Homebirth Australia Conference and Gala Film Night

Just reading my emails when I found a press release for the Homebirth Australia Conference and Gala Film Night this coming weekend (3rd and 4th of November). It is going to be an exciting weekend and I am so looking forward to going. The Sun Herald in Sydney included a double page feature on the conference and Shelia Kitzinger (a well known childbirth activist and author). It is well worth a read - check out the "Cot Crusader Lashes Australia".

Here is Homebirth Australia's Press Release.

Homebirth Australia is launching it's HBA conference 2007, along with a gala showing of the new Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein film The Business Of Being Born, at their conference in November 3 & 4 2007 at Paddington Town Hall.

Australia's maternity system is a broken mess. Unlike the U.S we have a universal health care system, but within maternity that system is being rorted and private obstetric care is milking a huge amount of money from the public purse. Obstetricians have raised their fees (and the public purse has footed the bill) by 269% since 2004. Our c/s rate is higher than the US. Our national rate is 31%. We have had a considerable increase in post natal depression. Nationally less than 5% of Australian women can choose a midwife and have their care (like the homebirth model). Less than 5% of Australian women can choose warm water as pain relief. Many women in rural areas are giving birth on the side of the road. There is a cultural perception that mothering is not overly enjoyable and post natal support is essentially non existent. Maternity Coalition has been Australia's national consumer organisation since 1989. Justine Caines who is organising this conference was the National President for nearly 5 years. She has now formed a political party for Australian women - What Women Want (Australia) to raise childbirth choices as a major issue, for a new minor political party she is receiving great media coverage and interest. Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein will be coming to Australia just before a federal election, in support of these issues, with their film, The Business Of Being Born. The timing is perfect for this documentary in Australia and for Ricki Lake, like Justine Caines, has set out to make this 'political', along with a host of celebrities: Elle McPherson

"I enjoyed giving birth to my second son in a birth pool. My birthing room was warm and candlelit and I was lovingly supported by my birthing team. This made me feel emotionally safe as I birthed my baby gently. I would love Australian women to be able to enjoy water birth just as I did. I am surprised to hear that less than 5% of Australian women can choose warm water immersion for pain relief and for birth! I strongly recommend that the medical system in Australia give women the choice to be able to use a warm water pool during labour, for deep relaxation and for giving birth. I support Homebirth Australia's work to enable all Australian women to choose where and with whom they share the intimate experience of birth." Hugo Weaving and Katrina Greenwood "Giving birth at home was both relaxed and empowering. The close bond our son shares with his sister after witnessing and participating in her birth will last a lifetime." Bill Granger and Natalie Elliot "After one attempted home birth and two successful ones in our family, having children welcomed into your world in your own peaceful environment with no intervention in the natural process, nothing beats a home birth and the nurturing ongoing support of a dedicated midwife and that lasting relationship with them that comes from sharing such an intimate and momentous moment. And of course the food is better too!' Come and Support Us too!

If you are interested in the conference - you can check out the details on Homebirth Australia's website. Hope to see you there.