Risk aversion

Midwives who attend women for homebirths have often been portrayed as having an affinity or fondness for risk, accepting and even encouraging situations that would not be considered suitable for midwife-led care in hospital.

Preparing for Medicare

Wonderful artwork by Poppy to brighten the page.

In early December I wrote about the fact that I had submitted my application to be noted as eligible for Medicare (see blog). I have been told that this application is being processed.
In preparation for submitting an application, all midwives are required to participate in a Professional Practice Review approved by the Board (NMBA). The review that I undertook is the Midwives in Private Practice Professional Practice Review ('MIPP PPR' for short) which had previously been submitted to the Board for approval. Having worked on the MIPP PPR since its introduction in 2002, I enjoyed updating it to meet the written requirements of the new Board, and then undertaking a practice review, and presenting my findings to an experienced and respected midwife colleague.

Professional organisations and networks for midwives

Rally outside Julia Gillard's Werribee office 2009

In recent days I have had cause to reflect on the importance of various professional organisations and networks that are available for me as a midwife.  Here are a few:

• Australian College of Midwives - ACM, the peak body representing the midwifery profession in this country.
• Maternity Coalition - MC, advocating for consumers and midwives in maternity care
• Midwives in Private Practice - MiPP, a collective of midwives in Victoria, and a Participating Organisation in Maternity Coalition
• Australian Private Midwives' Association - APMA, representing private midwives nationally

Plans for the new year

As the sun goes down on 1 January 2011 in our part of the world, others have just seen the New Year in.

I have noticed from the statistics function on this blog that a large number of the visitors to this blog are in the United States. G'day, folks! I am delighted to have you visit. I have wonderful memories of five winters in Michigan, and have attached a family pic, with me holding our first baby, that takes us back 37 years.

New Year 1974, at our home in Biscayne Way, Haslett Michigan

Twelve months ago, I and other Australian midwives were wondering if we would be able to practise legally, after 1 November. We are practising, and intend to continue. I won't say without change - anyone who is so set in their ways that they are not willing to change should not be practising. We must continue to change and grow in our understanding of birthing processes, while we adapt and work within the limitations of our own lives (such as ageing), and the law.