Song to Nicola Roxon

[MagikalRose]

This song gives me chills! :) The lyrics in the chorus are so powerful and you can tell that every word is meant.

[DigbyCat]

Roxon is just as ugly as Gillard...

[Gregariouspeach]

You know, the chorus of this song is really, really catchy. My husband and I start singing it when we're stopped at traffic lights. At first he was like "georgia, are you listening to weird political songs?" but now he's just as into it as me! I love it. Thank you! I didn't have a homebirth but it's my body, my baby and our safety, you're right, I can choose! I had a birth centre birth (you can watch it on my stream if you like! haha) but next time I want to stay at home.

[weathergirl01]

theatre in the same building though.

I do want women to have the choice. I don't want people going into it for emotional reasons not being clear about what a shoulder dystocia/haemorrhage/meconium aspiration (shall I go on?) involve, and also what they look like if they happen in your living room.

[weathergirl01]

so they can get compensation and stuff when things go wrong, when the reason that's getting more difficult to get is because there are complications of home births that would be preventable in hospital. That's why it's getting more difficult. Women who give birth at home should know the risks, NOT just "trust the midwife" and not expect the same insurances.

I am NOT antimidwife by the way, when I give birth I don't want anyone there except a midwife. I want the doctor, anaesthetist, and

[weathergirl01]

consent, so we're on the same page there, 100%.

And actually, if women, knowing all the risks, decide to stay at home, it's not a decision I would agree with, but I do think it should be allowed if women really want this. What I have an issue with is women who want to give birth at home, argue strongly and emotively about it, but actually don't know the first thing about the risks and say things like " I just trust the midwife". And also to expect the midwives to be completely insured

[weathergirl01]

I'm sorry to hear of your bad time. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear, of course there are necessary treatments for prolonged labour or postmaturity, for hospital and home births alike so that's not really the issue. What I meant for no time limit is that women aren't rushed out after birth if they're not ready, and not sent home if they want to stay. Of course I COMPLETELY agree with you that you shouldn't have been treated without respect and should never have had anything done without your

[mamaof4under4]

This is an incredible powerful song!!! I'm gong to ask my hubby to learn the cords to play for my up coming HB. Very beautiful!

[weathergirl01]

And wow, Viv292, "if" I am being honest? It would be pretty sad of me to sit here and lie to people I don't even know to get them to come into hospital. It's completely honest. Message me if you want to know where I work.

And yes, you're right about the UK having a low rate of home births. The govt at the moment is trying to encourage it in many areas but I have to say from my experience (and I know that is not saying much) it hasn't been that popular with women really. Not around here.

[freakypetOZ]

Well, your hospy 'sounds' great WG. Pity MY hospy birth was SO traumatic I got depression, failure to bond, breastfeeding was an auto fail, 2 wks in NICU & I nearly suicided! Having met /spoken to THOUSANDS of women where their hospy births SUCKED, does this mean we are all lying/delusional/selfish? Whereas, My home birth was heaven sent. Everything I could have asked for & more. I REFUSE to have some knob tell me I can't do that again!! NO-ONE has the RIGHT to remove MY CHOICES!! Understand?

[edaj84]

@freakypetOZ YAY :D totally agree.

[weathergirl01]

calmly, no stress, all a discussion between equals, no paternalism. He rescanned her and the baby had turned. I saw her come back in the next day and had a completely calm natural birth.

This is just to demonstrate hospitals don't have to be a place of stress and pressure like is sometimes portrayed.There are hospitals and doctors who think of it as a huge and wonderful part of their job to ensure that birth is the beautiful, medicine free event women want it to be.I know that's what I think.

[edaj84]

@weathergirl01 why couldn't she have birthed the breech baby?? There is absolutely no reason generally.

[weathergirl01]

OK here's an example. I remember very well when I was just starting, a young girl, I think she was 16, comes in very pregnant with her first baby. The latest scan had shown that it was breech. She was desperate to avoid a section, and was crying when she came in because her mother had told her she would get one. The consultant listened to her, told her about what he was going to do, got some olive oil and did an ECV - gently massaging the stomach to encourage the baby to turn. All this very

[weathergirl01]

And having women be perfectly happy (and safe) with their birth is the reason I went into obstetrics to begin with. I don't force anything on anyone. I discuss everything as an equal with every woman. We offer loads of choice and are super flexible. And the midwives here are amazing, a good proportion of the births here are completely midwife led, from admission to discharge, with no doctor even seeing them. (Apart from a paedy person to check the baby). So maybe it's not as bad as you think!

