [midwives] will be able to demonstrate their competency and work together with other health professionals including those in medicine and pharmacy. The Nurses (Amendment) Act 2000 implemented by the Victorian Government last month has granted the Nurses Board of Victoria the power to endorse eligible nurses [midwives] for the Nurse Practitioner role and to accredit courses leading to endorsement. Ms Raven says that the Nurses Board has set strict processes for nurses applying for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner. The Board's main role is safeguarding the public and the processes leading to endorsement reflect this. Nurses [midwives] who apply to become Nurse Practitioners in Victoria will need to meet strict criteria set by the Board and undertake top level training at an education facility approved by the Board. Ms Raven says that after completing their training nurses [midwives] will be able to work competently as Nurse Practitioners aiding the Victorian Health Care system greatly. With changes in society like ageing population, an increase in mental health difficulties and a shortage of health care professionals, nurses trained to perform these clinical duties will be an enormous help. For further information please contact: Cushla Gillbanks at Australian Lifestyle Media Phone (03) 9421 5222 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: fistulas
Jackie, you asked: Do the homebirth midwives on the list agree, or do you experience fistula?s often in your clients? NO! Fistulas (recto-vaginal, in which faeces and gas escape into the vagina, or vesico-vaginal, in which urine escapes into the vagina) are usually the result of severe tears which involve the anus, or obstructed labour, or poor surgical repair techniques, or complications with healing. In the case of obstruction or severe tears, a woman planning homebirth with a known midwife would probably have been advised to transfer to hospital, and the midwife would attempt to work with the obstetric specialist team to provide appropriate care. I don't want to sound absolute here - these bodies of ours sometimes do unexpected things that have surprised everyone. In my experience the women in labour have understood their situation, and have accepted the need for specialist intervention in much the same way as you accept surgery when your appendix is severely inflamed. I let my clients know that I have limits to my professional ability. If a perineal tear goes close to the anus, I would much rather ask an obstetrician to do the repair, with the assistance of good light, Lithotomy position, and an operating theatre if needed, than let her possibly develop a fistula or incontinence. If the anal muscle is involved I understand that a permanent suture is used to prevent a u-shaped muscle developing. This sort of incident is a time when the woman and midwife will probably experience criticism from other professionals and from some family members. It's a time when the partnership and trust between the woman and her midwife are put to the test. We can't promise any particular outcome, but we can usually give clients evidence so that they can make decisions that they are happy with. We have good statistical data telling us that the number of perineal tears and the severity of the tears is consistently less in women who give birth at home (or in the car or for that matter) than for women in hospital. Why is that? Is it possible that a woman who is 'unobserved' (read bright lights and strangers looking intently at the business end - M Odent talks a lot about this) is more able to let go of her baby, and her muscles and skin go into a softer, more pliable state to let the baby make its way out of the birth passage? That's my theory. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Jackie Mawson [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, December 17, 2001 11:37 AM To: Ozmidwifery List Subject:Re: sanctimonious pretentiousness File: ATT00015.htmIf they didn't there would be no need for Catherine Hamlins Fistula Hospital in Addis Abbaba, correct me if I am wrong.. female genital mutilation a factor here?? ... And delays in treatment/receiving help. I have heard reports that the women with fistula?s have often laboured for days and days with a baby in the wrong position, etc, with no medical help available. These ?women? are often young girls. This is no valid comparison with what women in Australia should expect to experience during childbirth. Yes, fistula?s happen in Australia too, (a good friend of mine experienced one and had to have it repaired later) but women in Australia expect a better level of care during pregnancy and labour, whether they choose a hospital or a home birth. Hospitals are there if needed for a transfer, thank goodness, but homebirth will not cause more fistula?s to occur. Do the homebirth midwives on the list agree, or do you experience fistula?s often in your clients? Birthing Beautifully, Jackie Mawson. Convenor of Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean Inc. Visit our Website at: http://www.birthrites.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 61 08 9418 8949 Please note I am not a Professional Healthcare Provider, and all opinions given in this email are not to be taken as medical, or legal, advice. Please seek such advice from the relevant professional service. Email me your postal details for a FREE copy of our quarterly magazine, if you live within Australia - Overseas postage costs are above budget, sorry! Too many Gods; so many creeds, Too many paths that wind and wind, When just the art of being kind Is all the sad world needs... -- -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: formula without consent?
Tina as far as I know there is no body that has the power to formally investigate complaints and police hospitals about breaches (not breeches - they're different) of the 10 Steps or WHO Code, or any other voluntary standard. The real power is the collective voice of consumers. A letter to the management, with a cc to the State Baby Friendly committee, stating the person's concerns - not so much about the failure to adhere to the standard, but about the potential harm that could result from that act - will be read. The Health Complaints Commissioner could be contacted, but you may have a job convincing her/him to act on your behalf. The baby friendly assessment at present refers to well mothers and babies, so a baby readmitted for jaundice would be considered outside the 10 steps standard. This does not change the issue of the mother's expectation to be informed and to give consent. I used to work in a the first Australian Baby Friendly hospital, and there was a notice on the board stating very clearly that if any staff member gave a breastfed baby anything other than mother's milk without mother's consent and following the written protocol, that staff member would not continue their employment. Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: re expressing
Linda, this is a good strategy to cover that initial few hours. If the mother's sugar levels have been well controlled the baby should not be suffering severely from hypoglycaemia. But all except the sickest babies and mothers should be together for that period of time, and the baby can take the colostrum for itself. If the baby is severely affected, most experts agree that an IV line, and close monitoring of blood glucose, is reasonable - and no formula. Without milk banks this is a simple and useful option, and it's something anyone can do (ie don't need anyone's permission). The concern that expressing may bring the woman into labour prematurely is hardly a worry at 36 weeks. Many women have continued breastfeeding an older child and tandem fed the new baby, born at term. Oxytocin receptors seem to become active at that undefinable moment when body and baby announce 'it's time!'. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: alan trewern [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2001 9:53 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject:re expressing File: ATT5.htm Dear listers, This discussion about formula without consent prompts me to ask if anyone is familiar with expressing and storing colostrum before birth.I recently had a woman in an ante-natal class tell me she was 36weeks and an insulin dependant gestational diabetic.All babies of these mums go to special care for a minimum of 4hrs and are subjected to a fairly recent and strict protocol of care.This mum had a tour of the nursery after a recent a/n visit and it was suggested to her to start expressing and freezing colostrum to avoid the potential of either formula or a glucose drip for her baby.My initial feeling was this could cause a prem labor and then I realized if she had been tandem feeding( she wasn't) the milk/colostrum was still being removed anyway.I spoke to our lactaction consultant about it and she could see no problem unless there was a history of prem labor which there wasn't.Is any one else suggesting this to pregnant mums? Linda - Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/free_video/ -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: formula without consent?
The principle In normal birth there should be a valid reason to interfere with the natural process (WHO Care in Normal Birth 1996) applies just as much to the establishment of breastfeeding as it does to pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately we have in many cases lost the perspective of a natural process. Some of you may think I am nitpicking, but the statement firstly it is medically indicated is the exact point at which most babies are given supplements, as well as interferences such as inductions and augmentations are carried out. WE (the professionals) carry the power to say what's medically indicated. Many many times I have witnessed this situation, which Jan and others have written about too. The FIRST (not 2nd) step should be a skilled counsellor (preferably imho a known and trusted midwife, since this happens in the days after birth) who is 'with woman' before any problems (medical reasons) develop, and who explores the problem (real or perceived) with the woman and commits to an agreed plan. In that way most breastfeeding difficulties can be managed without thinking about formula. I stand by the BFHI '10 Steps to successful breastfeeding' as a clear statement of best practice for maternity service providers. The acceptable reasons for supplementation in the BFHI are quite stringent. (The most acceptable alternative to a mother's own milk is milk from another woman.) Many hospitals have become accredited as 'baby friendly' in the past decade, but that doesn't mean the culture of interference has been changed. 'Fiddling' is part of the human condition - there are very few cultures in which unsupplemented breastfeeding of newborns is the norm. Those who are working in hospitals, as well as those who are attending women and their babies in their homes need to be constantly vigilant. This doesn't mean ignoring the unsettled, hungry baby who is trying to get the precious liquid, but hasn't got it right, or the sleepy, jaundiced baby who is trying to come out of narcotic haze. It means finding ways to support each unique mother/baby pair to achieve their goal, without doing any harm. This is part of a lifelong learning process for me. Learning to work with, and not against, the wonderful human body is far more difficult and challenging than learning how to interrupt and interfere. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Malavisi, Pete [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 6:21 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject:RE: formula without consent? I saw a mother today in my child health capacity and she mentioned that her 2 day old babe had been given boiled water overnight because it was unsettled, not sure if consent was gained or not, but my understanding is that we shouldn't be giving anything except for the breast unless firstly it is medically indicated ( I do appreciate it that this is open to interpretation) and secondly only after consent is gained from parents. yours in midwifery, pete malavisi -- 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: Birthing Stool Policy
A word of caution - nothing to do with birth stools (which I don't care much for), but the messages have been under this discussion. Please be careful about identifying people and places on this list. Even when a person's name is not mentioned, the reality is that if you give other information that points to an individual, it's as good as stating the name. I have seen people very distressed by unintended outcomes of seemingly innocent statements. Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: independent midwives
Yes, there are quite a few groups of independent midwives around the country. I will forward this request to the midwifery chat line and am sure you will get some responses. The group in Victoria, which I am personally involved with, is Midwives in Private Practice, which is a member group of the Maternity Coalition Inc. Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -Original Message- From: Connolly, Belinda [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 12:07 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject:independent midwives Hi, I'm a journalist for Practical Parenting magazine and I'm trying to find an independent midwives association. Are you aware of such group? I'd really appreciate if you could provide me with a contact number, or website address. Cheers, Belinda Belinda Connolly Writer / Sub-editor Practical Parenting Level 2 Stockland House 181 Castlereagh St Sydney 1028 02 9288 9608 ** 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 footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses. ** -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
maternal deaths report
Dear ozmidders I have read this report and found it quite stimulating. It took a good day to get through. I would encourage others to do likewise. Here's the NHMRC site address for those who want it. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdf/wh32.pdf -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: WOMEN'S HEALTH MAC consultations
Victorian women please note: -Original Message- From: Absolute [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 2:23 PM To: (Recipient list suppressed) Subject:WOMEN'S HEALTH MAC consultations PLEASE CONTACT EMMA GLOUFTIS ph (03) 9616 8047 FOR MORE DETAILS The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Women's Health Wellbeing want women to participate the the development of the Victorian Women's Health Wellbeing Strategy. A discussion paper has been developed for input. (the paper can be accessed at www.women.vic.gov.au) Also if you book into a consultation Emma will send you a copy. Attached are the details of statewide consultions times. 1 November 2001 Dear Women and Service Providers, On behalf of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Women's Health and Wellbeing (MACWHW) and the Department of Human Services, we are writing to invite you to participate in the development of the Victorian Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy (WHWS). The WHWS is a commitment by this Government to develop a policy and strategy that aims to: * Improve the health and wellbeing of Victorian women, particularly those most at risk; and * Provide a policy framework for planning, funding and delivery of services to women in relation to their health and wellbeing Over the past months the MACWHW has been consulting with 5 population groups of women who previously have not been consulted fully or whose needs have been under researched. These are Koori women, women with disabilities, working women (paid and unpaid), women in and post release from prison and lesbians. We have now analysed that information, added to it the material gathered from previously held consultations and areas of research, to develop a Discussion Paper. The paper outlines key action areas, principles and possible directions and strategies for feedback. These directions and strategies aim to target those population groups and issues which most s ignificantly affect the health and wellbeing status of women. We would like to hear your thoughts on the paper in general, and answers to the questions that will be explored in the forthcoming workshops. To this end, we are holding 14 consultations across Victoria in November and December. A schedule of those consultations is attached to this invitation and we would welcome your involvement. Childcare, transport, interpreters and catering will be provided with adequate notice. Please respond to Emma Glouftis on (03) 96168047 before 4pm by the required RSVP date listed on the schedule to confirm your attendance and your requirements for the day. You will be sent a copy of the Discussion Paper, which you can also access on www.women.vic.gov.au We look forward to meeting with you and working with you to further improve the health and wellbeing of Victorian women. Yours sincerely, The Hon Caroline Hogg MP Chair Ministerial Advisory Committee on Women's Health and Wellbeing -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
