Episode 77 - The place of policy
In this episode, Dr. Kirsten Small and Dr. Melanie Jackson discuss the place of policy in maternity care. If you think this episode is not for you because you are a woman planning to give birth, remember - you can navigate what you don’t understand. Stick with us as we explore how hospitals are organised, why policies are created, and how they impact the care provided to women. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding hospital structures and policies in order to navigate and advocate for personalised care. We discuss the role of policies in healthcare and how they impact the care provided to women during childbirth. We explore the concept of cookbook medicine or ‘birth by numbers’ and the limitations of strict guidelines in allowing for individualised care. The conversation highlights the need for clinicians to be knowledgeable about policies and research in conjunction with the womans personal needs in order to provide the best care possible. Kirsten also gives us insight into her recent publication, ‘Midwives Must, Obstetricians May’.
Timestamps:
00:13 Introducing guest Dr Kirsten Small and the Role of Policy in Maternity Care
1:45 Understanding Hospital Structure and Guidelines
7:41 Hospitals and Their Policies
18:40 Impact of Policies on Decision-Making
20:04 Maintaining Hierarchy Through Policy
25:22 Empowering Healthcare Consumers
34:17 Birth by Numbers vs. Individualised Care
46:16 Clinicians' Responsibilities: Understanding Policies
1:00:20 RANZCOG Policies and Evidence Levels
1:02:46 Navigating Policy Structures for Best Birth
You can learn more about Dr Kirsten Small @birthsmalltalk and birthsmalltalk.com/
To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit www.melaniethemidwife.com
You can find out more about Mel @melaniethemidwife
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Disclaimer:
The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.
The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.
This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.
