Home Birth in the Netherlands......back to the future?

Attending the second day of the Human Rights in Childbirth Conference  in the Hague on the 2nd June was a revelation, and a remarkable opportunity. I was unable to be part of the first day, as I was travelling by car to the Netherlands for a two week stay to see our brilliant Dutch grandchildren. When I wrote about the conference previously, I didn't think I would be able to attend at all.

It was Hermine Hayes-Klein, an American Lawyer, who developed the idea for a conference with others after researching the politics of birth in the Netherlands and USA following the birth of her two children. Women's right and authority to choose the place of birth for their baby, and to be supported in her choice was the key driver for Hermine.

The first day of the event aimed to bring attention to and focus on the issues surrounding the Ternovszky v. Hungary case. Although I thought I knew a fair deal about the horrific plight of Agnes Gereb, I learnt so much more as I absorbed the text within the conference's detailed publication.

The implications of the Ternovsky case are apparent in other countries other than Hungary, and the holding of the case offers a potential solution globally. Experts from around the world were carefully chosen and they gathered willingly to debate human rights and childbirth and explore a way forward.

Day two was of particular interest to me because of my family link with Holland, and as an advocate of home birth, midwifery and maternity care in the Netherlands has always caught my attention.

It was utterly incredible to be in Den Haag and to listen to the debate surrounding birth in this small country. I found Dr Raymond De Vries's keynote address inspirational, and I couldn't get enough of it. From Dr De Vries and then the panel of experts I heard an array of perspectives about the controversy surrounding the perinatal mortality rate in Holland, how it is higher than other European countries and proposed as one of the factors that is influencing women's decisions on where to give birth. I heard how these statistics are being challenged, and how health professionals are exploring every opportunity to understand the situation.

Another issue raised was the Dutch maternity guideline, Verloskundige IndicatieLijst (VIL) and the restrictions it increasingly imposes on women's choice to birth their baby at home. The introduction of market forces within Dutch health services and changes to how maternity services are funded is also believed to be a factor in the decline in home birth. And some suggest that some women in Holland have different priorities and are preferring to give birth in hospital...although others contest this claim.

I was particularly moved by Rebekka Visser  and  Marjolein Faber's address to the conference, they received standing ovations from the delegates and they gave the impression that they are forces to be reckoned with.

So what did I learn?

1. A country that has been the shining light for birth practice globally for decades is potentially under threat, and that is a travesty. I desperately hope the Netherlands doesn't follow other countries in their quest to improve.

2. I realised that during my career as a midwife in East Lancashire in the UK I experienced something special. Because...

During her address Rebekka Visser said:

To me it's of great importance to really listen to the woman - and to the way she assesses risk for herself. To guarantee absolute trust that she is the one in charge. To provide her with all the information she asks for. To be open about this towards other people.. My dream is to be able to do my work as a midwife in close cooperation with gynecologist and hospital, thus creating a network where women can be respected and supported in their choices.

I was able to provide such care. Obstetricians working closely with midwives to facilitate woman centred care collaboratively meant (and still means) that women do have a choice in home birth, birth centre birth and hospital birth...and their choice is respected and supported even if their individual needs and requests do not 'fit' a guideline.

3. That women in Holland using maternity services now and in the future need to ensure their voice is heard and maintain momentum from the conference. It is crucial.

I feel privileged to have been part of what I consider to be the cusp of a birth revolution. If you would like to learn more  you can visit the conference website and consider subscribing to the webinar.

You may also wish to read comments on Twitter from the two days, and pursue the various links from the posts.

Many thanks to Simone Valk and all the conference organisers for welcoming me on the 2nd.

Other blogs about the Conference:

Rebecca Schiller-The Hackney Doula

Dr Amali Lokugamage 

Ellis Island, Page Three and a Blog Nomination!

 The excitement this week has surpassed that of the week of the 10^th of May for many reasons. The Diamond Jubilee Garden Party was beyond belief, and on top of that I got to meet up with the lovely Mars Lord, and to attend a midwives debate at a WI meeting in North London.

We also spent time with my nephew and his wife Chris and Julie, and their handsomely happy boys in their magnificent home in Highgate. Then I saw Frances and Gillian when I chaired the Campaign for Normal Birth meeting at the Royal College of Midwives headquarters.

The week started with a bang, when the amazing Emma Lee Potter nominated my blog as one that she follows. Now that is really something. If you know anything about blogging, writing or journalism you’ll know that my blog is quite elementary…I still feel very much the novice. You will also recognise Emma's blog as an award winning personal journal. So this revelation made my day, and week! I am still smiling.

Emma’s blog, A House with No Name has been my greatest inspiration as her posts are incredibly varied, entertaining and highly interesting. I have learnt so much about life itself from her, and from those she’s connected with. I have bought and enjoyed books she has recommended, and the positive influence goes on….

As well as all that, I was once Emma’s community midwife, and she influenced me then too through her love of Bridgewater Pottery!

So thank you Emma for all the above, and for nominating me! I am totally indebted, and thrilled to bits.

