This is so good! It needs to be framed and hung on the wall!
From page 1066 of the Missouri State Senate Daily Journals:
HB 351, introduced by Representative Wood, et al, entitled:
An Act to amend chapter 10, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the designation of the official state invertebrate. Was taken up by Senator Goodman.
Senator Loudon offered SA 1, which was read:
SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1
Amend House Bill No. 351, Page 1, Section 10.125, by deleting all of said section and replacing it with the following:
“10.125. The Missouri Medical Society shall be known as the official invertebrate of the state of Missouri due to their unwillingness to compete with a bunch of midwives.”
Senator Loudon moved that the above amendment be adopted.
At the request of Senator Loudon, SA 1 was withdrawn.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Now he's invading my dreams!
Lately I have had a recurring dream. It's not necessarily a great dream, but it is no where near what you might call a nightmare. I have been dreaming about myself and Senator Chuck Graham. Intrigued? Read on...
The dream starts with me being anxious and nervous. I'm at the capital building and my kids are no where to be seen. For some strange reason, even the baby is missing from this dream. I decide to stop by Sen. Graham's office just on the off chance that something I say or do might influence his behavior and he will just let SB303 come to a vote. I'm not hopeful, but I enjoy talking with Beverly, and I get a chuckle out of Ted sticking his head around the corner to see who is in the outer office.
I start talking to Beverly, who notices right away that my arms are empty and there are no children hanging on my skirt. We chit chat a little, and right on cue, Ted sticks his head around the corner and pops back into the inner office. I smile to myself and am about to leave when the unthinkable happens. Ted invites me into the inner office to have a sit down with Senator Graham himself!
I'm about ready to pee my pants! I think, "Does he know who I am? Does he want to talk about midwifery or something else?" I steel my nerves and walk in. We sit down and he comments that many midwifery supporters have stopped by this session, and he thought it was only fair to hear one of them out. WHAT!?
I start out by asking him if he has read the bill in it's entirety. He replies, "No, but if it is anything like last years, I will continue to oppose it." (Side note: I really don't know if he has read the bill or not.)
"Why haven't you read the bill, Senator?" I ask.
"What's the point? Babies need to be born with a trained medical professional present, and a midwife trained by some internet course just isn't good enough," he says as he smiles stubbornly.
I shock him by saying, "Your right about one thing, a midwife trained by some internet course just isn't good enough." Senator Graham sits up a little straighter, almost like he thinks he has won. I continue, "Please read the bill and show me where the training required is just some internet course," I say as I hand him a copy of the bill. Hold onto your seats, ladies and gentlemen. HE READS THE BILL RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF ME!
I can tell he is getting irritated that he can't find anything to back up his internet course argument. I am getting a little excited and I am the one to sit up a little taller this time. "Senator Graham," I say ever so sweetly, "It seems to me as if the actual bill may be something other than what you thought it was. I have heard you debate the midwifery legislation on the floor, and if even one third of your points were true, I would work twice as hard against this bill instead of supporting it. I would be more than happy to run down your list of concerns and address them with facts and evidence. I'll even keep the touchy, feelly, emotional stuff to a minimum."
"You know, Mrs. Jurkowski, I'd like that," he replies. We sit there and discuss things like education, training, insurance, safety, and even cleanliness of a home vs hospitals. All in all, it was a very good discussion.
To keep this post from getting that much longer, I'll cut to the end. As I get up to leave, still feeling that he is totally against this bill, he asks to to stay just one more minute. "Mrs. Jurkowski, you have made your case well, but not well enough. I still think that babies should be born with physician in attendance."
I am feeling very dejected at this point, but at least I tried. "Well, thank you for your time, Senator Graham," I say as I start to walk out the door.
"Wait a minute, I'm not finished," he says. I turn around and he has this weird smile on his face. "You have made you case well, and while I cannot see myself supporting this bill, I do think that it is time I stopped holding it hostage and filibustering at every chance. If all it takes is for me to keep quiet for it to get to a vote in the Senate, than that's what I'll do."
My knees are weak and it is a really good thing there was a chair right behind me! "Are you serious, Senator? I mean, you aren't just saying this so you can get out there and talk about the germs toddlers carry and anyone taking an internet course again, are you?"
He smiles nicely and says, "You deserve a chance. I am still voting against this bill, but your persistence and knowledge of the issue, as well as the evidence you present has impressed me enough to make me discontinue my intense opposition to stop this bill at all opportunities."
I finally compose myself, thank him again, and walk out the door saying a quick goodbye to Beverly. I continue to walk down the hall, turn a corner and then allow myself to jump up and down for joy. Two seconds later, I am on my cell phone calling those who need to know that Senator Graham has said he will not oppose the bill coming to a vote because as you all know, good news travels fast!
The dream doesn't continue to the outcome of a vote in the Senate, but I wake up with a smile anyway!
Wouldn't it be nice if this dream would come true?
-deanna
The dream starts with me being anxious and nervous. I'm at the capital building and my kids are no where to be seen. For some strange reason, even the baby is missing from this dream. I decide to stop by Sen. Graham's office just on the off chance that something I say or do might influence his behavior and he will just let SB303 come to a vote. I'm not hopeful, but I enjoy talking with Beverly, and I get a chuckle out of Ted sticking his head around the corner to see who is in the outer office.
I start talking to Beverly, who notices right away that my arms are empty and there are no children hanging on my skirt. We chit chat a little, and right on cue, Ted sticks his head around the corner and pops back into the inner office. I smile to myself and am about to leave when the unthinkable happens. Ted invites me into the inner office to have a sit down with Senator Graham himself!
I'm about ready to pee my pants! I think, "Does he know who I am? Does he want to talk about midwifery or something else?" I steel my nerves and walk in. We sit down and he comments that many midwifery supporters have stopped by this session, and he thought it was only fair to hear one of them out. WHAT!?
I start out by asking him if he has read the bill in it's entirety. He replies, "No, but if it is anything like last years, I will continue to oppose it." (Side note: I really don't know if he has read the bill or not.)
"Why haven't you read the bill, Senator?" I ask.
