Thought provoking reading...
I ventured onto a few other midwifery related blogs tonight, one Lisa's - definitely 'the' words that highlight, empower, rejoice and celebrate the power of a woman and her ability to birth. There is not one word, phase or story that could come from Lisa's heart that could demoralise or steal from what is a woman's right. Something that inspires me to be that midwife... the one who is in every sense, 'with women'. I can say this with confidence having not only been lucky enough to have her as my midwife, but also work alongside of her and witness and be influenced by her completeness and commitment to 'true midwifery'.
After a long week of pouring my best efforts into an assignment addressing the care of women with postpartum depression and other mental health illnesses and reading tiring journal articles and reviews that seem to overlook and totally dismiss midwives and midwifery, I needed to indulge in something midwifery.
In doing so, I came across some varied opinions of what midwifery is. Despite these coming from midwives, I was quite shocked to be confronted with almost opposing opinions... that word again... After nearly 2 and a half years you would think that I would be used to the fact that some midwives have this rather strange and deranged idea of what midwifery is (my opinion... for good measure) and yet somehow it still depresses and distresses to say it nicely.
I am lost as to how you could unjustifiably denigrate midwifery to just 'a job' or a means to an end, so to speak. Anyone who has had to opportunity to witness birth, regardless of gender, role, personality or input, would be lying if they said it wasn't one of the most emotional, amazing and fulfilling experiences they have ever been a part of. Admittedly, not all can openly confess to it whilst clouded by memories of pain, choice words, vagina and blood... take these clouds away and the beauty of the birth of a child is something that can only ever be justified by witnessing it.
Maybe its a case of 'seen one, seen them all'... however birth isn't just birth in the literal sense. Birth is what makes birth. It is not just a fragment of time, there is history and future in the making, not just for one but for many. Birth is unique; not one is the same.
And whilst I am laying out my two cents for all to see, why is it that a word such as midwifery- a neutral, empowering holistic one has managed to take on such power, indifference and control, in many instances? Maybe 'with woman' would be better changed to 'with midwife' for the majority because the most of what I have experienced has not been entirely about what the woman wants. Despite the obvious time constraints, protocols and policies in the system, there is not even enough emphasis about informing and empowering women to question and discuss their options.
Two words that kept reiterating themselves during my thought process... reciprocity and autonomy. I have experienced too much 'take' and not enough 'give'. Even the most normal and simple choices such as what a woman wears and what and when they are able to eat and drink are stripped from them. And that is not to mention the lack of consideration for privacy, dignity and respect... you would think that closing a door, pulling a curtain, covering a woman, knocking before entering and ensuring the bitching done behind the nurses station doesn't echo through the corridor to be heard by all, would be common sense. If only...
Childish behaviour has some how has grown legs and left the school yard. Time and energy that could be better spent fighting for birth, for women and for their rights.
As a student, I walk on a fine line. In many situations I have found myself pressured to do exactly the opposite of what the woman wants by midwives, registrars and consultants; to me pressure that was based on little or no indication. One such instance, the words 'infiltrate' and 'episiotomy' seem to ring in the background whilst my conscience beat them down with 'consent' and 'crowning' and 'contraction'... I stood my ground until literally removed to make way for intervention. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive midwife who up until that point placed confidence and trust in me to listen to the woman.
So I end with this, a thought provoking and real statement about who or what a midwife should be... I couldn't put it better myself so will use Lisa's words
After a long week of pouring my best efforts into an assignment addressing the care of women with postpartum depression and other mental health illnesses and reading tiring journal articles and reviews that seem to overlook and totally dismiss midwives and midwifery, I needed to indulge in something midwifery.
In doing so, I came across some varied opinions of what midwifery is. Despite these coming from midwives, I was quite shocked to be confronted with almost opposing opinions... that word again... After nearly 2 and a half years you would think that I would be used to the fact that some midwives have this rather strange and deranged idea of what midwifery is (my opinion... for good measure) and yet somehow it still depresses and distresses to say it nicely.
I am lost as to how you could unjustifiably denigrate midwifery to just 'a job' or a means to an end, so to speak. Anyone who has had to opportunity to witness birth, regardless of gender, role, personality or input, would be lying if they said it wasn't one of the most emotional, amazing and fulfilling experiences they have ever been a part of. Admittedly, not all can openly confess to it whilst clouded by memories of pain, choice words, vagina and blood... take these clouds away and the beauty of the birth of a child is something that can only ever be justified by witnessing it.
Maybe its a case of 'seen one, seen them all'... however birth isn't just birth in the literal sense. Birth is what makes birth. It is not just a fragment of time, there is history and future in the making, not just for one but for many. Birth is unique; not one is the same.
And whilst I am laying out my two cents for all to see, why is it that a word such as midwifery- a neutral, empowering holistic one has managed to take on such power, indifference and control, in many instances? Maybe 'with woman' would be better changed to 'with midwife' for the majority because the most of what I have experienced has not been entirely about what the woman wants. Despite the obvious time constraints, protocols and policies in the system, there is not even enough emphasis about informing and empowering women to question and discuss their options.
Two words that kept reiterating themselves during my thought process... reciprocity and autonomy. I have experienced too much 'take' and not enough 'give'. Even the most normal and simple choices such as what a woman wears and what and when they are able to eat and drink are stripped from them. And that is not to mention the lack of consideration for privacy, dignity and respect... you would think that closing a door, pulling a curtain, covering a woman, knocking before entering and ensuring the bitching done behind the nurses station doesn't echo through the corridor to be heard by all, would be common sense. If only...
Childish behaviour has some how has grown legs and left the school yard. Time and energy that could be better spent fighting for birth, for women and for their rights.
As a student, I walk on a fine line. In many situations I have found myself pressured to do exactly the opposite of what the woman wants by midwives, registrars and consultants; to me pressure that was based on little or no indication. One such instance, the words 'infiltrate' and 'episiotomy' seem to ring in the background whilst my conscience beat them down with 'consent' and 'crowning' and 'contraction'... I stood my ground until literally removed to make way for intervention. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive midwife who up until that point placed confidence and trust in me to listen to the woman.
So I end with this, a thought provoking and real statement about who or what a midwife should be... I couldn't put it better myself so will use Lisa's words
Compromising your clients wish for a great birth isn't
our role. Keeping the space is.
Labels: Midwifery, Random Thoughts, Troubling Tales of the System
posted by lovebubs at
10:29 PM
1 Comments:
You are a fantastic midwife in the making. Can't wait to here about your trip either.
May 18, 2008 11:44 PM
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