Now I must follow Emma’s instructions:

“Thank the person who gave you this award, and include a link to their blog,” she told me. “Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers you've recently discovered or follow regularly - I'd pick blogs or bloggers that are excellent! If it's a bit of a task to list 15, and I don't want you to feel being nominated is a burden, but mention as many as you can – eight or ten is fine. List them, and you might like to include a link to the sites, and let them know that you've nominated them. And then tell the person who nominated you seven things about yourself.”

So, in no particular order, I’d like to nominate:

Kate Takes 5, Darren Cockle, Northern Mum, Sarah’s Musings, Loosing Sanity, Doula-lly, Mummy, wife and student midwife

And here are seven random facts about me:

I travelled to Italy by car with my neigbours when I was 8 years old. This was remarkable as: a) it was for four weeks and I had no family with me, and b) I had never been out of the country before. We spent the holiday in Santa Anatolia, a small village near Rome, and I was stunned by the sight of a chicken neck breaking ritual immediately prior to the bird being served up in a dish for dinner.

In my teenage years I was a Page Three Girl.  If you know me, I hear your gasp and your eyes will now be out on stalks. But don’t worry….the story goes that I was a student nurse on Ward 2 at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and a blackbird built a nest on one of the window ledges and laid eggs. The press found out and wanted to run with the story and I posed looking out of the window at the expectant ‘mother’. The article was published on page three of the Daily Mail.

I was nominated to meet the Prime Minister Tony Blair, twice in 2004. Both times I went to Number 10, and I spoke with him and his wife, Cherie. It was a great opportunity as I was interested in his position in relation to reducing health inequalities.

I once tried to eat a sacred stone that was being used as a tribal blessing on water, in Mexico. It would take me too long to explain, but I thought the stone was a sarsaparilla sweet! The toothless white haired elder leading the ceremony was about to spear me just before I spat it out. Not good.

I used to knit most of my children’s clothes, and even had my own label.

I delivered my sister’s baby. This was an incredible moment, and one that could never be repeated as although I was the immediate carer, I was a student midwife so the qualified midwife held the main responsibility. Francesca (my niece) has recently had her first baby!

We believe that the name Martin Murray engraved on one of the remembrance pillars on Ellis Island in the USA is that of my paternal grandfather, who travelled to America to make his fortune. He never returned to his family, in County Sligo Ireland.

I and so I wonder what will next week bring? Lots of love I think as I spend it with my wonderful Dutch Grandchildren in Holland.

A Diamond Jubilee Garden Party and Alice Wynne

My husband and I were lucky enough be invited once more to Buckingham Palace. We still can't believe it; visiting this magnificent Royal residence twice in one year, and the Diamond Jubilee year at that! Yesterday was the Queen’s Garden Party, and on a hot afternoon we approached Buckingham Palace Rd amidst swarms of other party revelers anticipating a memorable occasion. The attire of both female and male guests was outstanding, from vibrant colourful dresses to Jane Austen lookalikes , and the men wearing tails and top hats were by far the greatest head turners!

Eight thousand guests mingled around until 4pm when the National Anthem alerted us all that the Queen was present in the garden, and would be walking amongst us soon.  The numerous Lord Lieutenants encouraged some of the masses to form a passage for the Royal family members to walk through, and to allow them enough space to talk to the chosen few.

We were in a prime position at the edge of the line, and had a close up view of the Queen in a beautiful lilac outfit chatting cheerily to a lucky family. My mind was racing as I watched her, I thought of her mother, my mum and all the years that had passed under her Reign. I was delighted; she was just as I imagined, petite and fragile looking (though in relation to the latter of course she is not).

Queen Elizabeth looked glorious.

The refreshments were perfect, cucumber and mint sandwiches in true English

style, iced coffee and cream scones helped us to feel that we were indeed at a Royal event.

I did feel rather excited to learn that Kate was with us, and that it was her very first Garden Party. Through the throngs we eventually found her beaming a smile that lit up the faces of those she talked to. In fact the smile never stopped. Kate looked radiant and happy.

And then I met Alice. Alice was in a wheelchair and was next to me in the line up to see Prince Charles, and I picked up on her carer's Yorkshire accent immediately. I bent down to talk to Alice whilst we waited, and soon learned she was profoundly deaf and her mind was beginning to fade. Not surprising, as Alice will be 108 years this July. Georgina, her carer, informed me they had been writing for years to ask come to a Garden Party, as Alice wanted to see 'Princess Elizabeth' before she died. And so as Charles advanced quickly towards us I mentioned to one of the officials some of the details I had just learned. Luckily, he responded and planned to direct Charles to Alice as he passed....which he did. Prince Charles bent to speak to her...well, to shout! Alice asked him if he 'was OK' and she seemed to take it all in her stride. When Charles moved on, Georgina and I asked her if she knew who the man was. 'No?' she replied....'Oh, was it the King?'

Meeting Alice made my day. I am just sorry I didn't snap a photograph of her for my memory, and sorry her family didn't share this special moment with her.

Photos (some) courtesy of The Mail Online

Promoting normal birth on the Throne of Words

When I was invited to Southlands High School in Chorley to talk about my book Catching Babies, I wasn't sure what to expect. The email inviting me specified that the health and social care students in year 10 would ask me questions in relation to my career as a midwife. This was quite a different process to what I am used to; I usually give a short talk about my career and my book, and the questions follow. But this group of 40 14 years olds hadn't read my book, but were as their teacher later told me 'interested in healthcare professions'.

