MINUTES

Meeting commenced at 2pm

INTRODUCTIONS:

Pete Malavisi

Marilyn Smith

Joanna Neville

Libby Davy

Ruth Maddren

India

Lisa Robertson

Glenda Monteere

Vanessa Woodland + partner ?Tribbeck

Madonna & ?

Amanda

APOLOGIES:

Maryanne Bradbury

Jan Lewisdriver

Liz Bluntchsi

MEETING

Amanda “Had home-birth by Mary Murphy, in Perth”. “The Fremantle Model should be available here”. All agreed that rural areas are lacking in birth options.

Marilyn – explanation of the Fremantle Community Midwifery Program. Community needs to decide if this is would is required, and would it be supported/viable in Augusta/Margaret River.

General discussion about disempowerment during pregnancy, birth & parenting. Concern was expressed about the quality of the only prenatal classes available (Hospital based) in Margaret River. It was felt that they needed to be more friendly, proactive and informative. Some felt that it was difficult to obtain a balance of information to permit informed decision making. Others felt unable to voice their opinion, thus did not complete the series. The option of a community based pre-natal & post-natal educational program. This has been successful elsewhere, and was available in Margaret River several years ago (private basis).

Amanda expressed concerns re no publicity re birth options or couples rights & perhaps Margaret River should do a survey? All agreed that lack of publicity via news media, etc. seems to be an issue.

Pete stated that a survey had been recently completed in Busselton for the Vasse-Leeuwin area and felt that the results would be similar in Augusta-Margaret River. It seems pointless to duplicate? Marilyn agreed.

A general discussion about the amount of time, labour & expense in completing a survey. It was felt that our energy could be better utilised. Most felt that there is possibly more support of Community Midwifery; Continuity of care (especially with Midwives) and Pro-active Childbirth in the Augusta-Margaret River area. There would also appear to be more Doctors willing to act as a back-up for midwives involved with planned Homebirth. Marilyn has met with the hospital midwives and DON who were quite receptive, providing we adopted the Fremantle Community Midwifery guidelines and kept them informed of bookings, etc. Good communication & networking is essential.

Discussion of the concept of Birth Place Support (in particular Home Births). Who should this group be affiliate with?

Ruth – raised issue of funding for Home Births. Couples in Perth can access a free service. “Why should rural areas miss out?”

Marilyn – brief explanation of how the Fremantle Community Midwifery Program is funded. If Margaret River aims to do the same then the group needs to become incorporated, or be affiliated with an incorporated group (official office bearers, AGMs, Constitutions, etc.). “Is this the way we want to go?” The Group needs to consider if Augusta-Margaret River should be independent or join forces with Busselton & Bunbury (no active group in Bunbury).

Pete – felt that the most effective means would be via a united Southwest initiative. Ruth, Libby & Marilyn agreed.

Libby Davy offered to be the groups Public Relations Person. Decision by group to hold a few information meetings before electing/committing to committees, etc. All agreed to promote the group to attract more members. Libby felt it was particularly important to involve GP’s. All agreed that other Health Professionals, in particular Midwives should have some input. Perhaps at a consultative level.

Pete – Busselton Birth Choices are celebrating National Midwives’ week with a mini fare. Hospital Midwives were invited to operate a sausage sizzle as a fundraiser for the Birth Suite. Seen as a good opportunity for promoting Community Midwifery/Homebirths. An invitation extended to the group to attend next Saturday. Anyone interested to contact Pete, or turn up on the day.

Libby – need to communicate with all members and attract others. All agreed that E-mail is the best method. Ruth & India explained how LET’S members could access the Internet via Internet Café. Others can use the Library.

Pete, Johanna & Marilyn will attend a workshop in Perth run by Fremantle Community Midwifery Program. Also meeting with Tracy Reibel & staff.

Marilyn expressed concern that a committed group is needed to achieve the above concepts. Past Midwives providing a Home Birthing service in the South-West have burnt out. This is why Marilyn approached Pete – Margaret River was again without a Midwife when Margo resigned. Pete agreed – the community needs to be supportive, as do other health services in the district. Marilyn informed the group that she can only provide prenatal & postnatal care (physical reasons) therefore the region only has 1.5 midwives fully committed to providing a Home Birth Service.

Pete, Marilyn & Johanna plan to attend the Community Midwifery Work-shop on Monday