maternity coalition annual dinner 24 Nov
PLEASE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY (email reply is OK - post will take too long) If you are planning to come to the dinner At Box Hill Community Arts Centre 24 Nov, from 6.15 pm (details have been posted previously, but can be sent again if you request) Great food, good company, entertainment, and a special visit from Barb Vernon and Justine Caines who will represent the ACT branch of Maternity Coalition. ALSO AGM at 5.30 pm. The Maternity Coalition is an incorporated group, and a registered charity. The AGM is held in accordance with the law, and includes reports and election of the officers for the coming year. In this the year of the volunteer, MC is an example of volunteer commitment to a very important cause. If you are a member and can't attend the meeting, please reply with your apology. Otherwise, it appears that you don't care. (attendance at the AGM without staying for the dinner is OK, but of course we would prefer to have you stay on!) Please reply by email or phone or fax: Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure
Denise I totally support these goals. Are you going to take these on as your project? I am happy to support you, share any information, review drafts of letters c for you or anyone else who is prepared to direct their efforts towards the achievement of the goal of the midwifery campaign. You think pigs might fly? I remember also the saying of throwing pearls before swine, and try to direct my pearls strategically. Joy -Original Message- From: Denise Hynd [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 5:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear Joy All right let us at least start with 2 which are possibly acheivable now and maybe one day we may be in the realms of flying pigs or at least where our kiwi sistera ar? 1) Get ACMI to put a new brochure and article in their news to every member asking them to collect signatures and seek the support of other groups to which they belong such as Playgoups, other female unions! 2) Work on persuading ABA to be supportive (understand they have their AGM coming up soon in Melbourne - get ABA to put a brochure article in their newsletter - there is a precedent, I remember they had a postcard to send to Carmen Lawrence when she was Mins of Health seeking midwifery options!! a lover of flying procine Denise - Original Message - From: Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 12:16 PM Subject: RE: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear Denise I hope you don't want me to answer your string of questions one by one. Yes, the boundaries of the campaign are as wide as we ourselves make them. Anyone who belongs to a play group, a farmers union, a church ladies guild, ABA or whatever can approach that group with a simple request that the goal of the midwifery campaign be endorsed, and that this be minuted. If the news finds its way back to me, I will gladly put it on the brochure. As far as WHO, ILF, and NHMRC are concerned - AS IF! What about AMA, RANZCOG, and all the rest? Please prove me wrong! Joy -Original Message- From: Denise Hynd [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 10:59 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear Joy Will ACMI put a brochure and article in their news to every member asking them to collect signatures and seek the support of other groups to which they belong such as Playgoups, other female unions What about ABA could they be persuaded to be supportive put a brochure article in their newsletter - there is a precedent, I remember they had a postcard to send to Carmen Lawrence when she was Mins of Health seeking midwifery options!! Also ACMI could get the support of the all the other nursing groups eg ANF, CNA, and other female unions and the support of the TLC?? ? As WHO recognises midwives as the appropriate carers for healthy women the endorsement of WHO, ILO, Unicef etc could be a goal something to go to the governmemnts with?? And whilst we are there NHMRC and every other group who has had review into Australian maternity services could also endorse the campaign??!! Now there some supporters to put on the brochure which would have to be a booklet?? Denise Also - Original Message - From: Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery list (E-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: ACMI (E-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 7:43 AM Subject: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear listfriends The Brochure of the Midwifery Campaign is due for updating, and my current plan is to make one brochure that can be used across Australia (rather than keeping the State brochures), with space for local contact details to be added by a stamp or sticky label (or hand written). It is hoped that these brochures will then be copied by the 100s, and put out for people to take wherever people gather. The new brochure will list groups that have stated their support. If you know a group or organisation that is not listed below, and you would like to have it listed, please forward this message on to the leader(s), and request their response. All we ask is that the group agrees with the goal of the Australian Midwifery Campaign, and makes an effort to support the movement: TO ACHIEVE FOR ALL WOMEN THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE A MIDWIFE AS THEIR PRIMARY CAREGIVER DURING PREGNANCY AND BIRTH WITHIN THE HEALTH SYSTEM (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) WHETHER IN THE COMMUNITY OR HOSPITAL Please take up the challenge to follow up on this if you can. Every group that has a commitment to women and families is welcome to add their support to this campaign. We need indigenous women's groups, breastfeeding groups, country groups, education groups ... (the font will get smaller
RE: from the greens website
This press release is past history now. Let's work on towards .. supporting and strengthening the family unit, by providing fully funded community midwifery models of care such as those in WA, SA and the ACT. Our governments should provide no-fault PI insurance for all midwives, as is done in New Zealand. BUT I want to make it clear here that the legislation requiring midwives and registered nurses to have PI insurance was in the pipeline for years, and is consistent with model legislation for all health professions. It's supposed to protect the public! The Nurses Board has had a part in this, as has many other organisations and individuals. So please understand that it's not the Nurses Board that took the 'radical step'. Noone thought it was radical, and we all had insurance, so we all agreed it was a good ideal The Nurses Board is only the messenger - the means by which the wishes of the community (via our government) are carried out. The Geelong picnic was a wonderful, colourful, happy gathering. The speakers and singers were great. I have a bunch of photos to remind me. But so far we haven't made any changes that I can see. Let's not give up, but realise that we are working against entrenched community attitudes that have been shaped over generations. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Sally Westbury [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 7:41 PM To: Sally-Anne Brown Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:from the greens website File: spacer_green.gif Greens back State Midwives 27 October 2001 The Greens Victoria have thrown their weight behind the states midwives following the ongoing crisis with professional indemnity insurance and the recent announcement from the Nurses Board of Victoria that they will have discretionary legislative powers from November to deregister any nurse or midwife who practices without adequate professional indemnity insurance. The Greens Otways Branch Convenor Sally-Anne Brown, together with Sally Westbury (Independent Midwife, Geelong) have co-ordinated a picnic and support rally for the state's midwives this Sunday at Johnstones Park Geelong 11am -3pm, to protest against the lack of state and federally funded insurance coverage for Victoria's midwives and the radical step that the Nurses Board of Victoria will introduce next month. It is completely unacceptable that at a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, that families are now being further compromised by being told that their midwives may not be able to attend as their primary caregiver due to lack of insurance. It is also unreasonable that the Nurses Board of Victoria are now jumping on the bandwagon, threatening to deregister midwives, further inflaming a situation that they could have actively defused, by supporting their midwives as well as the families they care for, Ms Brown said. It is this top down effect, that the bureacrats effectively impose on childbearing women that has gone too far. The focus should be on supporting and strengthening the family unit, by providing fully funded community midwifery models of care such as those in WA, SA and the ACT. Our governments should provide no-fault PI insurance for all midwives, as is done in New Zealand. Ms Brown said. The rally will attract up to 300 midwives and families from all around Victoria. There is free childrens entertainment, live bands, featuring a special appearance from the Stiff Gins and guest speakers include Vanessa Owen (ACMI, president), Dr Peter Lucas (Wattle Park House), Scott Kinnear, (Vic Greens Lead Senate candidate) and Gavin O'Connor MP, Corio. This rally is a symbolic and strong gathering for the families of the future and the midwives who have cared for them. It is a first for Victorian midwives and I anticipate it will be the spark that will light a candle for ongoing support for our midwives for a long time to come. We don't need the 'out of control fires of the NBV and Insurance companies'. It is a time for calm, clarity and adequate funding to strengthen midwifery care for all families. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure
Dear Denise I hope you don't want me to answer your string of questions one by one. Yes, the boundaries of the campaign are as wide as we ourselves make them. Anyone who belongs to a play group, a farmers union, a church ladies guild, ABA or whatever can approach that group with a simple request that the goal of the midwifery campaign be endorsed, and that this be minuted. If the news finds its way back to me, I will gladly put it on the brochure. As far as WHO, ILF, and NHMRC are concerned - AS IF! What about AMA, RANZCOG, and all the rest? Please prove me wrong! Joy -Original Message- From: Denise Hynd [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 10:59 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear Joy Will ACMI put a brochure and article in their news to every member asking them to collect signatures and seek the support of other groups to which they belong such as Playgoups, other female unions What about ABA could they be persuaded to be supportive put a brochure article in their newsletter - there is a precedent, I remember they had a postcard to send to Carmen Lawrence when she was Mins of Health seeking midwifery options!! Also ACMI could get the support of the all the other nursing groups eg ANF, CNA, and other female unions and the support of the TLC?? ? As WHO recognises midwives as the appropriate carers for healthy women the endorsement of WHO, ILO, Unicef etc could be a goal something to go to the governmemnts with?? And whilst we are there NHMRC and every other group who has had review into Australian maternity services could also endorse the campaign??!! Now there some supporters to put on the brochure which would have to be a booklet?? Denise Also - Original Message - From: Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery list (E-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: ACMI (E-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 7:43 AM Subject: Update of Australian Midwifery Campaign Brochure Dear listfriends The Brochure of the Midwifery Campaign is due for updating, and my current plan is to make one brochure that can be used across Australia (rather than keeping the State brochures), with space for local contact details to be added by a stamp or sticky label (or hand written). It is hoped that these brochures will then be copied by the 100s, and put out for people to take wherever people gather. The new brochure will list groups that have stated their support. If you know a group or organisation that is not listed below, and you would like to have it listed, please forward this message on to the leader(s), and request their response. All we ask is that the group agrees with the goal of the Australian Midwifery Campaign, and makes an effort to support the movement: TO ACHIEVE FOR ALL WOMEN THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE A MIDWIFE AS THEIR PRIMARY CAREGIVER DURING PREGNANCY AND BIRTH WITHIN THE HEALTH SYSTEM (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) WHETHER IN THE COMMUNITY OR HOSPITAL Please take up the challenge to follow up on this if you can. Every group that has a commitment to women and families is welcome to add their support to this campaign. We need indigenous women's groups, breastfeeding groups, country groups, education groups ... (the font will get smaller as we add more to the list!) (for further detail check out www.maternitycoalition.org.au ) This is the list as it stands. (If any group is named, and wants to be removed (?) please let me know) The Maternity Coalition and the Australian College of Midwives (ACMI), representing national consumer and professional bodies committed to improving maternity services in Australia, jointly host the Australian Midwifery Campaign. The following organisations and groups (in alpha order) have stated that they support the Campaign: ACE Graphics ACMI Branches ASIM (Aust Society of Independent Midwives) AIMS Australia (Assoc for Improvements in the Maternity Services) AMALG Australian Midwives Act Lobby Group Birthing Options Geelong Birthrites: Healing after Caesarean Inc Birth Matters SA CARES SA (Caesarean Awareness Recovery Education and Support) Childbirth Information Service (NBAI Tas) Choices for Childbirth (Vic) Colac Otway FAB (Families and Babies) (Vic) Community Midwifery Program WA Homebirth Access Sydney Homebirth Australia Homebirth Network of SA Maternity Coalition ACT Branch Mercy Birth Centre Family (Vic) Midwives in Private Practice (Vic) I appreciate your help with this update. The Midwifery Campaign has no office or workers - it's up to you and me to do what we can, and together we will achieve our goal. Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel: 03 9808 9614 Fax: 03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored
RE: Third stage
