Midwifery matters very close to my heart! When a women is in labour and the
babies head reaches the perineal floor it invokes a reflex called Fergusons
reflex which is a "rush" of oxytocin. Pushing becomes involuntary. The
mother knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I suppose one could call
it instinctive. The problems come in when doctors and midwives think they
know best (with few exceptions I will say). A women's body is unique and
perfectly designed to produce babies. It has taken many years for health
professional to even begin to realize that most women don't need to be saved
 - their bodies know what to do.

I'm sure there are parallels to breastfeeding in this little story.

Almost 20years ago now when I studied midwifery I was privileged to be part
of a system where it was a nursing council regulation that midwives had to
promote breasfeeding ( I am proud of that). All our babies were put to the
breast at birth and all mothers roomed in. Formula was discouraged and only
given at mothers request/for medical reasons.

But you know what, we still made mistakes. Women were told to limit feeds
for the first 3 days ( there was a schedule) to prevent cracked nipples! I
have never seen so many engorged breasts! I reckon the mothers who did not
get engorgement were the ones following their instinct! Come to think of it
when I fed my own daughter shortly after I graduated I didn't get engorged
or suffer from cracked nipples either. The only difference was I responded
to my babies needs - call that instinct I suppose!

Regards
Mandy

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