Does this classify as giving up?

547 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by jengacnm, Mar 16, 2007

Charmie981

Discussion Starter · Mar 16, 2007

I'm just about fed up with trying to get midwifery going here in Northern Louisiana. We have some of the most restrictive practice laws in the nation, and while midwives are licensed, it is darned near impossible to get a license issued and maintain your license in good standing because good standing requires a backup relationship with an OB who will see your clients twice in their pregnancies *and* go on the record agreeing that the client is a good candidate for a homebirth. If I ever do get licensed here, I will be the only midwife in the area, where there is a moderate desire for midwives (the midwife before me did 10+ births in her first year and I would probably have the same, at least). I'm also looking at the possibility of becoming an in-network provider through an insurance connection I have, which would offer more births, though at a lesser price. So many ifs, though...

DH and I are seriously considering a move to Austin, TX, a state where I already have a license (because right now I'm only 20 minutes from the Texas border and because I completed my apprenticeship and training in Texas).

Part of me feels like I'm abandoning women here by even considering this and it feels like I'm just giving up. On the other hand, I've spent the last 5 months in a depression staying up nights thinking about how I'm going to find a backup doctor and practice here, whether my license will be suspended the moment I don't call a doctor because a woman's water has broken and her baby isn't engaged (yes, that's in our laws). I don't know if I can make a career here without going crazy.

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Rockies5

· #2 · Mar 16, 2007

so move 20 mins inside the border and women there can travel to you

I seriously don't know the answer you are looking for, but if it's an uphill battle and you are helping NO ONE right now...how is moving so that you can assist moms with safe births quitting??

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Charmie981

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 16, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockies5

so move 20 mins inside the border and women there can travel to you

ROFL...I should have included that 20 minutes inside the border is not an option because it is Deep East Texas, which is the most backward-minded place I've ever been to in my whole entire life. They didn't integrate until 1971. SERIOUSLY. The N word is still considered appropriate by 75% of residents. I cannot raise my kids there.

I'm not looking for any particular answer or anyone to give me permission, I'm just wondering if I should run away for fight harder...I feel so frustrated right now and I don't want to make any rash decisions based on that, I guess...

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riomidwife

· #4 · Mar 16, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charmie981

Part of me feels like I'm abandoning women here by even considering this and it feels like I'm just giving up. On the other hand, I've spent the last 5 months in a depression staying up nights thinking about how I'm going to find a backup doctor and practice here, whether my license will be suspended the moment I don't call a doctor because a woman's water has broken and her baby isn't engaged (yes, that's in our laws).

Yep, those kind of regs would drive me out! Or underground! Any chance of revising the laws?

Remember to be gentle with yourself here. As we all know, practicing midwifery in this country is, in most places, an expensive hobby that carries with it the risks of medical persecution, legal prosection, and a continually disrupted family life. We must find a balance that actually works for us. For some of us that balance is acheivable in an ileegal state. Others find it in the most regulated of states.

When I was in the throws of an excruciatingly difficullt decision making process once, someone advised me that sometimes when we can't make a decsion it is because it is not yet time TO make a decision; when the decison must be made it will come more readily. I keep this in mind when my impatience and frustration grows. Time.

The good news is, women and families everywhere need more midwives--
So wherever you continue practicing you will be doing good.

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Rockies5

· #5 · Mar 16, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charmie981

They didn't integrate until 1971. SERIOUSLY. The N word is still considered appropriate by 75% of residents. I cannot raise my kids

:

Ah. I understand not being able to give up, but sometimes it isn't the right TIME. Let your work simmer while you pursue other options, go back to it when you've recharged.

I know I'd love to need to do so many things, but it isn't the time. Banging my head on the wall will only hurt me and my family so I've got to let the fight go.

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Carolinamidwife

· #6 · Mar 16, 2007

I think I understand where you're coming from and I don't think you're giving up. I recently moved from a perfectly legal state (Texas, actually) to an illegal one and I really regret it. Fighting the system is exhausting when all you want to do is catch babies.

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mwherbs

· #7 · Mar 16, 2007

practice in Texas and have your gals go to a motel there-- live where you live--
work on changing the laws-- try to find an old guy- someone nearly retired that might help you, owns his own building doesn't work in a group practice-- might have to put up with a certain amount of old fashioned ideas,-- but maybe get you through the licensing hoops--does it have to be a OB or can it be a GP, DO or a chiropractor?

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jengacnm

· #8 · Mar 16, 2007

Backward though Illinois can be, your post is a good reminder that I don't have it so bad.

You're not giving up-you're choosing your best possible path. You can't make yourself responsible for childbirth reform in Northern LA, and that's what it's going to take in order to work. Staying where you are, feeling as you do now, is not "sticking with it", it's martyrdom.

Perhaps, if (when?)

there is a cry of protest when you leave, you could encourage your former clients to get together and create a coalition work on legislation. Your departure could be the impetus needed to get things changed!

Hugs to you-

Jennifer

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