A story from me: I don't want to minimise the importance of what you and others have been saying Jan, and I agree that sharing our stories does make us feel vulnerable at times. I found that sometimes I worry about these things unnecessarily. The woman had given birth at home to her 7th beautiful healthy baby. This was her first planned homebirth. Two hours after the birth she was sitting in a lounge chair, just soaking up the delight of the moment. Placenta was still in, and cord not cut. There had been no bleeding. I had spoken a few times about getting the placenta out, but evidently my words had gone over her. I cleared my throat and gently informed her that I really needed to recommend a dose of syntocinon and controlled cord pressure (I believe that it would be dangerous to pull in a grand multi without synt), and if it wouldn't come we would have to bundle up and transfer to hospital blahblah. Karen seemed to come out of her trance, looked straight at me and said, a little puzzled, and said If I stand up it will come. And it did. Silly me. That was some time ago, and many of you wise women out there probably know how to work with the woman better than I did then. I was worrying needlessly. Learning to deal with third stage, and not be afraid, has been one of the most significant learning experiences for me in becoming an independent midwife. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 5:32 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: Third stage File: ATT5.htm To really share is difficult at times but the same fear emerges for me re transfer age I think 1 hr is normal I think at 2 hrs if third stage del soon great but if I wait any longer the facility I transfer to will be punitive to my client. So off I go. I have trans fered once at 1.5 hrs and negotiated for spinal for manual , not happy jan and the placenta was picked out bit bt bit I truly believe it would not have come and I'm glad I didn't wait longer. A collegue braver than I waited 7 hrs and it still didn't happen of to hosp were they were not sweetness and light neither werethe parents once they teamed up with the doctors and heard about the danger they had been submitted to. In a nutshell if the woman is well NO TIME LIMIT BUT YOU HAVE TO FACE GREATER HOSTILITY THE LONGER YOU DELAY TRANSFER SORRY TO SAY. I GUESS IT'S GOOD TO ADMIT THAT MIDWIVES ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN NEEDSjan - Original Message - From: Sally Westbury To: ozmidwifery Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 7:42 PM Subject: Third stage How long is the longest people have waited patiently for a placenta to arrive when there was no bleeding?? Sally Westbury -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Nurses Board of Vic
Dear Bronni It's great to hear of your meeting in Healesville. I'll have a go at answering your questions. Although I am a member of the Board (I think I'm the only one on this list), I am also finding the whole PI insurance issue very difficult. The Victorian Nurses Act 1993 has recently been amended, and the amendments have come into effect 1 Nov. The new section 5 (3) (d) states: [The Board] may require the applicant [for registration] to provide evidence that the applicant is or will be covered by professional indemnity insurance that meets the minimum terms and conditions set out in guidelines of the Board. Does this mean the Board can deregister someone (ie an independent midwife) who is not insured? It probably does. I have been assured that it's a DISCRETIONARY power - but even that doesn't make me feel very comfortable. It will probably begin to take effect as people apply for endorsement as Nurse Practitioners, if they want to work outside the hospital system. (for those in other places, the NP endorsement will enable a person to have extended practices - prescribe, order tests, refer to specialists.) I believe we need to get insurance. ACMI members would have received a discussion paper and ballot to return, so that we can choose option 1 or option 2. I and other independent midwives look forward to resolution of that issue, as it's the only insurance on offer at the moment. I hope AHMAC (health ministers advisory c'tee) under whatever new government gets up on Saturday will set up a system of no-fault insurance similar to what's done in NZ. I see no future with spiralling costs for insurance. Doctors who belong to the Medical Defence Association of Victoria (an insurer) have already been told: Warning to members in obstetric shared care. Members should be aware of the recent decision of Guild Insurance to withdraw the provision of indemnity to midwives. This may spell the end to midwife-supervised home deliveries as a choice for the community. The statement goes on to warn members against working with uninsured midwives! (Medical Defence Update newsletter, Winter 2001) Consumers and midwives need to consider what this means, and keep on working together to resolve the PI crisis. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Steve Bronni McGrath [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 2:03 PM To: list Subject:Nurses Board of Vic File: ATT6.htm i spoke recently at a community forum in Healesviile where local hopefuls for the up coming election had been invited to hear what we really think about some gritty issues ( minus the Liberal candidate who was unable to attend or send someone in her place ). As a result Jim Romagnesi ( Greens ) forwarded me their recent press release on backing for midwives which included this paragraph: The Greens Victoria have thrown their weight behind the states midwives following the ongoing crisis with professional indemnity insurance and the recent announcement from the Nurses Board of Victoria that they will have discretionary legislative powers from November to deregister any nurse or midwife who practices without adequate professional indemnity insurance. could some kind person please inform me as to what this actually means and is this just recent and how come as a registered nurse i have not been informed by the NBV? i'm feeling a little scared but i sense that this may be sensationalism of legal wording ( i hope) thanks to you all Bronni McGrath Mum, Midwife and Supporter -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Social Justice - Women and Birthing First! Vote 1 Democrats
Not sure what the appropriate greeting is here, but my best wishes to you Carolyn in the election (I don't think it's luck). Also to other candidates who will support total reform of the maternity system in this country, and enable women to choose what they think is best for them. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Heartlogic Consultancy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 1:58 PM To: Ozmidwifery Subject:Social Justice - Women and Birthing First! Vote 1 Democrats File: ATT5.txt; charset = Windows-1252 Dear all, Have been busy of late, so haven't been able to contribute to the list -apologies for that. I'm writing on the eve of our Federal Election to ask you to vote 1 (in both the lower and upper houses) for the Democrats this election. This election is vital - consider what kind of Australia you want. Do you want the manipulation of prejudice, lack of cultural sensitivity and policies that give a fair go to the elite and discriminate against the poor, the vulnerable and the weak? (Not me!!!) Do you want an Australia that is able to pride it self on its compassion, it's sound and just social policies, it's effective and intelligently funded public utilities and its strong, vibrant, creative, inclusive leadership? (I certainly do!) The Democrats have midwifery (and nursing) as a key issue in its health policy. The Democrats recognise the importance of midwifery care for women and babies health status (so much so that I decided to become a member and a candidate for my local area). The Democrats call for a change in politics - about finding positive solutions and achieving them working together as a nation, community by community - creating the Australia we want over the next 30 years - not just the next three years. The Democrats are well known for our traditional role in the Senate - providing a check on executive power and encouraging transparency and accountability in Government dealings. The Democrats have always been years ahead in regards to protection of the environment, respect for human rights, social justice issues; reconciliation and a sustainable economy. The Democrats are committed to top quality public eduction and primary health care. Please take time to have a look at the Democrat policies and issue sheets. Go to www.democrats.org.au and look up the campaigns - check the health policies, you will be delighted with what you find there. Towards a brilliant, hope filled future for women, men and children across Australia! Carolyn Hastie (Democrat candidate for Dobell) No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit Helen Keller Coast Homebirth Midwives in Private Practice Heartlogic Consultancy Lifestyle consultants Success Engineering Systems TM The Mastery Development Group TM Our Business is Progressive Personal Development. Our Strength is our people. _ Vision Statement Mentoring the transformation of the human spirit by rediscovering and manifesting one's life purposeSoul Destiny Our Mission To provide the knowledge, tools, skills, mindset, support, mentoring, and learning environment to empower individual Mentoring the transformation of the human spirit by rediscovering and manifesting one's life purpose, or Soul Destiny. Phone 1800 502 298 Fax +61 43 886 819 Mobile 0418 428 430 Your future awaits you. Which one will you choose? -- 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.
birth stories
I have recently uploaded a couple of new birth stories to my website. These are wonderfully poignant accounts written by the mothers of babies Kobi (born at home) and Lois (born in hospital). Joy www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Newborn footprints
My first 3 babies were footprinted at birth (ie before I was able to hold them!) as part of identification. They were born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1973, 75, and 77. I was given birth certificates with the footprints - and presumably could use these as proof if there was any question of baby-swapping. Joy J -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2001 8:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: Newborn footprints I haven't been able to find much published on the subject of newborn foorprinting for security purposes on our midwifery database. Apart from a couple of anecdotal items from the mid 90s, the only article evaluating its use is: Butz AM, Oski FA, Repke J et al. Newborn identification: compliance with AAP guidelines for perinatal care. Clinical Pediatrics, vol 32, no 2, Feb 1993, pp 111-113. Kathy Levine Infornation Officer MIDIRS 9 Elmdale Road Bristol BS8 1SL England Tel: 0117 925 1791 Fax: 0117 925 1792 Website: www.midirs.org E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- 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: Radio National Today
Well done Justine! I can't believe that people would approve of this inequitable baby bonus scheme that the Libs have put up! Are they trying to buy off the young couples/families' votes? When will the message be got across that it should be the consumer, not the provider of the service, that decides what they want (and that's straight from Trades Practices Act/ Competition Policy stuff)??? Also all the policies directing funds to private hospitals (read big business) and running down the public hospitals. Where will it all end? I am worried. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Justine Caines [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 9:57 PM To: OzMid List Subject:Radio National Today Hi All It seems I was lucky enough to get on Australia Talks Back this afternoon and got half a question to Wooldridge and Macklin. I mentioned that I was a member of Maternity Coalition and that we had met with both their offices and that neither of them had taken our issues seriously. I also got it that childbirth is the most important reason for hospitalisation in the country and that very little has come from all the inquiries! I was then cut off and I was sorry I didn't get to mention COST!! Anyway. For those who didn't hear it Wooldrige gave that crap line about psysiotherapists and chiropractors and that he wasn't prepared to fund midwives. Macklin gave the mirror answer, looking into it! I am posting this because (if that pathetic gov is returned and as they are campaigning on the backs of dead people they proabably will) they need to be taken to task on this utter garbage. We are talking LIKE services and the pregnancy and birth of a baby no matter what!! Even so Wooldrige went on to say with other callers that Medicare was too Doctor focussed and he was glad to offer services to Psychologists for non-drug related therapy etc and that a model of wellness and preventative care were important to the Gov!! Yeah but let's not take a cent from the Obstetricians. Angry and Praying for a Labor Gov with some Greens and or Democrats to keep the Bastards honest!! Justine Caines Maternity Coalition - ACT Branch -- 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: Rescue Remedy
Dear Lieve Your messages to this list are always good. And your kind words about Australian midwives are appreciated. I think Belgian midwives are pretty special people too. I want to thank all who have shared their knowledge and beliefs about the flower 'remedies'. There are many things about which my knowledge is limited, and I see many midwives claiming knowledge in the fields of alternative therapies and other modes of healing. I constantly struggle with our society's *need* to have treatments and therapies - and hence my sceptical response. I know this human body is imperfect, and can be very easily put into a cycle of illness and destruction. I think we feel compelled to interfere if we believe that by not interfering the outcome is likely to be bad, and that we can make it better. That's what a rescue is all about. In learning to be a midwife I have been learning about a woman's empowerment from within. By this I mean that I (the midwife) don't usually do the 'empowering' (or healing or treating or therapies). My presence should enable the woman's own inner knowledge to become freed up, and healing comes with that empowerment. I am constantly amazed and in awe when I see that this has happened. Sometimes the woman uses medicines of one sort or the other in her process of healing, but in the end there's a sense of (to quote Tao Te Ching): the mother will rightly say, 'we did it ourselves'. Joy -Original Message- From: Lieve Huybrechts [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2001 5:47 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:RE: Rescue Remedy Hello Jenny, I work for a few years with the Bach Flower Remedys, for myself and my clients. They helped me a lot in the growing we all have to do and let me understand why we meet challenges. In childbirth I use them , but not standard at every pregnancy or birth, only when something unexpected happens, extreme fear with the mother,to heal a bad experience in previous birth, or to help a baby after a difficult birth. I had once a nice story. A single mother had a very difficult delivery in the hospital. The birth ended horribly with a difficult ventousse, that got of the head for three times. The baby's head was in asyncletisme and the gyn didn't allow it to turn. The baby needed oxygen after birth, the skin of the head was damaged and she had a large hematoom. We succeded to get the baby with us for a couple off minutes without anyone else. She was still so shocked she didn't try to drink at the breast. I gave her some rescue and also did some drops on the head (I hoped they wouldn't smell the cognac that is in) and massaged it softly into the damaged skin. Then the baby was taken away to the neonatal ward. Next morning the pediatrician (who also attended the birth ) came in with the baby and sayd: I have never seen a baby recover so quickly after such an horrible birth. We could go home the same day. Dear Joy, I also read your comment and I agree what we say can have great power. But the flower remedys do work, the proof is easely given when you use it on young children, people that have Alzheimer and animals, often with great results. I attended the Paris conference off Midwifery Today. I met midwifes from over the world, also your collegues of Australia. I loved to be with them, to share storys, to learn from experiences. It was warm and beautifull to see that worldwide midwifes are standing up and struggle for their profession. We still have a long way to go and Belgium is just at the start of growth. Warm greetings Lieve -- 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.
