Natural Traditions’ in Ballydehob, West Cork

Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

As a midwife and on behalf of the Community Midwives Association I would appreciate any help in getting the highest viewing numbers of this film on the day.
Watch out for its broadcast on Cork Community TV and your local community TV soon!
Also, The Community Midwives Association (c/o CMA, Bear Na Farraige, Ballinard, Baltimore, co. Cork) will have DVD copies for sale in the near future.
The documentary about the traditional role of the midwife opens with a re-enactment of calling the midwife in a West Cork village where one of the first trained midwives lived and worked above Levis's pub (unchanged to this day). Her niece (now 101yrs old) still lives in the pub and recalls fathers coming in a pony and trap & waking the midwife.
Women tell stories and cine footage of the old days combine with beautiful scenery to depict the traditional role of the midwife.

University lecturers and midwife teachers are interviewed about what it might mean for midwives and women if the skills of the community midwife are wiped out altogether in Ireland (there are only 17 Independent midwives practising outside of hospitals).

A few comments from the preview screening in July:
'Very well done! Inspiring!' student midwife
'What an amazing film! Well done and lets spread the word...' Midwife
'I found it very moving. Thank-you' local mother
' A very good concept and tradition worth preserving' Local man
'Enjoyed the film and would love to see the service continue - so needed' Local woman
'Thank-you. Very well put together, deserves support' Local man
' I agree that this is a tradition that should not be allowed to die out, well done!' Local woman
'Would have loved more - a fascinating film.' medical publisher

The screening on Oct 1st is also a fundraising event for the Community Midwives Association.
Bridget Sheeran
PRO & Membership Secretary CMA
Ballinard,
Baltimore
Cork
0868391987