A couple of weeks ago I was interviewed by The Australian about having a home birth, for an article they were writing in response to the current situation about independent midwifery in Australia.
Although I said a lot of positive things about the beauty of a woman's body being able to birth naturally and the intimacy of a home birth, the journo chose to focus on the one negative I said about hospitals and birth centres. Ah well, I guess he had a point he was trying to get across.
So if you want to have a read, we're in today's Weekend Australian, in the health section. Or you could go online here.
PS. We're not moving overseas. But he asked me whether I would have a future unassisted home birth if independent midwifery was outlawed. I wouldn't, but I know there will be midwives who will still practice underground. I didn't really want to say – Our midwife will be there no matter what the law says! So I told him that I wouldn't want to endanger myself or my child with an unassisted home birth, so if it did become illegal here we would have to consider moving overseas to a country that supports independent midwives for my next birth.
PPS. Excuse the photo. I'm trying to cover my butt with a cushion, PB has terrible hat hair and little BB just looks like she's over the whole thing.
Oh Yay homebirth mumma!
ReplyDeleteFrom another homebirth mumma.
people will definitely focus on what they want to.
ReplyDeletehaha! i love your apology for the pic. i think it's adorable in spite of the 'flaws' :P
Bravo for speaking out about this issue in a very open and articulate way. The reporters will always do what they will with the raw information, but I think you guys came off wonderfully and the points you make are great! As a fellow home-birther, I thank you for taking a public stand about this.
ReplyDeleteMy mum is a midwife in Australia and I know from hearing her side of the story that the situation in Australia is not ideal. (There seems to be a big difference here in Switzerland.) However I don't think this article was too negative, and glad the author touched on both sides, and especially that that they put 2 happy pics of you guys in the paper. You look lovely!
ReplyDeletemy sister is a journo and they pretty much have written the story before they interview you so they are just hoping you say what they want you to say so they can insert quotes into gaps.
ReplyDeleteOh wow...can't wait to see that article
ReplyDeleteWill pick up the paper tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYou're a great advocate for homebirth in Australia. I am sure that came across in the piece.. I know I shouldn't, but I think it's strange a man wrote this piece. I'd love to see a woman write the same article. Bet it would be worlds apart.
Oh it is you! I wondered if it was your lovely family when I saw the article this morning.
ReplyDeleteI do worry about what will happen if indemnity isn't extended to independent midwives. I would think that the powers that be would see reason in having a professional body involved in ensuring that all happens as it should. The scope for charlatans is to great and the possibility for negative outcomes to real. Some things are far too important for political games.
By the way, you look all look delightful!
Me again... What is it about babies and being out of doors? Little Tuesday loudly vocalised her love for the world from day one. The only time she would calm down for cuddles was when I walked her outside. We've spent the majority of the last two and a bit years in the big sky world. Just today she said that she'd love to live in a tent with a starry sky window.
ReplyDeleteI think it is dead-set delightful that you and PB are able and willing to share your outside love with Baby Rosie.
In fact, it is why I like your story so much. Your so willing to share your obvious love of the outside with BB!
my experiences birthing naturally here in the US were tricky as well. our laws on midwifery vary state to state, town to town and hospital to hospital. somehow, natural birth is viewed as a fringe endeavor in spite of it's obvious benefits. Ultimately, with my second, I got close to what I wanted but it took a lot of brash insistence on our part and every step of the way! my "advanced age" (36!!) was referred to several times as well as insurance policies.
ReplyDeletebirthing at home WITH assistance wasn't an option for me.
cheers to you for sharing your voice!
also, i <3 your tea cosy!!
what a great photo, so much better than those posed phony ones.
ReplyDeleteyay for you, for sticking up to your gut.
Totally! We have had three homebirths...and we live where it is frowned upon unfortunately, but with anything, where there is a will there's a way. It is WAY too passionate a topic to even think that someone could make a law saying you can't have a homebith and people would just say okay. So silly really. Homebirth is much safer than a hospital or birth center birth in my opinion. Congrats for getting featured and getting to spread the word on how awesome homebirth really is!
ReplyDelete:)Lisa
oh hello gorgeous family in the paper! If I hadn't have read your side of the story first I would have thought it was a very good argument on your behalf. The journo would have had a subject matter before he interviewed you and was probably waiting for the 'grab' (the part where you say the words he wants to publish). It made me really grateful for the considerate midwives in our local hospital, which can only be a god thing! Also, I love the cushion and the green sling...I haven't seen little baby bear in that sling yet...please share green sling info. thanku & good night xxx
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational, I am still waiting for my next bub (I am 40 weeks and 3 days). But your birth story is inspirational, your blog beautiful and great you were able to tell Australia in the weekend Australia about this. unfortunately I did not have a home birth with my first (though I did stay at home until I was 8cm dialated) and am not sure what will happen with this new bub. take care!
ReplyDeletewww.yamilainspire.blogspot.com
Good on you Anna. These articles are so needed right now. Love your blog - big congratulations on your sweet little baby bear ;)
ReplyDeletex
Megan (homebirth x 3!)
Well done you! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice if homebirth was just the norm, and we didn't always feel like we had to be waving the flag.