A group of eight Stamford Hill women recently returned from a
two-day trip to Venice organized by the Hansy Josovic
Maternity Trust.
According to the Hansy Josovic Maternity Trust founder and
coordinator, Mrs. Rachel Klien, "The aim was to give these
women on the team an opportunity to be cared for and nurtured
in the way they nurture and care for the ladies in the
community around the time of childbirth."
The Venice trip provided the ladies an opportunity to bond,
chat and inspire each other. They explored Venice areas of
interest which included the shuls, the old Jewish
quarter, the glass factory and the lace-making village. The
trip was a tremendous success.
The Hansy Josovic Maternity Trust was set up thirteen years
ago to support the needs of Orthodox Jewish women in England
around the time of childbirth.
Initially, a team of antenatal teachers was established, and
they now work independently under the name JMP, supporting
the community through their teaching. Also a team of women
was specifically trained to give labor support. They were
pioneers in their field within the Orthodox Jewish community.
Now, women return time and again to avail themselves of this
service!
The team works hand in hand with hospitals and caters to the
whole social spectrum. With the present shortage of midwives,
lack of funding and necessary requirement of paperwork,
hospital staff is less available to meet the needs of mothers
in labor. A labor companion provides immense support and
comfort.
Labor support does not only consist of physical and emotional
support. Volunteers are trained in massage, the Alexander
Technique and other birthing skills. Confidentiality rates
high on the priority list, together with interpersonal skills
and negotiating with hospital staff to create a positive
working relationship. They are active in many maternity
hospitals around London.
Golders Green, Gateshead and Manchester have followed HJMT's
role model, and have all set up their own successful
programs.
This extraordinary group of ladies, who make themselves
available day and night, 365 days a year, feel it a privilege
to do this work. They call it, `Labor of Love.'
HJMT introduced the idea of having Orthodox Jewish advocates
in the maternity wards at the Homerton hospital. The scope of
this post has been extended to the whole hospital, where
advocates successfully give support to patients.
HJMT continues its involvement in all aspects of birth and
related issues, constantly expanding its horizons, striving
to serve the community's needs. It has been actively
promoting the establishment of a local birthing center, and
plans are now taking shape for its fruition.
For more information please call Rachel Klien at
07973756032.
