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Childbirth - how well do Australian maternity practices look after the needs of women?
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Author and childbirth guru Sheila Kitzinger MBE has accused Australian obstetricians of ignoring women's needs in favour of their own protection and profits. We invite mothers and practitioners to have a voice here at Bang the Table. Tell us your experiences and views on this issue.
Reports on the result of this discussion will be made available to the Royal Australian and NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and to the NSW Midwives Association as well as to media outlets on request.
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What are your experiences of childbirth in Australia? How could the experience have been improved?
There is no place better to start a discussion on the policies and practices surrounding child birth than by asking users to recount their own experiences, be they as a mother or as a practitioner.
by Kath 28 Oct 2007, 8:58pm | 2157 views
Chidbirth experience and its impact on postnatal wellbeing
Women's experiences in childbirth directly impact on their physical and mental health and will influence their ability to care for their baby. A more traumatic birth experience can have a huge impact on the whole family unit for a considerable time.
How could maternity care be enhanced to optimise the post natal experience?
by Kath 28 Oct 2007, 9:16pm | 1434 views
priorities when choosing a maternity care package
In Australia there are a number of care choices for the pregnant woman. Ranging from independent midwifery and home birth, through to private obstetric care. What are your priorities when choosing how and where to give birth, and how did you find out about your options?
by Kath 7 Nov 2007, 8:22pm | 1129 views
Caesareans heading to danger level?
The Sydney Morning Herald headline today suggests that the 30% caesarean rate is too high and that authorities need to turn back the tide. Personally I think this is a bit of a fuss about nothing. I've had 2 and was concious throughout with no adverse effects apart from a well hidden scar and would much prefer this to the trauma of childbirth. Women should have the choice to elect for C section - this is an advantage of modern medicine
by sal07 14 Jan 2008, 9:45am | 1003 views
The Use of Doulas
In the UK the hiring of a Doula for labour and postnatal visits is becoming increasingly popular. They are there to enforce the womans birth plan during labour if Drs try to intervene. Post natally they support the woman during the first few weeks of the baby's life. Is this something that could be encouraged in Australia?
by RachelDoell 1 Nov 2007, 8:54am | 890 views
Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)
With a caesarean section rate of around 30 percent, the issue of VBAC is significant for large numbers of women. Research has shown that VBAC is a safe option for many women, however women are still finding it difficult to discuss this with their carers. What are your experiences of VBAC and what support would you like to see for women exploring this option?
by Kath 13 Dec 2007, 10:44am | 1150 views
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What best describes your experience of the Australian system of maternity care?
Accessible poll results below, followed by Flash (inaccessible) pie chart Option Percentage It's excellent as it is 11.1% I would only use a private obstetrician 11.1% The wishes of women are often ignored 13.3% There should be more midwifery and less medical intervention 62.2% The public system needs more obstetricians 2.3%
