Re: what Jennifer wrote : working in a medical model and not being able to
advocate.
CAREFUL with criticism.
Sometimes a group of people fall together who are all advocates in the same
way and manage to create the strength within an institution to advocate.
There is strength in numbers. I work with four other Childbirth educators.
We embrace the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth. We choose to work at the
hospital instead of forming an independent group because that is where the
numbers are.
We advocate. Provide information and guide in choices. We work at
empowering not just families but the staff. We doula, provide breastfeeding
and postpartum support.
We are right there in the trenches with everyone. Are we going to
compromise what is evidence based? No. Never. We teach it and model it.
Are we appreciated? A little more as time goes on.
The roadblocks? Nurses, Physicians.... and ...community
We are blind if we think that the hospitals are the only ones that support
the medical model.  and todays HCP did not necessarily create it but
learned it and practices it. Some of us are actually working to change it.
It is really hard. But why would we think not. It takes perseverance,
patience, Understanding, knowledge and time. Because if change is going to
happen the change agents have to look at the entire picture and be as
creative as possible. Involving community in change is great - convincing
hospital admin to establish focus groups is better yet - Leadership teams,
chipping away at docs, introducing doulas and hopefully midwives.
So..childbirth educators job is much bigger than classes - we are working
at creating a culture that supports a wellness model.
I am disheartened by professionals who criticize the medical model and
haven't got the time or courage to really shake some trees. Working in a
hospital should not be criticized. It is the insider who often has the edge
on change.  I would like to hear more on this
Sue - Piloting the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative - why don't you?

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