Tania's E-portfolio Reflections

Back to the blog

2011-02-11T21:01:00.008+13:00

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

2009-10-08T12:33:00.002+13:00

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

2009-09-03T15:52:00.001+12:00

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?

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

New Mokopuna

2009-07-24T23:26:00.004+12:00

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

2009-06-18T14:52:00.004+12:00

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!!

Te wahi whanau - second life

2009-05-29T23:53:00.004+12:00

Have you ever been to second life? A virtual birthing unit has been created there. I have just found this article on the internet . Dr Deb Davis has been showing our Midwifery students the Birth Place - "Te wahi whanau". They have created avatars that move freely around Te wahi whanau. Eventually they will have learning scenarios that they will use. I look forward to seeing how Te Wahi whanau evolves.

Maori Health Research - Presenting at a conference

2009-03-02T18:49:00.002+13:00

Image via Wikipedia

One of my goals this year was to present a topic of interest at a Conference. I felt this would help with my professional development, gain opportunities to network and potentially collaborate with other like minded people and ultimately give me the opportunity to attend a conference that would benefit Midwifery practice.

Earlier in the month I sent in an abstract for the Hui Whakapiripiri. An annual Hui aimed at those who share an interest in Māori health and Māori health research. The purpose of Hui Whakapiripiri 2009 is to promote current Māori health research and to encourage the participation of emerging researchers.

I am focused on exploring ways to enhance the care I give to the woman and her whanau through Midwifery care. I find reflections through using a blog helpful However, I am not the "expert" in computer technologies or Web 2.0 When I sent my abstract I intended to take the participants on a journey of Midwifery reflections. Some ideas i wanted to share are

» Web 2.0 for sharing resources,
» e-portfolios
»Collaborative research using wikis

I am really excited but somewhat anxious as I have now been accepted to present my topic. I want to make it informative yet interesting and ultimately relevant to the participants, who will be primarily those with an interest in Maori Health and research. What points do you think are most important to this audience, any ideas would be much appreciated.

Distance no barier to Midwifery

2009-02-24T11:52:00.001+13:00

This week I am preparing for a lifestyle change. I am moving to Dunedin!! Over a month ago I saw a Midwifery teaching job advertised and although I was not considering changing jobs I applied out of curiosity and really just as an experiment. Soon after I was offered the position and decided that this was going to be the right move for me. Look out Dunedin here I come!!

Reflections on Waitangi day.

2009-02-06T21:54:00.002+13:00

Annual Maori protest 3 - Waitangi Day'
www.flickr.com/photos/11827916@N00/110208364

Today is Waitangi day in New Zealand. On February 6 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the representatives of some of the indigenous tribes of Aotearoa and the representatives of the British Crown. Many people see the Treaty of Waitangi as our founding document and the beginning of a partnership between Maori and non-Maori. Each year people gather at Waitangi to commemorate the signing of the Treaty.

The Treaty of Waitangi has had an influence on Midwifery and shaped the concepts of Cultural safety and Midwifery partnership. My understanding of partnership has grown from understanding of the concepts of partnership, protection and participation as outlined in the Treaty.

Midwifery in New Zealand had a history of not recognising different cultures. The effects of colonisation and assimilation had an impact on Maori women who were forced to birth in hospitals rather than at home. Essentially, Maori started to loose their birth traditions, their world view of concepts of health and illness, such as caring for the placenta, full involvement of whanau (family) in the birthing process, unrestricted birthing positions, use of karkia, Whangai U (breast feeding practices) to name a few

Then in the 1980's Irihapeti Ramsden developed Kawa Whakaruruhau or Cultural Safety in Nursing and Midwifery education. Sometimes the dominant culture believe the way they percieve the world is how everyone does. This was a challenging time for many non-maori as it encouraged them to reflect on their own culture and realities, reflect on how historical, political and social processes affect peoples health and demonstrate flexibility in relationships with people who are different to themselves.

We all come from different realities, we are not all the same. The next time someone says to you "we are all the same" What will you say?

