Watching this incredibly addictive show on Netflix called "Call The Midwife" produced, I believe by the BBC, has lead me on an incredible search of some of the techniques used in the show, all this lost technology even from as recently as the 1940's made me a little sad. All these things that actually have worked for years that were lost along the hospitalization of birth, incredibly useful things such as how to deliver a breech baby and how to resolve a cord prolapse, have been successful techniques that were used in emergencies for many, many years. The question is WHY would anyone limit midwives and the Midwife license to not be able to learn, practice and use these techniques in a time of emergency?
The answer I believe is total power and control by the AMA, for many years it has been said that the AMA- American Medical Association, will "never" support midwifes in any way, specially because they are under an entirely separate licensing body. And will do everything in their power to shut down anything they don't control 100%. Sounds "paranoid"? Probably, is it true though? Yes. Unfortunately, not to be the harbinger of bad tidings or not trying to be negative as is a favorite word in my field, I have to say, you must be pretty naive if you do not know this information and you are in fact a Midwife or a Doula. Having aided in the fighting of restrictive rules and regulations, while working with a prominent birthing center in Sherman Oaks, for over 10 years, and the same in Silverlake / Atwater / and Los Feliz- since 1994. I would say you are missing a lot of information in you don't see the trend. The trend being that the Midwifery License for California and Midwifes across the US, gets smaller and smaller in scope of practice, more restricted and more contrived. The same is said for the expectations regarding Doulas. Doulas are "not recommended" to do, this entire list of items, which in my opinion and in anyone who is trained enough to see's opinion, are essentially needed to safeguard a mother and child when laboring at home- not delivering- laboring. The certification provided by DONA only supports a Doula as a Labor Coach, essentially. This in my opinion is not good enough. I'm a Certified Advanced Midwifery Assistant, Certified Master Doula by ACHI and a Student Midwife, the level of trained I've had helps me to better services the client. I wish more Doulas were to train as thoroughly. In my opinion, it's essential.
These restrictions are not productive to an educated field of practitioners by any means.
I am formulating a plan, to crack this problem, to open up the field of Midwifery. More independent licensing means should be available, all to meet the same standard of excellence in care. Doulas should be allowed more training as they so choose- not enforced- allowed to practice to the level they are in fact trained. Midwifery Assistants should be provided a recognized Federal license, as we are in fact similarly trained to RN's and have extensive natural birth training which Nurses do not have, unless they have themselves had home births or had some external training, as some of my classmates did while I was going through mine.
Anyway, there is more coming on this.
I am just now formulating a plan in my head.
Stay tuned.
Much Love, Claudia - Owner
Enlightened Birth and Doula Services.
Certified Advanced Midwifery Assistant/ Certified Master Doula & Student Midwife
