[ozmidwifery] Re: conflict?
I'd have to say I have a somewhat different view from this after nearly twenty years of feminist activism. I dislike the idea that women are a homogeneous group who must all stand shoulder to shoulder without question or compromise to achieve our goals. I know Condoleeza Rice and I have little in common! We are socialised to avoid conflict at all costs hence the reason (among others, of course, but a big one) that we need birth activism in the first place. Many of us struggle to believe our right to question or say no is actually a right, not a privilege to be carefully exercised only when it can be guaranteed not to offend anyone. I'm tired of the old "women are harder on each other than men" line which is thinly veiled misogygny. Men also beat one another to death but no one says it about them! And most frequently that violence comes at women but again no one seems to think that may actually be harder on women than a frank exchange of views! Masculinism has a lot more to lose than we do as women claim power for themselves and this is one way it keeps a stranglehold on us. Conflict or difference are not innate problems. How they are managed is the issue. In any relationship differences will arise, and it's the way that is met and dealt with that either ends or continues the relationship, now strengthened by honesty and clarity of purpose and understanding. We cannot simply accept unquestioningly all ideas or this would turn us into mindless sheeple and there are enough of those in the world already. Our diversity is actually our strength, not a pretence at some kind of vagina solidarity. By the same token, the enforced uniformity of the monolith we oppose is both it's weakness and strength. Yes, the walls are strong but they cannot fail to fall with enough brilliance, strength and purpose pushing on them. Shutting up and not speaking our truths is way too dangerous and simply the patriarchy within enforcing it's rules through us as surely as women performing genital mutilation on one another. I'm not scared of wellmanaged disagreement because it's normal and ok to disagree even with those who share wider goals. Being challenged is essential to keeping us all learning and thinking and I'm so grateful to the women who challenge me and have nourished my soul and intellect this way. So thanks, Kelly, for speaking YOUR truth and I would cheerfully lie in front of a bulldozer to support your right so to do as soon as I climb down from the tree I'm hugging. J <- humourless feminist - Original Message - From: Sadie To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 11:22 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article GO MARY Luv Sadie - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:51 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article Tania rightly says I have never gotten used to the amount of internal bickering and horizontal violence that is perpetrated by women, towards other women. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THIS! This juvenile attitude has split the womens movement, the homebirth movement and every other collection of women I have seen and read about.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Doppler u/s
When researching for my own preg I found that doppler and CTG is more direct and therefore more intense than visualno refs sorry, BF at keyboardJo :)On 23/09/2006, at 7:52 AM, Roberta Quinn wrote:Can anyone tell me the difference between a hand-held doppler and a visual ultrasound macine? Is a hand-held doppler a lesser evil?
Re: [ozmidwifery] Doppler u/s
Its all in the strength of the machine and the length of exposureAndreaOn 23/09/2006, at 9:52 AM, Roberta Quinn wrote:Can anyone tell me the difference between a hand-held doppler and a visual ultrasound macine? Is a hand-held doppler a lesser evil?
Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
GO MARY Luv Sadie - Original Message - From: Mary Murphy To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:51 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article Tania rightly says I have never gotten used to the amount of internal bickering and horizontal violence that is perpetrated by women, towards other women. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THIS! This juvenile attitude has split the womens movement, the homebirth movement and every other collection of women I have seen and read about. 23 yrs as a homebirth midwife sees me still providing care for women who previously didnt know 1-2-1 care existed, and believe me, I have tried every promotional trick in the book including interviews with TV, newspapers, magazines etc over time. We all need to put our energy into supporting the women who contact us AND EACH OTHER. Tania and others have said it all, so lets get back to work. MM --No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.7/454 - Release Date: 21/09/2006 --No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.7/454 - Release Date: 21/09/2006
[ozmidwifery] Doppler u/s
Can anyone tell me the difference between a hand-held doppler and a visual ultrasound macine? Is a hand-held doppler a lesser evil?