"What's the point? Babies need to be born with a trained medical professional present, and a midwife trained by some internet course just isn't good enough," he says as he smiles stubbornly.
I shock him by saying, "Your right about one thing, a midwife trained by some internet course just isn't good enough." Senator Graham sits up a little straighter, almost like he thinks he has won. I continue, "Please read the bill and show me where the training required is just some internet course," I say as I hand him a copy of the bill. Hold onto your seats, ladies and gentlemen. HE READS THE BILL RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF ME!
I can tell he is getting irritated that he can't find anything to back up his internet course argument. I am getting a little excited and I am the one to sit up a little taller this time. "Senator Graham," I say ever so sweetly, "It seems to me as if the actual bill may be something other than what you thought it was. I have heard you debate the midwifery legislation on the floor, and if even one third of your points were true, I would work twice as hard against this bill instead of supporting it. I would be more than happy to run down your list of concerns and address them with facts and evidence. I'll even keep the touchy, feelly, emotional stuff to a minimum."
"You know, Mrs. Jurkowski, I'd like that," he replies. We sit there and discuss things like education, training, insurance, safety, and even cleanliness of a home vs hospitals. All in all, it was a very good discussion.
To keep this post from getting that much longer, I'll cut to the end. As I get up to leave, still feeling that he is totally against this bill, he asks to to stay just one more minute. "Mrs. Jurkowski, you have made your case well, but not well enough. I still think that babies should be born with physician in attendance."
I am feeling very dejected at this point, but at least I tried. "Well, thank you for your time, Senator Graham," I say as I start to walk out the door.
"Wait a minute, I'm not finished," he says. I turn around and he has this weird smile on his face. "You have made you case well, and while I cannot see myself supporting this bill, I do think that it is time I stopped holding it hostage and filibustering at every chance. If all it takes is for me to keep quiet for it to get to a vote in the Senate, than that's what I'll do."
My knees are weak and it is a really good thing there was a chair right behind me! "Are you serious, Senator? I mean, you aren't just saying this so you can get out there and talk about the germs toddlers carry and anyone taking an internet course again, are you?"
He smiles nicely and says, "You deserve a chance. I am still voting against this bill, but your persistence and knowledge of the issue, as well as the evidence you present has impressed me enough to make me discontinue my intense opposition to stop this bill at all opportunities."
I finally compose myself, thank him again, and walk out the door saying a quick goodbye to Beverly. I continue to walk down the hall, turn a corner and then allow myself to jump up and down for joy. Two seconds later, I am on my cell phone calling those who need to know that Senator Graham has said he will not oppose the bill coming to a vote because as you all know, good news travels fast!
The dream doesn't continue to the outcome of a vote in the Senate, but I wake up with a smile anyway!
Wouldn't it be nice if this dream would come true?
-deanna
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Article inThe Daily Star-Journal, Warrensburg, MO
Following is an article written after I did an interview with the local paper. It even made the front page!
-deanna
Permission granted from Skye Cobb of The Daily Star-Journal to post in its entirety.
Local Woman Lobbies For Midwife Bill In Senate And House
By SKYE COBB
Star-Journal Staff Writer
A local woman is working hard to get a midwifery bill passed in the
Missouri State Senate and House.
Missouri Senate Bill 303 and House Bill 503 would create a Board of
Direct-Entry Midwives within the Division of Professional Registration.
This board would consist of three Certified Professional Midwives, one
physician, and one public member. Senate Bill 303 would allow the state to
regulate who is practicing with the power to issue licenses and to suspend,
revoke or deny the license of a direct-entry midwife.
Currently in Missouri it is a felony for a midwife to deliver a baby at
home and there are organizations, such as Friends of Missouri Midwives,
Missouri Midwives Association and the Show Me Freedom in Health Care
Political Action Committee who are attempting to give the choice of where a
baby is born back to the mother.
Deanna Jurkowski is lobbying at the capitol for the passage of this
bill, which would allow mothers in Missouri the choice of where their baby
is born.
Jurkowski said that midwifery is legal, or not illegal, in 40 states and
that by making it illegal and unavailable, it is increasing the number of
unattended home births that occur, often with no one there who knows how to
stop a hemorrhage or resuscitate a baby.
She said she has been working for three years to get this bill passed.
According to Jurkowski, the Missouri Medical Association is coming out
strongly against this bill.
"It's all volunteers," said Jurkowski. "We do not have a paid lobbyist.
We're a grassroots movement. We've been working diligently for the last
three years."
The bill has passed the House twice before and was blocked in the Senate
both times. This time Jurkowski said she believes it's getting farther in
the Senate because legislators know more about the midwife profession.
"We've gotten farther than we've ever gotten before," said Jurkowski.
"We've perfected the bill; now we're waiting on the roll call vote. Sens.
(Chuck) Graham and (Yvonne) Wilson have said they're going to filibuster so
we're just not sure what's going to happen from this point on."
She said that she has talked with Sen. Chris Koster and that in the past
he's been supportive, but this year he's been much more supportive.
"We're not sure but with enough work, we're pretty sure we could pass
the House again," said Jurkowski.
She is somewhat worried about a lot of new people in the House. She said
that getting this bill passed is not only about getting information out
there, but combating the misconceptions of what a midwife does.
"There are people who think that midwives will perform abortions and
that's not true," said Jurkowski. "All a midwife is there for is to provide
care during a normal pregnancy. They do prenatal care and the child birth,
check on the mother afterwards, but if anything comes up that is outside of
normal, they will transfer that patient to the hospital."
Jurkowski said that she has had an illegal home birth, but in Illinois,
not in Missouri.
"That child died," said Jurkowski. "But that child died because she had
a heart defect, she had surgery and something happened during the surgery."
In the subsequent investigation the doctor reported to the coroner's
report that the child had had a home birth and that it was a lack of
prenatal care.
"Well we could produce prenatal records, but we had to cross off all
identifying information about our midwife because they actually hunt down
and prosecute midwives in Illinois," said Jurkowski.
She said that right now if a mom chooses to have a home birth and
something goes wrong she has to call 911 and the midwife has to leave
because she'll be arrested and prosecuted.