So I arrived at the school at 8.30 ready for the 9 o'clock bell and first session of the morning. I was warmly welcomed by one of the subject teachers, Jill. Jill explained that the students had prepared questions for me, and she thought the questions were bob on.

As I watched the girls (no boys in this group!) slope in, in couldn't help propelling their teachers into the realms of the most esteemed group of professional workers; coping with this adolescent group on a daily basis. Respect.

But I was impressed with their questions. 'What do you think about home birth?' was the first enquiry. 'What was your  scariest moment?' 'When I watch "One Born Every Minute" women say they can't go on, what do you do in those situations?'

So. I was able to talk to these impressionable young women about birth. Birth as a right of passage, birth as a normal physiological process- a social occurrence not a medical procedure. I realised that this was a wonderful opportunity, and I was in a very privileged position.

I wonder what they thought?

Listography: top 5 things I love about kids

This is the first time I have joined in with doing the Listography thing, although I've read many of the others and thought it interesting and entertaining!

This is a photo of my children, just after the birth of my fourth baby, Olivia in 1989. Special moment. Now I am a grandmother too...so what constitutes kids? Thought about writing about my grown up 'kids', but then it really got complicated. So I have focused on the new kids....my grandchildren.

Memories

My grandchildren have brought the memories of the intense love I felt for my own children, flooding back.

Once my children were grown and gone, I thought I would never be able to smell the warm neck of a child I loved again, nor feel nourished by a chubby hand clinging to my finger. So imagine my delight when the pleasures returned thanks to Seamus, Minnie, Quentin and Archie!

Truthfulness

These same grandchildren tell us the truth when it comes to matters of the heart, and sight! My husband Paul walks Seamus (aged 6) to school and back every day. 'An old man like you came to school today, Grandad!' he said recently as he skipped along. And we don't feel old? We do after those comments!

But in the eyes of those little ones we are the last generation. Let's hope they have a good impression of our behaviour in our 'old age'

Energy

Kids have so much energy! Now that definitely hasn't changed....BUT now as I am older, it's more noticeable. We have less energy, but have more time to observe theirs! Phew....

Adaptability

I have noticed how my little grandchildren have adapted so quickly to several changes in their lives, and some tricky ones at that.

Good fun!

We laugh so much when our grandchildren are around us. Seamus keeps us on our toes by questioning our actions, and then make us smile with his take on things. In Holland (two of our grandchildren are Dutch) Minnie corrects my attempts to speak her language....ever so patiently...but we end up laughing out loud. And Quentin and Archie are unaware of their ability to make us smile....

We love it!

An identity crisis and nurses uniforms

There are obviously some of my ID badges missing from here...I had a student nurse, staff nurse, pupil midwife and staff midwife badge in addition to the ones above. And so many tales to tell whilst wearing each one. I didn't know I had kept them all, but as I make my way through cluttered cupboards as I no longer have to work full time, I am finding lots of gems from the past, such as these. If you want to know more about the stories behind the badges, read my book Catching Babies.

It was only when I pondered on all the 'midwife' titles did I consider how confused the public must be with the variation in names of staff working in the NHS. And yet I was proud to wear each ID badge, and never gave a thought to the understanding behind the name for those who read it. And then there's all those uniforms! Oh my, it used to be that a nurse's uniform was only worn by nurses, but now the snack machine filler looks like a ward sister....

That aside, I really have mixed views about midwives wearing nurses uniforms. Not averse to having a corporate image (so at least the public can distinguish who is the carer in a hospital situation) I once initiated and managed the move to midwives wearing polo shirts and trousers or skirts, instead of a nurse's attire. The reason being I believe maternity care should be based on a partnership model, with no hierarchies. Once a midwife dons nurse's outfit there is a division, an unspoken 'I am the expert' from the midwife. Now this might not be apparent; the midwife could very well be the most caring and facilitative of woman centred-ness, but the symbol is there. So we wore our navy or green polo shirts with the word 'midwife' blazened above the left breast, and all was well. We had a uniform, but it was less imposing, slightly more informal. There was some rebellion, but eventually it was widely accepted. Until, that is, the porters within the hospital (or was it the maintenance men?) started wearing the same regalia! Well let me tell you that caused a stir. There was anarchy.

Nowadays the midwives are back in nurses uniform. What do you think?

Give a kid a quid: Child Action North West and James Dixon

During the whole of my midwifery career perhaps the most distressing scenario was when a baby was removed from it's mother. Many child protection issues are disturbingly beyond belief, some are less apparent, but all cross social and cultural boundaries.  In England, Social Services departments are overstretched, and charities such as the NSPCC , Dr Barnardos, and Child Action North West provide crucial support to help vulnerable children and families. Helping these charity organisations is a great way of contributing to offer hope for children.

When my friend Marion contacted me after she had read my book Catching Babies, my life spun off in a new direction. I was re-introduced to Harriet Roberts, and the fun started. Harriet and Marion work for Child Action North West, (CANW) and they are based in the old Blackburn Orphanage building.