[VIV292]

Wow, which hosp?

If you are being honest, its a great step for women who wish to birth in hospital.

(Though there willl always be women who choose to birth at home no matter how much respect they may get in hosp)

[edaj84]

@weathergirl01 you say you offer women loads of choice, the choice I want is to not walk out the door of my home and through the doors of a hospital

[weathergirl01]

have as long as they want. They come when they want, they leave when they want. I have never once seen a caesarean that was for "no reason" at all. I have seen mothers refuse a caesarean and they then have a vaginal birth, no forcing women to have a caesarean. There is no ARBITARY date in my hospital, each women is considered individually, and everything is discussed with her because even though we are medical we want the women to have the birth they want. I don't see my hospital as a risk.

[edaj84]

@weathergirl01 there is most certainly a time limit on how long you can labour, there is alimit on how long you can stay pregnant, plenty of harm, both physical and emotional was caused to me and my son by a major tertiary hospital in Australia. I was given drugs without my consent, I was treated like dirt, spoken down to, scare tactics were used to try and get me to agree to interventions

[weathergirl01]

And as for harm being caused by hospitals - I don't know what things are like in Oz, or if I'm in a particularly good one, but women are not made to stay on their back, they are encouraged to be an move where and how they want - in a pool if they want. Epidurals are for pain relief, yes they have a small risk of haematoma but this is vanishingly rare - I have never once seen one. People are not "being forced to birth within an arbitrary amount of time" in my hospital, there's no limit, they

[weathergirl01]

OK,I think we've sorted this! I'm a doctor, I've spent my life learning about obstetrics,I've delivered a LOT of babies.  I wasn't asking to be taught about management of emergencies from you I have spent years learning this, none of which has been from youtube! I was wondering if you actually knew the specifics of the emergencies.From your last few posts it seems like you just trust the midwife and don't know the specifics of what they would do or emergencies. That is what I was interested in.

[CurrawongFlies]

Like I said, WG, you have a chance to change the world. All I can say is research , research, research. When an emergency situation arises in your work, observe WHY it happened in the first place. Think about how a midwife may have dealt with it at home. Ask homebirth midwives, not me.

[CurrawongFlies]

I have personally heard of PPHs, shoulder dystocias, cord prolapses, resuscitations being treated successfully at home.

Now, could we please put hospital birth under the same scrutiny? What are the risks to mother and baby of epidural, pethidine, being forced to lie on your back to birth, being forced to birth within an arbitrary amount of time, being induced at an arbitrary gestation date, caesarean for no reason, etc etc etc. ALL of which could be the CAUSE of an emergency situation.

[CurrawongFlies]

3. Midwives carry equipment and can treat emergency situations at home. If they can't be treated at home then transfer to hospital is possible. Midwives are trained to pick up when a birth isn't normal and act preemptively.

I gave you that website so that you can contact Independent Midwives UK and find out exactly what they do in an emergency situation. You could even use Google! Check it out, you might find the answer to your questions.

[CurrawongFlies]

*sigh* As i said I am a birth consumer not a midwife. I cannot answer your specific questions. At the risk of repeating myself...what I do know is:

1. There are several studies from around the world that show home birth is as safe if not safer than hospital birth.

2. A lot of emergency situations are at least excarcerbated and sometimes caused by hospital intervention. Therefore they are less likely to happen at home.

[weathergirl01]

I think you have not seen things go horribly wrong with a birth. I've asked a few times but you haven't told me what you think happens in this situation. If you don't know what happens that's fine but then how can you say it is safe?

The same problem with your website. "If the unexpected should happen, all midwives are trained in emergency resuscitation of both mothers and babies."Nothing more specific.This is my problem. No discussion of risk, as if it won't happen if you don't talk about it.

[CurrawongFlies]

And to all the people who attended the rally: Woohoo! Wasn't the rally great!! Thanks all for singing along to my song, I really felt the solidarity. Our birth, our body, our babies, our choice. As my friend said on her banner: 'Women of the Earth, take back your birth!'

