Mobile Midwives

'Marge brings to light and into clear focus the many and varied facets of the diamonds that midwives are, sparkling in their own unique and precious way. Marge's stories highlight the immense value to women and their families, lucky enough to receive the dedicated care of a midwife, especially when the midwife is known to the woman in a shared experience. This book took me back to my days as a case-load midwife where I had the great privilege of sharing so many births, each a miracle and special in its own way and equally important when the outcomes were not as expected or planned. To truly 'be with' women during a life-changing and almost always life affirming experience, has been a most rewarding aspect of my working life.

By recording such an important, and progressive time in the care and lives of childbearing women, Marge has provided a powerful and extremely important record of history. As I reflect on many current birthing services, it is sad to see we have lost so much of the progress we made and I truly hope this book may cause others to pause and reflect. I fear the pendulum has swung too far to a much more medicalised model for care for most childbearing women. I hope all practising midwives and health professionals read this to appreciate what safe, women-centred care can achieve, with enhanced birth outcomes for women where mothers, babies and families have a real chance to thrive.

Thank you, Marge, for caring for me in my last two births and bringing these precious memories to the pages of this book. The bond between midwife and mother is extraordinarily strong and endures over time and great distance.

Essential reading for all health professionals involved in the care of childbearing women and her family. Women-centred care has the power to heal past trauma, build families and improve outcomes for women, their babies and families.' Hon Ruth Forrest MLC, Independent Member for Murchison, Parliament of Tasmania

'As a recently retired midwife, following a 40 year career, I found reading Mobile Midwives: Transforming Birth Options to be a truly intuitive and inspirational memoir that I believe will interest midwives, midwives-to-be and women giving birth.

Mobile Midwives is an educational and motivational commentary for midwives in all stages of their careers. It also details what women should consider for either a homebirth or hospital birth. The author emphasises the importance of antenatal education and preparation for birth for women and their birth partners. 

Mobile Midwives highlights the dynamic energy that is needed to create change, and how four midwives advocated for and achieved choices for birthing women in the Top End of Australia. Choices that included place of birth and midwifery models of care.' Julie Thrift, Senior Midwife, Darwin 

'Mobile Midwives is proof of the determination and achievement of a group of midwives who wanted to facilitate safe childbirth choices for the women of Darwin.

The group worked so hard together to make contact with government ministers, doctors and also various women's groups to provide the safe care the women wanted and needed.

The birth stories are evidence of how well these midwives gave their care and also how much the women trusted, respected and appreciated their midwife.

Marge Foley has much experience in all areas of midwifery care, which gives this book the kudos it deserves.' Mary Norton, Senior Midwife, Great Britain