Hear the Roar Aotearoa

MC Fiona Herman opens the day
MC Fiona Herman opens the day. Photo by Sheena Byrom

A one day conference on why kindness, compassion and respect matter in maternity care.

Several Auckland HomeBirth Community volunteers attended the Hear the Roar Aotearoa conference at WINTEC in Hamilton on Tuesday. We had the wonderful privilege to listen to speakers Ross Lawrensen (Professor of Population Health at Waikato University), Soo Downe (OBE, Professor of Midwifery Studies at the University of Central Lancashire and Author/Editor of The Roar Behind the Silence), Sheena Byrom (OBE, Midwifery Consultant and Author/Editor of The Roar Behind the Silence), Robin Youngson (Cofounder of Hearts in Healthcare, Anesthetist), Tanya Maloney (Commissioner, Women’s Health Transformation, Waikato District Health Board), Aidan O’Donnell (Consultant Anaesthetist, Lead Obstetric Anaesthetist, Waikato Hospital and Author) and Alison Barrett (OB/GYN).

The day started with a beautiful and poignant welcome from Tame Pokaia (kaumātua for WINTEC, Trust Waikato and Hamilton City Council). While it’s difficult to pinpoint any one great thing about the day, the overall feel was that of validating what many of us in the home birth arena already know – that compassion, kindness and respect are essential to maternity care. We also appreciated hearing varied methods about getting our message across, growing as a movement and being a force for change.

Truly, the atmosphere of around 200 people passionate about improving maternity services was electric with many heartfelt tears during the powerful and often emotional day. We are again reminded of the power and strength of coming together, united in a common cause and enlivened with passion, love and courage in our hearts.

Why Do Bad Maternity Systems Happen to Good People by Alison Barrett

Healing Relationships in Maternity Care by Robin Youngson

 

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