The Paradox of care

The Paradox of Care Maternity care has become risk-averse. This has led to escalating medical interventions that may be unnecessary, unwelcomed and have unanticipated consequences. The World Health Organisation states - 85% of births do not require interventions. “The paradox is that in trying to eliminate risk, we create other risks”  The medical approach in

World Breastfeeding Week

Lets make breastfeeding and work, work! WHAT WE KNOW… Globally half a billion working women lack access to the needed workplace provisions to provide breastmilk to their children (paid maternity leave, flexible working environment, space to express milk) Allowing women to take the time to breastfeed or express breastmilk whilst at their workplace, or at

Declining recommended maternity care

Partnering with the woman who declines recommended maternity care In the absence of a national standard for declining recommended maternity care, we share with you the Queensland Health Queensland Health has developed resources to support women and their clinicians to jointly plan maternity care when women are, or are thinking about, declining recommended maternity care.

A vision for maternity care

The humanistic approach - relationship based care New research is very relevant to maternity care where the focus on physical health and the baby dehumanises the mother treating her as a vessel or a baby-making machine. We love the concept of whole person care that recognises the multiple dimensions of personhood, sensitivity to another’s needs;

Kindness Matters

Women value kindness “I was so in awe of the midwives and their kindness and skills and so supported by them in both birth and post birth care that I transitioned as smoothly as possible.”  “My expectations were surpassed by my birth centre midwife, she was amazing, kind, compassionate and collaborative.”  “A little less treating

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully embrace equity

On this International Women's Day 2023 the campaign theme is embrace equity. Do you know that pregnancy and the transition to motherhood is a critical “tipping point” on the road to gender equity and therefore needs to be a crucial focus for policy makers. Getting it right during pregnancy and birth reduces downstream expenditure on

Maternal Health Series – Maternal Health the Hidden Public Health Epidemic

Birthing Work and Matrescence: The neglected aspect of maternity care The ANU Gender Institute and Maternal Health Matters Inc. invite you to join us online for the second of our seminar series that will explore the impact of maternity on women’s wellbeing and the transition to parenting. The health and wellbeing of mothers is critically

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