RE: [ozmidwifery] Conflict

[Megan & Larry]

Actually, this situation is not unique.   My husband returned from a  "Friends of" Recreational Park conservation meeting the other night and a quite heated and passionate discussion took place with opposing views. Some just want to cut out all the olives and some want to be purists. The truth is they need them both and everything inbetween.   In Adelaide, Birth Matters has been running near 8 years, doing everything from grass root coffee mornings to packed information seminars to representatives on DHS committes and a whole heap more. We are Mums, Midwives, students, doullas, career women, you name it.   We'd love to do more, reach more people, speak with young women, girls, etc but volunteers are precious things and need to be nurtured. If that means we only do the basics then so be it, next month we might be (more) amazing.   Individuals give what they can, babies join our families and things slow down. I have nothing but respect for all the women I have worked along side of in this group and our friends in CARES and Homebirth Network SA. We step out when we have to and when ready we come in with both hands in the air.   My point is, if you have the energy, time and money to put into what you think is a great idea, then go for it. Share it in these forums and those who support it can join in . Those who don't share the vision can keep doing what they do best. Women need all of us, but we can't all be doing it the same way.   There is far more at play here than childbirth, society is a different place, I think we could all agree on that.   personally I'm happy if I have reached 1 woman a year, thats huge. Its called the ripple effect.   cheers Megan   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andrea Bilcliff Sent: Friday, 22 September 2006 4:33 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] Conflict I'm not as articulate as many on this list but I just wanted to say that conflict is really, really draining. This is not directed at anyone in particular (or just limited to participants of this list) but it's something that I'm noticing more and more in the 'birthing world'.   No wonder we as birth advocates burn out so easily. It is hard and tiring enough 'out there' without us fighting each other. We need to be far more supportive of each other - women, employed midwives, independent midwives, birth attendants, students, educators, etc. As a midwifery student I couldn't believe that a profession that claimed to be 'with woman' could also be so 'against woman' (each other).   I have enormous respect for the midwives who work in hospitals; those who battle 'the system' (whether it be private or public) on a daily basis, trying to do the best they can for women in the most difficult of circumstances.   I respect too the wonderful women who set up internet websites and discussion forums (be they considered mainstream or alternative) in an attempt to further educate and support birthing women.   And everyone else who are doing the best they can with the time and resources they have.   Maybe I'm being too simplistic but aren't we all working for the same thing? I'm sure if we were just a little kinder and more supportive of each other we could achieve great things together - women united and strong!   Yours tired,   Andrea Bilcliff (Independent Midwife)