Thanks to the midwives/ students who have replied. I don't think I am asking a question that is disrespectful to women or midwives. I have 2 of my own children and have welcomed the involvement of midiwifery students in my births. I personally don't see VE's as a 'bad or interventialist' but understand your perspectives. I do understand listening to women in labour without a physical examination - I have had 2 homebirths! I had a midwife and a student both times without frequent Ve's. However I personally didn't need that many and didn't see a problem with them in fact I found it comforting to be aware of how far I had come. I do see how they are not appropriate for some women particularly those who have been sexually abused.
I also feel that I must learn this skill as is required as a student and nobody that I have asked seems to be able to answer the question between the difference of length and thickness of the cervix. I mean no disrespect to women in trying to understand this but I must because there will be situations that I will be needed to differentiate between the two. Currently I treat them as the same because I don't understand the difference. Thanks Stacey -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