Harriet is working as the Charity's marketing and fundraising lead, and as an ex BBC employee she is doing a brilliant job. Marion is responsible for training and education, BUT she connects people, easily and efficiently. When I went to CANW headquarters  for the first time I was astonished and fascinated by the history of the place...I saw photos and film of how James Dixon and his wife Jane established Blackburn Orphanage and devoted their lives to helping children. The story is inspirational. The Orphanage closed as an institution in the 1990s, but the ethos of Mr and Mrs Dixon lives on through CANW.

Because the Charity has recently been subjected to serious financial cuts, raising money for the work to continue is a priority. An event has been planned to mark 120 years since the first fundraiser event 'Pound Day', and the slogan for the day is 'Give a kid a quid!'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hgG4Qt8nQTQ#!

So last night Paul and I went for 'tea' to the headquarters with some friends who I thought would be willing to help with Pound Day, or to help archive the 'buried treasure' that has been unearthed in the orphanage building. Now we must prepare for the roles we have to play. Paul and I are to dress up and be James and Jane Dixon for the day...... so watch this space!

Please come and join us, or contact Harriet if you can provide any help or support for this extremely worthy cause hroberts@canw.org.uk

A perfect environment: Cardinal Newman College

I was invited to a 'meet the author' event at Preston's Cardinal Newman College yesterday, in their fabulous new library. What a delight it was. As Paul and I approached the Frenchwood area we were totally impressed with the college buildings, a perfect mix of old and new architecture. As the sun provided some warmth we felt good walking through the grounds to the impressive entrance, grandly overlooking superb gardens. Cardinal Newman was ranked best sixth form college in the country in 2008, although we'd never heard of it. The college building was once Larkhill Convent School for girls, and home to the Faithful Companion of Jesus Sisters. Before that it was a mill owners home. From the moment we stepped through the doors we realised that the positive aspects of this establishment didn't stop with the physical environment. The staff were warm and friendly, calm and responsive. This wasn't just to us as visitors, I noted how they interacted with each other and treated each other with respect. They smiled. The students looked happy too, opened doors for us (again with a smile) and the ethos of the college radiated through to us immediately.

In 2006 I was lucky enough to be involved in an educational programme Being with Patients which aimed to promote awareness of the human needs of patients and relatives when in hospital. The project highlighted the importance of a caring approach throughout the hospital which would ultimately speed recovery. It was the brainchild of an amazing colleague, Brigid Reid. I learned so much through being involved and the participants reported how it made a difference at patient level. What struck me yesterday at the College was the fact that they 'had it'. Everything that we tried to do within our organisation was here, working beautifully. What a difference it makes!

I met excited students who had been accepted on the midwifery degree programme at UCLan (what an achievement!), and those who were studying health and social care. Paul and I met lovely members of staff, some of whom had been students at the college not many years before....always a good sign!

I then gave a talk to the students about my career and writing Catching Babies.

I also signed books that were being sold by Sara from Waterstones, and copies won in a competition!

Thank you Claire Moore (and Sara) for inviting me to be involved in your work. The whole morning made us smile.

A Royal experience

I never expected the experience to be so emotional, or impressionable. Arriving at Buckingham Palace and being waved through into the parking area by the police was quite the thing. Just had to show the ticket that came in the 'pre-investiture pack'....cool! My sisters Anne and Eileen were waiting at the gates of the Palace with their lovely husbands Peter and Denis. I loved that.

Walking under the famous wedding balcony and into the front entrance of the Palace made me shiver. Although the wind was howling through the tunnel, it was the thought of the years of royal history that initiated the reaction. We all felt the same, and had to concentrate on keeping calm.

The interior was just as impressive, and the Yeoman of the Guard who greeted us added to the drama of the occasion. Precision in planning meant that we were greeted warmly and ushered into the correct rooms, each one adorned with luxurious ornate furniture and graphic ancient paintings.

My family, Paul Anna James and Olivia, were directed to the glorious state ballroom which had been prepared for the Investiture. They were given instructions how to 'behave' during the ceremony, as we were in a separate and equally opulent room! I wanted to capture every moment and remember it forever. The excited recipients (like me) chatted and anticipated the award ceremony as the clock hands moved towards 11am...

The Princess Royal was in residence to present the awards. Some of  those around me were slightly disappointed that it wasn't the Queen, but as Princess Anne is the Patron of the Royal College of Midwives, I was quietly pleased. Princess Anne we were informed, allows recipients more time to chat which usually extends the length of the ceremony. And that she did! I had practised my courtesy (I tried to copy Kylie Minogue) but I still felt nervous as I approached the podium. Princess Anne was just as I imagined. She knew that I had been a midwife for more than 30 years and she asked me about the changes in practice during that time. Anna said later that I should've referred her to my book 'Catching Babies!'

My parents Kathleen and Jim were on my mind throughout the whole day. And my son Tom who is travelling in Australia was greatly missed. It didn't feel the same without him.

We were greeted outside by more family and partners, and Seamus, Teddy and Archie...what an experience!

Just before we made our way to Quaglinos for our celebratory meal, we posed for more photos-including for the tourists......

Human Rights and Childbirth: the mother, the baby and the carer

So much attention has been given to this topic in the midwifery world recently, due to the dreadful situation in Hungary with Agnes Gereb. And of course there is much concern about the future of Independent Midwifery in the UK.