[CurrawongFlies]

I have included a link in the sidebar for the website of Independent Midwives UK. There will be a lot more info if you go looking. Also seek out homebirth midwives who may even work out of your local hospital. All the best with your studies. I hope you become an obstetrician who supports women and babies rather than institutions, insurers and the status quo. X

[CurrawongFlies]

You have an opportunity as a student of obstetrics to open your heart and mind to the world of natural birth and change the status quo of obstetrics forever. Take what you learn from outside your learning institution and tell everyone you know, including your teachers. Pledge to intervene in only necessary cases and support women to birth naturally and in an environment of respect. Midwives are experts on normal birth and should be treated as such with respect.

[CurrawongFlies]

Traumatic hospital births often lead to breastfeeding and bonding issues and PTSD and/or PND. There are a myriad of dangers placed in the way of mothers and babies in hospital and it is a pity these dangers aren't under scrutiny as homebirth is at the moment.

[CurrawongFlies]

For example, induction of women who have gestated an arbitrary amount of days over their 'due date' often leads to the mama needing pain relief because of the extreme and sudden pain and the baby getting distressed because of the intensity of contractions and actually not being ready to come out, which often leads to ventouse/forceps or an emergency caesarean (just one example of unnecessary intervention leading to caesarean).

[CurrawongFlies]

Weathergirl, I can only supply you with anecdotes as a birth consumer. I don't know all the details. Over the years I have been around women who birth at home I have heard of many instances where midwives have treated the baby and/or mother successfully, and if not able, then a transfer to hospital was also successful. You will also find that a lot of emergencies in childbirth are actually caused by interventions performed in hospital.

[kategirl76]

A Wonderfully Inspiring and beautiful song!!!

My heart overflows and goes out to your cause. It is our innate right at human beings to have free will and with that free choice. Especially when it comes to our bodies and bringing a loving human being into this world.

[ChibiYogini]

I was at the rally yesterday and sorry to say that we left before you played - but thank you so much for this inspiring song.

[madammaniac]

BEAUTIFUL!

I was so inspired when I heard you play outside Parliament house in Canberra yesterday!

It was a highlight of the day! I hope Nicola heard EVERY word!

[firesnakepodcast]

WTF?!

Hi ladies and sincere apologies. I'm the 'Paul G' quoted [quoted?!] in the initial comment, I'm responsible for this account and I'm ending this nonsense now. It is [or rather was] shared for technical reasons not trolling/flaming for any reason. Methinks the actual target here is myself, & I've no doubt why. Do I have a comment? I wish I could play any musical instrument, let alone compose a song. Good luck to you all, I've a call to make. [Icon depicting sheepish cringe].

[weathergirl01]

And also, I just wanted to say your song is lovely and I really don't want to come across as a negative horrible person, I completely respect your right to choose and am simply interested from a medical point of view what you think is going to happen when things to tits up. I'm sorry if I am seeming inflammatory, I don't mean to!

[weathergirl01]

The reason why I am so interested in this is that I am a junior doctor working in obstetrics. I have personally seen and treated women with eclampsia, PPHs, and placental abruption who would have died if not for the intervention they got. I have personally seen and treated babies when I was doing paeds that would have died without the immediate input of the paediatricians and the level 3 NICU. I want to find out what SPECIFICALLY would happen at home with these births, in your opinion.

[weathergirl01]

You have seen PPHs and baby rescusitations that have been dealt with at home? What happened? Was everything OK? If they were I would venture to suggest that they were not severe and the women were very lucky. Can you still tell me what would actually happen if a women had a huge PPH at home? How do you deal with a baby not recovering with basic resucitation without a paediatrician and a NICU? Saying to me that they were "treated" makes me very curious. This is what I wanted to find out from you!

[xxfrangipaniqueenxx]

Your song is so moving and so real. Dont let all the negative comments get you.....

My eyes smart every time I hear your song as it reminds me how lucky I was and of the opportunity I want my daughters to have.

See you at the rally ........we will all be singing with pride! :)

[CurrawongFlies]

Whoa, fsp, I think you're on the wrong Youtube channel.

