Australian College of Midwives MEDIA RELEASE

great news in the Budget today, lets hope it goes ahead! this is the media release from National.

Australian College of Midwives MEDIA RELEASE

"Mothers and Midwives Budget winners"

"Today is an historic day for childbearing women and their families in Australia," said Associate Professor Hannah Dahlen, National Media Spokespersons for the Australian College of Midwives.

"Not only has the Rudd Government made the welcome commitment to parental leave to better support families with newborn babies, but they have also provided for:

mothers to receive Medicare rebates for midwifery care,
access to PBS for midwives,
national collaborative maternity care guidelines,
increased access at state level to birth centres,
indemnity for midwives
measures to enhance the access of rural and remote women to maternity care as close as possible to their home community.
A national telephone support service for pregnant women and mothers of newborns
"These reforms will together make it much easier for women living anywhere in Australia - from the middle of our largest cities to remote communities - to access continuity of care by a known midwife" Assoc Prof Dahlen said. "They will also be vital in helping to close the gap on disadvantage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies in partnership with Indigenous people themselves."

Continuity of midwifery care involves a pregnant woman being cared for by a known midwife throughout her pregnancy, labour and birth. It also involves follow up care in the home for up to 6 weeks after the birth of the baby to provide professional support with the all important transition to parenting.

"This is not about substituting doctors with midwives" Assoc. Prof Dahlen said. "Obstetricians will, of course, continue to have a vital role in maternity care. Midwives providing continuity of care collaborate with obstetricians and allied health professionals throughout the episode of care, in response to the individual needs of each woman and her baby."

Research evidence shows a range of benefits when women are cared for by known midwives from early in pregnancy till well after the birth. These include fewer admissions to hospital antenatally, less need for epidurals or for any pain relief, fewer episiotomies, more normal births, reduced need for their baby to be admitted to a special care nursery, more success with breastfeeding, and less vulnerability to postnatal depression or anxiety.

"Health Minister Nicola Roxon is to be commended for listening to Australian women during the recent national review of maternity services and for acting on the evidence that their needs could be better met with greater access to continuity of care by midwives, said Assoc Prof Dahlen



"These reforms pave the way for tens of thousands of women and their families to benefit from continuity of midwifery care while maintaining Australia's solid record of safety for mothers and babies," said Assoc. Professor Dahlen. "The confidence the government has expressed in midwives through these major reforms will be embraced by the profession around Australia."



"Today the government has honoured women and motherhood in this country and recognised that 'the hand that rocks the cradle' does indeed 'rule the world,' and that we as a society need to support women and invest in the future- our children," said Associate Professor Dahlen.



Contact:
ACM Media Spokesperson, Assoc Professor Hannah Dahlen 0407 643 943

Cheers Pauline

Education Survey, tell us what you want to know?

Hello Midwives and Student Midwives,

Thanks to Sarah Stewart who is currently using this program. I thought I would also try this survey program out. This looks like a great program, we will evaluate it and see how successful it is in getting some feedback from our members and non members. A try before you buy system, I like these sorts of programs.

I am asking you to tell the ACM Education committee what it is you want us to provide for you in terms of your professional on going educational requirements.

Click on this link please: Click Here to take survey

It will only take a few minutes of your time, 10 easy questions, go on, give it a go.

Many thanks for your time. Remember life long learning is a journey, every day brings a new lesson.

Pauline Costins

Celebrating our Land, our People and our Profession:

Australian College of Midwives WA Branch celebrated IMD on Saturday 2nd May at UWA. There were approximately 60 participants, women, midwives, student midwives, and allied health professionals. Being MC for the day was a challenge, with last minute program changes, and the dreaded IT problems – what a nightmare when technology fails you on these occasions. Just when you think you have it all covered, something else happens; computer not talking to the data projector, then the data projector bulb going, microphone interference and finally the sound not working...............................................................despite these things the day went well. The food was great!

It was a fantastic day, the focus in the morning was on Indigenous Women’s Health and the afternoon included a laughter workshop and a panel discussion on the Maternity Services Review.



To set the scene Justina Smith (Aboriginal Musical Theatre - Noongar Culture) began the session with a beautiful Aboriginal traditional dance, which had everyone captivated.

