You could say "now you and i both know that women make noise in labour as a coping mechanism, to help them release or express their pain and to encourage them to work with their body". Or you could remind them that "whatever works for the woman to labour and give birth is good enough". Or you could ask them "do they make noise when they are eating, happy, sad, in pain, making love or playing sport?". Another one I say if staff who say to me "gee, your woman was noisy" is "Oh really i didn't notice". Another important thing to do I believe is close the door.
A reference I have found very helpful was Pam England's "Birthin from within" on page 239 there is this great story which tells the story of a midwife talking to an antenatal class about making noise and the importance of encouraging freedom of expression and sadly what can happen when we stop the woman from making noise. "My sister was in good, strong labor and labor had been progressing well. Nearing the end of labor, she was about seven centimeters dilated.......she began wailing and moaning through contractions, on her hands and knees, just like you showed us. Her nurse came in and said "I'm sorry, but you're making the doctor nervous. Try to be quiet. My sister managed to be quiet, but soon after her labor petered out. The birth changed directions. After labor slowed down, she was given pitocin, which led to an epidural. And we always wondered what happened." I use this in antenatal classes mainly to help women understand that noise is ok and to let the guys know it's ok too. Maybe, we could encourage the men to support their partners by saying they'd prefer that their partner be free to labor and express herself in the manner that she needs to do so to birth their baby. kathy ----- Original Message ----- From: "JoFromOz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au> Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 10:28 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] sounds during labour/birth > Kate &/or Nick wrote: > > >So how do you challenge a midwife or ob who insists on no noise? > > > >Kate (student midwife) > > > > > > > > > Give them ear plugs! > > 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.
