Post on 15-Jul-2015
Navigating Birth Choices
• What I wont be telling you is which way is best for you! I will be talking about best practice, evidence and how to decide how you will navigate negotiate and demand for
yourself so your choices are your own
• During this workshop I will be asking you to be engaged and ask questions – make sure you get what you need
from today
• “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust
themselves and know their inner strength.”
• Barbara Katz Rothman
If only there was a list of options!
Menu
MainsMedical clinicMidwives clinicMidwifery led careGP shared carePrivate obstetricianPrivate midwife
Side orderWater birthEpiduralCesareanHomeHospitalDrugsMassagehypnotherapy
Is there a choice?
• What are we talking about today?• Medical model midwifery model birth
centre, labour ward delivery suit private public homebirth drugs no drugs pain relief no pain relief partner mother father mother in law arghhhhhhhhh
• Why not a cesarean? Organised, no labour, on time, manageable?????
• More and more and more woman are having a cesarean – that's a choice???
Give it a go!!!
• But be determined
• Be determined but don’t be inflexible
• Be flexible but don’t be compliant
• Special interest groups i.e. Australian College of Midwives, Maternity Coalition, Baby Friendly health Initiative, Homebirth
Australia, Australian Private Practice Midwives Association, Midwives Australia,
Australian Breastfeeding Association, Cesarean Awareness Resource and
Education (CARES).
So how to be flexible but not compliant?• know what you prefer/want
• Understand your options
• Make sure the people around you understand your preferences and WILL
support them
• Remember partners and support people can be scared too
remember
• Childbirth doesn’t have to be a drama even though it sometimes is
• Avoid interventions unless you are comfortable with why you need them