"Women are choosing to take that risk anyway," said Jurkowski. "If this
bill passes it's going to license and regulate these midwives. We're going
to have a standard of care. They're going to be licensed. If something comes
up where there is a transport needed the midwife can go to the hospital with
the mother and she can relay all the information...It'll be safer for
mothers and babies."
She said that research shows that in a low-risk, healthy, normal
pregnancy a home birth is just as safe if not safer than a hospital birth.
Jurkowski stated that a midwife would be required to make a decision
whether a mother is healthy enough for a home birth; and that if they are
not, the midwife would not provide them with health care but send them to a
medical professional.
She said the other part of this bill regards collaborative practice
agreements, and that is where a midwife would have to have a doctor sign off
that he's going to be responsible for her actions and that is not going to
work.
This bill really focuses on Certified Professional Midwives, a
nationally recognized title and profession.
Midwives Continued from Page 1
"Certified Nurse Midwives are legal in the State of Missouri," said
Jurkowski. "They can do home births if they have a collaborative practice
agreement. There's only one doctor in the state willing to sign
collaborative practice agreements and he's not going to do it anymore. So
that means there's only one midwife doing home births in the State of
Missouri, legally."
She said that it sounds good in theory but that the doctor is putting
his license on the line for the actions of someone else.
"This bill says everybody's actions should stand alone," said Jurkowski.
"The midwives should stand alone, the doctors should stand alone, they're
only responsible for something they do."
If the bill passes, Certified Professional Midwives will be required to
go through the same training as in other states, with differences according
to the state.
The CPM credential is the only one that requires the midwife to have
training in out-of-hospital births.
Certified Professional Midwives are required to have 1,350 clinical
hours of one-on-one training with their preceptor plus their academic work,
which takes years of full-time study to complete, said Jurkowski.
They are also required to take the North American Registry of Midwives
(NARM) exam -- an eight hour written exam and demonstrate proficiency at 750
hands-on skills, before receiving their certification.
The CPM credential process is overseen by the National Organization for
Competency Assurance - the very same one that oversees nurses, nurse
practitioners and nurse midwives credential process.
She said that another issue that comes up with this bill is insurance
and the fact that midwives are not required to carry malpractice coverage.
"No insurance group is going to cover them because it would be
astronomical," said Jurkowski. "Currently in the State of Missouri a
physician is not required to carry malpractice insurance. Hospitals may
require them to, but Missouri State Law does not require them to carry
malpractice insurance."
She said that physicians are not required to disclose to their patients
whether or not they carry malpractice insurance. They don't have to inform
the patient of their history, background, education or insurance.
"A midwife, according to this bill, has to disclose all of these things:
the risks, the benefits, her training, how many births she's attended and
whether or not she carries insurance, which is a good thing. That means the
mom is getting all the information and is able to make a well reasoned
decision."
She said that sometimes it feels like they're (legislators) saying that
women in Missouri aren't smart enough to make a good choice.
"If you're going to complain about something you've got to be willing to
make a stand to fix it," said Jurkowski. "That's why I do what I do. ...
We're not going away. We'll keep pounding the pavement until we get there.
... We need the support. I know there are a lot of medical professionals who
disagree, but my opinion is that by not having midwives legal in the state
and regulated by the state that it's harming mothers and babies. I think it
would be much safer for both mothers and babies and families in general, to
have this option in the State of Missouri."
On April 15 Jurkowski received an e-mail which included a link to a
petition asking Missouri Legislators to allow Certified Professional
Midwives to practice in Missouri.
After posting the link on her blog, and as of April 24, there were 787
signatures on it.
For more information or to help the cause please call Deanna at (660)
530-4310 or visit her Web site at www.deannajurkowski.blogspot.com .
The petition is located at
http://www.petitiononline.com/MOMW/petition.html .
-deanna
Permission granted from Skye Cobb of The Daily Star-Journal to post in its entirety.
Local Woman Lobbies For Midwife Bill In Senate And House
By SKYE COBB
Star-Journal Staff Writer
A local woman is working hard to get a midwifery bill passed in the
Missouri State Senate and House.
Missouri Senate Bill 303 and House Bill 503 would create a Board of
Direct-Entry Midwives within the Division of Professional Registration.
This board would consist of three Certified Professional Midwives, one
physician, and one public member. Senate Bill 303 would allow the state to
regulate who is practicing with the power to issue licenses and to suspend,
revoke or deny the license of a direct-entry midwife.
Currently in Missouri it is a felony for a midwife to deliver a baby at
home and there are organizations, such as Friends of Missouri Midwives,
Missouri Midwives Association and the Show Me Freedom in Health Care
Political Action Committee who are attempting to give the choice of where a
baby is born back to the mother.
Deanna Jurkowski is lobbying at the capitol for the passage of this
bill, which would allow mothers in Missouri the choice of where their baby
is born.
Jurkowski said that midwifery is legal, or not illegal, in 40 states and
that by making it illegal and unavailable, it is increasing the number of
unattended home births that occur, often with no one there who knows how to
stop a hemorrhage or resuscitate a baby.
She said she has been working for three years to get this bill passed.
According to Jurkowski, the Missouri Medical Association is coming out
strongly against this bill.
"It's all volunteers," said Jurkowski. "We do not have a paid lobbyist.
We're a grassroots movement. We've been working diligently for the last
three years."
The bill has passed the House twice before and was blocked in the Senate
both times. This time Jurkowski said she believes it's getting farther in
the Senate because legislators know more about the midwife profession.
"We've gotten farther than we've ever gotten before," said Jurkowski.
"We've perfected the bill; now we're waiting on the roll call vote. Sens.
(Chuck) Graham and (Yvonne) Wilson have said they're going to filibuster so
we're just not sure what's going to happen from this point on."
She said that she has talked with Sen. Chris Koster and that in the past
he's been supportive, but this year he's been much more supportive.
"We're not sure but with enough work, we're pretty sure we could pass
the House again," said Jurkowski.
She is somewhat worried about a lot of new people in the House. She said
that getting this bill passed is not only about getting information out
there, but combating the misconceptions of what a midwife does.