The welcome to Country was conducted by Kerry-Anne Winmar a Nyungar Yorga Woman. It was all truly fascinating, very spiritual and I was left with goose bumps.

The dynamic Cheryl Hayward(Noongar) presented Aboriginal communities a WA perspective: Points that stuck in my mind were: It was interesting to see that 2.99% of the WA population are Aboriginal and of that 42% live in the Metropolitan area. Also that there are many different Aboriginal languages and Aboriginal people will often read your body language first then listen to your words. Most importantly there is no one single Aboriginal culture. Lastly the word ‘Noongar’ ‘Nyungar’ can be spelt differently.

Unfortunately the Aboriginal elders were unable to share their birth stories with us today due to illness, this was disappointing but these things do happen. On the note of birth stories, it is good to see that the Noongar women are getting together and collating these stories from the elders and the women who have birthed on the country so that they will be able to be passed on and kept for prosperity.

Lesley Nelson presented her Masters on Analytic Epidemiological Study- Indigenous Health then with and Karen Kruit, presented the proposed Maternity Group Practice for Aboriginal Women. They have done some incredible work so watch this space.................. to see how they progress.





The last session before lunch was presented by Dr Heather Hancock 'Making a difference for Aboriginal Women'. Heather reminded us that International Midwives Day is a day of celebration for midwives to celebrate what an important role we play in the process of pregnacy, labour, birth and giving women and families informed choices. "we are indeed so honoured and should feel incredibly humbled".
Heather also highted aspects of the Maternity Report that related to Indigenous women. "changes to support the expansion of collaborative models of care, improved access for rural and Indigenous mothers". She also reviewed health statistics for
Aborginal Women and infant mortality, and discussed issues surrounding,cultrual differences, fear,risk, co-existing issues, choice and strategies. Heather ended with the need for Midwives to be happy in their life & work. An inspiring presentation.


The most important thing on these days is to get the catering correct and I think we did this well. UWA did a great job. The food was excellent; present very well, nice moist orange poppy seed cake and fresh fruit for morning tea served with fresh brewed coffee (that’s very important for me, none of the instant rubbish). For those who don’t like coffee, a good selection of teas were available together the old favourite, water.

After lunch was the presentation by Johnson & Johnson for Midwife of the Year Award WA winner - This was won by

Marion Cavanagh, SJOG Subiaco.

Unfortunatley Marion was unable to attend due to being sick. Congratulations Marion from the ACM WA Branch, well done.




The Laughter workshop was the most unpredictable in terms of knowing whether the participants would stay for it. As it works out the majority of people did stay and appeared to enjoy it. I personally don’t like this sort of thing, but as I liked the rest of the program so it was worth just doing it. I still can’t say it is my cup of tea, but did enjoy throwing the tantrum without any consequences.



Saving the best for last was the Maternity Review Report panel discussion: The main areas covered were National Registration 2010, Indemnity Insurance for Private Midwives, Medicare number, and the need for midwives to come together to achieve better outcomes for women.

Great to see the students attending the day.



It is time now for midwives to become political, pro-active and take our profession forward. We are in an era of change, with the recent Nurses & Midwives Act 2006, the Nurses & Midwives Board change of name and the Maternity Report that recommends that midwives play a more active role.

This is the time for all midwives to spread the word, send letters to our politicians and generally educate the public on the role of the Midwife.

Thank you to everyone that attended and made this day a tremendous success.

‘MIDWIFE WITH WOMAN’ HAPPY MIDWIVES DAY:

"You are a midwife, assisting at someone else's birth. Do good without show or fuss. Remember to be Happy and Joyous" Heather Hancock

To the editor Bunbury Mail

I am pleased to report that the Southwest Midwives have responded promtly to this article.

It would be most benifical if we as midwives responded to the editor regarding this artile with our point of view: 'editor.bunburymail@ruralpress.com'

To the editor,

What a biased view on home birthing this article is.

However, have you considered that when problems occur in more rural hospitals such as Margaret River or Manjimup what it must be like to have to be transferred by ambulance to Bunbury with a hospital midwife as your escort? This is no different to an independent midwife needing to transfer a homebirth, if necessary, into hospital. The risks are no different; they are in fact they are same as rural hospital, which of course we know are safe for women with low risk factors during their pregnancy.