Privacy, blogging & Midwifery

2009-01-25T12:53:00.002+13:00

Image: 'pregnant but top'
www.flickr.com/photos/7504867@N03/1042525685. (I love this picture, she looks so glamorous. I find my pictures on flikr cc, which is a site that finds creative commons pictures that can be used just as long they are attributed)

New Zealand's main privacy law, the Privacy Act 1993, governs personal
information about individual people, though the Privacy Commissioner also has a wider ability to consideractions that affect personal privacy. Where ever we live Cybertalk, can affect midwives & consumers and we must be mindful not to give details that identifies those involved.

Ive been reading some midwifery & student blogs that do not give names but discuss scenarios that occur in practice, naming the location and identifying themselves. What does privacy & confidentiality mean to you? I orginally started blogging as a platform for reflections to place in my e-portfolio, . But respecting privacy can place restrictions on how much or what is said. Ensuring privacy for the women we care for is of utmost importance. How much can i say without revealing too much? If the women is informed about my reflections is it still ok to reflect in a public forum? New Zealand is a small country, by identifying myself in my reflections, people can easily put one
and one together. For now, i will blog Midwifery in NZ in general and
not specific scenarios.

Midwifery In New Zealand

2009-01-21T19:43:00.007+13:00

Midwives in New Zealand are either employed or Self employed. We work shifts through our hospitals or provide continuity of care as a LMC (Lead Maternity Carer), either as an employee or as a self employed Midwife. Midwives are paid by claiming to the government under section 88 or are paid by their employer. All Midwives have indemnity insurance and are members of their professional body - the New Zealand College of Midwives.

The Midwifery Council of New Zealand is responsible for the protection of the health and safety of women and babies during the childbirth process by providing mechanisms to ensure that midwives are competent and fit to practice midwifery

New Zealand midwives work in partnership with the woman and her family in a relationship of trust, shared decision making and responsibility, negotiation and shared understanding. All maternity care is free to women who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. The majority of woman in New Zealand choose Midwifery care only for their maternity experience. Women who require secondary care have their obstetric care provided free of charge, this comes from a different budget, which is funded by the government. Midwives and obstetricians have been working this way since mid 1990 when the Law was changed that enabled Midwives to work as autonomous practitioners. Women can choose to have private Obstetric care, which they must pay for themselves.

Midwives reaching out

2009-01-18T12:39:00.002+13:00

Its really interesting & important to know whats happening with midwifery in other countries.

Unicef have a beautiful and informative photo essay too @
http://www.unicef.org/photoessays/47133.html

Whenua(placenta) & Maori Birthing

2009-01-18T04:11:00.003+13:00

I am not an expert in Maori birthing customs. Maori culture is tribal and hapu (sub-tribal) and birthing traditions vary. I do believe that we see birth as a natural, normal process and that is the reason why Maori women have low caesarian section and intervention statistics and a very high normal birth rate.

I am going to share what happens with the majority of women who choose to keep the placenta under my midwifery care. The Māori word for land, whenua, also means
placenta. Other cultures have their own traditions when it comes to the placenta. In Maori culture whenua (land) is our life source , it is what nourishes us and so the placenta is essential to the life essence of the growing baby, it is what nourishes the life force of the pepi.

During the pregnancy we discuss the birthing of the placenta and what the women would like done with it. Sometimes she will go and talk to her whanau about it and see if they have a special place where it can be placed. Traditionally the placenta is buried on the marae or tribal land, My own tribe - Tuhoe- used to place the placenta in a sacred tree in the bush. Women who maybe displaced from their traditional homeland i suggest they purchase a large pot and plant and bury the placenta in the dirt, that way they can always have the placenta with them where ever they may live, until they decide on a permanent spot. It is not appropriate to store the placenta in the freezer with food as it is not customary to associate our body parts with food. ie: do not sit on a table or bench where food will be prepared, stored or eaten. In Maori culture, the idea of eating the placenta or applying part of the placenta to our bodies would be considered disrespectful and and not appropriate, the placenta is considered a special part of the pregnancy, almost as important as the baby it helped grow.