"There are people who think that midwives will perform abortions and
that's not true," said Jurkowski. "All a midwife is there for is to provide
care during a normal pregnancy. They do prenatal care and the child birth,
check on the mother afterwards, but if anything comes up that is outside of
normal, they will transfer that patient to the hospital."
Jurkowski said that she has had an illegal home birth, but in Illinois,
not in Missouri.
"That child died," said Jurkowski. "But that child died because she had
a heart defect, she had surgery and something happened during the surgery."
In the subsequent investigation the doctor reported to the coroner's
report that the child had had a home birth and that it was a lack of
prenatal care.
"Well we could produce prenatal records, but we had to cross off all
identifying information about our midwife because they actually hunt down
and prosecute midwives in Illinois," said Jurkowski.
She said that right now if a mom chooses to have a home birth and
something goes wrong she has to call 911 and the midwife has to leave
because she'll be arrested and prosecuted.
"Women are choosing to take that risk anyway," said Jurkowski. "If this
bill passes it's going to license and regulate these midwives. We're going
to have a standard of care. They're going to be licensed. If something comes
up where there is a transport needed the midwife can go to the hospital with
the mother and she can relay all the information...It'll be safer for
mothers and babies."
She said that research shows that in a low-risk, healthy, normal
pregnancy a home birth is just as safe if not safer than a hospital birth.
Jurkowski stated that a midwife would be required to make a decision
whether a mother is healthy enough for a home birth; and that if they are
not, the midwife would not provide them with health care but send them to a
medical professional.
She said the other part of this bill regards collaborative practice
agreements, and that is where a midwife would have to have a doctor sign off
that he's going to be responsible for her actions and that is not going to
work.
This bill really focuses on Certified Professional Midwives, a
nationally recognized title and profession.
Midwives Continued from Page 1
"Certified Nurse Midwives are legal in the State of Missouri," said
Jurkowski. "They can do home births if they have a collaborative practice
agreement. There's only one doctor in the state willing to sign
collaborative practice agreements and he's not going to do it anymore. So
that means there's only one midwife doing home births in the State of
Missouri, legally."
She said that it sounds good in theory but that the doctor is putting
his license on the line for the actions of someone else.
"This bill says everybody's actions should stand alone," said Jurkowski.
"The midwives should stand alone, the doctors should stand alone, they're
only responsible for something they do."
If the bill passes, Certified Professional Midwives will be required to
go through the same training as in other states, with differences according
to the state.
The CPM credential is the only one that requires the midwife to have
training in out-of-hospital births.
Certified Professional Midwives are required to have 1,350 clinical
hours of one-on-one training with their preceptor plus their academic work,
which takes years of full-time study to complete, said Jurkowski.
They are also required to take the North American Registry of Midwives
(NARM) exam -- an eight hour written exam and demonstrate proficiency at 750
hands-on skills, before receiving their certification.
The CPM credential process is overseen by the National Organization for
Competency Assurance - the very same one that oversees nurses, nurse
practitioners and nurse midwives credential process.
She said that another issue that comes up with this bill is insurance
and the fact that midwives are not required to carry malpractice coverage.
"No insurance group is going to cover them because it would be
astronomical," said Jurkowski. "Currently in the State of Missouri a
physician is not required to carry malpractice insurance. Hospitals may
require them to, but Missouri State Law does not require them to carry
malpractice insurance."
She said that physicians are not required to disclose to their patients
whether or not they carry malpractice insurance. They don't have to inform
the patient of their history, background, education or insurance.
"A midwife, according to this bill, has to disclose all of these things:
the risks, the benefits, her training, how many births she's attended and
whether or not she carries insurance, which is a good thing. That means the
mom is getting all the information and is able to make a well reasoned
decision."
She said that sometimes it feels like they're (legislators) saying that
women in Missouri aren't smart enough to make a good choice.
"If you're going to complain about something you've got to be willing to
make a stand to fix it," said Jurkowski. "That's why I do what I do. ...
We're not going away. We'll keep pounding the pavement until we get there.
... We need the support. I know there are a lot of medical professionals who
disagree, but my opinion is that by not having midwives legal in the state
and regulated by the state that it's harming mothers and babies. I think it
would be much safer for both mothers and babies and families in general, to
have this option in the State of Missouri."
On April 15 Jurkowski received an e-mail which included a link to a
petition asking Missouri Legislators to allow Certified Professional
Midwives to practice in Missouri.
After posting the link on her blog, and as of April 24, there were 787
signatures on it.
For more information or to help the cause please call Deanna at (660)
530-4310 or visit her Web site at www.deannajurkowski.blogspot
The petition is located at
http://www.petitiononline.com
Radio program
Back in January, the Vincent David Jericho show hosted a call in program about midwifery. Several of my friends participated in this program on KSGF Radio in Springfield, MO.
Check out the transcript.
Check out the transcript.
Enemies
What a title to start the morning! I came to a realization this morning at my weekly women's Bible study. We are currently reading If Experience is Such a Good Teacher, Why Do I Keep Repeating the Course? by J. Ellsworth Kalas.
Today's lesson was all about enemies. It is so easy for us to get caught up in the emotion and turmoil of a good cause and look at the opposition as our enemy. I am not talking about their position being the enemy, but the individual or group that is standing in our way. I myself get trapped in this frequently. There has been more than one occasion where I get irritated with an individual and focus on the person instead of the situation at hand.
In the case of SB 303, are the legislators who oppose this bill my enemies? While some may think so (if we use a mild definition of the word enemy), I think differently. My enemy is misinformation, fear, and lack of knowledge about the issue. My enemy is also whatever reason certain individuals refuse to have a reasoned conversation about midwifery.
If I were to stay so narrow minded that I considered those who opposed this bill as my enemy, I wouldn't get very far in life. This morning I decided to focus on the enemies that I have a chance at defeating (or at least wounding). The enemies I choose to take on in the case of midwifery legislation are fear, ignorance, mistrust, as well as others. I choose to work hard in an ethical manner so I am proud of my efforts no matter what the outcome. I chose to be diligent and stay strong so those who hold opinions on the other side know that I will be back. I will continue to initiate these conversations and to present information that backs up my position.
