I have found this topic quite an eye-opener, particularly as someone who hopes to practice independently after finishing my degree. It makes me feel sad that midwifery is so undervalued that midwives are only expected to be allowed to recoup costs and nothing else. Midwifery is a passion as well as a profession. Just because midwives feel passionate about their profession shouldn't mean that they have to operate a charity, nor should they be expected to. It is up to the government to pull up their socks and start offering better midwifery models and funding rather than midwives providing it at their own personal expense.
Cheers, Sam. As a result of all this information, I spoke with a woman who wants a > second homebirth, her first she was charged the cost of fuel to get to her > for visits etc. I mentioned $2500 and she was taken aback. She said to me > , Ï understand you need to cover costs" but truly I think she has no real > idea of the true value. This woman lives a 11/2 hour drive from me and > said she will shop around. I wished her luck. It is difficult asking for > money, and difficult getting a response such as this where effectively > they did not pay previously, Cath > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Mary Murphy > To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au > Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 1:42 PM > Subject: RE: RE: [ozmidwifery] homebirth costs > > > How come there is such a big difference? I mean, that is a really BIG > difference!! > > > > Midwives have always worked altruistically and undervalued their > services. It takes an enormous emotional step for midwives to believe > they are "worth it". If midwives actually ask for this larger payment, > would women still want to have their services? > > And then again midwives want women to be able to afford their services. > Women now have an income from the Government that would pay for the > midwife, but many parents see this as a payment to relieve the mortgage, > clear debt or buy a big TV. It is more complex than just putting up the > fees. MM > > > > > > Approx $2000-$2500 here in SA I think, from what I know anyway. > > > > > Same in WA. MM > -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
