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Childbirth

maternity liason committee - what to expect?

7 replies

morocco · 01/03/2007 15:20

is anyone on their local mat committee? Ive just asked to join ours and wondered what to expect.
thanks

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Doulaklaw · 01/03/2007 18:16

Well, I've been to two meets of my local MSLC and the last one was on Monday just past. They mentioned one that is being set up 'next door' to us and I got the impression that it will be slightly different, I think it depends on the needs of the area...

At mine there are mw, gp and mum and there is a proper committee meeting format with agenda etc. My eyes are being truly opened as we hear about the mw views etc. The mw in attendance are the ones that work at the cmu in the area rather than at the hospital. It has become obvious that as a Doula my support is most needed by the mothers going to the hospital, The mw at the CMU are so much more 'with woman'. However they have to work hard to prove that their units are needed and so not closed down by the beaurocrats, MEN!!!

Sorry I don't know more to tell you...

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morocco · 01/03/2007 20:59

thanks
what is it about the mw views that is eyeopening {curious}

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Doulaklaw · 01/03/2007 22:20

it's eye-opening to hear their frustrations, getting the inside view of how men in suits affect their practice, etc. I definitely get the vibe from them that it's the women who choose to birth in the hospital who need to be supported by Doulas or very well informed, strong birth partners.

It adds to my own personal experience and opinions that have formed over the last coupde of years.

I will have to try not to be too vocal in my opinions but I've learned the hard way and jsut want to prevent further distress!

If only I could save the world!

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morocco · 10/06/2007 20:39

bumping this for more ideas
I went along to the first meeting and Iknow it's only in it's second meeting so it's all very new etc but I just don't see what the point is in me being there at all. there was lots of interesting talk/presentations about the direction of maternity services in general but no opportunity to say what we were going to do for our area etc
I feel like i have lots of ideas but no way of expressing them cos the agenda just isnt' designed that way.
i'm going to keep going and hope it improves but wondered what it's like for other people on diff mslc's.

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DaisyMOO · 10/06/2007 20:45

Have you seen the new MSLC yahoo group ? Might be worth chatting to people on there too.

Most of the meetings I've been to are dull dull dull and seem to revolve around where to put the apostrophe in one sentence of a leaflet but others have been quite interesting and I feel that I've been able to express my point of view and that of other users.

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lulumama · 10/06/2007 20:46

i'm due to go to my 3rd one, have been asked to chair the committee as need someone who is not connected to the hospital

tbh, nothing has actually happened, but i think this meeting in July is going to be the start of a more directed approach and actually doing stuff, rather than talking

i think most committees produce a lot of hot air, and little action, but still worth being involved at this sort of level, just need to be patient and perservere!

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morocco · 11/06/2007 21:27

thanks guys, have just gone off and signed up to yahoo group so thank you for the link,
I know - all committees seem to be the same. I can see why they don't work if there isn't a user member (aka busy mum keen to cut to the chase) in charge - good luck to you lulumama