Women sometimes have a Ipu -whenua - a special container which they place their placenta in. This may be a woven flax kit, a specially decorated box or a clay pot that has not been kiln fired. In New Zealand many cultures are choosing to keep the placenta rather than it going to an incenerator to be burned!!

New Zealands best spot

2009-01-16T22:32:00.001+13:00

We managed to have a short break/ holiday and found New Zealands Best spot.
A great place to escape the mobile phone, computer and get some rest & relaxation. I made sure i brought plenty of insect repellent though.

Midwifery Partnership

2009-01-13T23:55:00.002+13:00

Midwifery care in New Zealand is grounded in the partnership model. The theory of partnership is taught in Midwifery Training. Partnership is the first standard in our Midwifery standards.

Standard One: The midwife works in partnership with the woman.
& Competency One: The midwife works in partnership with the woman/wahine throughout the maternity experience. The balance of ‘power’ within the
partnership fluctuates but it is always understood that the
woman/wahine has control over her own experience.

I think the idea of working in partnership is what appeals to New Zealand woman. The Woman brings her own knowledge, her knowledge of her own body, culture, family dynamics choices for birthing and pregnancy. The Midwife brings her knowledge of the normal and abnormal,thereby providing informed choice. Her skills and expertise in pregnancy and childbirth and most importantly she brings her own personality/style and culture. The partnership philosophy ties in with empowerment, Pam talks about midwifery practice and empowerment. Partnership and empowerment are intertwined. Sally Pairman's study describes Midwifery partnership as professional friendship.

7 things to be grateful about

2009-01-02T16:22:00.001+13:00

I was tagged by Sarah Stewart for 7 things you don't need to know about me. Have decided to put a different spin on it with 7 things to be grateful for this year.

( 2008,Kids @ Erenas)
1. Family - Grant, Hamaka, Koriana, and Wairua. Thanks you for being a great family. Last year Jonelle and Sharnalae joined us, and this year we look forward to our new Moko (grand baby) . Mum & Dad and Grants Mum (Tui) have always been there for us all, my sisters and their families too. I am grateful and blessed with a caring loving family
.

( Christmas @ Mum7 Dads 2008)
2. I am grateful that I have spent Christmas with my family this
year. I did not get called out on Christmas or New Years day; which I
was dreading. I am grateful that I could share our good fortune with
family and friends.

2. I am grateful for my Midwifery Career and the Journeys travelled, the amazing women and families I get to share with them the special time of their lives.

4. I am grateful for the many learning experiences I have had this year in my Midwifery practice. In my job as a caseload Midwife I cared for 58 women and their babies. The majority of woman I cared for birthed normally at the local birthing unit, but some had to birth @ the Base Hospital. 10% of the woman I cared for had C/ section. I had one lady who had a downs syndrome baby and one woman had a IUD. 14% of the women I cared for were aged between 16-19 and 10% were aged 36-45. Three quarters were having their second or subsequent baby and one quarter were first time mums. Over half of the women came from a Maori ethnicity, one quarter were Pacific Islander and one quarter were Pakeha
( European NZ).

(princess Thomspon)
5. Poodles- from the time I was a young girl I have always wanted a real poodle. Two years ago I was in the position where we could have a poodle, and this has more than met my expectations of being the owner/friend of a poodle. I am grateful for the joy having a pet brings to our family.

(wairua, 2008 Ground Zero, Bali)

6. Travel - Anyone who knows me will know of my desire to travel and get away for much need rest and relation every year. Bali is my most favourite place to holiday, and this year we were forunate enough to take our family too. I am grateful for the opportunity to see how other people live and enjoy other parts of the world.

(Holiday 2007, Dunstan Lake, South Island)
7. Peace and good will to all. I am grateful that we live in New Zealand. That my children and their children have the opportunity to run around bare feet, breathe clean air, drink clean water, eat wholesome food, be nuclear and GE free, Live in Peace and harmony.