MIDWIFERY THE NURSE PRACTITIONER INFORMATION SESSION WED. 21 NOVEMBER 2001
[Some readers may wonder what the words 'Nurse Practitioner' have to do with midwifery. Victoria has introduced new legislation which will be implemented in November, enabling a registered nurse (or a midwife - we are registered in Division 1 of the Nurses Register, whether we practice nursing or not) to be endorsed as 'Nurse Practitioner'. This endorsement of the register will enable the person to have extended practices: ORDERING TESTS, PRESCRIBING, REFERRAL TO SPECIALISTS, ACCESS TO HOSPITALS. These extensions to practice will be very attractive to midwives who currently practice with a degree of autonomy, such as in Birth Centres and caseload and team projects in hospitals, and in private practice. Also midwives who are lactation consultants, and those who specialise in women's health. I believe midwives should look seriously at this option for advancing our clinical practice. This session will help get good discussion going. Joy Johnston] MIDWIFERY and the NURSE PRACTITIONER A free information session to be held, hosted by ACMI Vic Branch and the Royal Women's Hospital Wednesday 21 November 2001 (2 - 4pm) Royal Women's Hospital Yvonne Bowden Auditorium, 132 Grattan Street, Carlton NO NEED TO REGISTER ! ~ ALL WELCOME ! Program includes: The Victorian Nurse Practitioner Project ~ Overview Claudia Trasancos Senior Project Officer, Nurse Policy Branch, Department of Human Services Community Midwife Nurse Practitioner Model Helen Haines Project Officer, Community Midwife Nurse Practitioner, Wangaratta District Base Hospital, Woman Project Alison Bean-Hodges VNPP/WOMAN Project Manager, Royal Women's Hospital Facilitated Discussion ~ Midwives and the Nurse Practitioner Role Joy Johnston Midwife in Private Practice Inquiries: ACMI Vic 03 9349 1110, or Lynne Kubis [[EMAIL PROTECTED]] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Admission CTG's
This is a great reference. Thanks for passing it on Bec. Joy -Original Message- From: Clinical Learning Coordinator [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, October 19, 2001 10:39 AM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject:Admission CTG's Dear List There was a question posed a few weeks ago about routine admission CTG's and their effects. I've been trying to dig up the article on this and now I have it so I hope it is not too late for the midwife who was after the information. It is: Mires, G., Williams, F. Howie, P. (2001), Randomised controlled trial of Cardiotocography versus Doppler auscultation of fetal heart at admission in labour in low risk obstetric population, BMJ, 322: 1457-1462. The conclusion states: There were no significant differences in the incidence of metabolic acidosis or any other measure of neonatal outcome among women who remained at low risk when they were admitted in labour. However, compared with women who received doppler auscultation, women who had admission CTG were significantly more likely to have continuous fetal heart rate monitoring in labour, augmentation of labour, epidural analgesia, and operative delivery. Compared with doppler auscultation of the fetal heart, admission CTG does not benefit neonatal outcomes in low risk women. It's use results in increased obstetric intervention, including operative delivery. (p1457) Hope this is of some benefit. Cheers Bec Clinical Learning Coordinators Trevor Cresp (pager 4287) Rebecca Smith (pager 4304) Michelle Unetta (pager 4428) -- 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: Homebirth stats
Dear Jo The group of independent midwives in Victoria who call ourselves MIPP (Midwives in Private Practice - a member group of the Maternity Coalition) have collected and collated homebirth data over the years. The last triennial report is 1995-1998, reporting on 437 planned homebirths. Jenny Parratt did the bulk of the work, with Annie Sprague helping and me in the background. (it's time for another report!) 22 women in the study had had at least one previous caesarean. Eight had undergone caesar for the previous birth. The report notes: Of the group who had a caesarean section in their most recent previous pregnancy, more than half had home births. There was one antenatal transfer, two labour transfers prior to delivery and one transfer for a retained placenta. One of the labours was greater than 24 hours long and two of the births were in water. The numbers of VBAC planned homebirths are too small to draw conclusions from these figures. We have simply reported on the numbers that we have. Some women engage an independent midwife to go with them to hospital for a planned VBAC. Those births are not included in the homebirth data. As I said in my email earlier this month, the Vic government's statistics on births in 2000 have been published. There is a report on this going into the next issue of Birth Matters. One of the clinical indicators is Rate of vaginal delivery after primary caesarean section which is 20.4%. I hope you are able to collect lots of vbac information and make it all publically available. People like you and Jackie Mawson and others who make it your business to find out these things have a potential for demanding change in a way that those of us on the job don't. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Dean Jo Bainbridge [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 9:36 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Homebirth stats File: ATT1.htm Is there any Australian homebirth stats avaliable from anywhere? I would be especially interested in vbac related stats and the 'general type'. cheers Jo Bainbridge founding member CARES SA email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] phone: 08 8365 7059 birth with trust, faith love... -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Birth Story Book
The issue you have raised is important Jo. The electronic medium makes it all too easy for anyone to pick up whatever they fancy and reprint it. I was notified recently by an English midwife that a section from my website was being used, without acknowledgment, on the website of another group of midwives. The information is what I call 'Planning for birth at home', and I have used it in booklet form, as a handout to prospective clients, as well as on my website, since at least 1997 - maybe longer. Some of it is original work - some is what I consider common knowledge, including lists of questions that anyone might ask, that I have accumulated during my years as a mother and a midwife. It concludes with a very personal statement that I wrote: You are planning to give birth in your own home. Your pregnancy is a statement of your wellness, life and strength. New life is swelling your body. You and your mate accept the gift of life with eager anticipation. Your body tells you that change and growth are following nature's course. The cessation of your menstrual flow, the desire for good food and rest, the enlargement of your breasts - all external - accompany the private dreaming. As your midwife I am committed to supporting you and your family through this wonderfully basic life event - the birth of your baby - your personal, intimate celebration of life and health. Joy Johnston This is also the concluding statement in the copied version, except my name has been left off. That's pretty disappointing. I have written to the people who have used my work, and they have assured me that the mistake was made by someone else, and that they will rectify the situation. I think this sort of thing needs to be addressed, and those who copy material from this list do need to ask permission of the writer. Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -Original Message- From: Jo Slamen [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 9:04 AM To: Midwifery List Subject:Birth Story Book I was absolutely delighted yesterday to completely by accident discover that my birth story was published in The Birth Book, Carol Barbar (revised edition published this year). I was in a bookshop with husband (who is the IT Manager for this chain of bookshops) and was browsing the preggo/baby titles (as is my habit), and this one was face out (bookselling term) and I'd never seen it before, so thumbed through, and saw Jo's Birth Story. The first sentence was so familiar! And then it dawned on me. I am pleased as punch, and not at all seeking any financial or other reward, but was just wondering exactly how it got there. I think that I probably copied it to a request from this list for birth stories (and never thought anything of it) and, as I say, I am not after anything, but was just a little surprised, as had I not discovered this, I may never have known it was in print for real! So thank you, and if anyone can put me on the trail of the responsible (bless them), I'd like to say thanks properly. Jo -- 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.
community midwives in tassie
Is there a midwife on this list who works in/around Hobart? If so, please contact Alison Walker [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] who wrote: my name is alison walker and i am currently living in adelaide, hoping to relocate to tasmania in early 2002. do you know of any independent midwives practicing there? i have my 2nd baby due in june next year and dearly hope that i will be able to deliver at home as with my first child. any contacts you can give me will be most welcome. along with any details of birthing centres so i can do some research before our move -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
national homebirth awareness week 25-31 October
G'day Several people have asked me if the midwifery campaign has posters that express the goal of a known midwife and choice of place of birth. We don't, but that shouldn't stop anyone from making up their own. My suggestion is that anyone who has the computer capacity and know-how (or children/friends/partner) should make up posters (A4 pages can be enlarged). The posters should have a simple message such as a quote from a woman as to why she chose to plan homebirth. I chose homebirth because ... Here are a couple of examples: I chose homebirth because I want safety for myself and my baby. I chose homebirth because giving birth is one of the most intimate and important acts I will ever engage in. national homebirth awareness week 25-31 October [insert your local homebirth/maternity group's contact number] If you like this idea, and are able to make up some posters, please consider sharing your ideas via this list. Some people who can't do it for themselves may want to have copies made and posted to them, so you would need to set a fee to cover your costs. Also some might be prepared to share photos. Some of the photos on my website would be suitable, and the women would agree - I'll have to go through them. Not much time to get this organised, but it is do-able. Happy poster-making Joy Johnston 25 Eley Rd Blackburn South Vic 3130 Tel:03 9808 9614 Fax:03 9808 3611 M: 04111 90448 www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
farewells
Dear friends I have to go to Brisbane to be with my father who is dying. I won't be online for a while, but will keep the ozmid open so that I can catch up later. My dad is a man of great faith in the Father in Heaven, and is eager to hear the welcome well done, good and faithful servant. Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
WABA GLOBAL FORUM 2002
Preliminary Announcement - Save the Dates! Nurturing The Future: Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st Century WABA GLOBAL FORUM 2 23-27 September 2002, Arusha, Tanzania The Key Facts The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) announces plans to hold their Second Global Forum entitled Nurturing the Future: Challenges to Breastfeeding in the 21st Century. The Forum will bring together a diverse group of individuals and organisations and provide a unique opportunity to discuss, review and formulate strategies to improve infant and young child health, nutrition and care through the protection, support and promotion of breastfeeding, with the focus on the community. Forum 2 will focus on: * Research which provides the evidence base for appropriate actions * Capacity building to enable groups to implement more effective actions * Popular mobilisation to ensure that actions are community and people-centered With its African venue, Forum 2 will focus on lessons the rest of the world can learn from this unique and age-old breastfeeding culture and ways of protecting it from today's threats, varying from the baby food industry and its exploitation of the HIV/AIDS issue to globalisation and free marketeer's efforts to destroy the Code. The Forum has been planned with assistance, funding, and enthusiastic support of a host of groups involved in the breastfeeding and allied movements, including women, environment, consumer, human rights and food security groups. . . . What? The two main goals of the Second WABA Global Forum are: * To provide an opportunity for rallying worldwide participation in the movement to protect, support and promote breastfeeding and childcare; * To spread awareness on the rights of children and women to adequate food, health and care especially in developing countries. . . . Where? Forum 2 will be held in the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania. With a temperate climate and its location close to Mount Kilimanjaro, the city offers excellent conference and hotel facilities and is close to world-famous attractions such as Serengetti National Park and the Ngorogoro Crater. . . . Who? WABA invites participation from individuals and groups interested in the topics of Forum 2, ranging from women, children, environmental and consumer groups, to individuals such as health workers and young people. There will be a strong training and capacity building focus. The presence of many experts in the fields of health and nutrition, child care and community participatory action will make it possible to share skills and knowledge about advances along a wide front. Key Issues The thrust of the Forum programme is on the primary goal of the Innocenti Declaration: all women should be enabled to practise exclusive breastfeeding for six months and to continue to breastfeed while providing appopriate complementary foods, for up to two years of age or beyond. WABA aims to do this through strengthening the four Innocenti targets and addressing key issues: * HIV/AIDS A strategy to strengthen the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding in the face of HIV/AIDS. * Maternity Protection Inspiring the development of regional and national strategies for implementing the new ILO Convention 183 on Maternity Protection by promoting its ratification. Also strengthen maternity protection among women working in the informal sector. * The Code Continue to strengthen the promotion of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in the face of the baby food industry's recent marketing initiatives (such as new ways of marketing via the Internet, and promotion during emergencies). Adopting the Code is part of governments' obligation when they implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). * Mother Support Recognise and strengthen mother support groups and other community based support systems. WABA is developing a Global Initiative on Mother Support (GIMS) as a means to build support from the grassroots as well as from international organisations to foster global initiative to support women throughout their reproductive cycle and in particular before, during and after birth. GIMS aims to link with the UNICEF CARE Initiative and other relevant international programmes and initiatives. * BFHI Birthing Practices Extend the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to include good birthing practices in order to transform the BFHI into a Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative. Work with UN agencies and others to develop new guidelines for maternity care and a joint declaration for maternity. BFHI practitioners have noted that poor birthing practices lead to poor breastfeeding initiation. What's New * This Forum will expand the horizons for the breastfeeding movement, moving us into unchartered territory and linking us with new partners. * Our African venue will lend an African
