Midwife shortages

In the news today about community midwife shortages:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12482688

Can't stop, getting ready to go away for half term ! Aaaggghhhhh !!!

xx

Breast cancer in the news

At the end of last week, the media reported that one in eight women in the UK will contract breast cancer. Journalists debated the causes of this rise - talking about 'unhealthy lifestyle choices' such as poor diet and binge drinking. The usual 'having babies later in life' was also discussed - but no-one wanted to go there about low rates of breast feeding in this country. Poor breast feeding - also blamed for so much (sagging boobs, depriving dads of feeds, being really difficult ) but never given credit where credit's due - i.e. : breastfeeding reduces your chances of getting breast cancer !
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810161858.htm
Why does the mainstream media shy away from indirectly promoting breast feeding ?

One Born Every Minute (series 2; episode 3)

Didn't the Polish woman do well ? She was one empowered new young mum. And her own mother was just beautiful. A perfect example of how one to one continuous support from a CONFIDENT birth partner is vital for normal birth. And what a lovely (male) midwife. He was reassuring, gentle, quiet, respectful and able to build a relationship with the two women in double quick time. Imagine if they had met him antenatally ? And isn't it interesting that the labouring woman and her mum both thought he was a doctor ? Did that increase their confidence in him and his belief in normal birth ? I've heard parents in Brighton refer to the 'Midwife with the forceps'. Women = midwives. Men = doctors. When will this change ? And do we want it to ?