Birthing Dolls

2008-12-13T09:58:00.005+13:00

Found these cute/interesting dolls on the internet. I don't know whether the women & families i work with will laugh, be shocked or just interested , but I am thinking of getting some what do you think?? There are some more photos of the doll actually birthing which you can look at on the website

After the birth

Midwife and mother

Rhonda's Memory Techniques

2008-12-13T01:49:00.002+13:00

For last session of Kohatu we were asked to do a five minute talk/presentation about anything at all. Rhonda - our course facilitator had taught us all a memory technique that was helpful in remembering information. Using visualization and association, I decided I would offer a small presentation about blogging.

The memory technique lists twenty items that you use as a trigger/peg for what you want to remember. The first ten items are

1=Sun
2= Eyes
3= triangle
4=elements on a stove
5=fingers
6=pick up stix
7 = 7up
8= Octopus
9=Line
10=hen

Here is s my presentation. I missed the 7up , not sure why.

Kohatu - Course evaluation

2008-12-13T01:27:00.005+13:00

Ma te whakatu, ka mohio
Ma te mohio, ka marama
Ma te marama, ka matau
Ma te matau, ka ora

Once you are shown, you will know
Once you know, you will understand
Once you understand, you will be informed
Once you are informed, you will be knowledgeable
Na Henare Tate

Image: 'Pebbles of California unite!'
www.flickr.com/photos/57949897@N00/207079888

Kohatu is a Maori word for Rock or pebble and is the name of a course I attended through the nursing development unit at Waikato Hospital. The course was a leadership and development course for Maori Nurses and Midwives employed by the Waikato DHB. Earlier I blogged about the Maori Model of Reflection. One way to reflect as a Maori Health Professional /Midwife.

Midwifery is more than just the day to day therapautic interactions we have with women, baby's, whanau. The course was helpful in reflecting on our place within the organisation we work within, interactions with colleagues, career aspirations and where we stand in the big picture. The proverb at the beginning of this posting best describes the my overall thoughts about the course and how it enhanced our knowledge about: -

Clinical effectiveness
Networking
Sourcing and sharing knowlege
exploring professional pathways
Developing in contect
Balance and well-being.
My Kete (Basket) of knowledge is starting to take shape. Thanks to Rhonda and Lindsay - practice development facillitators.

Reflection on practice- what I learned/achieved

2008-11-24T21:26:00.001+13:00

reaching light at the end of the tunnel http://www.flickr.com/photos/75166820@N00/2688348387/

I have recently finished a postgraduate course through Otago Polytechnic. Reflection on practice. Initially I wanted to explore the idea of reflection and some of the theories in relation to reflection for midwives. I really had very little understanding of reflection and how it related to midwifery practice, but I think now I have a greater understanding, For me it has become more about learning and growing in a structured way.

One outcome that I didn't expect was learning about blogging as a reflective tool and the use of Web 2.0 for reflective practice. I have started to create a wiki page and learned about a variety of very cool web tools.

The course was very relevant as I had been preparing for my annual midwifery review. I still had to prepare a paper portfolio, but i had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the use of e-portfolios in the review process.

I have yet to contribute to our group blog New Zealand Midwives practicing Reflection, another unexpected outcome of completing the reflective practice course.

For now im trying to think of relevant topics i can reflect on in the group blog. Any ideas??
Technorati Tags: reflection, e-portfolio, blog, midwife

Eportfolio & Midwifery Standards Review

2008-11-19T18:16:00.001+13:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanishing/15379702/- slide 5

This week I have had my Review I was worried because there is so much work and reflection involved and I have been so busy at work. I cant say too much about what was actually discussed due to the confidentiality agreement we all sign, but what makes it easier for all involved and an important lesson for myself is

I must work on my portfolio and reflections throughout the year and update it regularly and relate all my written stuff back to the standards & competencies

Complete my statistics regularly and send out the consumer feedback forms on a regular basis. This year I will try and think of an incentive for the women to send back the form, one suggestion was to take a photo on my last visit and send that with the feedback form to the mum.

I did discuss the use of an e-portfolio for my next review. The Reviewers did have lots of questions, what is an e-portfolio? How would I implement an e-portfolio? How much easier, difficult or different does it make the review meeting - for the Reviewers and the Midwife being Reviewed.
My question is how can we put into action the us of e-portfolios in the review process thereby making the process easier for those involved?

