Letting the system know what we want.

[norquesta]

I would like to know more about consumer reps in maternity services.

Basically, where are they, what they can achieve, what support they have and what service should have them?

I would also like to know what feedback programs are in place for maternity services - I'm thinking suggestion boxes or surveys for women attending the services or focus groups like what marketing companies run - does anyone know how services are finding out what woman want? Here's a program from the UK that could be useful here: Campaigning for Better Birth Environment - NCT

It seems that many services have no feedback with birthing women. I've been seeing simple issues within hospitals that could be fixed easily with little money, time and care.

Example One: All the hospitals I know of,
Problem, you have to ask for mats, bean bags, balls, birth stools etc, and if you are lucky they might be able to find them for you.
Solution, they should be out, ready to use - get hold of the posters from the UK that have a picture of a bean bag and mat to remind staff to set the room up for birthing (website above).

What is your experience or what would you like to see?

[Trillian]

*bump*