I think at the end of the day it is their back pockets, that medical professionals are worried about.
I don't think that giving a woman the best possible environment and atmosphere to birth really enters their minds. Obs and hospital midwifes control every aspect of a woman's pregnancy, labour and birth for the health of mother and child (true) SO in the end they avoid the potential for litigation.
This means time limits on pregnancy, induction, time limits on birth, a 1 in 3 chance of a CS and through all this women are to remain passive and accepting when all this is happening to their body and newborn.
If they (Polititions and the medical fraternity) cared so much about lowering the rates of maternal and infant mortality amonst Australian women, why are so many indigenous women and babies dying? The quality of health care provided to them in their communities is practically 3rd world.
Anyway back on track, and in response to Epacris's post, I know that I am not the only woman who had gone been through traumatic birth, and I know I am not the only woman looking to avoid it at all costs.
If I could afford full hospital coverage, barely affording the extras (and knowing what I know now) I would still avoid the hospital and opt for a midwife (if I could get one, considering I am a VBAC even after my natural birth and a natural prior to that).
Epacris it is great that you can choose to afford private health for your family thus have a private OB for your pregnancy/ies. But this doesn't guarantee you of a better treatment and outcome, although I do here that the food is better and that the nurses smile more in the private system.
In addition, Just because our family dont have full comp hosp cover and "don't choose to afford it" doesn't mean health is not a top priority of our family, everyones circumstances are different.
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