The Association of Radical Midwives

Mary Cronk Memorial Fund

Mary Cronk MBE (1932 - 2018). Mary was a dearly loved and inspirational midwife, mother, wife, friend and member of the Association of Radical Midwives. Donations in her memory will help ARM to continue with the work that meant so much to her.
£625
raised
by 24 supporters
RCN 1060525

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Story

Mary was ARM to her core. She helped us to become the organisation that we are today - proud to support midwives to support women's choices in childbirth. We aim to continue her legacy and ensure that her life and work are never forgotten.

Mary had a fund of great stories and sayings which have become legendary. Some of these are as follows:

I am sure that many others will explain your absolute right to refuse any procedure for any or no reason. The law, and good practice is quite clear. A sensible person will listen carefully to any explanations to why a procedure is proposed, and then should she choose not to have XY or Z she just says no or no thank you. The "allowing" is done by YOU. An asssertive approach is worth cultivating. You may care to commit the following phrases to memory and practice them frequently in front of a mirror.

1) "Thank you so much Midwife Sinister/ Mr Hi-an-my-tee, for your advice. We will consider this carefully and let you know our decision." Sweet Smile!

This one is most useful in the antenatal stage, though it can be used in labour. It can just take a minute to consider what you either want to know, or what you decide.

2) "Would you like to reconsider what you have just said!" Fierce glare.

This is useful and, for example, applies to the misuse of the word "allow".

3) "I do not believe you can have heard what I have just said. Shall I repeat myself?"

4) " I am afraid I will have to regard any further discussion as harrassment. "

This is used if the person does not respect your decision or persists in pressing the subject.

5) "What is your NMC or GMC pin number?"

This is used if 4 is ineffective. If the person asks why you want their pin number, inform them that this is something they might like to consider.

6) "STOP THIS AT ONCE. "

This to be used in extremis. I am delighted to tell you that this was used AGAINST me by a woman to whom I had taught it. I was doing a difficult VE and was being too persistent. I stopped at once and learnt a lesson.

Do not argue; learn the phrases and keep them or similar for use if necessary. I am informed that it is usually only necessary to be assertive once or twice to have a much more respectful attitude from the people who are actually your professional SERVANTS.

Good Luck and Regards

Mary

Every penny raised via this memorial fund will be used to support our aims. These include the Campaign for Better Midwifery Regulation and the Midwives' Haven which helps midwives who are subject to investigations and/or bullying.

A longer term aim is to create the 'Mary Cronk Library' which will incorporate Mary's personal archive that she generously donated to ARM. The library will provide a space for midwives, mothers and birthworkers to learn about the proud history of midwifery and to plan for the future of our vital profession. We will meet together to read, research, tell stories (we're good at that), knit and 'drink tea intelligently'!

About the charity

We are UK midwives, students and others working for the best possible maternity care. We believe in women's rights to make informed birth choices and to be supported by autonomous, empowered midwives. We have many local groups in the UK and overseas and hold excellent study days and conferences.

Donation summary

Total raised
£625.00
+ £102.50 Gift Aid
Online donations
£625.00
Offline donations
£0.00
Direct donations
£625.00
Donations via fundraisers
£0.00

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