RE: [ozmidwifery] midwife is a midwife...?
Then there are others who cannot (will not) differentiate the differences between midwives and registered nurses. What about Queensland Health the employing authority who persistently refused to backpay hospital trained midwives for their entitled qualification allowances? I wonder how many midwives are surviving the holistic journey? If Merrill of RWBH reads this, please forward any development from the recent ACMI/QNU meeting. Just to air my grief. Ping -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Queensland Midwives - Qualification allowance
Hi Louse, Please email me off the list for a copy of the letter by RWH. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ping --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.619 / Virus Database: 398 - Release Date: 10/03/2004 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Queensland Midwives - Response required
Title: RE: [ozmidwifery] Queensland Midwives - Response required Just returned from QNU workshop on Knowing your entitlements. Midwives from Royal Brisbane-Women's have drafted a powerful letter. Our midwives have adapted that letter and many have signed and ready to be sent to the Premier and Gordon Nutall. If anyone want a copy of the letter, please email me off the list. The maternity units could not function without the hospital trained midwives. Ping Bullock --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.616 / Virus Database: 395 - Release Date: 08/03/2004
RE: [ozmidwifery] babies in recovery room
I wonder if anyone heard the Obstetrician(?) said the mother will be as good as gold after a couple of hours. Wonder also if the TV crew is going to follow up on the postnatal period - how the mother will cope with the pain, the feeding, etc with a fresh surgical wound from CS. The media has really got to the prospective parents. Feedback from my recent Antenatal classes (it is too short to be called Childbirth Education, we have budget for two sessions only), that they were disappointed not to see a video on CS despite the so very many positive aspects of the classes. Ping Mackay --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.545 / Virus Database: 339 - Release Date: 27/11/2003 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] fetal heart in labour
Dear Lesley, Checking in my little Evidence based guidelines for midwifery led care in labour produced by NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospital, page 12 says all about fetal heart rate monitoring: - every 15 minutes during first stage - every 5 minutes in the second stage Hope this helps Ping Bullock --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.545 / Virus Database: 339 - Release Date: 27/11/2003 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Advise, encouragement, support
Title: Message Agree with Justine. The Health Care Complaints Commissioner will need to know about the malpractice. It is brutalitybeyond the scope of professionalism.There should be no argument that this should stop.Keep encouraging the women to write their stories to the Health Commissioner, cc to the obstetricians/ nurse managers/DON/Medical Directors etc. What about the media? They are always keen to publish health issues. It may mean exposing yourself as well. Good luck, it is a hard road to travel. Let us know what follows. It will encourage others in similar boat. PBullok --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.537 / Virus Database: 332 - Release Date: 06/11/2003
RE: [ozmidwifery] meconium stained liquor
Title: Message Dear Jo, Please explain the grading system of Mec I, II III. Presumably Mec III is the worst. Ping -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of JoFromOzSent: 03 October 2003 13:06To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] meconium stained liquor We do suction on the perineum for all Mec, and anything more than light staining warrants a paed at birth. Here they use a grading system, Mec I, II and III. I haven't used that before in Victoria, but everyone seems to use it here in WA. Jo Original Message From: linda kamchevskiTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2003 2:13 PMSubject: [ozmidwifery] meconium stained liquor I was just reading on another list that suctioning on perineum for mec liquor is a practice that is old new now and not being used all over. At my unit we suction on perineum all mec liqour. wot are others doing. linda-- Babies are Born... Pizzas are delivered. ---Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.522 / Virus Database: 320 - Release Date: 29/09/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.522 / Virus Database: 320 - Release Date: 29/09/2003
RE: [ozmidwifery] Noosa area midwife