[babycatcher22]

I removed my comment because I decide not to waste my time trying to understand what on the earth you are actually trying to say! You either support the right of women to chose their birthplace/attendant or not! And maybe do some research into homebirth and the current research/statistic be for making your choice!

[CurrawongFlies]

IF something goes wrong and we can't deal with it at home then we transfer. Simple. I'm closer to the obstetric hospital where I live than the nearest birthing centre (where you have to transfer if something goes wrong).

WG, you are in the UK where you have a huge homebirthing program - 2.8% of births nationwide and that amount has risen 54% since 2000. Canada, NZ, the Netherlands all have large homebirthing programs. This issue IS NOT about safety. The Aust. Gov. agrees homebirth is safe.

[CurrawongFlies]

Huh? Did you not read all of my replies? Of course birthers need hospitals, just not in every case. My midwife carries equipment, she doesn't only come with her healing hands and one-on-one care. Yes, things DO go wrong in homebirths. I personally know of PPHs, resuscitations, shoulder dystocias that have been treated at home (funnily enough, shoulder dystocia is often the easiest to deal with - at home you don't have people telling you what position to birth in).

[weathergirl01]

"Women are the expert of their bodies and have the most invested in keeing their baby alive. Hospitals adhere to policy". I wonder if this is the real problem in all this. You don't seem to think that they have anything to offer you. You don't seem to think you will need their services, and if you do, you seem to think that you will have plenty of time to get there. What will happen if things go really, really wrong at home? This was really why I posted to begin with.

[CurrawongFlies]

We don't reject hospitals and obstetrics, we just are researched enough to know that in most births they are not necessary. If something went wrong in my birth either my midwife would deal with it with the large arsenal of equipment she carries or we would transfer to hospital. In that case my trusted IM would remain with me and liaise with hospital staff to get the best outcome for my baby and I.

[CurrawongFlies]

cont...

WG, most homebirthers I know are much better informed than most women when it comes to birth, breastfeeding and mothering. We don't do it lightly and we don't just think of candles and pools. Rest assured that our babies' health is first and foremost in our minds.

[CurrawongFlies]

Women are the expert of their bodies and have the most invested in keeping their baby alive. Hospitals adhere to policy. My first birth (in hospital) was a complete sham with several stupid decisions based on policy being forced on me and my baby. I am sure that if I had homebirthed I and my baby would not have been put through what we were in hospital.

[CurrawongFlies]

cont...

If the Aust. Gov. was worried about the safety of homebirth then they wouldn't have numerous homebirth programs throughout the country. The problem is they are few and far between and only a small number of women in Australia have access to them. Hence the need for private midwifery.

This is a HUMAN RIGHTS issue. Women get to choose what they do with their body. It is of utmost importance that we retain that right.

[CurrawongFlies]

This is my response to Weathergirl. The reason independent midwives lost their insurance in 2001was because of an OBSTETRIC case that sent an insurance company bust. Insurance rates went up and there weren't enough IMs in the pool to afford them. See the article in the sidebar.

This issue isn't about safety. There are plenty of studies to say homebirthing is safe, a recent one from Canada saying LESS COMPLICATIONS than in hospital. See the article in the sidebar.

[MrsHibberd]

Regarding the uterine rupture issue - because this encourages most women do VBAC's at home - as it is a risk that hospitals don't want to deal with. But are you aware the risk of uterine rupture on a well healed scar is equivalent to the risk of rupture in any unscarred woman who has an induced labour? Do we fail to induce women because we're worried about uterine rupture? It can happen to anyone. It happened to my midwife. She ruptured, had a ceaser, is ok. I think you have to weigh the risks.

[MrsHibberd]

Hospital birth centre's a great option, but the problem is they don't cater for the 20% of women who fall outside the margins. I went through a hospital birth centre and was transferred out, because I had so many different carers that no one picked up I was carrying breech - something a private independant midwife would not fail (and didn't fail 2nd time) to pick up. Now, because of that negligence, I'm classed as too high risk anyway, so homebirth is the only way I can birth naturally.

[weathergirl01]

I think that's exactly what I'm talking about! If you needed a section to save the life of your child, you'd "thank god for science". You'd thank god for science in the back of an ambulance, getting progressively iller, in the middle of childbirth, on the way to the hospital? I don't think so. You don't know it's not going to be necessary until the baby is out.

