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Students discover the gap between theory and reality

The workshop I am currently facilitating in Sydney has a high proportion of students in the group. This is always refreshing and enjoyable, as they often ask challenging questions and are keen to explore issues in ways that experienced midwives find different.

The gap between the academic world and the reality of the hospital experience was a theme that emerged strongly yesterday. These students are learning all about woman centred care in their courses, but find that in the hospital, it is mainly doctors centred care that they are witnessing.

The experience to be gained form their placements varies widely as well. One student (from the UK, doing her five week practical in a Sydney teaching hospital) was able to see many water births which she would have missed out on in her local area in Britain. A couple of the local students, however, have found themselves in hospitals where routines rule and policies are rigidly enforced, with no consideration of the issues of informed consent or even the necessity for the practices being carried out. They have been shocked by the behaviours of their midwifery colleagues (often just as bad or even worse than the doctors) and this is not a good omen for the future of midwifery practice. The current shortages and resultant stressful working conditions are no doubt a contributing factor in these reactions, but this can be no excuse for midwives trampling on women’s rights and placing themselves and their employers at risk of litigation.

I have often said that “informed choice” is a myth, and the stories being recounted by midwives in this current group reinforce my opinion. I find it hard to imagine treating another woman in this fashion - basic human dignity and respect are apparently in short supply in many hospital maternity units. The sooner we remove birth from these institutional settings and make the home birth option a reality for women everywhere, the better for our families and society.

Posted by andrea at April 08, 2004 09:02 AM

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