Across the water in the Netherlands where my son and grandchildren live, a group of activist are rallying experts to debate the issue of women's choice in place of birth.  The group have organised a unique  conference at the end of the month in the Hague, and a webinar that will be LIVE streamed and available for 30 days following the conference.  This webinar is being offered at a discounted rate if you book via the discount code detailed below. 

The organisers are a small group of dedicated volunteers and have been working hard to get the conference funded and ready in time.  They are happy to report that the conference is going ahead, although it has been on a shoestring budget.  The line up of panelist is impressive; a team of international voices to help move the subject of human rights in childbirth from theory to reality.   The conference will be a platform to explore the practical aspects of human rights in 21st century healthcare systems, and how those systems can both maximize safety and respect the dignity of the women they support.

For details please visit the website: www.humanrightsinchildbirth.com.

About the Human Rights in Childbirth Webinar: 

This webinar provides a unique opportunity for professionals and parents around the world to be a part of the global discussion on human rights in childbirth.   The Human Rights in Childbirth Conference will be LIVE streamed by a professional team, so you can watch live and join the discussion via twitter.  If you are unable to join live, you will be able to watch the conference panels at your leisure VIA THE WEBINAR for 30 days following the conference, join the ongoing discussion via the Facebook page, and connect with the regional and international networks of professionals capable of protecting women’s fundamental right to authority and support in childbirth.

The organisers want the conference to be accessible for my contacts, and they have negotiated a special price for you to join this important event!

Regular Price: €175 inclusive the pre-conference publication. 
Special Price for Sheena Byrom's community:  €75 pre-conference publication not included.

How to get this special price:

1.    Go to the Registration Form: Registration Page

2.    Fill in the registration form and select the webinar (you will see the regular prices but don’t worry you will get your discount!), in the field “How did you learn about the conference? *” fill in "Catching Babies Discount"

3.    Do not pay by clicking on the PAY PAL directly (then you will pay the regular price). You will receive a confirmation email from our office with the discounted price and you can pay either via PAY PAL or via a bank transfer.  The details for this will be provided in the email confirmation (this is created by a human, it is not an automatic mail, so won't be sent directly).

I think this is an amazing offer; by engaging with this event you will have the potential to influence global change in maternity care, through increased knowledge.

Congratulation to my colleagues in the Netherlands for their hard work and dedication in making this possible.

International Day of the Midwife: University of Central Lancashire!

The University of Central Lancashire's midwifery department really pushed the boat out the raise funds today for the International Day of the Midwife. The chosen charity is the African Midwives Fund 

Midwifery lecturer, Mercedes Perez-Botella looked every bit the part as she rode around the town rallying potential customers on a very old bike, in true Call the Midwife style!

It was a bit of a rush for me this morning to get to Preston, but after collecting Olivia's home baked ginger biscuits and picking up Anita on route....we arrived heavily laden with cakes and books all ready to go! My daughter Anna is a midwifery lecturer at UCLan and with her colleagues and some student midwives has been planning and working hard to prepare the wares to sell for this important event. Anna's dear friend, the lovely Carys who works as a midwife at Wythenshawe had made chutney, marmalade and jam, all labelled 'made by midwives'. Her mum had knitted some toys, made hearts and other things to sell. A midwife from Preston made some very special handmade cards (I bought six!). I sold signed copies of my book Catching Babies, and the profit went to the charity. We also sold wonderfully crafted recipe books, created by an amazing Scottish midwife, Linda McDonald. I met Linda in Troon, where she explained the MUM's project to me. Basically, Linda has developed three recipe books and the income generated from the sales goes to help develop maternity services in Malawi. Sarah Brown and Davina McCall have written forwards for the books, they are so impressed with Linda's work.

So we had lots to sell, and everyone worked hard to encourage cake buying! £600 was raised on the stall alone in four hours, and there was lots of discussion from the 'customers' about birth and health....thus raising the profile of the role of the midwife. A sponsored walk when the stall was emptied has raised more much needed money, and donations are still being taken! Congratulations to everyone for such a massive effort. Your time and energy will be someone's improved maternity care. You couldn't ask for more.

International Day of the Midwife: King's College London

Every year on the 5^th May many midwives around the world celebrate the International Day of the Midwife (IDM). The initiative was launched formally in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives, with an aim to celebrate midwifery and to raise the awareness of the importance of midwives' work to as many people as possible.

Frances Day Stirk the President of the ICM tells us about the IDM for 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NPsqE5IKog

I was lucky enough to be invited to King's College London today to speak to the student midwives at a conference they had organized to celebrate the IDM. I arrived whilst my good friend Denis Walsh was giving one of his renowned inspirational talks, and then Paul and I enjoyed a cuppa with the bright and enthusiastic students who had greeted us so warmly. Mary Stewart, their fabulous midwifery lecturer, watched closely with pride as her student midwife conference organisers (wearing white ribbon sashes) sold deliciously high calorie cakes that they had made to sell, to help raise funds for the White Ribbon Alliance.