And yes, I think there are too many caesareans, I think some are done unnecessarily. But that's not really the question here is it?

[MrsHibberd]

In reality homebirth is a viable option, because if you have a decent midwife, she will have experience in what to look for and when to transfer to hospital for help, IF it is needed. But a homebirth need not be primitive and there is a lot that can be done at home in an emergency. When I had my homebirth, I had an obstetrician and a midwife who had been assisting birth in homes for over thirty years. Not one death or accident. There are doctors in hospitals who have much worse odds than this.

[weathergirl01]

I understand why people want to be at home. But where I work they encourage women to have exactly the birth they want, yes with candles and huge beautiful birthing pools and NO DOCTORS until they are absolutely necessary, in which case they are in the next room, with obstetric theatres and NICU too. It doesn't have to be awful. And the reason why they advised you to not be at home next time is that after a caesarean you can be at risk of uterine perforation. Not something you want in your house.

[MrsHibberd]

Like I said, hospitals are great. They save lives, and if I ever need to have another ceaser to save my life or the life of my child, then I'll thank God for science. But shouldn't I have a choice to avoid that if it's unneccessary. One third of all pregnancies end in cesareans - are we really protecting women and their ability to parent their children by allowing this to happen? Like you said, cesareans are not necesarily a bad thing, WHEN they're needed. One third of the time? Don't think so.

[weathergirl01]

And the reason why home midwifery care is uninsurable is becuase yes, it almost aways works out fine, but when the emergency situations like I mentioned before happen, a midwife is NOT able to deal with it in your lounge. They just can't. And being "young and fit and in your twenties" is no guarantee against this.

I am sorry if I have pissed people off, I just wanted to hear about what you thought about what happens when things go wrong at home, and how a midwife on her own in your hose can do.

[weathergirl01]

necessarily a bad thing, when it's needed. A caesarean is a huge operation and of course has its own complications, but it saves lives of babies, and to a lesser extent mothers, every single day. That's why it's done. A hysterectomy is an awful thing to have to happen, but again, this is not done unless it is pretty certain the woman will actually die without it. An incubator is not the way any mother expects to see her child for the first time, but it saves lives of children, every day.

[weathergirl01]

Hi MrsHibberd. First of all I'm sorry to hear you had such a traumatic experience, I hope your children and you are alright now. I can completely understand that after a horrid time in hospital you would want to avoid it, that's only natural.

First of all, of course birth is not just about a survival rate, but actually when it comes down to it isn't it the most important thing? That Mums and babies live?

Your second point, that rates of intervention are higher in hospital. Intervention is not

[MrsHibberd]

My final comment is, as a mother, birth is more than one moment. When there are complications, the implications can be huge. A cesarean can spiral into numerous issues with breastfeeding, bonding, infection, fertility, parenting, depression. So if a woman wants to choose low intervention homebirth, with an expert, Independant carer (who is unbiased by policies and knows when to initiate hospital backup) then why not? We have to live with our bodies and our babies, so let us make our own choices.

[MrsHibberd]

You tell me that homebirth is dangerous? I had to sign a form giving permission to have my body cut open and agreeing that I may (a) bleed to death (b) be given a hysterectomy due to an avoidable operation undertaken solely due to hospital negligence. On the other hand, my home birth was undertaken with a level of expertise and hands on skill which I haven't seen anywhere else. I'm not against hospitals per se. But right now, hospitals are not delivering good enough results.

[MrsHibberd]

(cont)

I've had two babies. First baby ended up in a cesarean due to severe negligence in the hospital. Second baby was a planned homebirth basically because due to the negligence which ended up scarring me I was now considered high risk and therefore a candidate for future cesareans. This is unacceptable to me, a healthy, fit young woman in my twenties, to be told I need to undergo major (and life threatening) surgery because of the inability of the hospital system to provide me with expertise.

[MrsHibberd]

Weathergirl, homebirth is not just about a survival rate, although the mortality rates for (midwife assisted) homebirth are no different to hospital birth. Homebirth is a more holistic view of safe. You get the same statistics overall, but often better outcomes for mums and bubs. Things can go wrong in any birth, however in a hospital, due to the way the system works, there are far higher rates of intervention, which means much higher rates of complications. Things go wrong more in hospital.

