Consent, what matters to you most? We know that how support pregnant women in making truly autonomous decisions in accordance with current consent law is poorly understood and problematic for both the woman and maternity care professionals (MCPs). Consent law requires that a woman’s preferences, values and what she believes important, be considered by the
The characteristics of compassionate maternity care Compassionate care can improve the quality of maternity car women receive. Making meaningful connections with women Displaying good interpersonal skills - combined verbal and non-verbal communication and active listening Conduct based on dignity and respect Establishing trust - establishing a partnership, being nonjudgmental and creating a strong sense of
Birth, the forgotten feminist issue By Alecia Staines Alecia has compiled a series of podcasts, that explores the on going disadvantage women experience when they become mothers. Here is the link to the podcasts.
An interview with Justine Caines OAM This podcast provides much historical information and reminds us that there is still a long way to go. Here is the Link to the interview.
Pregnancy is a feminist issue. The economic and cultural oppression of women and girls continues. Throughout history and across the world this oppression is culturally constructed and is predicated on biology. Only those with a female sex have babies. This discussion explores why Birth is a feminist issue.
Compassion, dignity and respect are fundamental aspects of respectful maternity care. We need to be mindful to remember treating women with dignity, compassion and respect sits at the very heart of good maternity care. If we forget that we are failing those we want to help the most. Health professionals often forget the significance of
Compassion v's empathy At SMFA, we wonder how maternity care would be if health professionals were compassionate rather than empathetic. Compassion is the idea of sharing in suffering, having concern for another, but essentially feeling for and not feeling with the other. It is the opposite of empathy where people feel the pain of others.
Five steps to better birth outcomes Why do you think given all we know, birth not becoming easier, gentler, a more enjoyable, natural experience, the way it was intended to be? These five steps may make a difference - Five steps to better birth outcomes
A recipe to improve maternal health Make Mothers Matter Care is essential for all human beings. We all rely on care at different points in our lives. But our current economic system completely ignores its value, especially the care provided by mothers. By quantifying value of mothering in statistics, society may value mothering as nothing
The impact of traumatic hospital birthing experiences Every birth is unique, yet many women experience factory line care not personalised care. There is a vast difference between a natural birth and an assisted, not just in terms of the immediate physical outcome and recovery, but also in terms of my long term emotional and physical