I am only one person, but I can change the world!
-deanna
Today's lesson was all about enemies. It is so easy for us to get caught up in the emotion and turmoil of a good cause and look at the opposition as our enemy. I am not talking about their position being the enemy, but the individual or group that is standing in our way. I myself get trapped in this frequently. There has been more than one occasion where I get irritated with an individual and focus on the person instead of the situation at hand.
In the case of SB 303, are the legislators who oppose this bill my enemies? While some may think so (if we use a mild definition of the word enemy), I think differently. My enemy is misinformation, fear, and lack of knowledge about the issue. My enemy is also whatever reason certain individuals refuse to have a reasoned conversation about midwifery.
If I were to stay so narrow minded that I considered those who opposed this bill as my enemy, I wouldn't get very far in life. This morning I decided to focus on the enemies that I have a chance at defeating (or at least wounding). The enemies I choose to take on in the case of midwifery legislation are fear, ignorance, mistrust, as well as others. I choose to work hard in an ethical manner so I am proud of my efforts no matter what the outcome. I chose to be diligent and stay strong so those who hold opinions on the other side know that I will be back. I will continue to initiate these conversations and to present information that backs up my position.
I am only one person, but I can change the world!
-deanna
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Work or Volunteer
Will I ever make a living from my talents, or will I continue to volunteer my time and talents to every good cause that comes along?
This is a discussion that Odin and I have frequently. I volunteer with the schools, the church, La Leche League, midwifery legislation, scouts, and several other little things that always seem to creep up.
Why is it that I must share my time with so many people? I'm good at what I do, but let's face it, so are others! Many times I stand up because I see a problem. I truly believe that if you don't like how something is working then you must be ready to offer an alternative. In addition, you must be willing to help implement the alternative. I see lots of problems in our world. I am willing to stand up, offer an alternative, and get my hands dirty fixing what I see broken.
Sometimes I think that when the babies are older, I'll get a job and contribute to the family monetarily. Realistically I know that it will never happen. Work would just get in the way of my efforts to change the world one person at a time!
-deanna
This is a discussion that Odin and I have frequently. I volunteer with the schools, the church, La Leche League, midwifery legislation, scouts, and several other little things that always seem to creep up.
Why is it that I must share my time with so many people? I'm good at what I do, but let's face it, so are others! Many times I stand up because I see a problem. I truly believe that if you don't like how something is working then you must be ready to offer an alternative. In addition, you must be willing to help implement the alternative. I see lots of problems in our world. I am willing to stand up, offer an alternative, and get my hands dirty fixing what I see broken.
Sometimes I think that when the babies are older, I'll get a job and contribute to the family monetarily. Realistically I know that it will never happen. Work would just get in the way of my efforts to change the world one person at a time!
-deanna
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Anticipation...Exhaustion...
Anticipation can conjure a myriad of emotions all at the same time. Excitement, hope, fear, frustration, and of course, exasperation and exhaustion are a few that I am dealing with today.
The political process can be very overwhelming. Our children are taught how a bill becomes a law in a simplified manner. We love School House Rock - I'm just a bill. The problem is that there is so much more to how a bill becomes a law. First read, second read, third read, perfection, hearings, voice votes, roll call votes... my head is spinning!
I remember thinking in 7th grade civics, "when will I ever use this stuff?" I now know. I use this stuff every day of the year, whether I am actively working on a bill or not. The days of thinking that I know it all are long gone, and to be honest, those days didn't last long at all. I learn more each and every year I stay involved in the legislative process.
The thought of giving up and giving in crosses my mind more often than I would like to admit, but then who's going to suffer from me sitting by and letting what I think is wrong stay the status quo? If I am wrong about licensing and regulating Certified Professional Midwifes in the state of MO, would someone please take the time to go over the evidence supporting the premise that babies should be born in hospitals with doctors in attendance? If I am wrong, will someone take the time to set me right with current research so I can truly act in the best interest of mothers and babies in MO? If I am wrong, show me why so I can step back, take a deep breath and relax for just a moment and revel in the moment that this is a battle I don't have to fight.
The problem is that current research and evidence clearly show that midwifery is as safe, if not safer than physician attended hospital births for low risk pregnancies and births. Even the federal government knows this. Healthy People 2010 (pg 6) says that the United States should increase the use of midwives.
Since I don't know everything, I look to the evidence to make up my mind. I forward information on the the legislators and anticipate their answers. I go through several emotions and settle on the one to fit each response. I hope those undecided will be won over by the facts. I get frustrated and exasperated with those who dig in their heels and decide they know best while spouting misinformation in their arguments. I get excited when a legislator shows their intelligence by contemplating the issue and the supporting documentation on both sides and making a choice base on the evidence.
I just realized the time, and the baby is yet again waking up. This post has gone off in all directions, and for that I am sorry. I hope those of you reading can see a glimmer of a point in the ramblings of a very tired mother of two sick babies and three grade school children who are off to school early in the morning.
Goodnight!
-deanna
Anticipation can conjure a myriad of emotions all at the same time. Excitement, hope, fear, frustration, and of course, exasperation and exhaustion are a few that I am dealing with today.
The political process can be very overwhelming. Our children are taught how a bill becomes a law in a simplified manner. We love School House Rock - I'm just a bill. The problem is that there is so much more to how a bill becomes a law. First read, second read, third read, perfection, hearings, voice votes, roll call votes... my head is spinning!
I remember thinking in 7th grade civics, "when will I ever use this stuff?" I now know. I use this stuff every day of the year, whether I am actively working on a bill or not. The days of thinking that I know it all are long gone, and to be honest, those days didn't last long at all. I learn more each and every year I stay involved in the legislative process.
The thought of giving up and giving in crosses my mind more often than I would like to admit, but then who's going to suffer from me sitting by and letting what I think is wrong stay the status quo? If I am wrong about licensing and regulating Certified Professional Midwifes in the state of MO, would someone please take the time to go over the evidence supporting the premise that babies should be born in hospitals with doctors in attendance? If I am wrong, will someone take the time to set me right with current research so I can truly act in the best interest of mothers and babies in MO? If I am wrong, show me why so I can step back, take a deep breath and relax for just a moment and revel in the moment that this is a battle I don't have to fight.