Re: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query
Hi Michelle, I did my initial education and revision for 10 yr recertification with Maureen Minchin (in person). I found that I could remember things from her method of teaching. I also attended breastfeeding conferences whenever I could, particularly ALCA conferences. I studied and studied "Breastfeeding and Human Lactation" which is my most used reference book when I want to check on something. I don't know why people aren't recertifying at 5 yrs - could be the cost and time to go to conferences. Hope this helps, Joy Joy Cocks RN (Div 1) RM IBCLCBRIGHT Vic 3741 email:[EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Michelle Windsor To: Ozmidwifery Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 16:45 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query Hi, Am posting again as the first one didn't seem to come through. I'm thinking of doing the LC course, but have noticed (in my travels) that lots of LC's let their qualification lapse when the 5 years is up. Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this is it the money? or too hard to attend BF conferences etc? I'd also be interested in which courses people found to be good. The Health e-learning has been recommended to me. Thanks Michelle On Yahoo!7Messenger: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas.
[ozmidwifery] High Court makes landmark transfusion order - Ireland
I don’t even know where to begin with this………..she is mentally competent and has refused a life saving intervention and is to be restrained if she refuses….what is to stop the hospital enforcing a cesarean…or other intervention... Can any midwives on this list help me understand how a woman who has reportedly lost 80% of her blood could possibly be debating this issue - wouldn’t she be unconscious ? Tracy Last Updated: 21 September 2006 High Court makes landmark transfusion order In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, the High Court has ordered that the Coombe Women's Hospital in Dublin can give a blood transfusion to a seriously ill woman who is refusing the treatment. The court was told there is a real risk the woman may die today if she does not get the blood transfusion. The 23-year-old woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo, identified only as 'Ms K', gave birth to a baby boy this morning but subsequently suffered a massive haemorrhage. She has lost up to 80% of her blood but is refusing to have a transfusion because she is a Jehovah's Witness. The baby boy is described as being 'in good shape'. Senior Counsel, Gerard Hogan, for the hospital, told the court the hospital respected the woman's conscientious and ethical reasons for refusing the treatment but he said there was a probability she would die in a matter of hours unless the transfusion and associated medical procedures were authorised by the court. Mr Justice Henry Abbott said he accepted that 'Ms K' was 'compos mentis' and if she were brought to court on a stretcher, she would oppose the application. But he said he would override the clear will of the mother for a number of reasons. He said a newborn child had come into the world and had no other relatives that were known of, anywhere in the State to care for it and provide physical, emotional and spiritual nurture. He said the interests of the child were paramount. The judge also said that when faced with such a dilemma, he believed he should err on the side of preserving life. 'If life is preserved,' he said, 'the arguments can be made at a later date.' He also ordered that the hospital should take appropriate steps by way of restraint or similar actions if 'Ms K' resists the blood transfusion. The courts have previously made similar orders in respect of children whose parents have refused blood transfusions on their behalf. But it is believed that this is the first time the High Court has made such an order against an adult who is refusing treatment for him or herself.
RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
I think we are thinking the same things Lisa…just saying them differently! Absolutely agree, I think we all have to keep in mind that even in a perfect world, where women all know and acknowledge what is truly best and safest, there will still be those that are not ready to hear it. That’s frustrating, but that’s life. I think part of our challenge is to try and see when people are receptive to the information, and then get it across in a way that makes them see the sense in it, and want to know more. If women are closed to receiving it from us, or anyone else, then I think we need to respect that, and keep working at getting the information out there for those who are interested in searching. This doesn’t always mean ‘preaching to the converted’; sometimes it just means having a presence and arousing some curiosity in someone who is open to thinking about it in a different way to the ‘norm’. I suppose, we need to keep it in perspective too, without losing the passion and drive, but realizing as Megan said, that if it’s only one woman affected positively, it’s a win. Keep the faith Lisa, we need you out there Tania x From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lisa Barrett Sent: Friday, 22 September 2006 9:35 