I congratulate the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) for standing up to what is being considered as “abusing the system” where management and induction of births are concerned within Mater Dei Hospital.

It has been an open secret for quite a few years now that in Malta the rate of inductions andCaesarean sections is unacceptably high compared with other countries. It is certainly not a result of Maltese mothers’ inability to birth their babies naturally.

Irrespective of the time of the year, as the MUMN claims, the prevailing system is neither in the best interest of the midwives, and even less so in the best interest of the mother and her baby.

The union’s claims are highly justifiable, since midwives cannot offer the best care to the new mother and her family, and hospital space is very limited, putting the dignity of the mother at stake.

Let me highlight what may be truly in the best interest of the birthing mother, her baby and her immediate family to avoid: unnecessary high level of pain when the mother’s body is not yet ready to give birth; the resulting need for more painkillers and medication which could otherwise be unnecessary; the probability of the birth resulting in a Caesarean section, a major operation; the effect of medication on both mother and baby, such as less satisfaction with the birth experience and more difficulty with breastfeeding a drowsy baby; the father’s role becomes superfluous; the mother needs more help physically and psychologically; when she goes home with her new baby, the load of support falls on family members who may not be prepared enough; and the effect of the mother’s possibly negative birth experience on subsequent births.

So it is not only a question of increasing the workforce in the labour ward, nor of increasing space available for births within Mater Dei.

Such problems are easily catered for with more money made available to increase or ‘import’ staff and make space by building another floor, so to speak.

Both solutions are more than welcome if they contribute to the safety and dignity of the mother, as claimed by the MUMN.

We all know pregnancy is not an illness, but pregnant and birthing mothers are highly vulnerable when it comes to making choices during pregnancy, and especially during the birth.

This is where proper education and support by staff comes in. This needs time and great dedication but reaps great rewards for the new family for many years after the birth.

Deep down, it is truly a question of giving an overhaul to the whole system in general. Only then, can family-centred-maternity care, in the truest sense, be offered as a choice to new parents in Malta.

It does not take much for parents today to get to know what other countries offer and what other countries’ standards are.

If our claim of a highly advanced and state-of-the-art health system is true, then we have no choicebut to take seriously what other countries have long proved true: for longterm best results within the family and the community in general.

The birth of a baby is not considered to be simply getting a baby out of the mother and sending her home with a bundle to look after.