We are seeing bundle after bundle rolling out to improve care and all they seem to do is increase paperwork and scare The bundles are a bungle of tokenistic action despite well established solutions that would cost but a fraction! There are two bundles in recent times that have been cause for concern. The first …
In the healthcare context, our language can have a big impact – including a nocebo effect. Whether we are focused on risks or benefits, recommended care or alternatives…the fact remains that there is The Decision belongs to one impacted (in maternity care, this is the pregnant woman). The words counsel, shared, persuade and consent are …
Preparing for Birth is like preparing to climb Mount Everest, but with much more chance of success and a lot more warmth! When climbing Everest, a Sherpa is an essential part of your team. They know the landscape, the climate and remain calm and alert. In Birth, a doula is like a sherpa. The doula is familiar with the location, the people and the physiology, remaining calm and alert, guiding and supporting you.
This is the story of a Birth Plan that was not used. A Birth Plan that was carefully made, was informed and detailed, but was never even looked at during the birth.This is the story of a cup of tea, left to go cold. Rebecca* was determined that her birth would not ‘go with the flow’ , …
You may be familiar with Robert Frost’s “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood”. This pastiche looks at two options emerging in a birthing ward.
Imagine if we were decision focused instead of consent focused.
Imagine if we supported physiology rather then relied on technology.
It’s easy if you try.
Our current approach to maternity is far short of what the minimal for maternity should be. In a society that values mothers, we would see a minimal standard based on compassion, connection and confidence. We would be celebrating and honouring the transformation, and doing everything we could to ensure women transition whole and powerful. We …
Across Australia, we are seeing the roll out of the ‘Safer Baby Bundle’. This is an initiative to reduce stillbirth. This is an obviously noble goal, with five key areas of focus in the form of hashtagable social messaging. The five key areas are: #Quit4Baby #GrowingMatters #MovementsMatter #SleeponSide #LetsTalkTiming As I explored the resources associated …
why the silence? One in three Australian mothers experience physical and emotional birth trauma. One in 10 emerges with post-traumatic stress disorder. For many it begins with induction. From there women are at risk of the cascade of consent. First time mothers have over 40% chance of induced birth. Between 2000 and 2016 induction of labour …
Why do we do as we are told, even if it seems ridiculous, if we perceive them to have authority? Dr Chris and Dr Xand set up an experiment (probably based on the Milgram Experiment).After seeing this segment whilst my children watched the Operation Ouch program, I was prompted to look into this phenomenon when it comes to …
Have you ever wondered why we submit to authority? Read More »