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article - Original Message - From: Tania Smallwood To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 5:19 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article I have worked as a Registered Nurse, in Psychiatry, and also as a Midwife, and I have never gotten used to the amount of internal bickering and horizontal violence that is perpetrated by women, towards other women. I can tell you from my experiences in these fields that Doctors do not sit around, discussing each others practice, bitching and moaning about whether they agree with someone’s philosophies. They might be unprofessional bastards some of the time, but they are united in their common goals, and in their public persona. As we fight internally about the best way to get women to see the light, they are there shining it brightly and the women are drawn to it clearly! I don’t think for a minute we should, as midwives and birth activists, see ourselves as having to sell out and become an entity that has no integrity or spirit in order to get the message across. But I do think that we all need to take a leaf out of some other professions books, and show a bit of respect to those that have gone before us, and encouragement for those that will pave the way ahead. Eating our young is no way to carry on the cause; it just further perpetuates the fragmentation that already exists. Let’s welcome Kelly, Janet, and everyone else who has the energy to do things a bit differently, and also keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, so we can continue to carry on getting the word out there in any way we can. Nicely said Tania, but you've got to admit there are just some days when you don't want to justify what you know is well researched and evidence based just to get the word out to people who are not interested. Lack of respect for everyone I don't think is in it. I have nothing but admiration for the work done by Kelly, Janet and everyone "working for the cause" but on a day to day basis it's wearing. On a day like today when I'm tired have a headache, quarelled with the husband due to my birth obsession I find it hard to see the middle ground. Slated by the uninformed is one thing but to be told to make it all more sellable and main stream just seems too hard. Take up insurance to make yourself more Profesional and get the women interested in whats on offer. Sell it like a business, move into the 21st centary. It doesn't seem to be about birth. Maybe it's just a bad day. Lisa Independent midwife. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.7/454 - Release Date: 21/09/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.7/454 - Release Date: 21/09/2006
Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
- Original Message - From: Tania Smallwood To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 5:19 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article I have worked as a Registered Nurse, in Psychiatry, and also as a Midwife, and I have never gotten used to the amount of internal bickering and horizontal violence that is perpetrated by women, towards other women. I can tell you from my experiences in these fields that Doctors do not sit around, discussing each others practice, bitching and moaning about whether they agree with someone’s philosophies. They might be unprofessional bastards some of the time, but they are united in their common goals, and in their public persona. As we fight internally about the best way to get women to see the light, they are there shining it brightly and the women are drawn to it clearly! I don’t think for a minute we should, as midwives and birth activists, see ourselves as having to sell out and become an entity that has no integrity or spirit in order to get the message across. But I do think that we all need to take a leaf out of some other professions books, and show a bit of respect to those that have gone before us, and encouragement for those that will pave the way ahead. Eating our young is no way to carry on the cause; it just further perpetuates the fragmentation that already exists. Let’s welcome Kelly, Janet, and everyone else who has the energy to do things a bit differently, and also keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, so we can continue to carry on getting the word out there in any way we can. Nicely said Tania, but you've got to admit there are just some days when you don't want to justify what you know is well researched and evidence based just to get the word out to people who are not interested. Lack of respect for everyone I don't think is in it. I have nothing but admiration for the work done by Kelly, Janet and everyone "working for the cause" but on a day to day basis it's wearing. On a day like today when I'm tired have a headache, quarelled with the husband due to my birth obsession I find it hard to see the middle ground. Slated by the uninformed is one thing but to be told to make it all more sellable and main stream just seems too hard. Take up insurance to make yourself more Profesional and get the women interested in whats on offer. Sell it like a business, move into the 21st centary. It doesn't seem to be about birth. Maybe it's just a bad day. Lisa Independent midwife.