Title: Message Hi Terry, Are are travelling any further from Noosa? Will you be at the Darwin Conference? Would love to catch up. Ping -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Child Birth Information ServiceSent: 27 August 2003 12:04To: Ozmidwifery mailing listSubject: [ozmidwifery] Noosa area midwife Hello, I'm coming up to Noosa for a holiday on the 10 September and wish to catch up with midwives around that area and find out what is happening to midwifery and homebirths and just talk little shop and exchange info. Terry Stockdale Independent Midwife Tasmania ---Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.512 / Virus Database: 309 - Release Date: 19/08/2003
[ozmidwifery] Missed Emails
Title: Message Dear Listers, If anyone has been trying to contact me in the past 48 hours, my system was crashed but now working again. Please resend all messages. Thank you Ping --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.510 / Virus Database: 307 - Release Date: 14/08/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] Cervidil mailout
Same here. I thought perhaps QNC may have released our names. Ping - Original Message - From: Leigh Evans To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 11:48 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Cervidil mailout Yes, I got it too. Leigh - Original Message - From: Tom, Tania and Sam Smallwood To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 8:07 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Cervidil mailout Was anyone else on the list the lucky recipient of the cute little Cervidil brochure last week? I wondered how they accessed my details and so fired off this email to the product manager using some of the quotes they spout off as the benefits of Cervidil ""Dear Sue, I am writing to request information on how I managed to become a recipient of the recent mailout of information about Cervadil. I am not aware of having provided my details to CSL, although I may have, and would be interested to know how my name became included on your list. I would also appreciate it if you would not send any further information, and please remove me from your mailing list. I work as an independent midwife, and have no interest in ripening women's cervices, as the women I birth with seem to be able to manage this quite well without any interference from me! I provide 'effective and well tolerated' support as a midwife, and I'm told by the WHO that my services are 'cost effective' too! Thank you, in anticipation of your response, Tania Smallwood" Now comes the good bit, I'm appalled to say that this was her response "Hi Tania,CSL hired the list for the mailing from the Australasian College of Midwives. We hired the list as a once-off and will not hire it again.However, you are obviously completely within your rights to ask them to keep your name off all future mailings. It would probably be best if you do this as I don't think I can do this on your behalf.Thanks for your response.Regards, Sue" Does it disturb anyone else that the ACMI are selling our details to a drug company (or anyone for that matter?), or am I jumping the gun? I just normally recycle this type of propaganda, but this really has me riled up. I'm in the middle of writing to the ACMI for an explanation, but was just wondering if anyone else thought the same way as I did? Cheers Tania ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.497 / Virus Database: 296 - Release Date: 04/07/2003
[ozmidwifery] Sleep Baby Sleep
Dear Wise Listers, Has anyone heard of this program called "Sleep Baby Sleep". One of the woman emailed someone and had quote of this superb course to positive routine management for $500. Please check out the website www.sleepbabysleep.net I told the woman and her husband to utilise local support instead. Is this a scam? Ping ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.490 / Virus Database: 289 - Release Date: 16/06/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] GP's and OB's selling Elevit Vitamin Supplement
Hi Deidre, Elevit(spelt without the 'e') is asupplement of 'vitamins minerals for pregnancy lactation' (so printed on the package). Produced by Roche.The starter packconsists of5 tablets, one for each day.I believe the drug companies distribute free samples to GPs and Obstetricians as a mean of marketing. Each tablet contains: 11 Vitamins Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 1.55 mg Riboflavine (Vitamin B2) 1.8 mg Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 19 mg Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 10 mg Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)2.6 mg Cynocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 4.0 microgram Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 100 mg Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 12.5 microgram dl-a-Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E)15 mg Biofin (Vitamin H) 200 microgram Folic acid 800 mircogram 7 Minerals and trace elements Calcium 125 mg Iron 60 mg Magnesium 100 mg Phosphorus 125 mg Copper 1 mg Manganese 1 mg Zinc 7.5 mg Some of our mothers take it because it has all the vitamins, especially vitamin C, whichhelps iron absorption. Usually recommended by GPs. I believe it is a little bit more expensive than the ordinary iron supplements. The tablet itself is actually huge. May be off puttingfor mothers who have difficulty with taking tablets You can contact Roche Consumer Health on its free call 1800 023 884 for further details. I only know all these because I picked upa sample when I was in NACE conference in Sydney. : --)) Hope the above info helps. Ping B. - Original Message - From: Dierdre Bowman To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, June 20, 2003 3:48 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] GP's and OB's selling Elevit Vitamin Supplement What are elevit samples, excuse my ignorance Dierdre B. ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.490 / Virus Database: 289 - Release Date: 16/06/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] midwifery in India
Hi Julie, Not sure about being wise but I may be able to help you with your plan to visit India. In Januarythis year, I happened to be in India andvisited 2 big private hospitals in Delhi - Ganga Ram and the Apollo. Managed to talk a few key people, Administrator, DON, Head of School of Nursing, Obstetricians etc. I am pretty sure they would welcome volunteers. In fact, the Head of SON of Ganga Ram asked me if there is any exchange program in placed so the nurses could gain experience in Australia. If you like to know more, please email off the list so I could give you a few contacts. Just need to hunt for them. I had some photos as well of my visit. Ping Bullock (nee Lerchbacher)PO Box 5569Mackay Mail CentreMackay 4741 Phone: 07 49 527 640Mobile: 0422 583 825Fax: 07 49 527 606 - Original Message - From: Julie Garratt To: Ozmid ; Bmid Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2003 9:27 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] midwifery in India Hello wise people:) A few of the Bmid students and I are planing a trip to India this Christmas to experience midwifery in another culture. What we're wondering is have any of you been over there and had anybirth experiences with Indian women. Do you think we could volenteer at a hospital or midwifery clinic? Does anyone have any contacts? Were only in the planning stages at the momentand your imput would be great. Cheers, Julie'', ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.488 / Virus Database: 287 - Release Date: 05/06/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery/birthing services Gold Coast
Just need to locate her card. Chris is her name. She does homebirths etc. May be able to help. If you email off the list, I will have a hunt for her card. Ping - Original Message - From: Carolyn Pettit To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 9:42 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery/birthing services Gold Coast Can anyone on the list provide me with information about birthing services/choices in the Gold Coast Area for a woman who has had 3 previous C/S and wanting a VBAC. Carolyn ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.487 / Virus Database: 286 - Release Date: 01/06/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] Message from Lynne Staff: Side-by-Side Conference
Hi Andrea, Just been talking to Doris. She asked me to pass on the details of the conference. Conference date: Saturday 21 June 2003 Costs: $159 early bird before 30 May; otherwise $170. One day workshop starts @ 9am and ends @ 5pm. I have tried to email to Irene. It came back as Mail System Error. Forgot to ask about conference venue. Sorry. Ping - Original Message - From: Andrea Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 4:00 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Message from Lynne Staff: Side-by-Side Conference Hi Everybody A quick note to remind you that the Side By Side conference is on at the Noosa Lakes resort on June 31st. This conference is a day-long one, with co-presentations by midwives and obstetricians about working together with and for women. Topics and themes include: Collaborative Care, two perspectives Lynne Staff and Ted Weaver What Is Normal Birth? James Moir What should be the Correct Caesarean Rate? George Bogiatzis(I can hear you all telling me the answers to that one already!!!) Aligning Birth Centre Care within the Medicolegal system - James Orford Antenatal Education, Women, Midwives and Obstetricians Sharing, Making a Difference - Donna Thompson Working With Women Beyond the Birth Andrea Cornthwaite Waterbirth - obstetric and paediatric experiences Andrew Davidson and Tom Hurley The Care In Partnership Program (Caseload in the private sector) Irene Kinmond. Please contact Irene Kinmond at Nambour Selangor Maternity Unit on 07 5450 4350 or email her on [EMAIL PROTECTED] Looking forward to seing as many of you who can come Regards, Lynne - Andrea Robertson Birth International * ACE Graphics * Associates in Childbirth Education e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web: www.birthinternational.com -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.484 / Virus Database: 282 - Release Date: 27/05/2003 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] Message from Lynne Staff: Side-by-Side Conference
