Category — Uncategorized

Not in the opinion of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As a follow up to last year’s passage of legislation that would require evidence-based informed consent for all women seeking home birth Evidence Based-It’s Now the Law, the Virginia Regulatory Townhall posted the first of two public comment opportunities.
Please read the following open letter to Midwifery Advocates and take a moment to post a comment to the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding your thoughts on informed choice in maternity care.

Dear Midwifery Advocates, Researchers, and Educators -

I am writing on behalf of the Certified Professional Midwives licensed in Virginia to ask for your support involving establishment of regulatory precedent for evidenced-based informed consent for women seeking maternity care.  As some of you may already know, last year the VA General Assembly passed a bill that required CPMs to provided evidenced-based informed disclosure to all women seeking home birth. You can read the history of how this happened here:  http://midwifemonologues.com/making-lemonade-a-recipe-to-support-hb-2163/

Risk factors that were listed in the law included vbac, twins, and breech presentation but also allowed for “other high risk pregnancies”.  The law does not state that these conditions would prohibit CPMs from attending a woman at home, just that the CPM will be required to provide clear, evidence-based informed consent before doing so.

The process that follows a statutory mandate for regulatory change in Virginia is open to the public and participation is simple.  The notice of intended regulatory action (NOIRA) has recently been posted to the Virginia Townhall Website.  The summary and details of the guidelines for this regulatory change are listed in a pdf (here) and there is now a 30 day public comment period.  Comments can be submitted by any member of the public, both in Virginia and outside of the state.

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The monthly Birth Circle meetings sponsored by Birth Matters Charlottesville have become incredibly popular in the midwifery community.  These informal gatherings generally involve birth stories, resources sharing, and building connections among expecting and new moms in the Charlottesville area.  The group is not midwife or home birth exclusive. In fact, the compelling nature of the group comes from the respect of all perspectives on birth choices and options.

The gathering is girl heavy.  And at the request of a few regulars who want to bring their guys for a fun night out, Birth Matters is sponsoring a Couples Birth Circle on January 23 at 7pm at the Body Mind Spirit yoga studio at 923 Preston Ave in the Preston Plaza (next door to Integral Yoga Natural Foods). 

Can’t wait to hear how it goes!