[no subject]
Could I be taken off list - as we are moving Thanks
[ozmidwifery] promoting home birth/ midwives
Hi all - at the risk of possibly sounding 'commercial' there is a lovely discussion started on my forum re homebirth - your comments may help some mummies make empowered choices. Thanks Kylie if you are also on this list. - look under "Last day" -I dont have a very big forum but the women there are very supportive to each other and seeking gentle options- many after a traumatic first birth. http://www.pinky-mychild.com/cgi/discuss/ Pinky
RE: [ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt
My GP told me a similar thing when I said I was planning a homebirth. First, he wrote in my notes that I wanted to try for a homebirth. Then he told me that while homebirth has become very trendy these days and lots of women would like to think they can have a homebirth, that I should realise that 10% of women who give birth in the wild die! Luckily he retired the following week before any more women had to hear his ignorant dribble. As for the original paragraph... oh my, it is so wrong on so many levels!! From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Janet FraserSent: Friday, 22 September 2006 6:27 PMTo: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auSubject: Re: [ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt I wonder what idiot wrote that? I'm still stuck on the idea that NCB is "popular" these days. Where is that? Let me go there immediately! *shaking head* J - Original Message - From: diane To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 7:09 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt OMG, check this out Childbirth - pain relief options The current popularity of natural childbirth can make some pregnant women believe that using pain-relieving drugs during labour is ‘weak’ or a sign of ‘failure’. However, childbirth is one of the most painful experiences the human body can ever have. Some women are lucky and have relatively short, easy labours, while others experience long, agonising ordeals. If you planned for a natural birth but find the labour pains overwhelming, don’t be reluctant to ask for pain relief. Childbirth isn’t a moral or political judgement of your ‘performance’ - the aim is simply to bring your baby into the world. http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Childbirth_pain_relief_options?OpenDocument
Re: [ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt
I wonder what idiot wrote that? I'm still stuck on the idea that NCB is "popular" these days. Where is that? Let me go there immediately! *shaking head* J - Original Message - From: diane To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 7:09 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt OMG, check this out Childbirth - pain relief options The current popularity of natural childbirth can make some pregnant women believe that using pain-relieving drugs during labour is weak or a sign of failure. However, childbirth is one of the most painful experiences the human body can ever have. Some women are lucky and have relatively short, easy labours, while others experience long, agonising ordeals. If you planned for a natural birth but find the labour pains overwhelming, dont be reluctant to ask for pain relief. Childbirth isnt a moral or political judgement of your performance - the aim is simply to bring your baby into the world. http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Childbirth_pain_relief_options?OpenDocument
Re: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query
Michelle, there isn't one LC course - you don't necessarily need to do one to be an IBCLC you just have to qualify and sit the exam. A few friends of mine just swatted big time. I did a short course, some packages etc. APLES based in Sydney, also do 2 day catch ups there is one through correspondence from Adelaide- will have to find my notes to remember the name Lactation Resource Centre have packages ( professional arm of ABA) Health E Learning is great, internet based I didn't find that over 5 years it was too hard to get 75 cerps/ 15 a year, but I'm packing it thinking about resitting in 2009! Then again one friend just resat instead of collecting cerps - awaiting results. each to their own. Most LC's I know who have let their qualifications go have done it at 10. If you're in NSW you can use it as a qualification allowance (or whatever it's called) Louise rural NSW Grant, Louise and Katy [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---Original Message--- From: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Date: 09/22/06 16:53:06 To: Ozmidwifery Subject: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query Hi, Am posting again as the first one didn't seem to come through. I'm thinking of doing the LC course, but have noticed (in my travels) that lots of LC's let their qualification lapse when the 5 years is up. Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this is it the money? or too hard to attend BF conferences etc? I'd also be interested in which courses people found to be good. The Health e-learning has been recommended to me. Thanks Michelle On Yahoo!7Messenger: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas.
Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding
I'll second that Barb... Actually (But I don't have it in front of me) I think the NSW Health BF Policy - which is mandatory to comply with - states professionally presented brochures and booklet must be used. With ABA's BF Confidence and Breastfeeding While Natural and the new BF booklet and Starting Family Foods brochure free from Health, why reinvent the wheel? Louise rural NSW [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---Original Message--- From: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Date: 09/22/06 18:08:01 To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding Hi, Please don't make up breastfeeding packages from photocopied info etc. As midwives, your time is waaay too precious. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has great information that is so cheap it's sinful. And it's well-researched, up to date, well written etc and beautifully presented. Most hospitals buy in bulk things like "breastfeeding confidence" (a small multi-page and extremely comprehensive booklet) and tip cards - 75c for 25 tip cards. I have heard people say they are going to photocopy those- for the price it's not worth even standing in front of the photocopier The Australian Breastfeeding Association's shop is www.mothersdirect.com.au There's a good section on handout literature in the "Health Professionals" section. Barb - Original Message - From: diane To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding Its Great. I have been soo waiting for this to come out as where I work we have been making up 'breasfeeding packages' with most of this info and fact sheets etc for over a year. It is very time consuming. Now this is out we can just give them the booklet! We also have a breasfeeding discussion sheet that mums fill out on their knowledge and learning needs, a BF risk assessment form (breast exam, any surgery etc) an an antenatal discussion list to attend at visits, that we have developed. Seems to be working well when we have the time to attend to them. Cheers, Di - Original Message - From: Pinky McKay To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:40 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding looks great! Pinky - Original Message - From: Barbara Glare & Chris Bright To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 7:49 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding HI, Very impressive http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2006/pdf/breastfeeding_booklet.pdf Barb GlareMum of Zac, 12, Daniel, 10, Cassie 7 & Guan 3Counsellor, Warrnambool Vic[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** Ph (03) 5565 8602Director, Australian Breastfeeding AssociationMothers Directwww.mothersdirect.com.au
[ozmidwifery] agonising pain described by Vic govt
OMG, check this out Childbirth - pain relief options The current popularity of natural childbirth can make some pregnant women believe that using pain-relieving drugs during labour is weak or a sign of failure. However, childbirth is one of the most painful experiences the human body can ever have. Some women are lucky and have relatively short, easy labours, while others experience long, agonising ordeals. If you planned for a natural birth but find the labour pains overwhelming, dont be reluctant to ask for pain relief. Childbirth isnt a moral or political judgement of your performance - the aim is simply to bring your baby into the world. http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Childbirth_pain_relief_options?OpenDocument
Re: [ozmidwifery] Conflict
Very well said, Megan. - Original Message - From: Megan & Larry To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 5:52 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Conflict 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
Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
LOL , was my response to her almost! - Original Message - From: Janet Fraser To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 6:28 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article 'long haired hairy leggged hippy homebirth faction' Oh Diane that's a crack up, made me laugh a lot to hear that old furphy still getting a work out : ) Please let your friend know that statistically home birthing women are middle class and tertiary educated. Tree loving or leg shaving I cannot vouch for but maybe we should run polls on it. Funny how women who act from scientific evidence are depicted, isn't it?! : ) J <- middle class, tertiary educated, lover of shoes, lipstick and home birth, never confused with a hippy when viewed in person : )
Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
'long haired hairy leggged hippy homebirth faction' Oh Diane that's a crack up, made me laugh a lot to hear that old furphy still getting a work out : ) Please let your friend know that statistically home birthing women are middle class and tertiary educated. Tree loving or leg shaving I cannot vouch for but maybe we should run polls on it. Funny how women who act from scientific evidence are depicted, isn't it?! : ) J <- middle class, tertiary educated, lover of shoes, lipstick and home birth, never confused with a hippy when viewed in person : )
Re: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query
Hi Michelle, Im up for my first recertification in 2009. I could just resit the exam or get enough CERPS. Both arent cheap. Finding time to keep up with both midwifery and lactation conferences is hard and expensive. I can probably only justify one every two years to be fair on my family! I think with a lot of people though,that unless they are working within a position where LC qualifications are essential then they see little value in the recertification. They have the knowledge, they are utilising it as midwives without having to have an expensive recertification. There are few positions that require IBCLC qualifications. Usually only hospital LC or private practice. I intend the latter, so will be working on getting the CERPS. I did a fantastic course through our area health service, facilitated by our area CMC lactation, and partially funded by our department. We have squillions of IBCLCs on the coast due to this course (over 100 in past 5 yrs). Di - Original Message - From: Michelle Windsor To: Ozmidwifery Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 4:45 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] lactation consultant query Hi, Am posting again as the first one didn't seem to come through. I'm thinking of doing the LC course, but have noticed (in my travels) that lots of LC's let their qualification lapse when the 5 years is up. Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this is it the money? or too hard to attend BF conferences etc? I'd also be interested in which courses people found to be good. The Health e-learning has been recommended to me. Thanks Michelle On Yahoo!7Messenger: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas.
Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding
Hi, Please don't make up breastfeeding packages from photocopied info etc. As midwives, your time is waaay too precious. The Australian Breastfeeding Association has great information that is so cheap it's sinful. And it's well-researched, up to date, well written etc and beautifully presented. Most hospitals buy in bulk things like "breastfeeding confidence" (a small multi-page and extremely comprehensive booklet) and tip cards - 75c for 25 tip cards. I have heard people say they are going to photocopy those- for the price it's not worth even standing in front of the photocopier The Australian Breastfeeding Association's shop is www.mothersdirect.com.au There's a good section on handout literature in the "Health Professionals" section. Barb - Original Message - From: diane To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:53 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding Its Great. I have been soo waiting for this to come out as where I work we have been making up 'breasfeeding packages' with most of this info and fact sheets etc for over a year. It is very time consuming. Now this is out we can just give them the booklet! We also have a breasfeeding discussion sheet that mums fill out on their knowledge and learning needs, a BF risk assessment form (breast exam, any surgery etc) an an antenatal discussion list to attend at visits, that we have developed. Seems to be working well when we have the time to attend to them. Cheers, Di - Original Message - From: Pinky McKay To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:40 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding looks great! Pinky - Original Message - From: Barbara Glare & Chris Bright To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 7:49 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] New South Wales Health Booklet on Breastfeeding HI, Very impressive http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2006/pdf/breastfeeding_booklet.pdf Barb GlareMum of Zac, 12, Daniel, 10, Cassie 7 & Guan 3Counsellor, Warrnambool Vic[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** Ph (03) 5565 8602Director, Australian Breastfeeding AssociationMothers Directwww.mothersdirect.com.au
RE: [ozmidwifery] Conflict
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 BilcliffSent: Friday, 22 September 2006 4:33 PMTo: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auSubject: [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)
RE: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
Hi Kelly, Janet, and everyone, I’m thrilled to think that we have yet another strong woman-centred consumer advocate in Kelly, and I also admire her energy and enthusiasm. Can we all please keep in mind that there are lots of women (and men too) who have spent a considerable amount of money, and time, dedicating their lives to exactly this already…and whether they have chosen a difficult and tedious path, or an easy and obvious one, they deserve the respect of all of us…we are all in this for the same reasons! We all want the same thing! This is such a multifaceted problem, it’s political, it’s historical, it’s personal for so many of us, I appeal to everyone to please, keep the big picture in mind. We are all in this together. We all want women to have the enlightenment to trust themselves, for midwives to be seen by the population and the Government as the most appropriate providers of maternity care to the majority of women, and for them all to have wonderful empowering births. There are lots of things we can do to help this happen, and I think there is benefit in having the ongoing battles being fought and won over time, as well as having speed and energy pushing things forward. I for one, think that we need to realize that if we want longevity in this fight, and given the history both here and overseas, we’re going to need it, we need to take comfort in the small wins, as well as keep in focus the larger battles. Every woman who is touched by a positive story of birth, every woman who makes a positive change to her own situation, every woman who has a ‘better birth’ is worth acknowledging as being a small, but significant step in the right direction. I have worked as a Registered Nurse, in Psychiatry, and also as a Midwife, and I have never gotten used to the amount of internal bickering and horizontal violence that is perpetrated by women, towards other women. I can tell you from my experiences in these fields that Doctors do not sit around, discussing each others practice, bitching and moaning about whether they agree with someone’s philosophies. They might be unprofessional bastards some of the time, but they are united in their common goals, and in their public persona. As we fight internally about the best way to get women to see the light, they are there shining it brightly and the women are drawn to it clearly! I don’t think for a minute we should, as midwives and birth activists, see ourselves as having to sell out and become an entity that has no integrity or spirit in order to get the message across. But I do think that we all need to take a leaf out of some other professions books, and show a bit of respect to those that have gone before us, and encouragement for those that will pave the way ahead. Eating our young is no way to carry on the cause; it just further perpetuates the fragmentation that already exists. Let’s welcome Kelly, Janet, and everyone else who has the energy to do things a bit differently, and also keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, so we can continue to carry on getting the word out there in any way we can. Tania From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen & Felicity Sent: Friday, 22 September 2006 1:09 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article I'm glad you're having such an awakening and feeling so motivated, Kelly; it's something many of us felt and began to act on a long time ago - welcome to the club, it's populated by many decades of women who continue to work hard to heal birth in our culture - which is a long, slow battle. We're all pretty aware of the situation and we're