As I Tweeted as much as I could, I was delighted not to have missed the talk from Meghan Jackson a young midwife who clearly explained the history and work of the Association of Radical Midwives (hey, she said, I am not a hairy legged hippy!) with great passion. And she described the horrendous plight of the victim/hero Dr. Agnes Gereb. Meghan warned delegates that there could be similar issues for Independent Midwives in the UK if the situation of obtaining indemnity insurance to practise isn’t resolved appropriately.

The highlight of the conference for me was the ‘open slots’ session just before lunch, where students were given 5 minutes to talk about a topic of their choice. I sat in absolute awe as individual midwives-to-be made their way to the front and presented a variety of midwifery related ‘snippets’.

Jo got the ball rolling and gave us an international perspective on maternity care through her personal and interesting insight into life for women in South Sudan, where she had previously worked. It’s always grounding for those of us living and working in developed countries to hear the shocking conditions and levels of maternal and infant mortality in the Third World. Much of content of Jo’s talk reflected the injustice and prejudice against women and their lack of basic human rights. Utterly shocking.

There were some delights to follow. We were entertained by a student’s insightful and highly humorous interpretation of ‘spiritual midwifery’. This student was perhaps the best stand up comedian I have ever heard (really!) and the laughing in the audience almost raised the roof. Beautiful poetry written and read by another talented student gave me goose bumps, a personal story of birth in water from 21 years ago brought tears to my eyes, and there was a moving film to music and a slide show depicting the role of the midwife. Finally, a politically charged account of female inequalities (excellently articulated and so true) made me rear up with female pride.   Such emotions! My talk of positive birth and making change happen will hopefully give the students a few tools for their pockets as they work hard to deliver the change needed.

I just heard on the way home from the Capital that the efforts of these passionate smiling student midwives resulted in a donation of £226.20 to the White Ribbon Alliance…..now don’t you think that’s the best thing ever?

Congratulations to you all, and thank you very much indeed for sharing your day with me.

PS tomorrow I am helping my lovely daughter Anna and the midwifery students and lecturers at UCLan in Preston, in their efforts to raise money for the African Midwifery Fund. This organisation helps to improve maternity care in Africa, as part of the IDM celebrations. My wonderful niece Cathy helped me to make lots of biscuits yesterday at White Wickets, in her luxurious kitchen. Watch this space for day two.

Brighton: the English version

My work as a midwife has brought us once more to the lovely English seaside resort of Brighton. I was here in September last year to give a talk to the midwifery students at Brighton University, and from that was invited to do a workshop on promoting normal birth for the maternity services at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals.

Paul and I have happy memories of another Brighton, the one on the East Coast of Australia. It was there that we reunited with our lovely son Tom and his very lovely girlfriend Claire when we visited the Antipodes last September. Tom and Claire were working there and we were thrilled to see them looking so well and happy!

So this Brighton gave us the opportunity to reunite with another special person. Laura is our beautiful fun loving (and nut cracker thigh-ed!) friend, and she lives here with her outdoor active handsome boyfriend, Gerome. I first met Laura when she was a teenager and she was at the same dance school as Anna. Not only that, Laura was very talented (as Anna was) and we would watch her grace and strength with awe as she worked her magic through movement. Laura works in the dance world still, and does amazing things to engage potentially talented youngsters with the arts, through dance. We were also lucky enough to have Laura as our babysitter, and she was just as talented with our young ones. Laura proudly showed us the best places to go in Brighton, and as we sipped pink tinged wine, ate tapas, and listened to live music we chatted for hours about many things. Great stuff.

So now we make our way to Cathy and Rob’s White Wickets and we say goodbye to Brighton. As we pass through the East Sussex countryside through patchwork fields brightened by the yellow rapeseed blossom contrasting yet complementing the cornflower blue skies, we can’t help thinking about Simon and Caroline at Five. Five is a wonderful contemporary family run hotel that serves guests with a scrumptious organic breakfast at the start of the day. We had a comfortable room with a sea view, and Caroline kindly helped us to store and access our push bikes….

See you soon Brighton! 

Oxytocin, childbirth and Troon

For the past three days I have been at the MAMA conference in Troon, Scotland surrounded by women (and a few men) who are totally dedicated to making birth better, for many reasons. Some of the comments and activity were shared via Twitter

The atmosphere in the Marine Hotel’s conference rooms felt like a full and busy bee hive, buzzing and happy! The positivity and energy was palpable. I attend many conferences on childbirth, and this one was exceptional.

I met so many people I immediately connected with, I learned lots, and I laughed and cried. The emotion at times was overwhelming as I listened to how childbirth was being marginalized, even though I knew it already. One of the wonderful doulas I met, the lovely Mars Lord (she helped me deliver a Twitter lesson!) has written a fabulous reflective blog of the event, and has summarised it beautifully.

During the two day event the most profound words for me came from Michel Odent and Kerstin Uvnas Moberg 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcEmuUrdMGU&feature=related

They really made me think.