PI Insurance in Vic
Dear ozmidpeople PLEASE SUPPORT VICTORIAN INDEPENDENT MIDWIVES, AND WOMEN WHO HAVE BOOKED THEIR SERVICES. Please write letters, requesting urgent action on behalf of women seeking maternity services, and midwives, to: The Hon John Thwaites Minister for Health 555 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000 And to Dr Wooldridge We have been given 4-days' notice that as of 1September, we will have no insurance cover. Previously we had been told that insurance was being reviewed in September. This is totally unreasonable. The whole maternity/midwifery community should be outraged. This applies to most midwives who attend women privately in Victoria. Note that this has happened at the same time as ANF has accepted a midwife:woman ratio of less than 1to1 for women in labour in the State's hospitals. Re: professional indemnity insurance for Victorian midwives Midwives who have insurance through ANF will NOT be insured for independent practice from 1 Sept 2001. Midwives employed in hospitals or health services will continue to receive PII cover. This message has come from Lisa Fitzpatrick at the Vic ANF. ANF will send a letter to members who have been identified as midwives in private practice, and inform them of this situation. Midwives will individually decide whether or not they will continue practising without insurance. It's not an easy decision. If anyone wants to know, please ask the midwife concerned. Maternity Coalition needs to send a delegation to John Thwaites, in an effort to protect the interests of women who engage a midwife for professional services, and in the interests of midwives whose livelihood is threatened. [a request for such a meeting, seeking assurance that women who employ midwives will not be disadvantaged, has gone to the Minister] Joy Johnston [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Bipolar realities
Dear Carolyn There were a couple of reasons why I was not going to read your message. It came as a text attachment, and I am very wary of attachments; and because you said it was long. But because *you* wrote it I felt compelled to open and read. I'm glad I did. Thankyou. In my practice in the past week there has also been an event which has made me reflect seriously about streams of thinking. I have been challenged by the boundaries of normalcy - particularly time. The woman was planning homebirth; and experienced a slow and frustrating (first) labour that seemed to be going nowhere. Having tried all the physical and mental empowerment strategies I know, I suggested to both mother and father that they close their eyes and rest a while, in preparation for transfer to hospital. Stretched out in the bathtub, with soft winter light filtering through the closed louvres, with noone else around, and with me sitting on the floor with my back up against the bathroom wall, the woman's labour took on new energy and in a very short time the unmistakable sounds of pushing were heard. This was about 2pm. Four hours later, once again with infrequent and quite mild contractions, we agreed that hospital was the best place to be. There was a wild storm outside. I would have done anything to stay at home! The woman was not distressed by labour - in fact she appeared tired but totally unstressed as we stood at the desk in the birth unit, and introduced ourselves. In hospital, the doctor, a woman-friendly female GP with experience in homebirth, came into our partnership with new energy and confidence. Her words babies are meant to be pushed, not pulled, were beautiful. It was about 10.30 pm, when the woman gave birth to a very healthy boy. More than 8 hours after I suspected full dilatation! Birth challenges us from many different perspectives. I want to be able to be 'with woman' whether it's at home or hospital, whether I am taking a leading role, as the midwife responsible for the birth, or in a little team of strangers that have been allocated to work in that room. In the situation I have described, I had become puzzled and concerned by the lack of activity. Did I slow it all down even further by taking my client out through that storm? Could I have confidently waited for a couple more hours? What then? ... (I have many unanswered questions.) If anyone is interested in further reading on twin births, there is a wonderful account by Celia Adams and Tim Jacka - Three births in the Birth Story section of my website. www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: Resolution for women's groups
I support Andrea's call - which of course will only achieve anything if members of those organisations, once they have achieved agreement of the body on the matter, ensure that action is taken to follow through with lobbying and other political action. Joy Is there an ACMI member on the list who will be at the ACMI Annual Meeting in Brisbane next month? We need a motion to be prepared, and sent on notice to ACMI in time to be included on the agenda, and the person moving the motion being able to speak to it. Also members to vote for it. (I can't be there, unfortunately) Two suggested motions: 1. I move that ACMI urges the Australian Federal government, and State and Territory governments, to recognise midwives as autonomous practitioners who work for the public good and as such should have access to the same medical rebates as medical providers of the same maternity service. 2. I move that ACMI urges the Australian Federal government to ensure that midwives have access to reasonable and affordable professional indemnity schemes. -Original Message- From: Andrea Robertson [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2001 11:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Resolution for women's groups Hi Denise, Here it is again: This is the wording that is suggested by Karen Guilliland for a resolution to propose at AGMs of any women's groups, as a way of gathering more generalised support. It is similar to the resolution used with great effect in New Zealand: -- that (the group) urges (government/state) to recognise midwives as autonomous practitioners who work for the public good and as such should have access to the same medical rebates and government/state funded professional indemnity schemes as medical providers of the same maternity service. - Andrea R -- 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.
Birth Matters Volune 5.3
The next issue of Birth Matters, the journal of the Maternity Coalition, has gone to the printer, and I would like to encourage everyone to consider subscribing at this time when we all need, so much, to pull together. The future of childbirth in Australia is at a critical point, and I believe we can work together strategically to bring in the needed changes. This issue focuses on consumers, and the title on the front cover is: Closing the gap: on women's choice, control, continuity of carer and midwives' ability to practice It's a bumper issue. The articles include: Consumer power, by Christine and Damien Toppi Private Health Insurance Funds - Report by Emma Fleay Consumer participation - who controls what you get? By Karen Lane Trusting enough to be out of control, by Jenny Parratt On being a mother - four accounts by women Midwives and women: a with-woman relationship? By Fiona Brooks and Helen Lomax The new midwife, by the B Mid student collective Bachelor of Midwifery in Victoria, by Diane Cutts My experience as a direct entry midwifery student, by Carole Bastian A time of crisis - the gap is closing - editorial Press releases and reports on the PI crisis, by various organisations and individuals ACT branch report MIPP column Letters, and lots more. www.maternitycoalition.org.au You may join/renew membership by sending your contact details with $30 to The secretary, Maternity Coalition PO Box 73 Brunswick South Vic 3055 Group subscription (4 copies of each issue to one address) $100 Bulk orders of 10 or more sent to one address may be ordered at cost price + post. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
bestforwomen
Dear list friends This title begs the question, Who decides what's best for women? Perhaps it will be answered at this conference: You may be interested in the combined RCOG/RANZCOG scientific meeting in Sydney next year. . http://www.bestforwomen.conf.au/program.htm the following is copied from the website: The Conference will be unique as the first joint scientific meeting of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The Conference will bring together internationally recognised experts in the provision of health care to women. With the combined resources of the two Royal Colleges an exciting and stimulating meeting is guaranteed. The program will address recent scientific advances which will affect the future practices of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The Conference and Trade Exhibition will be held in the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is adjacent to the heart of the city. The centre offers first class facilities to delegates, presenters and exhibitors alike and is the focal point of Darling Harbour, an imaginative urban redevelopment project which is alive with shops, restaurants and visitor attractions. The Organising Committee are dedicated to providing a total package of scientific merit and enjoyment in the unsurpassed facilities and environment of Sydney. In addition to this, delegates and their accompanying partners are encouraged to extend their stay and take advantage of the diverse range of pre and past conference tours available. A wide range of hotels and apartments have been booked to suit all needs and budgets and will be available to delegates through the Conference Secretariat. All accommodation is within close proximity of the Sydney Convention Exhibition Centre. The registration procedure and call for abstracts will be available in October 2001. If you would like any information in the meantime please contact: The Best for Women Conference Secretariat GPO Box 2609, Sydney NSW 2001 Australia Tel: +61 2 9241 1478Fax: +61 2 9251 3552 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
a lateral thought
It has occurred to me: Any midwife can attend a birth in any setting, on their own responsibility, and they don't have to tell anyone they are doing it. It could be argued that unless a midwife has a condition on her/his registration that they cannot provide services out of hospital, they should be expected to be able provide a full range of out of hospital maternity services. (in the same way that midwives with B Mid who are not RNs are required to have a condition placed on their registration, that they are restricted to midwifery) They should be required to demonstrate competence in out-of-hospital birth, and to carry the same PI insurance that independent midwives carry. If the profession and the consumers demanded a move like this, it would really throw the cat among the pigeons. That's the way it looks from where I sit. wadayathink? Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: centralised EFM.
Good to hear from you Carol. You're asking for efficacy of the monitor? It just means there doesn't have to be a midwife in the room with the woman, doesn't it? I saw the central monitor bank system in use in Michigan in about 95. Went back to visit the hospital where 3 of mine had been born (and where the birth activist was born, I think). The OB nurse told me that if a baby was about to be born, and the doctor was not present, no nurse would stay in the room with a woman - they couldn't take that sort of responsibility. I feel great sadness at that thought. We mustn't let that happen here. Joy -Original Message- From: Carol Thorogood [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 9:45 PM To: Ozmidwifery List Subject:Re: centralised EFM. Hi all Yes I am still around, just ever so quiet! Does anyone have any info or know where I can get it or does anyone have experience with centralised EFM in 'delivery' suites? I need to know about the sorts of EFM where there is a console in the office or somewhere to which all the fetal monitors are linked up. Apparently the monitor 'reads' the EFM and the screen goes red if the trace goes off. The mid students and I have done literature searches and can't find anything about its efficacy. Help, please. Carol PS That's a loverly mat coalition website Joy. -- 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.
