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Attribution:

Image: 'Barbara Katz Rothman Quote On A Sign In "Tribute To Takoma Midwives" (Takoma Park, MD)'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38782010@N00/426115425

Kia ora, after 6 months away from this site I am back to share my Midwifery experiences and musing.

Instead of working in partnership with women as a Midwife, i now see myself working in partnership with student Midwives. Constantly in awe of the women who train to be Midwives as I witness the passion, determination and love of Midwifery that the woman (and sometimes men) who train to be Midwives demonstrate. It is apt to reflect on the commitment and pressures placed on student Midwives and newly graduated midwives considering the recent case involving a new Midwife.

To be accepted and train as a Midwife in New Zealand the applicant must first meet certain criteria, as set out by by the Midwifery Council. They must show the chosen institution that they are capable of study at a degree level. Once they progress to interviews then acceptance it is hard work juggling clinical hours (sometimes on-call), study with assignments constantly due or being worked on throughout the year. Fitting in family life can be difficult as many woman who choose to train as Midwives do so because they had a wonderful midwife who inspired them or they had an empowering birth that directed them towards midwifery.

By the time the student Midwife has completed her training(with an average student loan of $20-30, 000) she would have facilitated, under supervision of a Registered Midwife, at least 30-40 births, has completed 1000's of hours in clinical practice, learned all the Midwifery skills and knowledge required of a New Zealand Midwife and as well as attaining a Midwifery degree, and finally sit and pass National Midwifery exam as set out by the Midwifery Council.

It is extremely taxing training both emotionally, mentally and physically and most of the women (and men) who graduate in New Zealand are exceptional and dedicated Midwives.

If you support my sentiments and the aspirations of new Midwives here is a petition to show your support. Please take a moment to visit this site.

Back in the north

I have settled into my new job at WINTEC. I am a Midwifery Lecturer with the undergraduate students, the Health School Midwifery degree. I look forward to the challenges that the new year will bring.

VBAC after 2 c/sections

Ive been talking to a few student midwives about VBAC and the normal practice in New Zealand. I found this great video, although not a New Zealand birth, its a great example of how empowered this woman felt after the VBAC.


Women with previous caesarean with no contraindications to vaginal birth should be encouraged to labour spontaneously. The NZCOM does not support routine repeat caesarean section.
Vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC) is a safe option for the majority of women.
Women considering their birthing options following caesarean section should have access to research-based information regarding the outcomes of VBAC. (NZCOM, 1996)

In 2004 the New Zealand guidelines group put out a document regarding best practice. As Midwives, we have a responsibility to discuss with woman risks & implications regarding Caesarian section and options regarding caregiver, seeking a second opinion and place of birth.

In 2005 23.7% of women had a caesarean. I think 23 % is too high, what can midwives do about the rising Caesarian rate?


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Cesarean vs. VBAC: A Dramatic Difference from Alexandra Orchard on Vimeo.

New Mokopuna

Ive been on cloud 9 this last week after the birth of my mokopuna - Levana Te Awhina, born on 18 July weighing a healthy 4205 g.

Snow day

When I came to Dunedin it was suggested to me that I bring a "snow suit"(Huh). Having never experienced being in a snow storm, I thoroughly enjoyed the snow we had on 16 June. I decided to do a random recording of myself standing in the snow, tasting the snow and giving a commentary about it. Lessons learned about the snow day:

- When it falls it comes down like ash flakes falling from the sky, it falls really gently and not at all how I imagined it would fall.
-Snow is soft, fluffy and looks beautiful.
-Snow balls are quite hard, especially if you compact them. They are like rocks and I would not recommend throwing them at another person.
-Dunedin comes to a standstill when it snows.
-People actually try to drive up and down Stuart st when it snows, Personally, i would not attempt this and I would not recommend driving at all in the snow (unless you have chains on your car).
-There is no taste to snow, its just cold!!