‘Spontaneous labour in a normal woman is an event marked by a number of processes so complicated and so perfectly attuned to each other that any interference will only detract from the optimal character.  The only thing required from the bystanders is that they show respect for

Australia’s mothers and babies 2013—in brief presents key statistics and trends on pregnancy and childbirth of mothers, and the characteristics and outcomes of their babies. The report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that the rate of women aged between

On this anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights let us work towards women birthing in all babies starting life in an society that respects human rights. December 10 is the anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations (UN) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Roar Behind the Silence: why kindness, compassion and respect matter in maternity care For many years there has been growing concern about the culture of fear that is penetrating maternity services throughout the world, and that the fear felt by maternity care workers is directly

I need I need kindness because I praise my baby every day but scold myself. Because its wrinkled little features are beautiful, but my stretched, dark, skin is ugly. Because it’s crying because it needs something, but I’m crying because I’m not good enough.   I

I would like to acknowledge the support of the following organisations. The Australian College of Midwives Inc. Safe Sleep Space Inc. and The Marce Society – Australasian Chapter All three distributed the Respectful Maternity Care Postcard in the conference packs at their recent confe

SMFA believes it is very important for childbearing women to receive safe, evidenced based,  respectful maternity care so as to have healthy, strong and confident mothers. What poorer start to life for the baby than an unwell mother.  Healthy, strong and confident mothers give a baby

Wise words from Cristen Pascucci  We hear all the time, “a healthy baby is all that matters.”  That’s simply not true—especially when, all too often, “healthy” means merely “surviving birth,” for both moms and babies.  That’s not nearly good enough. The truth is that in this day

Key facts Every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. Maternal mortality is higher in women living in rural areas and among poorer communities. Young adolescents face a hi

Childbearing is an important rite of passage, with deep personal and cultural significance for a woman and her family. Pregnancy and childbirth are momentous events in the lives of women and families, representing simultaneously a time for extraordinary joy and a time of intense vulne