Mother Nana and Midwife

2008-11-16T18:34:00.002+13:00

Do you remember when you first found out you were going to be a mother. I do...Going to the Doctors (or nowadays midwife), or seeing the pregnancy test change to a +. I remember the life changing experience and emotions of anxiety, excitement, joy, and apprehension. For me, the apprehension came primarily from how am I going to tell my family and friends especially how am I going to tell my parents.

I had one of those life changing moments when my oldest son (only 18yrs) and his partner came and told me they were having a baby. The same emotions came flooding back. Initially it was oh no, but then it turned to excitement, the joy and the apprehension for them Also the apprehension of being a Nana and not feeling very nanaish

The lesson for me is to remember those feelings. In my role as a midwife I see new new and expectant parents, grand parents, whanau and friends often, for me being aware of those emotions and the journey the whanau is taking is important. I think we can become blase when we are exposed the same thing day in and day out. For each whanau, no mater what the circumstance, expecting a new baby is truly a life changing experience.

When my son told me, it took a while to sink in so I wrote this verse...

You came to see me today, i thought you were going to tell me
Mum - i have a puppy or Mum - i'm moving away

You came to see me today, I thought I was going to say
Son, whatever makes you happy, or Son - we are always here to help you.

I only seems like yesterday, when you were a new baby
Lessons about life, love and mothering you have taught me
My first born son, now those lessons of happiness you will see
A blessing and a precious gift for our family.

Gastric Reflux

2008-11-11T12:35:00.003+13:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbeychristine/302116797/Smart-Aleck Baby Burp Cloths

This week I have been visiting a Lovely mum and her adorable baby. The baby is exclusively breastfed. Babies often spill a little after feeding, and this is quite normal but Ive never seen a breastfed baby that spills so much. The mum has a supply of bibs and clothing on hand due to the fact she is continually feeding half the time and the other half of the time the baby spends bringing up the milk she just finished. The poor wee thing is constantly grizzly too, only wanting to sleep in short spurts. The other day i suggested propping baby up to sleep (baby sleeping on a 30 degree angle) and the mum actually got baby to sleep for an hour.

Last year i read an article in the New Zealand College of Midwives Journal about Gastric reflux, and i mentally filed it away for future reference. Gastric reflux is when the "valve" at the top of the stomach doesn't close properly after a feed, thereby allowing the baby's stomach contents; food and digestive acids, to be regurgitated. It doesn't need treating with medications or surgery unless the baby is failing to gain weight or is in pain, which i beleive is happening with this baby. There is also an informative nz website "crying over spilt milk" which is an invaluable resource for families dealing with Reflux.

Who wants to be a Midwife?

2008-11-11T12:12:00.001+13:00

There is an old Maori proverb that goes

He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!

What has happened to our society, I have a news roll on the side of my blog, which i read when i first log in. With all the negativity in the Media I do question whether it is money or people who are the priority in maternity care, and then I read a positive article like this and it really puts it in perspective.

The picture of doom & gloom is not so for Maori women and their whanau. Midwifery is making positive changes, the number of Māori midwives practising grew from 110 in 2005, to 157. The statistics i read show that Maori women in New Zealand have the highest chance of having a normal birth and are least likely to have a Caesarian section or instrumental delivery. Maori women also had the lowest rates for inductions and epidurals. Overall Maori and Pacific mothers were more like to have chosen Midwifery care than GP care. How is it in less than a decade the tables have been turned on care of Maori Women.

What is important to the care of our women in New Zealand
It is Midwifery, it is Midwifery, it is Midwifery.

Philosophy in wordle

2008-10-26T23:45:00.013+13:00
I have discovered a new gadget thanks to internet extraordinaire Sarah. I have pasted all the words about my philosophy. This was created in Wordle If you click on the picture it will take you to the website.

I love the way it highlights aspects of midwifery care that are important for me. I think I will print a copy out a present it with my portfolio for my bi-annual Midwifery review review coming up in Two weeks.