Since time began women (and mammals) have relied on the efficient release of natural oxytocin to give birth and to breast feed their babies. Oxytocin is also released by men (and women) during sex and is described by Michel as the ‘hormone of love’.  Both Michel and Kerstin have studied the positive effects of oxytocin and it’s crucial role in our existence. Kerstin states that oxytocin can reduce pain, lower blood pressure and reduce stress. They clearly raise concern that as birth is increasingly disturbed by intervention in labour, pharmacological drugs and unnecessary Caesarean section  the production of natural oxytocin is weakened.  One of the consequences of this Michel says is that women are becoming less able to birth their babies. He warns that globally we are at the ‘bottom of the abyss’, in other words we are as bad as we can get. The authors also claim that as oxytocin is necessary for bonding and attachment of mother and infant, this is affected too.

It certainly makes sense to me. Fear and loss of control were the main reasons women came to me during my time working as a consultant midwife, and I hear it constantly from the young women I talk to.    Sadly, our society increasingly believes that childbirth is laden with risk, and as a hospital procedure. This is a worrying trend, and the reasons are complex and too many to write here. I will say though that I am not alone in being convinced that TV programmes such as One Born Every Minute aired in the UK and USA are contributing to the situation. For anyone interested, there is a Facebook page dedicated to the highlighting the issues.

This is a great pity.

I certainly will be taking the oxytocin message with me when I talk to midwives, doulas and doctors, for the sake of love, of positive childbirth, of parenting and of basic human existence. And I need to pursue the opportunity to increase awareness among the women and men I communicate with. We can’t stay at the bottom of the abyss.

Oh, and I met the midwife who influenced my career from the early 1980s, Ina May Gaskin. Ina May is a one off, and it was an honour to be in her company for several meals and chat to her and her husband Steve. Ina May is a world class midwifery leader, and her predicted inspirational talk at the end of the conference provided further confirmation that birth really matters, and there is much to be done. As a real 'groupie' of Ina May and the proud owner of her first book Spiritual Midwifery (and perhaps the first edition!), I was blown away when she turned to me on the last day and quietly said 'can I have a signed copy of your book Catching Babies?' Wow. What do you think about that? #neverthoughtitwouldhappen

Photgraph courtesy of Severns Jones Photography

The Boxer

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzUEL7vw60U] Dear Maura,

I thought about you this morning. I met you when I was 14, and life was quite mundane.

When you came in my Mum’s bakers shop on St Hubert’s Rd in Great Harwood and told Mum that you were willing to teach me how to play the guitar, it was the beginning of significant change in my life. At that time I didn’t have much confidence, and apart from swimming I hadn't many interests outside school. I was needed to help with the business, which I wasn't something I particularly enjoyed. Some of my friends (Judith and Lesley) went to ballet lessons at the Conservative Club down the road on Glebe St, and I would go every single week and sit on the benches round the side and watch them. I loved it. I studied the lively pointed feet and graced arms of the dancers longingly, and at home at night I tied long strands of wool together and pinned them to the back of my head (as I had short hair) and danced around my lino floored bedroom. Barbara my older cousin offered to pay for me to have lessons when she learnt of my plight (who from?), but Mum said it would still be too expensive. I often wonder if I would’ve been good.  Anyway, the thought of learning to play the guitar filled me with delightful anticipation. My big sister Susan’s guitar was to be my instrument, as it was being stored in one of our bedroom cupboards whilst Susan was away teaching in Bermuda.

I loved my lessons. I think you taught me four cords only, and many songs. We’d strum along together and I wrote the songs in a special book I had and put the Because of your Irish heritage I learnt some Celtic tunes that I didn’t know, and when I went home to practice and played and sang ‘Love is pleasin’ my Dad shrieked that this was indeed one of the songs his mother used to sing to him as a child. It was significant as that was in Ireland in 1917 and Dad’s mum died when he was a small boy.

It turned out I was OK at playing and singing, and Dad used to get me a few ‘gigs’ in local pubs. Think Mary Hopkins….it was in those times! I can still strum a few tunes, but I am very rusty.

So this morning as we set off for Troon in Scotland, S&G’s The Boxer came on the radio, do you remember teaching me that one? It was one of our popular songs, and I thought of you Maura and wondered where you are.

Allegations: Who reports on the reporters? A dilema

Last month I discovered that a friend's daughter was about to have a case of misconduct heard at the Nursing and Midwifery Council. It came to my attention when the facts of the case, that is the allegations, where printed clearly in the local press alongside the nurses name and details.  The girl and her family were distraught, and from that moment received snubs from neighbours and hate mail.  When allegations are reported in newspapers, the majority of the public reading them will believe them to be true. Without any doubt. There is always the reliance on 'no smoke without fire'.

But sadly that's not the case.

When a person's name is printed in the press against allegations, their life is set to change. I know. I was the centre of a huge litigation case (documented in my books Catching Babies and Birth Stories for the Soul ) and my name was blazoned across two local papers to my utter horror.  It made me ill, and affected my family. And when I was exonerated from any blame years later, there was a tiny piece in one of the papers so small it was missed. But the damage was done. For me, peace only came when I wrote an account of the facts for my books and was able to tell it as it was. So that is why I am saddened to see allegations in print, especially when it involves health professionals and before any conclusion has been made.

Newspaper reporters quite rightly tell us that the information is public, and it is their duty to let the public know and is after all their job-their 'bread and butter'.

But when I wrote a letter to the editor to highlight the fact the the accounts printed against this particular nurse recently were allegations and not yet proven, the paper declined to print my views. When I received a voicemail from the health reporter in response to my letter  and I was mortified.