book launch invitation Thursday 6 September 2001 at 5pm
To all who are interested in childbirth, you are invited to: Maternity Coalition's FORUM and LAUNCH of KERREEN REIGER'S NEW BOOK 'OUR BODIES, OUR BABIES' The Maternity Coalition in conjunction with the absolutely women's health program invites you to a forum and book launch. THE CHILDBIRTH REVOLUTION: STALLED OR STOPPED? A panel of speakers who have been active in changing childbirth in recent decades will consider what has and has not been achieved. Their lively discussion will be facilitated by Andrea Robertson of Birth International. Thursday 6 September 2001 at 5pm Committee Room First Floor Royal Women's Hospital Cardigan Street (Emergency) Entrance Carlton Following the forum you are invited to celebrate the publication of OUR BODIES, OUR BABIES: THE FORGOTTEN WOMEN'S MOVEMENT By Kerreen Reiger Published by Melbourne University Press to be launched by Rhonda Galbally of ourcommunity.com.au With the support of the Royal Women's Hospital, light refreshments will be catered for by 'Mary and Steve'. A donation to the Maternity Coalition of $10 (or $5 MC members/unwaged) is requested to defray other costs and to continue the work of making childbirth 'woman-friendly'. * As numbers are strictly limited please RSVP by 30 August 2001 to: The Maternity Coalition PO Box 73 Brunswick South VIC 3055 Please make cheques payable (tax deductible donations) to The Maternity Coalition. Receipts will be available at the forum. Inquiries to Robin Payne tel: 9380 2863 or absolutely women's health tel: 9344 2199 Please find enclosed my payment for the forum 'The Childbirth Revolution: stalled or stopped?' and the launch of Our Bodies, Our Babies: The Forgotten Women's Movement $5 MC member/unwaged $10 others Name _ Address ___ ABOUT Our Bodies, Our Babies The Forgotten Women's Movement This is a wonderful book . . . read it and consider what has been won, and how much more needs to be won, in the childbirth revolution! Barbara Katz Rothman, City University of New York Kerreen Reiger is absolutely right to see the childbirth movement as the forgotten women's movement, and the great pleasure of this book is to find in every chapter the right questions being asked. Janet McCalman, University of Melbourne For most of the twentieth century, childbirth and the care of mothers and babies in Western countries was controlled by doctors and a hospital system headed by men. In Our Bodies, Our Babies, Kerreen Reiger traces the struggle of Australian women and others to change approaches to childbirth, to claim their right to choices in childbirth, and to educate themselves about birth and breastfeeding. She explores the movement which radically changed our maternity care practices, allowing fathers to participate in the birth of their children and babies to 'room-in' with their mothers. This absorbing story draws on interviews with mothers, midwives and doctors, and on archival material from relevant women's organisations. It shows how the childbirth and breastfeeding movements are relevant to feminism and women's rights. Much has been achieved, but Reiger sees a need for still more political action. Any woman who has given birth, and anyone who has cared for mothers and babies, will want to read this book. Dr Kerreen Reiger Director of Women's Studies School of Social Sciences La Trobe University 3086 Australia ph: 61 3 9479 1040 fax: 61 3 9479 2705 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
midwifery campaign petition
Signatures are coming through via the online petition from www.maternitycoalition.org.au and are being recorded and added to the total tally (around 1500 at present) Most of the names are not familiar to me, meaning that people who access this information and sign the petition are outside the 'network' - this is good. For those who are not familiar with the Petition, which was launched in May this year, here it is: To the Ministers for Health (State and Federal). We the undersigned petition you to provide access for all women to choose a midwife as their primary caregiver during pregnancy and birth within the health system (public and private) whether in the community or hospital. This is the goal of the Australian Midwifery Campaign, with wide support of organisations and individuals in all Australian States and Territories. The current health funding system throughout Australia is anticompetitive towards midwives, and restricts the choice of women who seek the services of a known midwife. Changes similar to those made in New Zealand (Nurses Amendment Act 1990) to maternity service provision would not place extra demands on health funding, but would remove the current monopoly which supports medical management of pregnancy and birth, and unfairly disadvantages midwives and women who are attended by midwives. International evidence and best practice standards support midwives as primary caregivers throughout the childbearing continuum. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: Birth Pools
Terry I have forwarded your query to Michelle Carrucan. Michelle and Annie Sprague have a few pools, and recently had 2 made new. This model is very sturdy, made with steel pipes that form a frame (and that come apart for transporting), and a pool liner. Joy -Original Message- From: Child Birth Information Service [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 1:16 PM To: Ozmidwifery mailing list Subject:Birth Pools Hi every one, The Childbirth Information Service wish to obtain a new birth pool, ours is getting old. The company we originally got the pool from has gone out of business and we need some new contacts to enable us to get a new one. Please send any information to Terry: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 156 Warwick Street, West Hobart 7000 Tasmania Phone 03 62310633 Thanks all Terry Hi every one, The Childbirth Information Service wish to obtain a new birth pool, ours is getting old. The company we originally got the pool from has gone out of business and we need some new contacts to enable us to get a new one. Please send any information to Terry: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 156 Warwick Street, West Hobart 7000 Tasmania Phone 03 62310633 Thanks all Terry
RE: comment
Barb asked Why is it that so few of midwives belong to ACMI? I don't want to get side-tracked from the real issues with this one, but it does deserve a comment. To my knowledge most of the independent midwives in Vic have been long-term ACMI members, and some of us have held branch executive positions. But we make up the tiny minority of the profession. It's in the mainstream that the problem exists. There are unit managers and senior midwifery staff in many hospitals who don't belong to ACMI - they are unlikely to encourage new and existing staff members to join the professional body. They are unlikely to support midwives who want to go to acmi-run study days, and pay the attendance fees from the unit's budget. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Mary Murphy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 11:08 AM To: Ian Andrea Quanchi; Barb and Greg; Oz Midwifery Subject:Re: comment I know that there are about 10 mipp MEMBERS IN w.a. wE HAVE A POSITION ON THE sTATE eXEC. (mipps rep) I have been a past President.(sorry about the Capitals.) in a hurry , MM - Original Message - From: Ian Andrea Quanchi To: Barb and Greg ; Oz Midwifery Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 8:17 AM Subject: Re: comment I am Andrea Quanchi Barb and Greg wrote: One thing to be careful in this current debate on PI, rallies, media etc is that separatists with other agendas could easily hijack this legitimate forum to further their personal beliefs on 'midwifery'. Why is it that so few of midwives belong to ACMI? I ask how many of our vocal participants on this list are members of ACMI ? Barb Cook -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: gathering facts around Prof. Indemnity Issue
There have been many messages around this project. Well done everyone, and don't give up. There has to be a way to ensure that women can access best practice midwifery care, and that midwives can practice midwifery. My thoughts are with those who meet in Sydney tomorrow. Remember there is no law that enshrines a right to choice. (the notion of choice in maternity services has been promoted as what women want, along with control and continuity of care - Changing Childbirth in the UK. Women have to demand what they think is appropriate.) The law recognises a competent person's right of refusal of medical treatment, but not a right to dictate what a provider should do. However there is a longstanding ethic of doing good and not doing harm. We can argue that the evidence for midwife primary care and against the Australian obstetric model should compel providers of maternity services to promote (not just offer) midwife primary care. Our Commonwealth government has put in place the Competition Policy Agreement, and the ACCC as the watchdog body. Prof Fels and his colleagues have acted decisively on many other matters. Statements about competition and health care - that it should be the consumer's choice, and not the judgment of the provider, what services are available UNLESS it can be clearly demonstrated that people will be harmed by removal of restrictions to competition - these need to be taken seriously. Last night on the ABC (3LO) radio program about midwives, Sandy Gray from the NZCOM stated that New Zealand now has evidence of falling rates of neonatal mortality in the decade since 1990. That's very supportive evidence, and I want to get my hands on it! I have counted all the signatures that have come it for the Midwifery Campaign petition. We are well over 1200. Please continue to collect these signatures. You can download a petition form from the website www.maternitycoalition.org.au The petition will support our claims when we speak to the policy makers. Keep up the good work everyone, and keep a clear vision of the goal Joy Johnston Ps I have been told by a reliable person that RCNA is very unhappy about the Guild decision about midwives. Guild has sent the letter of notice that they will not renew policies to midwives who are not even in clinical practice, as well as the IPMs. -Original Message- From: Jan Robinson [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2001 6:48 AM To: Sally Tracy Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: gathering facts around Prof. Indemnity Issue File: ATT0.htm File: Meeting_Agenda.doc File: ATT1.txt Dear Sally Questions asked of ASIM members revealed most of the Victorian members were insured with ANF so I don't know about payouts from them. ALLEGED PAYOUTS The only payout I heard of was in SA where they was a very small payout (after 4 years of investigating) from an IPM where a woman alleging she was in part responsible for her post-natal depression. (the midwife stated she had borrowed money for the payout).There was a payout from the hospital and the doctor involved as well. The payout was given in order that the woman took her complaints no further. As far as I can gather there have been numerous complaints against midwives from medicos (mostly through the AMA). Both Hope Island and Guild have had to pay their lawyers to investigate these claims. That is why the PI funds are running low. (no payouts though) STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENTS I have contacted both the office of the Minister and the Chief Nurse to be informed they are aware and 'working on this issue'. Both the Minister, the Chief Nurse, the Executive Director of the Dept of Health (or their representatives) have been invited to the meeting at Dundas on Friday evening. THE FINAL STRAW All ASIMNSW IPMs who are insured have agreed to tell their clients they will no longer be able to support them after their insurance runs out and they will have to seek care at their local hospital. This has bought on an outcry which I hope will be heard at the meeting Friday evening. Sally, you would be most welcome to attend the meeting, it has been remiss of me in not inviting you before this. The stress of all this alongside practice pressures has been put a great strain on the brain cells, so your presence and support at the meeting would be appreciated. Attached is the amended agenda for the midwifery insurance meeting. It will be held from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, 27 July 2001. The venue will be: Valhalla Room Dundas Valley Rugby Union Football Club 35 Quarry Road, Dundas Valley (9638 4589) Tea and Coffee will be $1.50 RSVP to Virginia Miltrup at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 02 9477 2740. Apart from the negotiations the College (ACMI) is involved in . Does anybody have any info on payouts - large or small - for midwife associated cases within the past ten or fifteen years? Has anybody received any encouragement at all
FW: motherInc poll re unpaid work the census
A message to pass on: When you fill out a census form Aug 7, please write the words UNPAID WORK SHOULD COUNT on the form. -Original Message- From: Women's Action Alliance [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, July 23, 2001 9:20 PM Subject:motherInc poll re unpaid work the census UNPAID WORK SHOULD COUNT Write these words on your census form on August 7th Dear WAA members friends, MotherInc. have now put on their website (motherInc.com.au) the poll about unpaid work and the census about which we gave you early notice. Don't be put off completing it by the questions asking you to record the hours you spend on various activities. Just estimate approximately. It will be highly educated guess. No-one knows as much about your daily life as you do! You will also see on their website their statement of support for the WAA Unpaid Work Should Countcensus campaign. We will be grateful for your assistance to the endeavour of another supportive women's organisation. The results of the poll will be used to support our campaign during census week - presuming they come out as we anticipate. If not we will all be sent off to have another think! Kind regards Pauline Smit, National Secretary Women's Action Alliance (Australia) Inc Suite 6, 493 Riversdale Road Camberwell Vic 3124 Tel (03) 9882 8809 Fax (03) 913 4048 Website www.womensactionalliance.com.au Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com UNPAID WORK SHOULD COUNT Write these words on your census form on August 7th Dear WAA members friends, MotherInc. have now put on their website (motherInc.com.au) the poll aboutunpaid work and the census about which we gave you early notice. Don't be put off completing it by the questions asking you to record the hours you spend on various activities. Just estimate approximately. It will be highly educated guess. No-one knows as much about your daily life as you do! You will also see on their website their statement of support for the WAA "Unpaid Work Should Count"census campaign. We will be grateful for your assistance tothe endeavour of another supportive women's organisation. The results of the poll will be used to support our campaign during census week - presuming they come outas we anticipate. If not we will all be sent off to have another think! Kind regards Pauline Smit, National Secretary Women's Action Alliance (Australia) Inc Suite 6, 493 Riversdale Road Camberwell Vic 3124 Tel (03) 9882 8809 Fax (03) 913 4048 Website www.womensactionalliance.com.au Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
RE: Independent Midwives
I want to add my support to this call for bridge-building and closer co-operation/mutual respect/support between the various professionals involved in birthing services. I have chosen not to engage any further in the current debate with the Senator, even though I wish I had a way of saying something that would clearly present what I believe to be the truth. You see, although we have the WHO statement about the midwife being the most appropriate primary carer, although we have the ICM Definition of a midwife, which is endorsed by both the International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and WHO - yet there is a strong belief in our society that obstetric management is better/safer/more appropriate than any other option. As long as a person such as Senator Eggleston believes that, he would be going against his personal integrity to support anything else, ESPECIALLY a service that her honestly believes is inferior. As long as this perception is held, Senator Eggleston and millions of other professionals and consumers in this country will continue to support a system that is based on a very shaky foundation. AND they will believe they are acting in the best interest of the public they are committed to serve. It is therefore obvious that education to change the mindset, that midwife primary care is no less safe than medical management, is urgently needed. A few years ago I was at a meeting, at which Prof Marc Kierse (of Effective Care) was asked a question about who looks after pregnant women in Holland. He replied very quickly to the effect that an obstetrician is a specialist, and doesn't want to waste his/her time with well women. That's the midwife's job, and the midwife sends women to him if they need to see him. That's collaboration, cooperation, and professional respect in action. Joy -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