all working to the best of our own capacitys to improve it (some of us at no profit, by finance or publicity or otherwise, to ourselves). Some of your suggestions have been really worthwhile and quite exciting, but I have to admit that I'm losing my enthusiasm for them amid the sea of self promotional rhetoric that accompanies them - OzMid is not a promotional tool for BellyBelly and some posts on this list related to it have felt like advertising Spam in my InBox. I have to say I find your assumptions about Janet Fraser in particular to be offensive. Do you actually know the totality of what Janet does in her professional and personal capacity, or the widespread and rapidly growing effect Joyous Birth is having Australia wide, both in the mainstream and otherwise? It's nothing like one woman espousing her own views to the converted, and how utterly rude to dismiss the lifework of one of your sisters as being such. Every contribution counts and whilst I think I understand the point you're trying to make about reaching the mainstream, it's dangerous to begin tempering our message to better enable us to begin "marketing" it to the majority gratuitously - women and babies are not a market and our integrity is not for sale. I fear the overstepping of that invisible lin
Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article
Not everyones home is a haven. For some it can represent other more less savoury things, the least of being an ongoing place of toil, the worst being a place of fear and domestic violence. The memories flood of a half renovated (for 10 yrs), with no internal walls in places, no floor coverings, an outdoor loo, cockroaches and fleas in summer and endless piles of childrens washing waiting to be folded. Now I am home visiting women after the birth, (anytime from four hours after birth), and seeing much the same thing at times. So I guess although the five star option is there for those who can afford private cover, the gold star option of a midwife visiting them at home (so much as it sometimes is) is happening and available for those in a very low socioeconomic area. Soon whith our area moving to midwifery group practice, many of the women will have a known midwife visiting them, already I know many that I visit. To Janet and her supporters, your work is so valuable. JB is so valuable. BUT the tone of your posts is inflamatory and defensive. Guess what Felicity, even I ,who spends endless hours on the internet , had not heard of JB before joining this list, I have not seen the physical presence in the community or stumbled across it online at other times. To me that doesnt mean those who are on JB arent doing fantastic work, but so is Kelly, Pinky, Sarah Buckley, Andrea, Brenda Manning, Jan Cornfoot and all of the others who run commercial style programs. If women get the message, some education about normal birth, what does it matter. I dont find any of the information watered down, just presented in a gentle commercial style that women are used to. Whats wrong with marketing to the masses if the product is good? Isn't that what we want? More women having natural, satisfying births no matter the setting. They will still tell their friends it is possible and women will regain the ownership of birth, they will not see the need for an OB. We are all working towards the same end from different directions. This is an important aspect of facilitating change. If the 'long haired hairy leggged hippy homebirth faction' (the words of a friend of mine) are the only ones speaking then many will not hear BUT in any action it is important to have the vocal, radical faction to wave the banners, climb the trees etc to draw attention to the cause. I want to save the forests but wont sit in a tree, I will write letters to the pollies!. But thank God for the tree sitters for getting the media on to it! JB keep tree sitting, Kelly keep on keeping on. I first became interested in Midwifery 19yrs ago when preg with my second. I was a postnatally depressed out of work, impoverished electrician with a little baby and a bad relationship. Now that there is some mainstream discussion and commercial exposure I am finally starting to see some hope. 19yrs ago I was part of a group that tried to promote natural birth, this was before the internet, but not dissimilar to JB. That approach has been tapping away forever with small but significant gains. If there are enough women to support commercial enterprises that focus on natural birth, then we are definitely well on our way to success. There is no way that anyone could have made a living out of normal birth back then, and now many are following their passion. If there are publicly funded homebirths happening, we are on our way to success. When we have things like this to bicker over, then we are on our way to success. We should be celebrating, not undermining each others success. Di - Original Message - From: Lisa Barrett To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 4:11 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] FYI news article I- Every contribution counts and whilst I think I understand the point you're trying to make about reaching the mainstream, it's dangerous to begin tempering our message to better enable us to begin "marketing" it to the majority gratuitously - women and babies are not a market and our integrity is not for sale. I fear the overstepping of that invisible line that would transform us into nothing too different from the Obs and Hospys - big business, marketed to the masses (for instance, in my personal experience, your forum/site needs to compromise a lot in order to appeal to the larger membership you enjoy; this results in some less than optimal advertising and advice, and the sad loss of some wonderful contributions and items. Do the ends justify the means? That's a decision we each need to make, and your contribution is still significant, though not necessarily in the form I would personally choose for myself). What is the point of a message reaching more people if the message has had to be diluted and perhaps changed in order to get there? Nothing is simple a
[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)
