Hi Abby I think you would find that homeopathy and naturopathy and the like could be incorporated into the program and also through assignments. Midwives and midwifery lectureres are often blown away by the insightful information students often uncover in the course of their studies and experiences. In BMid and Grad Dip programs (and even in the 'old days' of hopsital-based programs!!) students are encouraged to research areas of particular interest to them and often to present their findings to their group and facilitators as a teaching/learning session. This is when many fascinating topics are brought up and new insights into these areas are provided. I appreciate your concern, and you have made a valid point, I just wanted to say that there is always room for movement and growth, and it can come from anywhere. The areas you refer to take lifetimes of study for those who specialise in them, and it is often by looking for information about something in which you are interested, that you develop an even greater passion and understanding.The universities will always ask students to evaluate the program, so here is also anther avenue.
Yes, as you say, it still is medical, and while the focus is on medicalised birth (in real life) and not on birth as something WOMEN do, then there will always be shortcomings (to the detriment of women). I get frustrated because students come to the unit where I work for 'alternative' "clinical" practicum time. We need to get rid of the 'clinical' label, as part of culture change, and I resent what women do, and the midwives and doctors supporting them, as being labelled 'alternative' (even feral). It may not be mainstream, but it is what women want, (so, dare I say it!) ought to be. I think you will find that there will be a focus on pregnancy, labour and birthgiving as normal, natural life events, and that many of these topics will come up in the course of dicussions over the program. And while no program is perfect, and cannot possibly provide everything for everybody, students are encouraged to look for answers to the questions they have beyond what programs cover to broaden their own knowledge base and to encourage critical thinking. Universities offering a Midwifery program strive to provide one that is comprehensive, and will hopefully meet the needs of the students, enabling them in turn to be with and care for women as beginning practitioners, each with a lifetime of further learning and growing to do, as they embark on practicing their unique art and craft. We need always to question, Abby, the way you do. Don't ever stop asking, questioning, reasoning. It's what drives us onwards, and encourages much in the way of growth. Warm regards, Lynne ----- Original Message ----- From: "Abby and Toby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 11:51 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] BMid Info Session > Hi, > > Today I attended the information session for the direct entry BMid at UTS. > Sounded interesting, lots of people there, but I must admit I was > disappointed to learn the NO "alternative" therapies will be taught. No > herbs or anything. I find it so hard to accept that, in a course teaching > about "natural" birth, "alternative" things can't be taught because they > are apparently not evidence based but all medical interventions will be > taught?? > Sorry to rehash this subject I really don't want to get in another arguement > about it. I went with a positive outlook and came away very disappointed. I > find it hard to understand how learning to "facilitate" natural birth would > include all medical interventions, but not all the natural tools we can use. > > How can student midwives learn to really be "with woman" if they are not > given a chance to learn all the skills involved? To me it does still seem so > medical. > > I really believe that the proof is there with "alternative" therapies, maybe > just not the type of "evidence" that the medical professionals will accept. > > I really am feeling so disappointed as I was excited to go and see what was > happening and maybe even get a little more tempted to study midwifery here, > but now I just feel disillusioned. > > Love Abby > > -- > 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.