midwives and PI insurance in the media
Dear all There are a couple of articles coming up, that you may be able to look out for. Melbourne's Sunday Age is doing a health feature this week, on Sunday - interviewed me and a client, Monica, and got good pics of Monica and her (first) baby Lois who is 10 days old, born in a private hospital in Melbourne. Nursing Review responded to the faxed press release, and have done an interview. I don't get this paper, so if anyone sees it, please put the message out through the list. Somebody asked me if there is any point in sending letters out, when the press release has already been sent. All the advice we have is YES. Use your own words, write about your own situation and why you are outraged by the situation that restricts midwives from practice in hospitals, and restricts women from choosing their own midwife. The joint Press Release and other information that has been posted on this list can help everyone to focus on the real issues. Use the Press Release if you don't have the confidence to write your own statement. The key strategic people for each one of us to contact are: * The members of parliament (State and Federal) for the electorate in which you live * The Ministers for health (State and Federal) * Other politicians with an interest in women's policies, community issues * Newspaper reporters, particularly health As I have said before, this is an issue for ALL midwifery, and ALL women/consumers. Please act on this. Don't try to offer a solution, just demand that a solution be found! Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: midwives' insurance - lobby tally
Once a Press Release has been published, it can be sent to as many people as anyone likes. The more ways the message reaches a particular point, in various forms (including phone calls and hand written letters from people who are affected), the more likely it is to be noticed. As with everything else in the Midwifery Campaign, this is grass roots stuff. Noone has any funding to do what they are doing, and there is no central office or mission control. Each committed person has to identify what she/he can do, and do it to the best of their ability. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Elizabeth McAlpine [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2001 4:08 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; ozmidwifery list (E-mail) Subject:Re: midwives' insurance - lobby tally Joy, Its not clear, should everyone be sending the press release to whoever they choose?? Has it been sent to Senator Crowley who thinks that birth issues are a national concern or Michael Wooldridge?? Please clarify. Liz McAlpine [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
midwives' insurance - lobby tally
To everyone who is sending letters and press releases, please keep ozmidwyfery informed of who has received information. I will copy the wording of the press release that is being sent jointly by Maternity Coalition, ASIM and AIMS at the end of this message. The current tally that I know about stands at: * Sydney Channel 7 * ACT TV stations * Guild Insurance Press Release Faxed or emailed to * Health Aged Care (commonwealth) * ACMI * DHS (Vic) - Nurse Practitioner committee * Nurses Board of Vic * Nursing Review * Radio National * The Age (vic) * Herald Sun (vic) * Health Dept magazine (vic) Melbourne TV and radio stations (I have a list which I am about to work on now) A joint statement by consumer and professional groups: The Maternity Coalition Inc, Australian Society of Independent Midwives, and the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services. PRESS RELEASE 14 July 2001 Re: Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance for midwives Midwifery practice and the options women have for birth have been thrown into chaos by the crisis caused by the withdrawal of Guild Insurance from midwife PI Insurance policies. This is an issue that will affect all midwifery. The impact of this crisis will be to disadvantage women and their families across the country, as midwifery services will be withdrawn and further marginalised. We seek immediate intervention from both federal and state governments, to enable midwives to continue practising. Many concessions have been made in recent months to obstetric models of care, encouraging pregnant women to give birth in private hospitals, and promising to reduce the gap in rebates for doctors' fees. At the same time the basic option of continuity of care from a known midwife - THE model that is strongly supported by research evidence - is being withdrawn. This is totally unacceptable. It defies logic, removes the midwife's livelihood, is not in the interests of the consumer, and is causing great distress to women who have made plans to give birth in the care of a midwife. Signed by Joy Johnston, a midwife representing the Maternity Coalition Inc [Tel: 03 9808 9614] Robin Payne, a consumer representing the Maternity Coalition Inc [Tel:03 9380 2863] Jan Robinson, a midwife representing Australian Society of Independent Midwives [Tel: 02 9546 4350] Toni Cannard, a consumer representing Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services [Tel: 03 3265 4137] Fact sheet: * Birth is not an illness. Internationally accepted best practice standards for optimal maternity services promote care by a known midwife during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. This is fundamental to the definition of a midwife: one who provides primary care for women throughout the pregnancy and birth, and who collaborates with other practitioners (such as obstetric specialists) when a woman requires specialist or secondary levels of care. * The focus of the midwife's care is the woman, as an individual. The wellbeing and safety of the woman and her baby are paramount, and data from Australian and international reporting support midwifery care as protecting the safety of the woman and child. * Australian women have very limited access to the optimal standard of care. This is due to many social and professional factors, including the progressive medicalisation of pregnancy and birth over many years, together with the government funding monopoly that supports medical primary care and excludes most midwifery options of care. * A recent Australian Society of Independent Midwives (ASIM) survey of members revealed most of the membership was insured with Guild; two have been without insurance since their policies expired recently, and the rest will gradually become uninsured as their policies expire. A small proportion of ASIM midwives are insured with ANF (Australian Nursing Federation) Victoria and so far they are unaffected. There were five members who carried no professional insurance whatsoever. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN INSURANCE RUNS OUT? For those midwives no longer insured, there are two alternatives; * cease their private clinical practice, thereby requiring the women booked with them to make other arrangements, as well as the midwives losing their livelihood. * continue to practice without PI insurance ... this will mean that midwives who did have visiting/admitting rights in hospitals will no longer be able to attend their clients in hospitals and therefore reduce women's choice of birth venues to homebirth only. If an Independently Practising Midwife (IPM) always acts as a reasonable midwife would in any situation then they are unlikely to face a malpractice suit. However, the person who ultimately suffers when there are adverse outcomes is the woman who has a damaged baby and if there is no insurance the woman has little hope of any financial assistance for the rest of her baby's life. * We seek immediate action to address
Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance for midwives - for distribution
***The person who sends this should add their own contact details if they are prepared to speak to the politician or media or whoever it is sent to. A joint statement by consumer and professional groups: The Maternity Coalition Inc, Australian Society of Independent Midwives, and the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services. PRESS RELEASE 14 July 2001 Re: Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance for midwives Midwifery practice and the options women have for birth have been thrown into chaos by the crisis caused by the withdrawal of Guild Insurance from midwife PI Insurance policies. This is an issue that will affect all midwifery. The impact of this crisis will be to disadvantage women and their families across the country, as midwifery services will be withdrawn and further marginalised. We seek immediate intervention from both federal and state governments, to enable midwives to continue practising. Many concessions have been made in recent months to obstetric models of care, encouraging pregnant women to give birth in private hospitals, and promising to reduce the gap in rebates for doctors' fees. At the same time the basic option of continuity of care from a known midwife - THE model that is strongly supported by research evidence - is being withdrawn. This is totally unacceptable. It defies logic, removes the midwife's livelihood, is not in the interests of the consumer, and is causing great distress to women who have made plans to give birth in the care of a midwife. Signed by Joy Johnston, a midwife representing the Maternity Coalition Inc [Tel: 03 9808 9614] Robin Payne, a consumer representing the Maternity Coalition Inc [Tel:03 9380 2863] Jan Robinson, a midwife representing Australian Society of Independent Midwives [Tel: 02 9546 4350] Toni Cannard, a consumer representing Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services [Tel: 03 3265 4137] Fact sheet: * Birth is not an illness. Internationally accepted best practice standards for optimal maternity services promote care by a known midwife during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. This is fundamental to the definition of a midwife: one who provides primary care for women throughout the pregnancy and birth, and who collaborates with other practitioners (such as obstetric specialists) when a woman requires specialist or secondary levels of care. * The focus of the midwife's care is the woman, as an individual. The wellbeing and safety of the woman and her baby are paramount, and data from Australian and international reporting support midwifery care as protecting the safety of the woman and child. * Australian women have very limited access to the optimal standard of care. This is due to many social and professional factors, including the progressive medicalisation of pregnancy and birth over many years, together with the government funding monopoly that supports medical primary care and excludes most midwifery options of care. * A recent Australian Society of Independent Midwives (ASIM) survey of members revealed most of the membership was insured with Guild; two have been without insurance since their policies expired recently, and the rest will gradually become uninsured as their policies expire. A small proportion of ASIM midwives are insured with ANF (Australian Nursing Federation) Victoria and so far they are unaffected. There were five members who carried no professional insurance whatsoever. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN INSURANCE RUNS OUT? For those midwives no longer insured, there are two alternatives; * cease their private clinical practice, thereby requiring the women booked with them to make other arrangements, as well as the midwives losing their livelihood. * continue to practice without PI insurance ... this will mean that midwives who did have visiting/admitting rights in hospitals will no longer be able to attend their clients in hospitals and therefore reduce women's choice of birth venues to homebirth only. If an Independently Practising Midwife (IPM) always acts as a reasonable midwife would in any situation then they are unlikely to be a victim of a malpractice suit. However, the person who ultimately suffers when there are adverse outcomes is the woman who has a damaged baby and if there is no insurance the woman has little hope of any financial assistance for the rest of her baby's life. * We seek immediate action to address this crisis. Despite the best efforts of competent professionals in all settings (hospitals, birth centres and home), the unpredictable nature of birth, and of life itself, means that there may be adverse outcomes. We recommend government insurance arrangements that are made available to all who experience the dreadful cost of birth trauma! Women (and their families) deserve support through public insurance if they are the victim of bad outcomes from encounters with any health professionals. -- This mailing list
RE: Homebirths in Peril and Midwifery Insurance
Tina, you are SPOT ON. I don't think you have lost the plot - you are very right. I agree that the action of Guild and other insurers in refusing to insure midwives is an insult to the whole midwifery profession, as well as slanderous to the reputations of the midwives concerned. ACMI should put aside less important issues and act to protect midwifery in Australia. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2001 10:26 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: Homebirths in Peril and Midwifery Insurance In a message dated 7/07/01 12:30:35 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The article was titled Home births in peril as midwives lose insurance cover. It keeps sending out that same message about fear, danger and litigation around birth. What do homebirth midwives intend to do?? Sue Cookson Homebirth Australia Hi all ozmider's. This situation distresses me greatly. As I see it, the problem is the huge lack of recognition and respect for midwifery as an autonomous profession, which I believe has far reaching implications for ALL women and midwives - not just MIPP and the homebirth community. The homebirth movement here is still considered a radical, questioning and an independent movement outside of medical control and its always been a thorn in the obstetric side and subject to a great deal of attention, scrutiny and anticompetitive behaviour. Historically we know that many of the improvements in maternity care have been born from the homebirth movement. So for all other midwives to then hide their heads in the sand on this issue and to shrug it off as something that only affects homebirth midwives and their clients is a HUGE mistake. Homebirth needs to exist for the benefit of ALL, not just the few that choose it, because out of this movement we have another model by which to compare the obstetric model, and measures by which to demand greater accountability from medical men and their machines and evidence for continued improvements for mainstream maternity care. Once you recognise this it becomes apparent that the withdrawal of professional indemnity insurance from MIPP is just the tip of the iceberg and actually represents the largest assault on the autonomy of midwifery this country has seen and THIS THEN AFFECTS ALL MIDWIVES AND ALL WOMEN - NOT JUST THE HOMEBIRTH COMMUNITY. Midwives please open your eyes and look 'outside of the square you live in' and see the bigger picture !!! By insurers denying/refusing to insure midwives in private practice, is to effectively, slam the door shut on midwifery as an autonomous profession in this country, relegating midwifery to be forever controlled by the medical fraternity. This has ripple effects into EVERY other facet of midwifery practice. It will eventually effect EVERY MIDWIFE in her capacity to work as a midwife 'with woman' as it effectively undermines EVERY midwife's status and claim to autonomous practice as the health care professional that she is, irrespective of where she provides midwifery care. Further more, while the majority of midwives may work in hospitals and have their liability underwritten by state governments, many midwives also choose to have PI outside of this as well - independent of their employers interests! So to argue that this is an issue that just effects 80 midwives and the 1% of women who choose to birth at home in this country is just ridiculous and will surely then see the demise of midwifery in this country. This issue needs to be brought to the forefront and dealt with once and for all. The ACMI needs to gather ALL its constituents together with their greatest allies - women - and demand to be heard in the halls of parliament, news and media until the powers that be listen and cotton on to the great conspiracy that is denying Australian women and their families the right to choose for themselves how, where and with whom they birth their children. Furthermore, midwives need to put their money where their mouths are and get serious about their professional representation. This is not meant to be a criticism of the ACMI as it stands, but rather to say that, it can only do so much with the resources and limited personnel that it has. The College needs funds to invest in a good lawyer who can research these issues from the point of law and justice, and funds to undertake through risk analysis of providing midwifery care. How can the College continue to argue for what is right and just - without the evidence to support it. Insurance companies would find it difficult to refuse policy applications or charge outrageous premiums, if the evidence was there in black and white to sink their arguments that midwifery is a highly litigious area. The College should be demanding proof of that statement