It's erh (name) here, the Health Reporter at the (name of newspaper). Erh I am ringing in response to a letter that you've sent in to the (paper), regarding the case of (name of nurse) which is being heard at present. I understand after reading the letter that you are unhappy with our coverage of this matter, however we won't be running your letter as I'd like to point out that this is a public hearing and we are reporting on it just as we would any other case or any other court proceedings fairly and accurately and of course if (name of nurse) is found to be innocent of these charges then we will report on that as well. I don't believe we've done anything incorrect here, I don't believe we've acted in any way shamefully as you seem to have suggested, erh, and as I say erh we will continue to cover cases as is our job, erh scrutinising local services and making sure that these sort of erh, mistakes erh aren't allowed to happen erh in a publicly funded organisation. Anyway, thank you for your letter and I'll speak to you soon, I am on xxxx if you have any queries or further comments you'd like to make.

I called the particular newspaper to speak to the reporter, and he had left! I explained my annoyance to his replacement, and followed it up with an email asking for my letter to be published. We'll see.

The reporter who left the voicemail started his message calmly and sensibly. But then he let his personal views taint his judgment when he declared 'we will continue to cover cases as is our job, erh scrutinising local services and making sure that these sort of erh, mistakes erh aren't allowed to happen erh in a publicly funded organisation'.

It is not the role of newspapers to scrutinise public services, but to report on news pertaining to them. So what of this reporter's future practise and his morals? Who reports on them? It will have to be me, for this moment.

Keeping fit-no mean feat

This week I started to step up my activity levels and walked twice up the steep side of Pendle Hill. Phew. Gill is just recovering from major surgery, but she was niftier than me by far. It was so hard! The dogs bounded around at top speed and I puffed and blew and felt like I wanted to turn back at almost every step on the endless climb....and this morning I will hopefully do my first bike ride of the season, so lycra, be prepared to be stretched! Well, at least I am trying.

On Friday afternoon I was guest speaker at a brilliant charity event, and was able to talk about my Mum in public. Special.

Ultrasounds scans...good or bad?

This month I attended an Obstetric/Gynaecology/Midwifery conference in Dubai, at the World Trade Centre as a keynote speaker. Impressive venue it certainly was, but as I made my way to the room where the midwifery delegates would attend, I noticed that the majority of exhibitors in the exhibition hall were demonstrating ultrasound scanning machines.

The benefits of ultrasound in pregnancy are undoubtedly useful in supporting a journey resulting in a healthy mother and baby. But we are still unaware of the side effects of the diagnostic intervention, and it is my firm belief that they are used too freely in some instances.

There are documented concerns about the side effects of ultrasound, and these include excessive heat to fetal tissue and high frequency sounds transmitted to the fetus. There are also suggested links to the rise in Autism. But prospective parents are unaware of the potential dangers, and some are now engaging in activities to receive the test for reasons other than diagnostic.

For example, many of the machines on display in Dubai were 4D scanners which provide parents with in utero photographs.  The poor developing baby is prodded and poked to enable a good image to satisfy impatient couples, and some are going one step further and holding fetus parties to show off their newly acquired unborn baby photos!

The CEO of the Royal College of Midwives , Cathy Warwick,recently condemned the activity  and I certainly have to agree with the reasons she gives.

But the large companies developing and marketing the machines are intent on selling them to make money. And the human race continues to disturb nature without taking a moment to consider the consequences.....

My Dad

Last night I dreamt about my lovely Dad, and today I feel as though I have been with him again. The dream was so very real and vivid; I could see the lines on his face and the twinkle in his eye as he smiled. I was slightly annoyed with him, as he’s had a pint of beer too many (which he often did) and was repeating himself (which he often did), but nonetheless I was absolutely thrilled to see him. Dad died in 1979, so his memory including his facial expressions and personality must be firmly embedded in my mind and being, and I couldn’t help thinking when I woke this morning with a smile that the imprint will be gone forever one day. His actually image that is. Although so many of the children of his five girls look like Jim Murray, if not exactly then they are the owner of his ears, or his deep set Irish eyes. Not morbid, just fact! Oh Dad, you really did miss so much. What you started when you emigrated from Ireland over 70 years ago couldn’t have been dreamed about. I can’t tell you everything here, but you would have laughed more than cried. And do you remember how you used to brag about us all? Well you would’ve have had plenty of that to do, let me tell you. So for today you are a recent memory in my mind and I feel like I was with you last night. Tomorrow will be a different story. Always loved. Always missed.

Am I a feminist? Hmm....

 

It's our second visit to the United Arab Emirates and we are totally enjoying being with our lovely friends Grace and Rob. We were here in October and visited the Grand Mosque with interest, and learnt a little about the culture. One thing for sure, every visit certainly tests my beliefs and values. The message from the Sheikh Khalifa, ruler of the UAE, is one of respect for others, for humanity. I see that, but I am astounded at the ever present class divide and my heart sinks at the gender inequality that stares me in the face. I am never in a position to judge, who am I after all? And I ask myself, am I a feminist? The answer is debatable, but I do know that my mother's words to her five girls gives me the confidence that she would have the same view as me.