The problem is that current research and evidence clearly show that midwifery is as safe, if not safer than physician attended hospital births for low risk pregnancies and births. Even the federal government knows this. Healthy People 2010 (pg 6) says that the United States should increase the use of midwives.
Since I don't know everything, I look to the evidence to make up my mind. I forward information on the the legislators and anticipate their answers. I go through several emotions and settle on the one to fit each response. I hope those undecided will be won over by the facts. I get frustrated and exasperated with those who dig in their heels and decide they know best while spouting misinformation in their arguments. I get excited when a legislator shows their intelligence by contemplating the issue and the supporting documentation on both sides and making a choice base on the evidence.
I just realized the time, and the baby is yet again waking up. This post has gone off in all directions, and for that I am sorry. I hope those of you reading can see a glimmer of a point in the ramblings of a very tired mother of two sick babies and three grade school children who are off to school early in the morning.
Goodnight!
-deanna
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
One step closer!
We are now on the Senate calendar for third reading! There is still a ways to go, but we are that much closer and have never been this close before.
Check out the following media coverage of yesterday's voice vote! Of particular interest to me is Senator Koster's comment that "It went through like a greased pig." I am so glad to see that my Senator is in support of this legislation!
STLToday.com
MissouriNet
belleviewnewsdemocrat.com
Check out the current status of SB303 to see for yourself!
If you haven't signed the petition in support of Midwifery, drop everything and DO IT NOW! We are up to 651 signatures!
-deanna
We are now on the Senate calendar for third reading! There is still a ways to go, but we are that much closer and have never been this close before.
Check out the following media coverage of yesterday's voice vote! Of particular interest to me is Senator Koster's comment that "It went through like a greased pig." I am so glad to see that my Senator is in support of this legislation!
STLToday.com
MissouriNet
belleviewnewsdemocrat.com
Check out the current status of SB303 to see for yourself!
If you haven't signed the petition in support of Midwifery, drop everything and DO IT NOW! We are up to 651 signatures!
-deanna
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Do you trust your Doctor?
Does your Doctor trust you?
I read a birth story the other day. The woman mentioned that she was not only seeing a CPM, but she was seeing an OB as well. I believe the CPM knew she was seeing the OB, but the OB fully believed that this woman would be delivering her child at the hospital with the OB in attendance. The woman felt she needed to do this based on a previous medical history and wanting to have certain lab tests and screenings performed. (in another entry I'll get into why CPMs can't order tests – they aren't doctors and aren't practicing medicine!)
With patients not telling their physicians the whole story, is it any wonder that they don't trust their patients until they have really gotten to know us? I am thankful that I have a family physician that knows my family. I worry every time I go to the ER, or see a new physician that someone will think I am beating my children. My family physician has seen them in action and knows what little monkeys I give birth to! Our physician knows that when my 8 y/o comes in and says he fell off the ladder to his loft, he really did. I often wonder how believable the truth really sounds.
I remember having to “prove” myself to an OB. We moved to a new town when I was 5 or 6 months pregnant with my second child. I wanted a VBAC and the OB said all the right things, but in the end I had a 2nd cesarean. They said the baby's heart rate was too low. I had the same OB with my third child and again wanted a VBAC. This time I hired a doula. The baby's heart rate dropped a little during pushes (normal) and the OB said that since she knew from the past that I would let her do a cesarean if necessary that we could go a little longer than we did last time. WHAT!? Why make the situation sound worse to get your way? BTW, baby 4 was born at home, and because we moved to MO, and because we need to screen for a specific and rare defect, babies 5 and 6 were born in town at the hospital.
Why can't we trust one another to tell the truth and to tell the WHOLE truth? One reason is that as citizens of MO we have to go underground to find the best care.
If we lived in a state where midwives were able to attend homebirths, just think of the differences. A woman could decide she wanted a homebirth with a midwife, but she still wants certain prenatal screenings, etc. A midwife, who doesn't practice medicine, could send a woman to a physician along with records of prenatal care and the woman could get medical care from the physician AND the physician would have all the information. A woman, like me, could get a fetal echo cardiogram to rule out congenital heart defects. My baby and I could make an appointments for another echo once the baby arrived and I would have records of prenatal care. We wouldn't have the hospital threatening us if we didn't give up the name of our midwife, because it would all be above board and legal.
So many people are being hurt by the lack of above board homebirths attended by CPMs in the state of midwifery. It's not just the midwives who can't earn a living out in the open. It's the mothers, babies, fathers, siblings, and yes, even the doctors who suffer when we all can't be open, honest and trusting with one another about the best care choices and the best medical choices for those involved.
-deanna
Sunday, April 15, 2007
HOMEBIRTH PETITION - PLEASE SIGN!
-deanna
A woman's right to give birth how and with whom she chooses is on the line. There is a bill pending right now in the Missouri House and Senate that will allow for Certified Professional Midwives to legally practice in the state, similar to the laws of 40 other states. (Senate Bill 303 and House Bill 503) Midwifery is truly the OLDEST profession for women.
Currently it is not legal to practice midwifery in Missouri due to others wanting to control how women give birth. In fact it is a felony for a midwife to deliver a baby at home even with the consent of the mother!
All of the well designed medical studies show homebirth with a professional midwife to be equally safe to hospital birth for healthy women. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) recommend increasing the role of midwives, as does the "Healthy People 2010" project in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Whether you chose to give birth at home or in the hospital does not matter. It only matters that you support the option to be available for women. Please sign the petition on the link below and let your legislators know that you want them to vote yes for legal professional midwifery in Missouri. It is urgent that you do this immediately as time is running out!
www.friendsofmomidwives.org
www.missourimidwivesassociation.org
www.showmefreedompac.org
Click Here for the Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/MOMW/petition.html
I received the following and wanted to pass it on. The link to the petition is at the end as well.
I received the following and wanted to pass it on. The link to the petition is at the end as well.