[weathergirl01]

The reason why it is hard to get midwifery services for home births is because it is so dangerous noone will insure people to do it. Have you ever seen a cord prolapse? Hve you ever seen a shoulder dystocia? Have you ever seen a massive post partum haemorrhage? If there answer is yes, can you tell me, honestly, what would happen if these things happened at your home? I respect your view, your song is lovely, but don't you think this is all a bit one sided?

[CurrawongFlies]

Weathergirl, I'm not sure what you mean by one-sided. We simply want the option to birth at home supported by a registered midwife. This is being taken away from us.

My answers to your points below:

[weathergirl01]

Did you mean to put answers below? What I mean by one sided is that yes, I completely see your point about the environment being nicer, the candles and having your own pool, all of that, and that's lovely, for you and the rest of your family. Is it honestly best for the baby? And where do you talk about what happens if things go wrong? No matter how low risk you are sometimes you need four things - an obstetrician, a theatre, a paediatrician, and a NICU. And in obstetrics, when things go wrong,

[weathergirl01]

cont...

you need these things, fast.

I thought the website might have more information but I found gems like not being in favour of home birth being, and I quote, "on par with a state of the U.S like Alabama where capital punishment still exists." Really? As bad as execution?

The reason why home birth is not supported and insured is because there are concerns about safety of mother and baby in an emergency such as those I described above. Candles aside, what's your response to this?

[CurrawongFlies]

Weathergirl, I wrote a response but had problems posting. I will try again.

[lissmcf]

I have seen a massive postpartum hemorrhage in hospital driectly caused by vigorous cord traction by the obstetrician before the administration of the hormone injection that helps prevents bleeding. Homebirth for me thanks very much.

[mgrauvel]

Home birth wingnuts shouting down major steps forward for midwifery?

What's the actual number of homebirths in Australia?

Homebirth crisis?? Have you actually read the legislation?

You could always go to a 3rd world country and give birth where ever you like!

[moospie]

we're not wingnuts.

why should it matter how many homebirths there are? does it make it okay to discriminate against us because we're a minority?

yes, we've read the legislation - have you?

we don't want 3rd world counrty conditions - they don't have many midwives, something we're fighting to save.

[saoirsejb]

Fantastic!!!!!!!

I can't wait to hear 1000 voices uniting to sing this in Canberra!

[LittleTerra]

Fantastic! I am not a homebirther but I certainly would not deny you the the right to make choices about your body, your baby, and your safety. Good luck!

[ShowsOn]

But do you want your taxes used to pay for insurance in case something goes wrong in their home?

[joymychoice]

Thanks for this!!! My thoughts exactly.

[HughesMob]

hi. i really want to include your song on the rally cd- the deadline is August 15. please contact me. the money raised will go directly to homebirth australia for the campaign.

[sequoialittletree]

awesome!!!! you rock :) see you in canberra - majikfaerie

[anandavana]

such a beautiful expression of love, thank you.

Cant wait to stand on the hill singing it with hundreds of others! see you at the rally.

[jbflyer1]

Fantastic - thanks so much. So true - MY BODY, MY BABY, OUR SAFETY! I just roll my eyes when I hear about yet another "hospital necessary intervention" these days "Oh, they had to break my waters", "Oh, they had to cut me" "Oh, they had to, they had to, they had to."

[xxxxDragonFlyxxxx]

Beautiful, just beautiful, many tears have been shed listening to your song.

The power and the passion coming from your eyes is just amazing, sends shivers down my spine!

[Lolabear1986]

Thank you so so much for posting this. It is such a a beautiful song. I hope that you'll be singing it at the rally. What a great anthem! I have been listening to it nearly every day and singing it around the house. My little girl has been singing my baby my baby all day long too.

[CurrawongFlies]

Thanks for all the wonderful comments. It feels good to be in a group of people who are so passionate about sticking up for our rights. This legislation MUST NOT happen. I still can't believe someone is trying to regulate our choices away from us. It's disgusting. Nicola, it's disgusting. Our independent midwives are precious. We won't let this happen.

We're recording it this week and should have something a bit less rough sooooon...

[thebas2560]

I've never commented on a video before. i am a songwriter and a husband to a wife who is quite literally devastated by this (as am I). Very powerful song that captures what we are feeling and suspecting. How DARE she? How could she? I hope this song does become an anthem and also serves to tell the masses just how deeply this has violated so many. We feel sick.