Hi Ronda, I did the same thing too. Double checked all calendars in the house! It is actually on Saturday 21 June. Talked to Doris of Selangor Private Hosp. Cost $150 prior to 30 May (today!) and $170 after than. Not sure about ACMI discount. Have to ring on Monday to ask Julie. Lynne is away in UK. And Irene is on hols. Doris is my informant! Ping - Original Message - From: Rhonda To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 7:02 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Message from Lynne Staff: Side-by-Side Conference Hmm - on my callendar there are only 30 days in June. So which callendar are you working from? Just pointing that out! *grin* regards rhonda. ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, May 30, 2003 16:46:08 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Message from Lynne Staff: Side-by-Side Conference Hi EverybodyA quick note to remind you that the Side By Side conference is on at the Noosa Lakes resort on June 31st. This conference is a day-long one, with co-presentations by midwives and obstetricians about working together with and for women.Topics and themes include:Collaborative Care, two perspectives Lynne Staff and Ted WeaverWhat Is Normal Birth? James MoirWhat should be the Correct Caesarean Rate? George Bogiatzis(I can hear you all telling me the answers to that one already!!!)Aligning Birth Centre Care within the Medicolegal system - James OrfordAntenatal Education, Women, Midwives and Obstetricians Sharing, Making a Difference - Donna ThompsonWorking With Women Beyond the Birth Andrea CornthwaiteWaterbirth - obstetric and paediatric experiences Andrew Davidson and Tom HurleyThe Care In Partnership Program (Caseload in the private sector) Irene Kinmond.Please contact Irene Kinmond at Nambour Selangor Maternity Unit on 07 5450 4350 or email her on lt;[EMAIL PROTECTED]Looking forward to seing as many of you who can comeRegards, Lynne-Andrea RobertsonBirth International * ACE Graphics * Associates in Childbirth Educatione-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]web: www.birthinternational.com--This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics.Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.. IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here ---Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 6.0.484 / Virus Database: 282 - Release Date: 27/05/2003
Re: [ozmidwifery] Headline - Self-hypnosis takes the pain out of giving birth
Hi Marilyn, Yes, it is true. Entonox and pethidine may be used in birthing centre. At least in our birthing centres. Although most went the natural way. Ping - Original Message - From: Marilyn Kleidon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 12:05 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Headline - Self-hypnosis takes the pain out of giving birth Please correct me if I am wrong but women who birth in birth centres in Australia can use both pethidine and etonox can't they? If so, this is a big difference between them and their namesakes (alternative birthing centers and free standing birth centers) in the USA where 1. etonox is just never used anywhere in the USA(americans just don't use it, canadians do however) and 2. if you need demerol (pethidine or any other pharmacological pain relief) you are transferred to the regular delivery suite. All non-pharmacological options for pain relief are fine however. marilyn - Original Message - From: Denise Hynd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 5:23 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Headline - Self-hypnosis takes the pain out of giving birth Dear All I think Jackson the hypnobirther is a practitioner down Bowral way and was on the list as Marilyn said last November. Sad there was no reference to the relationship between the low and decreasing level of drug free labour in NSW and different models of care. For example the corresponding low and decreasing level of Birth Centre or midwifery options for NSW women which is where the majority of this drug free labour happens. Uninformed readers of the article would think it is low because that is Normal for women to need and benefit from epidurals and other drug relief!! Denise - Original Message - From: alphia [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 3:58 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Headline - Self-hypnosis takes the pain out of giving birth Greetings, alphia wants you to know about a story on www.smh.com.au Personal Message: article on hypnobirthing found within the SMH. Self-hypnosis takes the pain out of giving birth By Bonnie Malkin March 22 2003 URL: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/21/1047749923780.html -- 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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.465 / Virus Database: 263 - Release Date: 25/03/2003 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] risks of 4th c/s and support for artificial feeding
