I know some people don’t understand, get freaked out, or simply don’t like the idea of homebirths.

It is definitely not for everyone.

And certain segments of the medical profession have done a great job of scaremongering by suggesting that homebirths are unsafe and that people who choose homebirths are selfish and stupid.

But it is a legitimate choice for women with safe pregnancies who want to birth with the support of their own midwife, and in their own environment.

I had a homebirth with my son (my second birth), and it was the most magical, wonderfully empowering, perfect birth.

And if I wanted more children (which I don’t!) then I would definitely want the option of having another homebirth.

But unfortunately, legislation is afoot that will effectively make homebirths illegal.

For a long time private practicing midwives haven’t been able to access professional indemnity insurance so most have been working without insurance.

But from 1st of July 2010, private practicing midwives can be fined $30,000 for practicing without insurance.

This effectively outlaws homebirth unless it is attached to a hospital program.  Unfortunately, few hospital programs support homebirths.

For anyone convinced that every woman has the right to choose how and where she births, this new legislation is antiquated.

Elle McPherson said this about women’s right to choose as published on the Homebirth Australia website:

I enjoyed giving birth to my second son in a birth pool. My birthing room was warm and candlelit and I was lovingly supported by my birthing team. This made me feel emotionally safe as I birthed my baby gently.

I would love Australian women to enjoy a water birth just as I did. I am surprised to hear that less than 5% of Australian women can choose warm water immersion for pain relief and for birth!

I strongly recommend that the medical system in Australia give women the choice to be able to use a warm water pool during labour, for deep relaxation and giving birth.

I support Homebirth Australia’s work to enable all Australian women to choose where and with whom they share their intimate experience of birth.

If you believe every woman has the right to birth their baby their way, then you can do the following:

Sign the petition to save private midwifery.

Write to your local member of parliament or Nicola Roxon, the federal health minister.

Attend the Mother of all rallies in Canberra on Monday 7th of September, 11.30am.

or if you can’t get to Canberra, buy a virtual rally ticket and show your support.

Read more about homebirth at Homebirth Australia’s website.

And spread the word to anyone who will listen!

Homebirths should be a legitimate choice and not a crime.

By Jodie Benveniste, director of Parent Wellbeing.

The Age and Essential Baby have launched an online survey about Australia’s maternity system.

They want to know your experience of having a baby in either the public or private health care systems.

If you’d like to give your opinions - and you can do it anonymously - then head to the link below.

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes of your time.

The results will be published in The Age and online.

Maternity services survey - have your say!

Jodie Benveniste, director of Parent Wellbeing will be talking about ‘How to have a blissful pregnancy’ at the Beautiful Birth Festival this weekend.

How to have a blissful pregnancy

11.30am
Sunday 3rd of May 2009

Beautiful Birth Festival
Fullarton Park Centre
Corner of Fullarton Road and Fisher Street, Fullarton, South Australia.

For more information about the festival please visit the Beautiful Birth Festival website.

The role of the doula during labour and birth is to enhance the experience for you and your partner.
The doula will be there from the time you call till the time you ask her to leave.

After the birth, the doula is specifically able to help with general baby care, feeding options or just to be those extra hands. It is an important time for both of you and your family to bond with your new baby.

Doula’s work in birth centres, private and public hospitals and at homebirths. They always work in conjunction
with midwives and doctors, never as the sole care giver. Doulas’ work privately with you and are not employed by your midwife/doctor or by the hospital. As a courtesy to your midwife or doctor it is advised that you inform them of your choice to include a doula in your birth team.

Studies have shown that having a doula present during labour can shorten the labour process (Campbell et al, 2006; Langer et al 1998), reduce caesarean section rates (Thomassen et al,2003; Scott et al 1999; Kennell et al, 1991) and has a positive effect on breastfeeding (Langer etal, 1998).
Doula’s enhance the wellbeing of mothers and babies, reduces the need for medical assistance and mothers feel better about themselves, more positive about the labour and bond more easily with their babies (Marshall H Klaus, John H Kennell and Phyllis H Klaus, The Doula Book, Cambridge, Perseus Publishing, 2002)

Continuous support in labour increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth (i.e. give birth with neither caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps), women were less likely to use pain medications, had slightly shorter labours, had no identified adverse effects and women were more satisfied (www.cochrane.org )
Having a doula can improve a mother’s perception of her experience of labour, her ability to cope with labour, herself as a woman and of her body (Gordon, Walton, McAdam, Derman, Gallitero and Garrett 1998)

Doulas help improve a mother’s self-esteem, lowers anxiety and reduces depression at 6 weeks post-partum

When choosing a doula it is important to clarify exactly what each Doula offers and choose the one that suits you and your partner best. Prices will vary depending on the services offered and the Doula’s own level of experience.
For example I can tailor a package that will include a numbers of massages during your pregnancy and can also include the infant massage course along with a number of visits to discuss and plan your birth and pregnancy with your partner.
Specifically, prenatal care may include accompanying you to hospital/caregiver visits, creating a birth plan,
working through fears, relaxation, massage or just being there.

The reason why I chose to become a Doula is it just made sense! I massage pregnant women and I also teach parents how to massage their babies over a four week course so it just made sense to assist women and their partners through the transition stage from pregnancy to parenthood.

Julia Fry
________________________________________________
monsoon massage & infant massage centre owner
president of the IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage)
secretary of Future Families Inc
www.monsoonmassage.com.au

0407724628
2/30 Cleland Ave
Dulwich SA 5065

Hello my name is Julia and this is my first time blogging. A little bit about me first (in no particular order), I’m an actress, massage therapist (specialising in therapeutic and pregnancy massage), I’m a certified infant massage instructor (I teach parents how to massage their baby over a four week course) as well as working for two not for profit organisations; IAIM (International Association Infant massage) www.iaim.com.au and Future Families a proudly SA run initiative by a local mum Heidi Robins and staffed by volunteer parents www.futurefamilies.com.au. I have a ‘get me out the house one day a week’ job and I am studying to become a doula. I am very passionate about what I do.

For those wondering, a doula is a professional and educated person who helps families through pregnancy, labour and beyond. They are a compliment to the medical staff in hospitals or the attendants at a home birth.
A doula enhances your experience of labour and birth regardless of where, how or with whom you choose to labour and birth. They offer professional birth support to you, your partner and family and provide emotional support, relaxation strategies and physical support as well as education and information during pregnancy, labour and sometimes beyond. 

Doula’s also assist in the birth planning and preparation, including the writing of a birth plan and through provision of information and resources, . Doula’s are on call 24/7 for approx 2 weeks before and after your due date, and of course in attendance at your labour and birth. Doula’s also visit post natally to help your new family settle in together.

 Having a doula provides comfort and continuity of care by way of a number of visits through your pregnancy.

In my next post I’ll tell you more about why having a doula can make your birth a better experience for you and your family.

Until next time,

Julia Fry
________________________________________________
monsoon massage & infant massage centre owner
president of the IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage)
secretary of Future Families Inc
www.monsoonmassage.com.au

0407724628
2/30 Cleland Ave
Dulwich SA 5065