Do you really think women who plan a home birth choose to put their lives or the lives or their baby at risk?

These women should be respected and supported with their choices, they don’t go into home birthing blindly. These women are usually well educated and well researched. In WA there is a free home birth service provided by the Community Midwifery Program, which is metropolitan based service and endorsed by the Health Department.

Most of the medical people who state home births are unsafe are because they have been on the receiving end of a private midwife hospital transfer. Do they pass the same judgement calls when a hospital to hospital transfer occurs, I very much doubt it.

However, many more women have an amazing birth at home trouble free.

What the South West needs is BETTER birthing options and choices for women, such as a known Midwife and a Birth Centre, which the last Government offered to provide. However with the change in government this no longer occurring, the South West should have the provision of a Community Midwifery Program so that women in the SW can access the same choices as the women of Perth.

Most people who are scathing of home births have never had the privilege to be present at a home with a woman and her family during labour and birth. I am sad to say they will never get it because they have to open their eyes and their heart to see. They have to believe woman can do this unassisted.



Angela Jordan

Time for Bunbury Midwives to respond!

The Bunbury Mail headline written by Kaitlyn offer reads "More women risking Bunbury homebirths"This headline is just purely 'scaremongering' and in light of the recent release of the governments Maternity Services Review Report, which suggest that women should have improved choice, and expanding the role of the midwife.

I think the article endeavors to present a balanced view, however, it does not at any point have the view of 'the midwife' it does consider the view of the obstetrician.
In light of the Maternity Review I think it is time the media recognised the value of the profession of 'midwifery'(hence we have the Nurses & Midwives Act 2006) and sort the opinion of the Southwest Midwives or the Australian College of Midwives to further balance this article. It is sad to see that an obstetrician is negating the woman's' right of choice and slamming this as 'putting her baby at risk'. This woman has made an intelligent, informed choice of how she would like to birth her baby and this choice should be respected not criticised.


The article goes on to say that

"Between 2003 and 2007 there were 70 homebirths recorded in the South West by the health department, up from 13 performed in 2003 to 20 in 2007.....and that there were no deaths from homebirths in the South West between 2003 and 2007". Did the Dr quote the amount of traumas associated with a birth in the hospital?

So please explain to me why then have these women put their babies at risk? oh that's right

Bunbury's gynaecologist Dr Ron Jewell said mothers were putting themselves and their babies at risk.

With what evidence is the Dr basing this statement on?
“People are looking at their choice rather than safety,” Dr Jewell said. Dr Jewell has not once commented on the services or the ability of the very professional midwives of the Southwest, where is his attempt to be collaborative with his colleagues?
All midwives are trained to be able to recognise the abnormal and deal with any emergency that may arise.

Thank goodness the the trusted consumer, Bunbury mother Megan Pelusey disagrees.

Mrs Pelusey gave birth to her first child Georgia at home in 2006 and with baby number two on the way her family is preparing for another homebirth with the help of a trusted midwife, her husband Marcus and Georgia, 2.“I’m a private person and it’s a nice way to have it in your home and this time my two year old will see it all,” Mrs Pelusey said.

Mrs Pelusey said she felt women with low risk of complications could have safe homebirths when supported by a midwife with the right equipment.
“I had continuity of care with my midwife, I had regular visits throughout the whole pregnancy, (the midwife was there) during the birth and I had after birth care and you still see a doctor anyway,” Mrs Pelusey said.
She said she was not nervous about complications.
“The midwife has all the right equipment like oxygen if it is needed and we are not very far from the hospital if something happens.”

I must say I am sadden by this article, the headline, could have been a more positive one, 'Homebirths successful in the Southwest', 'More women choose midwifery led care in the Southwest' - but I guess it just may not have the same impact.

I urge the media to give midwives a fair go! find out what it is we do? don't just take the word of an obstetrician, this is about collaborative work, we can and do work together, let midwives provide continuity of care, give women the choices they want!, it really is not to much to ask for.

Infomidwife.

International Midwives Day Celebration on Saturday 2nd May 09

The Australian College of Midwives WA Branch invite you to attend our celebrations at UWA:

ARE YOU COMING?