RE: Fundal Pressure
Hi Genevieve This is interesting. I assume it is in response to the discussion on the ozmid chat line, so I will send it on there. I don't remember the discussion getting into shoulder dystocia. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: Genevieve Lilley [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, 10 September 1999 23:28 To: Johnston Subject:RE: Fundal Pressure Try having a look at Coates, T. Manoeuvres for the relief of shoulder dystocia, Modern Midwife, 7(5), September 1997, which is cited in an article in Open Line, which reads: "A five year review conducted in Totonto found that fundal pressure, when used without other manoeuvres, was associated with a high rate of neurological and orthopaedic damage. In addition, it has been suggested that fundal pressure is associated with uterine rupture and premature separation of the placenta." -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: funding for births
That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks Trish. Joy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Trish David Sent: Thursday, 9 September 1999 16:23 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:funding for births Dear Joy, I haven't thought this through very well, but I would like to see all births funded through normal channels, but the choice of where to birth would be the woman's. How I see this happening might be that midwives are employed by government bodies (such as hospitals or health departments) to be the lead maternity carer regardless of place. S/he then follows the woman wherever she goes. The salary of the midwife thus is guaranteed, and the woman has a funded choice of either public, private, birth centre, home or the highway in between. Any extra above the medicare rebate is a matter for the woman and her private health insurer. An obstetrician is a separate entity, separately contracted by the woman after referral from the midwife. We will still need obstetricians for the pathological contingencies, and they should be remunerated accordingly. And after all, no matter who she goes to as a doctor, she will still need her midwife. A small pool of midwives are maintained on a shift work basis in hospitals for the obvious reasons, and antenatal care and the bulk of postnatal care takes place in the woman's home by her LMC midwife (and her partners). Does this make sense? This would then open the gates to either fully employed by agency midwives or privately practicing midwives to work in all sorts of ways but the woman chooses. What do you think? Thus we do away with the bulk of shiftwork, the bulk of infrasturcture costs, the bulk of on costs, etc. We put these midwives on a salary. Create a separate award, register and Act of Parliament. We put them into their own community to serve their neighbours within teams of midwives who integrate with other services and use their underused buildings (eg Family and child health clinics, gp offices, school buildings, etc) anything to get them out of the big centres and out to where the women are. Well, that's all probably more than you asked for. Cheers, Trish Trish -- 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: Senate Inquiry Age
Hi Felicity As I understand it the submissions and the hansard recording of the meetings will be put up on the government website - I don't know how ling it takes for this to happen. Joy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Felicity Croker Sent: Wednesday, 8 September 1999 16:50 To: Johnston; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:RE: Senate Inquiry Age Joy, Your response to the news item should hopefully clarify 'midwifery care'. All the best with the Senate Inquiry. Do you think it would be a useful resource to have the senate submissions on the OzMid or ACMI websites? They are well researched and could provide a useful resource to midwives and consumer groups seeking evidence based information. Cheers Felicity At 06:04 PM 09/07/1999 +1000, you wrote: Dear Sally and all I can't answer either of these questions. The Age medical reporter Victoria Button got a piece about the Inquiry into page 3 of today's paper (Tues). She gave particular focus to Jane Fisher's claims that caesareans are linked to an increased incidence in certain psychological disorders, and that subsequent pregnancies may reactivate the condition. The article reported that: "The Australian College of Midwives called for a funding reform to allow midwifery at all births." I have written to Victoria Button with the following comment: This is not incorrect - but it is probably confusing to many readers. I will attempt to briefly explain why. All (or almost all) women giving birth in Australia probably do have midwifery care. The problem is that the woman (consumer) is not able, under current funding arrangements, to choose a midwife. Very few women are attended by a known midwife. The concept of partnership between each woman and her known midwife is central to the woman centred philosophy of midwifery. Birth is not an illness. A midwife is not a nurse. Funding for both public and private midwifery care is available only through hospitals - which are controlled by doctors who do not understand midwifery care. Public funding for all births includes a 'medical' component, but the midwifery care is treated as part of the service. Antenatal care is frequently provided in the community by doctors, and the funding is through Federal government Medicare. Most of these doctors do not have anything to do with the birth. Those who are involved in the birth do so through the private hospital system, and rely on midwives to attend their clients through labour, and call them in time to catch the baby. Of course, if there are complications, that specialist is called to provide expert care. However there is evidence that the involvement of specialists as primary carers may indeed be a factor in increasing the likelihood of medical intervention. This is one of the main issues that the Senate committee is attempting to address. Ten years ago New Zealand changed from a system of hospital based maternity funding, similar to ours, to a system over which the woman has choice and control. The woman may choose a lead maternity carer, either a GP doctor, a specialist obstetrician, or a midwife, and this is covered by government funding. The committee was particularly interested in the changes in maternity care in New Zealand. A recent report quoted in our submission, Maternity Care Provider and Outcomes, NZCOM 1998, in which the perinatal mortality rate (number of babies who die) for births under a midwife lead maternity carer was 3.6/1000, compared with 11.5/1000 for GP/midwife shared, and 14.9/1000 for OG/Midwife shared, was given a lot of attention. This evidence suggests that it is extremely safe to choose midwifery care. The only midwives in our country who work with a similar degree of independence to our colleagues in NZ are homebirth midwives, and perhaps a few in birth centres. Women are eager to maintain control over their bodies and lives, especially at a time of personal intimacy such as the birth of a baby. You did not stay for the presentation by Maternity Coalition, but I would encourage you to read their submission. I wish you every success in your efforts as a medical reporter, that you will be objective, and present a true picture of the issues you address. Yours sincerely Joy Johnston : -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Sally Tracy Sent: Tuesday, 7 September 1999 9:55 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Senate Inquiry dear Joy many thanks for this briefing. I am going to represent AMAP on the 14th Sept in Sydney. I need some feedback on two points. a.. Does anybody have the latest reference for the spending on ultrasound technology as part of the maternity budget? I have several references but I want to be absolutely sure...they all look so unbelievably high! a.. what constitutes 'early discharge' in the majority of practices? I have conflicting definitions to hand. And when
RE: Senate Inquiry
Dear Sally and all I can't answer either of these questions. The Age medical reporter Victoria Button got a piece about the Inquiry into page 3 of today's paper (Tues). She gave particular focus to Jane Fisher's claims that caesareans are linked to an increased incidence in certain psychological disorders, and that subsequent pregnancies may reactivate the condition. The article reported that: "The Australian College of Midwives called for a funding reform to allow midwifery at all births." I have written to Victoria Button with the following comment: This is not incorrect - but it is probably confusing to many readers. I will attempt to briefly explain why. All (or almost all) women giving birth in Australia probably do have midwifery care. The problem is that the woman (consumer) is not able, under current funding arrangements, to choose a midwife. Very few women are attended by a known midwife. The concept of partnership between each woman and her known midwife is central to the woman centred philosophy of midwifery. Birth is not an illness. A midwife is not a nurse. Funding for both public and private midwifery care is available only through hospitals - which are controlled by doctors who do not understand midwifery care. Public funding for all births includes a 'medical' component, but the midwifery care is treated as part of the service. Antenatal care is frequently provided in the community by doctors, and the funding is through Federal government Medicare. Most of these doctors do not have anything to do with the birth. Those who are involved in the birth do so through the private hospital system, and rely on midwives to attend their clients through labour, and call them in time to catch the baby. Of course, if there are complications, that specialist is called to provide expert care. However there is evidence that the involvement of specialists as primary carers may indeed be a factor in increasing the likelihood of medical intervention. This is one of the main issues that the Senate committee is attempting to address. Ten years ago New Zealand changed from a system of hospital based maternity funding, similar to ours, to a system over which the woman has choice and control. The woman may choose a lead maternity carer, either a GP doctor, a specialist obstetrician, or a midwife, and this is covered by government funding. The committee was particularly interested in the changes in maternity care in New Zealand. A recent report quoted in our submission, Maternity Care Provider and Outcomes, NZCOM 1998, in which the perinatal mortality rate (number of babies who die) for births under a midwife lead maternity carer was 3.6/1000, compared with 11.5/1000 for GP/midwife shared, and 14.9/1000 for OG/Midwife shared, was given a lot of attention. This evidence suggests that it is extremely safe to choose midwifery care. The only midwives in our country who work with a similar degree of independence to our colleagues in NZ are homebirth midwives, and perhaps a few in birth centres. Women are eager to maintain control over their bodies and lives, especially at a time of personal intimacy such as the birth of a baby. You did not stay for the presentation by Maternity Coalition, but I would encourage you to read their submission. I wish you every success in your efforts as a medical reporter, that you will be objective, and present a true picture of the issues you address. Yours sincerely Joy Johnston : -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Sally Tracy Sent: Tuesday, 7 September 1999 9:55 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Senate Inquiry dear Joy many thanks for this briefing. I am going to represent AMAP on the 14th Sept in Sydney. I need some feedback on two points. a.. Does anybody have the latest reference for the spending on ultrasound technology as part of the maternity budget? I have several references but I want to be absolutely sure...they all look so unbelievably high! a.. what constitutes 'early discharge' in the majority of practices? I have conflicting definitions to hand. And when is a woman eligible for visits by a community midwife, after discharge from hospital? Many thanks in anticipation sally -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
conference
Dear all I have just returned home after the National ACMI 'Hearts, Hands and Minds' conference in Hobart. I would love to be able to go on to Byron Bay for the Homebirth conference, but that's not possible. The babies that are due have waited for me to return, but I doubt they'll wait much longer. I was acutely conscious at the conference of many of the midwives who I have met through this list, and who I met face to face for the first time. These are people who have shared their wisdom and passion through this list. Many of us commented on whether the person (in the flesh) was what we expected from the online meetings. I believe that the open communication that this list has facilitated has been significant in a growing sense of expectancy in midwifery. We are expecting big changes. Tomorrow (Monday) the Senate Inquiry into childbirth procedures is hearing submissions in Melbourne. I expect to be there. ACMI Vic is presenting at 11-11.45 am, Maternity Coalition 1.30-2 pm, and the Obstetricians 4-5pm. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
a woman's right to choose midwifery care
I want to share a situation with you, colleagues, caring people, and possibly some who would oppose what I am doing. I am not prepared to identify the hospital concerned, and even if you think you know to which hospital I refer, believe me, it could be one of several. A woman whose baby is due in a couple of months has booked for care at a public hospital. This hospital does not have an antenatal clinic, and requires women to be seen in the rooms of the doctors who provide obstetric services in that hospital. The woman is not a health professional. She has made it her business to find information about birth and evidence based models of care. She decided she wanted continuity of care from one midwife, so she phoned the maternity unit at the hospital. The midwife she spoke to said the hospital did not offer that option, but directed her to independent midwives. After discussion with me the woman decided that she would like to have me provide pre-, intra- and postnatal care. She wants to have her baby in the hospital, and go home within a few hours of the birth. I explained that I do not have a visiting arrangement with the hospital concerned, meaning that when in hospital she would be under the care of another midwife from the hospital as well as me. (I'm sure you get the picture - the hospital uses the word 'support person', and although support is a marvellous thing, and one of the things I aim to do, I am and will continue to be, a midwife, whether or not the hospital acknowledges me as such!) The woman phoned the doctor's receptionist to cancel her next appointment, and to inform the doctor that she would only be coming back to him if she required specialist care. She was informed that she was not allowed to change to a midwife's care. The woman phoned the hospital, and was told that it 'not medically possible' for her to keep her booking at the hospital, and have the model of care that she had chosen. The woman has written a letter of complaint to the CEO of the hospital. This sort of medical monopoly and anti-competitive behaviour is very offensive to me, and to those who seek my services. According to the Trades Practices Act, it is the purchaser and not the seller of a service who should determine what is the best product. I offer a service for which I am qualified, and which is my livelihood. Having just completed a submission to the Senate Inquiry (as have quite a few others on the list) I am acutely aware of the inappropriate medicalisation of well women in pregnancy and birth. We cannot afford to be complacent about this. WE have a better option. I have told this story to remind myself and others that coming generations of women will be subjected to unnecessary tests, surgery, self-doubt, depression, and many other unpleasant sequelae if we do not change the delivery of care in mainstream maternity services. Sincerely Joy Johnston Midwife and lactation consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.aitex.com.au/joy.htm -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
FW: help
Dear all This message came to me (from the USA, I assume) and the writer has asked that I send it out to y'all in case anyone is able to help her locate her friend. Please reply directly to Paula. Joy Johnston -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, 3 July 1999 8:11 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:help Hi Joy, I'm looking for a friend with whom I have lost touch. She was a midwife in Australia but I don't know if she still is. Her name is Rowena cooper Harrison. If you know her, could you give her my email address or send me her address? Thanks for any help. Sincerely, Paula Durbin Blair -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
