Re: [ozmidwifery] New models of midwifery care

[Dierdre Bowman]

Sally I agree thoroughly.    I am very excited to think the NSW government have come far enough to give this ago.  There is no doubt this is a huge step and I commend the midwives involved for their role in facilitating such a service, however, I too have grave concerns about this service.  I have many times before heard of services directed by obstetric guidlines that firstly, prevent women from taking part who are considered high risk but who otherwise (with the help of an independent midwife) can birth quite safely at home. I know, I'm one of them.   The Western Australian model has a lot going for it and we should be using a home grown working model instead of looking over seas to models that in lots of cases lead to  'medical models in the home'. In Holland the midwife is the primary care giver and she is responsible for refering the woman to an obstetrician if problems arise or the woman has conditions which are not favourable to birthing at home.  I have my doubts that the proposed system will work in any way like that but will be extremely controlled by the medical protocols that are put in place.  I don't want to be negative about such a positive advance but I agree with Sally. What is the point of starting a service that sets wrong standards. And are we not taking the choice away from women again by dictating who can do what?????? When are we going to start asking them what they want instead of telling them all the time.  It's worth thinking about!!!!!!!!. Dierdre B.