-deanna
A woman's right to give birth how and with whom she chooses is on the line. There is a bill pending right now in the Missouri House and Senate that will allow for Certified Professional Midwives to legally practice in the state, similar to the laws of 40 other states. (Senate Bill 303 and House Bill 503) Midwifery is truly the OLDEST profession for women.
Currently it is not legal to practice midwifery in Missouri due to others wanting to control how women give birth. In fact it is a felony for a midwife to deliver a baby at home even with the consent of the mother!
All of the well designed medical studies show homebirth with a professional midwife to be equally safe to hospital birth for healthy women. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) recommend increasing the role of midwives, as does the "Healthy People 2010" project in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Whether you chose to give birth at home or in the hospital does not matter. It only matters that you support the option to be available for women. Please sign the petition on the link below and let your legislators know that you want them to vote yes for legal professional midwifery in Missouri. It is urgent that you do this immediately as time is running out!
Click Here for the Petition:
Here is a link to find out who your MO legislators are. Put their names down on the petition if you can.
You will need your full zip code to find them. Here is the link to find out your full zip.
Please forward to anyone you know living in Missouri.
Thank you!
For more information, check out:www.friendsofmomidwives.org
www.missourimidwivesassociation.org
www.showmefreedompac.org
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Cost of heath care
We got a couple of bills in the mail yesterday. The bills themselves weren't surprises, but the amounts sure were.
My 14 month son had an ultrasound done to see if his testicles had descended. My cost? $400 for just the hospital. I have yet to get the radiologist's bill.
My 3 year old daughter had dental work done under general anesthesia at Children's Mercy South. Cost for the 3-4 hours? $8900. This does not include the dentist bill or the anesthesiologist's bill. I will have to pay $2000 of this amount.
My insurance has a $4000 out of pocket limit, and having a baby makes me pay it ALL. I can't even remember what the total bill was the last time we had a baby. Odin thinks between the hospital, Dr. and the labs they love to run, it was close to $10,000 for both me and baby. Personally, I think it was closer to $8000, but either way it's lots of money.
The last time I had a midwife attended birth my total cost for both midwife and supplies was under $700. BIG DIFFERENCE!
Midwives spend more time with their clients than a physician. The midwife is there during prenatal visits to educate the mother. A typical prenatal visit with a midwife lasts 2-3 times longer than a visit with a physician (although it may take longer at the Dr.'s office if you have a long wait!). A midwife spends as much time as necessary with a mother during her labor and birth. A physician spends little time during the labor and comes in to catch the baby at the end.
Here's the question: Why does it cost SO MUCH MORE to have a physician attended birth than a midwife attended homebirth?
-deanna
We got a couple of bills in the mail yesterday. The bills themselves weren't surprises, but the amounts sure were.
My 14 month son had an ultrasound done to see if his testicles had descended. My cost? $400 for just the hospital. I have yet to get the radiologist's bill.
My 3 year old daughter had dental work done under general anesthesia at Children's Mercy South. Cost for the 3-4 hours? $8900. This does not include the dentist bill or the anesthesiologist's bill. I will have to pay $2000 of this amount.
My insurance has a $4000 out of pocket limit, and having a baby makes me pay it ALL. I can't even remember what the total bill was the last time we had a baby. Odin thinks between the hospital, Dr. and the labs they love to run, it was close to $10,000 for both me and baby. Personally, I think it was closer to $8000, but either way it's lots of money.
The last time I had a midwife attended birth my total cost for both midwife and supplies was under $700. BIG DIFFERENCE!
Midwives spend more time with their clients than a physician. The midwife is there during prenatal visits to educate the mother. A typical prenatal visit with a midwife lasts 2-3 times longer than a visit with a physician (although it may take longer at the Dr.'s office if you have a long wait!). A midwife spends as much time as necessary with a mother during her labor and birth. A physician spends little time during the labor and comes in to catch the baby at the end.
Here's the question: Why does it cost SO MUCH MORE to have a physician attended birth than a midwife attended homebirth?
-deanna
Friday, April 13, 2007
I forgot about this one! - Toenails: a comparative argument
I'm famous! Well, not really, but it's nice to be quoted. Check out Kolbi's page for more midwifery information and discussion.
Here's my toenail argument.
Keep in mind that with all circular types of arguments, you need to be aware of whom you are speaking with, the mood in the room, time constraints, etc...
I was trimming the children's toenails and told them about how great grandpa had to have his toenails trimmed in the hospital when it hit me - this is the same thing as childbirth needing to happen in many places.
Think about trimming toenails for a moment. Most of us trim our own at home and help our children. Some need help and have someone assist them at home. Others have to go to a Doctor's office and still others need to have it done in a hospital setting.
So, how is the decision made as to where to cut toenails?
Each person makes the decision based on his or her health history. If there are issues that need to be addressed, than it is discussed with the appropriate health care professional. Diabetes and bleeding disorders are two reasons I know of.
Just because my grandfather had this problem, doesn't mean I do. Should I have to have my toenails trimmed in a hospital? Should we legislate that all toenails must be trimmed by a doctor?
SHIFT OVER TO CHILDBIRTH
Each person weighs their health history and circumstances. Low risk, good history? Why not have the baby at home? If there are concerns over certain things in a health history, why not have a hospital birth with a midwife, a family practice doctor, or an OB? And last, but not least, we have the perinatologist for those super high risk births.
Really now, if the legislators are saying no to CPMs, shouldn't they be legislating that all births be performed by perinatologists? (how do you think that would go over with OBs, and family doctors who think and say it is not a money issue?
So in a HUGE nutshell, that is the toenail argument and it really does flow better in person!
-deanna
I'm famous! Well, not really, but it's nice to be quoted. Check out Kolbi's page for more midwifery information and discussion.
Here's my toenail argument.
Keep in mind that with all circular types of arguments, you need to be aware of whom you are speaking with, the mood in the room, time constraints, etc...
I was trimming the children's toenails and told them about how great grandpa had to have his toenails trimmed in the hospital when it hit me - this is the same thing as childbirth needing to happen in many places.
Think about trimming toenails for a moment. Most of us trim our own at home and help our children. Some need help and have someone assist them at home. Others have to go to a Doctor's office and still others need to have it done in a hospital setting.
