midwife's muse

Hmmm

So good to know that people have a good impression about midwives:-

'Midwives are the weak link that no one wants to talk about. When there are 10,000 midwife vacancies, when 60 per cent of those who do work are part-time, some cannot even spot a woman in labour, let alone provide the one-to-one support that controlled trials have shown can significantly reduce adverse outcomes. And when so many are patronising or panicked, the effect can be disastrous. One reason that the number of Caesareans is so high is because so many women become terrified by the feeling that no one is in charge. It stalls their labour.'

If you want to read the whole article it's here. I'm just surprised that my favourite ranting G.P hasn't quoted it - yet. I'm not quite sure what this columnist is saying here, is it that because midwives work part-time we are useless and can't provide one-to-one support in labour? Crikey, I knew that most maternity units are now reducing the number of whole-time equivalent midwives they employ but I hadn't realised that it was by as many as 10,000, no wonder I often feel so alone, I must be one of the few midwives left, no wonder it's difficult to provide one to one care.

I'm a slightly happier bunny today, I was very low when I wrote the other day, I have had, in the scheme of things, good news, the HOM has changed the area I will be moving to, and it's now on my doorstep, almost literally. Hurrah. I've had some other good news, but that's a secret, for now.

9.2.07 18:06