International Midwives Day
Saturday 2nd May 2009

“Celebrating our Land our People and our Profession”

This promises to be a day to remember - Inspiring presentations - A good laugh
Great food
Johnson & Johnson Midwife of the Year Award presentation
Spot prizes and raffle

Maternal and perinatal outcomes for Aboriginal women are grim. Can we truly make a difference for Aboriginal women – Heather Hancock believes we can!

Nyoongar women share their amazing stories of birth in their communities

After lunch it’s Joyologist Bronwyn Williams – a guaranteed laugh and life changing workshop


The Maternity Services Review Paper…..its time for us to find a voice and a way forward …come and debate the issues with our presenters, leading health professionals including Graeme Boardley, Robyn Collins, Janice Butt, Wendy Candy and consumer Debbie Slater.


For Registration Brochure click here www.midwives.org.au

PLEASE consider coming along and bring a friend too!

Aboriginal spirituality and the land

A powerful explanation of the spiritual connection of Indigenous people to the land can be found in a publication of the now abolished ATSIC [13]:

We don't own the land, the land owns us. The land is my mother, my mother is the land. Land is the starting point to where it all began. It's like picking up a piece of dirt and saying this is where I started and this is where I'll go. The land is our food, our culture, our spirit and identity.
—S. Knight [13]

SBS insight program 'birth'

Hi all,

This was the program on insight last night, it was about birth, what choices do women have and the release of the materntiy report by the Minister of Health.

Most of the women in our audience are pregnant, some very pregnant. So who knows, anything could happen. We are here to talk about birth, in particular why we have such a high rate of Caesarean sections in Australia. One in three babies is now born by C section, a 50% increase in just ten years. So why?

Are women becoming too posh to push or are some doctors too quick to give Caesareans? Tonight Insight is going to talk about that - about what women want and whether the way we deliver babies needs to change.

if you have not watched insight last night, please watch out for the repeat show this week - Friday I think. It was a great show, featuring Jenny Gamble, Hannah Dahlen, Karen Guilliland, GP's, obstetricians, pregnant women, women and Nicola Roxon. The show is well worth watching or you can read the transcripts just follow this link.
http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/56#watchonline
Lets start a debate, what do you think?

Cheers Pauline

The ACM WA Branch Executive Committee 2009

Tracy Martin - President
Abbey Rodda - Vice President
Laura Robertson - Secretary
Janice Butt - MESAC
Tracey Gilchrist - Treasurer
Andrea Loftus - Education Officer
Debbie Slater - Consumer Representative
Karen Kruit - Community Midwifery Program
Lesley Nelson - Indigenous Representative
Jill Banks - Fund Raising and Publicity
Jenny Owen - National Board Member

GaeTana (Mel) Mule - BSc Midwifery Student
Catherine Ranford - BSc Midwifery Student

Nichola Goodger - Curtin University Student
Anita Symonds - Curtin University Student

Edith Cowan University Students to be nominated

Enquires email: Louise Allen membersvic@midwives.org.au


Watch this space for updated information relating to contact details for the WA Branch - work in progress.

Welcome to the WA Branch of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) Blog

The aim of this blog is to welcome all our members and anyone who wishes to read this blog. This blog adds another dimension of communication for the members of the West Australian ACM.

The ACM team will endeavor to keep you up to date with what’s happening in our State & the country relating to midwifery matters. Anyone is welcome to comment, on any subject or topic, all comments will be moderated. People will be required to put their names to comments as this allows for greater accountability and controls spam.
Remember the comments you make are for the World Wide Web, so review your article or writing before hitting the enter key!

It is important to remember the ANMC Code of Conduct for Midwives 2008 and our professional standing when commenting on this blog.

All topics are welcome so lets have some fun communicating with each other.

For membership enquires please go to the College website: the Australian College of Midwives ACT http://www.midwives.org.au/

Now meet some of the WA team: Above Pauline Costins Education Committee & Jennie Wood NMBWA ACM Representative
Below
Tracey Martin: President, and Jenny Owen: National Representative for WA


Janice Butt, Midwifery Education and Standards, & Jill Banks, Publicity and Fundraising.


Published by Pauline