(Sooo wanting to take this song and record other instruments with it- Drums, Piano, Guitars etc etc)

[birthtrust]

Awesome song, you've captured the beauty and the anger... I am bawling. See you September 7, we'll all be singing with you!!!

[EmmanuellePorlier]

I wish I could be there with you girls, because this more than unfair, but I live in Canada. But my spirit will be all with you on that day beacause you should have what we have here in Canada and even better. Good luck!

[canterburygrove]

You rock Amber! I keep watching this song, I'll know it by the rally ;)

[ozzylizzybetty]

An amazingly powerful and haunting song! I was tingling and had goosebumps all the way through it.

Thank you for such a definingly meaningful and beautiful song!

[xxfrangipaniqueenxx]

Really well written.......Goosebumps and lots of tears at the reality we face. Have my 12 and 9 year old daughters singing your song proudly.......Lets all make a difference and sing from the rooftops Sept 7th...........

[mickie13101986]

Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you, i just watched it again (4th time :P) with my home birthed babe at the breast. Very powerful! and perfectly delivered, Thank-you

[estelkimbar]

Amber, thank you so much for joining the Central Coast Maternity Coaltion's National Day of Action. We feel so honoured and privileged that you have given your time so freely in helping to raise awareness for such an important cause for women in this country. Every woman, Every Choice...Central Coast Maternity Coalition

[edaj84]

Love this song, made me tear up as well as get angry with the government

[kazazhollyellis]

thanks so much for capturing our feelings so well.

we look forward to singing along in Canberra!

my kids are saying "our body, our baby, our safety" right now as they draw together. definitely a catchy little chorus.

[theryans728006]

I've pulled myself together now, after crying uncontrollably for the 5 consecutive times I watched your video.

My three year old home birthed son sitting on my lap asked me "can your body stay at home Mama?"

Yes honey, this time. We are lucky. Our wee babe due in January 2010 will have the right to be born with low risk, low intervention & be surrounded by the wisdom, support & respect of two incredible independent midwives in our home. I fear for further siblings. Will there be any more now?

[CurrawongFlies]

Wow, I am absolutely overwhelmed at the response to my song...thank you for all the wonderful comments!

Of course, please play it at every opportunity. I have put the chords and lyrics in the side bar. I'd love it if you video'd it and put it up on Youtube as a video response.

In fact, my husband and I are making a doco on homebirth so any half-good video of the events on Saturday would be great to see!

I will definitely be there on Sept 7 with my guitar. See you there!

Viva la homebirth!

[bubbaearth]

Love it, thank you for your fire, your passion, your DARING to stand up for all of our rights!

[indigokombirust]

So powerful. Hope to see you at the rally with your guitar. <3

[kezzdee]

Awesome work, you've captured our feelings beautifully. I can feel your passion. Represent!!!

[lissmcf]

love it, thank you so much, you have expressed how I am feeling exactly. Would you mind if I played this in Geelong as part of our rally for the Maternity Coalition National Day of Action, this Saturday?

Are you coming to Canberra? I would love to hear you playing that loud and clear in front of parliament house. My children and I love it, thank you.

[birthingbabe]

You are brilliant ♥♥♥

[firecrazymatt]

thankyou so much! what is your name?

shall we all learn this and sing it together?

see u in sept

[dreadedbushie]

Hauntingly beautiful

[Alina0210]

Brillant... well done. Women need choice in childbirth not restrictions...

[freakypetOZ]

Definately an Anthem!!!!! Very Well Done!! I'm still humming!!!!!!

[skankaliciousCW]

I definitely hope to see you in Canberra in Sept.

[xxRangaFairyxx]

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!! Bring your guitar and voice to the rally in Canberra in Sept.

Jo

[Ellibugs]

Freakin fantastic!!! my 2yr old home birthed baby was singing along clapping too!!

[bubbaearth]

beautifully and passionately put together.. thank you!

How dare she indeed!

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr­rrr

[townsvilledoula]

Well said!

[TheShalom09]

Just beautiful.

[BirthingRights]

An anthem in the making!

Thankyou

(I have included it at my "Birthing Rights Australia" channel.)

Grant