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That pesky language again....

Last time I presented a workshop at Warwick Hospital near Leamington Spa (October 2004) , I wrote in My Diary that the midwives here were working in a rather medicalised model of midwifery care. When I arrived this time, I was naturally keen to learn what had happened after my last visit - were things different?

I was told there had been some fall out. Some of those attending had been rather negative and so they had challenged my right to make any comments, using the well worn argument “and she’s not even a midwife!”. I always find this an interesting remark, as it reveals a lot more about the person making it than it does about me. My feedback had started some useful discussions however, and some of the ideas we had explored in the workshops are now being used. I was heartened to hear this, and I hope that after this weekend program, further innovations will occur.

The group in this workshop come from a number of different hospitals. Some are still medicalised and others are trying to implement a midwifery model to differentiate low risk women from those deemed high risk.

We had the usual discussion about the language, and the way changing the vocabulary can not only alter perceptions but form a starting point for creating a new approach to maternity services. The new models of care, usually labelled “midwifery led” still puts the emphasis on the midwife rather than on the woman, where it belongs. Many midwives struggle with substituting “birth” for “delivery” and talk frequently of how they “allow” women various concessions. Frankly, I believe that until midwives take changing their language on board, nothing much will change. When midwives follow the woman, which will be reflected in their language, it makes avoiding routines, getting around the protocols and policies and providing real choice very much easier. Midwives will also be fully practising their craft, as their “Rules” require, and will enjoy the protection of the law.

We will see how we go today. It’s the practical session, and the topics of being truly “with women” will be the main focus. I wonder how many times I will hear the words “delivery” and “allow” today?

Posted by andrea at April 17, 2005 06:40 PM