31 day comment challenge

2008-10-19T01:47:00.002+13:00
I have started the 31 day comment challenge, some of the challenges I have completed a couple in one day. This project has been devised by Sue Waters and Kim Cofino as
a means to encourage bloggers to think about their online behavior,
particularly in relation to writing blog posts. I got the idea to do it from Sarah Stewart.

You mights see some changes in my blog as i go along. Have you done the challenge? How was it for you?

Tell me what you think

2008-10-19T00:45:00.002+13:00
Ive created this page outside of the normal comment page so you can
tell me what you think about my blog in general.
Share any comments or thoughts about my reflections.
Just say Kia ora (Hi)

Maori Model of Reflection

2008-10-19T00:08:00.001+13:00

'E kore te kumara e korero mo tona ake reka'
'The kumara does not say how sweet it is'
The essence of this saying is about MODESTY. Self-praise is no recommendation.
This week has been a really busy one for me. I have had 35 antenatal visits, two births,2nd midwife for 2 births, 8 postnatal visits as well as attending day long study day in Hamilton. I'm quite exhausted as one of the births took me through the night and into the next day. I'm passionate about midwifery care and continuity of care, but lately I am reflecting a lot about my workload and I have really come to a crossroad about the time spent with women versus the time I spend at home with my family. Anyway, this post isn't about my reflection on that, this post is about the model of reflection I have decided I am going to try to use.

I have been on a journey of discovery and for the last three months attending a development and leadership course at the Nursing research and Development unit at Waikato Hospital. This month we looked at portfolio development and listened to invited guests, Maori women who are in leadership positions at Waikato Hospital; what motivates them, who has inspired them and how they have traveled their journey.

One speaker Christine Baker shared her model of reflection. Adapted from Te Whare Tapa Wha. This is a Maori Model of health by Mason Durie.
The whakatauki or saying that I used in the beginning of my post says something about how many Maori see life. They do not like to reflect on how well they did something, this would be boastful. The Whare Tapa Wha (The fours sides of a House) looks at four sides of health essential to health & Well being. It is a holistic model and a model that suits my world view of health. Maori models of health will help me to reflect on my clinical and cultural practices and how my identity or world view impacts on my practice as a Midwife and Maori women and their whanau.

Without going into too much depth- the model focuses on
Te Taha Wairua - the spiritual essence. The capacity for faith and wider communication. This determines us as individuals and as a collective, who and what we are where we have come from and where we are going.
Te Taha Hinengaro - The essence of the mind, communication, to think, to feel. How we see ourselves in the universe our interactions and the perception that others have of us.
Te Taha Tinana - The physical essence. The capacity for growth and development.
Te Taha Whanau - The essence of family and our connections with each other and wider social systems.
Going back to my thoughts in the first paragraph of my post. Are you in the same situation as me too much work and no time for anything else. Feeling like you are at a cross road?

Photo taken by me 2007 Paparamu Marae, Tirau. Traditional Maori meeting House.

Postgraduate Studies

2008-10-09T21:38:00.000+13:00
Otago Polytechnic so far i have completed papers in
Mentoring for Midwives
Sexually Transmitted Infections in pregnancy. I am currently doing a paper on relection in midwifery practice.

REFLECTION

2008-10-09T21:36:00.001+13:00
I am going to use this page to discuss my midwifery experiences. I am using a blog in the hope that i will gain some learning from reflection.

I am currently doing postgraduate studies on relection on practice, hence the reason for deciding to do a blog. I must admit I have never been one to relect in writing, preferring to discuss situations as a way of learning.

I do enjoy the use of the internet and using these internet tools has sparked my creativity, enhanced my enjoyment of reflection, given me an opportunity to network with other like minded people and is an outlet for my thoughts and information sharing.

Kia ora

2008-10-09T20:47:00.000+13:00

Ko Tania Rangi - Thompson Toku ingoa
Ko Mataatua toku waka
Ko Tuhoe toku iwi
Ko Ngati Rongo toku hapu
Ko Tauarau toku Marae