Be the change you want to see

We have covered a lot of ground together over the last three weeks.

During the first week we clearly saw the impact of the current maternity care system. We were then inspired by the Integrality Framework for relationship-based maternity care and how it’s been put into practice in different areas around the world. Over the last week you developed your own goals and action steps… but it does not end here.

You may have begun this course not knowing much about maternity care and how you can contribute, or you may have joined as a seasoned professional or maternity consumer advocate. Wherever you started, you now have the knowledge, tools and a framework that you can use to make a difference. You’ve gathered resources and shared stories, and have a plan for where you can go from here.

Think back to the final image of Janet in her video and recall how sad and disconnected she was from her baby: this is the experience of millions of women around the world today. We also know there are many preventable maternal and newborn deaths. There is a better way – a way that can change lives. Change in maternity care can happen and you can be part of it. You can help.

While it’s women, babies, and maternity care we’ve focused on in this short course, our larger purpose is about transforming our world. For humans, that world starts around the time of birth. Until we get it right with maternity care and the very beginnings of our lives, how can we expect our world to work? We all have a part to play in making our world a better place to live.

So what can you do?

You can start by maintaining the relationships you’ve formed with others within this course, and you can create relationships locally. Like and follow the Midwifery@Griffith Facebook page to continue the conversation beyond the course. (Remember, unless you’ve upgraded, your access to the course will expire in a few weeks.)

You can keep focused on what inspires you to make changes in maternity care, and you can inspire others. Follow your plan! Together we can make a difference.

If you could really help save lives, why wouldn’t you?

Over to you

Where to from here? Share your own ideas, thoughts, plans or goals moving forward.