Visit to Parliament, Homebirth supporters

Birth is a normal part of life, and homebirth is part of the normality. I don't understand why people have such an issue with those of us in society who want the best care for our family in our own home. It's a little like global warming. There are the fanatics, the fence sitters and the politicians!!

this is homebirth, as safe as life gets

Midwifery is political, the issue of women having the best care throughout their childbirth cycle is owned by the money and power behind the "industry" of birth. Homebirth, although only a minute part of the community, threatens the very core of the power hungry and the greedy. There is no doubt about it. The argument for and against the saftey of homebirth is the least important part of the debate. The amount of homebirthing women is so small that they could just let us get on with it. Even if they thought it was the most dangerous of practices it wouldn't affect the masses. Instead, Today I go to parliament to listen to our grievance being aired for the record and for public debate. Money and power is obvious.

I have never been to a sitting before, and Frances Bedford was speaking after question time. We arrived before the end so we were signed in and told to go to the strangers gallery where we must remain silent. I think that says it all.




Mothers, dads, babies and midwives sat together watching. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The chamber at this point was full. The Politicians were bantering, heckling the speaker. One guy was reading the paper another on her mobile phone, One member on a lap top shows his pals in front something extremely funny.(porn most likely)

Then one by one they started to leave. The minister for health spoke at the end of question time then left the chamber. WTF. A health issue was about to be tabled. At the time Frances got up to speak, 6 politicians remained in the chamber. Each issue gets 5 mins. The clock starts and the speed talking commenced. We learned later that nobody is listening, it's done to get it on the record. She sped through international midwives day, the issues and didn't once stop for breath so she could fit it in. At 5 mins she has to stop regardless to where she was in her explanation. While she spoke, 1 person remained on mobile 2 in her own party chatted and 2 ummed and arrhed . This is democracy? I was disgusted. Frances Bedford was excellent and we got afternoon tea for her efforts. She felt it went well. God knows what happens if it goes badly.

I whispered to Tania, lets clap at the end. We did and everyone joined. The speaker said even though we were enthusiastic that wasn't on. The security guard said you can't clap it's silent. I couldn't be removed as I was leaving with a smug look on my face.

Now I think we wait. I will be going back each week, if I'm free for question time as a constant reminder until someone listens. Muriel Matters who was a suffragette Championed women's causes. We are going to start organising something to commemorate her anniversary in October. Look out!!