Dear Jo, Thank you for posting the story. I wonder if the story could be posted somewhere for obstetricians to read and reflect. Last night we had a twin mother admitted @ 33 gestation. The obstetrician did a VE and ARM at 3cm cervical dilatation. By the time I got to see her, she was contracting irregularly, weak. And nervous to say the least about Epidural which was imposed on her. Middle of the night she had syntocinon infusion. This mother is G4 with first babe forceps for failure to descent; second and third babe SVD. I feel very disillusioned that I cannot be an active advocate in her care. She was a Private Patient. No wonder midwife is a dying breed. Ping - Original Message - From: jo hunter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 10:40 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] risks of 4th c/s and support for artificial feeding I give HAS' permission to post this story. It is quite long but worth the read! Jo Caesarean, Caesarean, Caesarean, Natural Birth By Clare Colman I was 24, healthy, a newly admitted lawyer. I booked in to see a private obstetrician in a large maternity hospital. I read pregnancy books. I attended the hospital classes. I had complete faith in the system and knew nothing of the politics of birth. The pregnancy went smoothly, until 38 weeks when my obstetrician sent me for a pelvimetry. I'm now sure it had more to do with my size (a petite 150cm) and my occupation than any health risk. The results had shown my pelvis to be inadequate and an elective caesar scheduled. I was devastated, but the compromise was that I could undergo a trial of labour, so long as I came to hospital at the first sign of labour. I was told, since the baby hadn't engaged, I could have a cord prolapse and then we have 8 minutes to get the baby out before it dies. So at 2am on his due date, I had the show and rang the hospital! I was there by 4am. Labour hadn't even started but no one suggested I go home. No sustenance, no sleep, on my feet till 6pm. By then I was exhausted, starving, discouraged, only 2cm. I didn't even see my doctor, who was not available that weekend. I agreed to an epidural and the inevitable caesar. Andrew was born at 2.20am on 10.1.94, weighing 3.195kg. The operation itself was not physically painful, but I felt totally detached from what was going on, as if I was an observer. I think this was a coping mechanism at the time - I was hooked up to so much equipment - electrodes on my chest, automatic blood pressure cuff on my arm (which cut off the circulation every minute or so), electrodes on my thumb, cannula and drip in my arm, oxygen mask on my face (nifty shower cap too), catheter in my spine, catheter for my bladder, naked and numb from the chest down, belly swabbed in brown antiseptic, and a screen between me and the surgery. My husband was sitting beside me, and there was a team of 7 or 8 staff members. In recovery my body shook violently for about 15 minutes, which I was told was a normal reaction to an epidural. I slept for a couple of hours and woke to the most pain I had ever felt. I had never had any serious injury or illness in my life before - it was like having been hit by a truck. I spent that day in bed. I couldn't even roll over from one side to the other without 2 nurses assisting. Pethidine shots in the thigh every four hours made me feel dopey and sleepy, and helped detach from the pain, but also made connection with my new baby extremely difficult. I didn't even think he was really mine. I just wanted to be left alone to sleep and make the pain go away. The next day I had to get out of bed, and walk to the other end of the ward for a shower. I thought I was going to pass out with pain, and kept apologising to the nurse for being so slow! Physically each day got a little easier as I became more mobile and the intensity of the pain eased, but the thought of having to take a baby home and care for it made me feel sheer panic. I felt like I had failed the first test of motherhood in having not been able to give birth, breastfeeding was not going well, I felt no connection with my baby and I had lost faith in my body. Many of the feelings that flowed from my caesarean were gradual rather than immediate, but they included a profound sense of loss, inadequacy, failure and sadness, guilt that I was not more grateful for the health of my child, and eventually anger at the circumstances which led to the caesar and the way I was treated afterwards. (I was sent home with an infected wound, cracked nipples, a thrush infection and no follow-up care. It was 9 weeks before I was able to see my doctor for a post-natal checkup, because she was fully booked!) The second caesarean 2 years later added a sense of powerlessness in the face of medical technology and the doctor/patient relationship. I allowed decisions to be made for me and my baby