So, how is the decision made as to where to cut toenails?
Each person makes the decision based on his or her health history. If there are issues that need to be addressed, than it is discussed with the appropriate health care professional. Diabetes and bleeding disorders are two reasons I know of.
Just because my grandfather had this problem, doesn't mean I do. Should I have to have my toenails trimmed in a hospital? Should we legislate that all toenails must be trimmed by a doctor?
SHIFT OVER TO CHILDBIRTH
Each person weighs their health history and circumstances. Low risk, good history? Why not have the baby at home? If there are concerns over certain things in a health history, why not have a hospital birth with a midwife, a family practice doctor, or an OB? And last, but not least, we have the perinatologist for those super high risk births.
Really now, if the legislators are saying no to CPMs, shouldn't they be legislating that all births be performed by perinatologists? (how do you think that would go over with OBs, and family doctors who think and say it is not a money issue?
So in a HUGE nutshell, that is the toenail argument and it really does flow better in person!
-deanna
Check out this article!
Drugs, Knives, and Midwives
The U.S. maternity care system is in crisis. A grassroots movement to save it is under way.
Utne Reader March / April 2007 Issue
-deanna
He said what?!
It has come to my attention that a legislator said that “people can't be trusted to make the right choice. Government needs to take care of them.” My goodness! While I really hope this wasn't actually said, I know that it probably was in some shape or form. As I heard this through the grapevine, I cannot verify which legislator said this. I will however say that I am pleased that neither my Representative, nor my Senator has been linked to this comment.
Let's assume for a moment that this was not only said, but that there really are legislators who believe that government must take care of people because people make poor choices. If these legislators are correct, we are all in trouble.
Last time I checked the qualifications of elected officials, I found that they all must be residents of the district they are representing. This doesn't say they must be human people, but for my argument's sake and using common sense, I will assume that resident doesn't include cows, ducks, sheep, dogs, or according to my 8 y/o son, robots. So, if I have this right, Government is made up entirely by, drum roll please, PEOPLE!
I'm now going to use a word that many parents hate. STUPID. According to the dictionary, the word stupid means, “lacking common sense.” In all fairness, this is probably one of the most appropriate arguments in which to use this word.
According to this legislator, people are stupid. They don't make good choices and can't be trusted. Keep reading, this gets a little bumpy. Trust me, I do have a point. Every time I use the word people, I will preface it with stupid.
Stupid people run for office.
Stupid people vote stupid people into office.
Stupid people are now legislators making decisions for the rest of the stupid people.
The Stupid people who are legislators think that everyone else is stupid and needs to be taken care of.
Stupid people make laws that IMO are lacking in common sense (criminalizing midwifery).
New stupid people are elected into office by other stupid people.
These new stupid people refuse to vote for legislation that IMO makes sense (HB 303).
So now we have law enforcement (once again – stupid people) and judges and juries (what do you know more stupid people) involved.
Within this scenario, we are all in heaps and heaps of trouble.
I would much rather believe that the public (people with intelligence and common sense) elect individuals with intelligence and common sense into office. These legislators work diligently and use evidence and common sense to help shape our society. In this scenario, I don't see how any legislator using evidence and common sense would vote against legalizing and regulating midwifery in Missouri. It really blows my mind that any legislator would vehemently stand in the way of this bill even getting to a vote. So my question is, do the legislators standing in the way of the midwifery bill think that the citizens of MO are stupid people?
Once again, I have no confirmation as to who said this to begin with, or from what party it may have come from. However, it does make me wonder.
-deanna
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kids, the capital, and midwifery
If you have never taken your kids to the Missouri State Capital, I highly recommend it. I've had my kids up there in all kinds of weather, on busy days, and on slow days. For those of you who have been around in the daytime, I recommend you stay late on a day that the legislators continue their session into the late evening. The attitude in the building dramatically shifts. The seemingly uptight legislators and lobbyists relax a little and don't seem to put on quite the "show of the politician." Antsy children are smiled at and engaged, and if you're lucky you may see my kids playing with a beach ball or Frisbee in the halls. This is the government that I love. "Of the people, by the people." Let's not forget "FOR THE PEOPLE."
Now for the crux of the matter, how in the world is opposing SB 303 here in MO, "FOR THE PEOPLE?" Last I checked, this bill gives the option of a trained, skilled, and practiced midwife to families in MO.
I have had babies, several in fact, six to be exact. The best, and by far the easiest was with a midwife, on my living room floor, under the Christmas tree. Why is it that I can go to more states in the United States and not worry that my midwife may be prosecuted for committing a felony, but in MO, I have to sneak around and "covertly" have a homebirth out of fear for my midwife? Since when does my family, my midwife, and most importantly my unborn child not fall into the category of people, as in "for the people."
Give us a chance, sit down, and let it get to a vote.
-deanna
If you have never taken your kids to the Missouri State Capital, I highly recommend it. I've had my kids up there in all kinds of weather, on busy days, and on slow days. For those of you who have been around in the daytime, I recommend you stay late on a day that the legislators continue their session into the late evening. The attitude in the building dramatically shifts. The seemingly uptight legislators and lobbyists relax a little and don't seem to put on quite the "show of the politician." Antsy children are smiled at and engaged, and if you're lucky you may see my kids playing with a beach ball or Frisbee in the halls. This is the government that I love. "Of the people, by the people." Let's not forget "FOR THE PEOPLE."
Now for the crux of the matter, how in the world is opposing SB 303 here in MO, "FOR THE PEOPLE?" Last I checked, this bill gives the option of a trained, skilled, and practiced midwife to families in MO.
I have had babies, several in fact, six to be exact. The best, and by far the easiest was with a midwife, on my living room floor, under the Christmas tree. Why is it that I can go to more states in the United States and not worry that my midwife may be prosecuted for committing a felony, but in MO, I have to sneak around and "covertly" have a homebirth out of fear for my midwife? Since when does my family, my midwife, and most importantly my unborn child not fall into the category of people, as in "for the people."
Give us a chance, sit down, and let it get to a vote.
-deanna
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