FGM, is it just midwifery related?

Yeah I just been looking at pictures of type ii and it just looks a bit 'tidier' than normal (iykwim?).
This subject gives me the shivers! Really really interesting though, but definitely a very sad practice.

__________________
Its Good To Talk!!

Yeah I know what you mean!! It is very sad but in my experience the woman seem to agree with it. I know that that's not always the case though.

I have just watched the documentary, made me cry too:-(

There are different "stages" of it, in some cases they just completely numb the clitoris rather that cut it off.

if you haven't seen The Day I will Never Forget, I strongly urge you to watch it. As mentioned previously you can watch it through the 4OD service, it is a sad but informative and sometimes uplifting documentary about FGM amongst the Somali community in Kenya, giving information about acceptance, tradition, mens and womens views and more importantly childrens views and what they are doing to avoid FGM (court orders against parents etc).
It really is interesting viewing.
Whilst I have never come across this in practice personally, it does have implications for midwifery practice in the UK. Women with FGM are increasingly being seen in this country due to economic migration and immigration. Many women, whilst being offered defibulation antenatally (reversal of FGM), refuse the procedure until they are in labour. This places strain on MW's and Obs to perform the procedure in a stressful situation, and it is technique that they are relatively unfamiliar with. I dont believe there are any RCOG or NICE guidelines regarding FGM at the moment? Women with FGM really suffer perineal trauma during childbirth, often suffering from tears that extend right to the anus and also anterior extending to the clirotis (or where it would be), often requiring reconstructive surgery.
The sad thing is, that even though these women have undergone all this trauma, they then go on and insist their daughters have the procedure as well!

__________________
Site Administrator, Student Mentor Scheme Manager

STMW 2nd year - no, really!

I saw this yesterday on 4OD, i only went on there for a nosy so was pleased when i came across this.

The scenes of the 2 girls being circumcised are quite distressing, and the fact that they get leg problems etc from being held down so forcefully is also quite shocking. I was awed at the girls who were taking their parents to court- how brave were they?! it just goes to show that however slowly or however small, attitudes are changing. Those girls are unlikely to force it on their own daughters, hopefully.

__________________
"With my hands, i have felt the strength it takes to grow, and release new spirit......."
"All the best births are the ones where you only have time to record times on a paper towel..."- a midwife, somewhere in the middle

Awwww, thanks for letting us know ladies, it sounds terribly upsetting, but something we all need to know about. I will brace myself and try to watch it

__________________

http://www.uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/200...i-96993ab.html

Hope I've posted this link correctly!
It's good to see the female politicians getting involved.

__________________
Frizzy bizzy and dizzy!

I can't believe I missed this thread. It's a shame that I can't get access to this documentry.

__________________

Can you not access it online Tiga-Lili?? x x

__________________
HOPING to be 1 of just 18 Student Midwives 2009!!!! - LJMU
LJMU - waiting to hear

Online where elliesmummy?

If you mean 4OD I think they only keep it for about 30 days. Please let me know of anywhere else I can watch it from thanks

tiga-lili xx

__________________