By the time this post is published, I will officially have left clinical practice behind me. For a variety of complex, emotional, and exhausting reasons, I have decided to permanently step away. One day it will be time to tell the story in more detail but that time has not yet come.
I’m not quite sure what happens next. New adventures await! There will be some travelling while I work out where I want to settle next and what income generating actives I might like to partake in. I do know that my writing will now become a major planned part of my day rather than being relegated to the cracks and corners left over in a busy week. I plan to continue to write blogs regularly. There are more papers from my PhD that have been begging to get out of my head and into print. And there’s a book idea that won’t leave me alone.
I’m planning on there being more time for family and friends, gardening, perhaps chickens, maybe a goat. And sewing, crafting, and choir singing. These are the things that add value and meaning to my life.
Stay tuned for news of further developments! In the meantime, subscribe to the blog so you will be notified when I publish new content. If you know of any great paid opportunities for a tired feminist ex-obstetrician who can teach, research, and write, let me know. What new changes and adventures is 2022 bringing you?
Categories: Reflections
Birth Small Talk 
I’ve got nothing but the saddest face.
Enjoy xxx
Your time was not wasted
You did make a difference.
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Thanks Tina. Working with you and the midwifery team at Grafton has been a joy. So much dedication and genuine care for the community.
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You helped me about 22/23 years ago at the Royal Womens Brisbane.
Since then I have become a Midwife and Nurse.
I enjoy your blogs and articles but you will be so missed on the floor
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Oh wow Julie! That’s so lovely to hear. The world needs more midwives.
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Have really enjoyed your posts and you’ve taught me a lot. Wishing you the very best for whatever lies ahead.
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You must get some Buff Orpington chickens. They are the best. I may spend the second half of 2022 admiring our flock of two, and finding ways to spend more time admiring chickens. I hope you get to meet Maggie and Maizie, and you may find a longing to own this breed overtaking all other persuits.
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Looking at chickens seems like the ideal way to spend a sunny day.
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All the best Kirsten. Please do wander and enjoy all that your next adventure offers but please please don’t wander too far away! Women and midwives like me still need your wisdom. 💜
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Hi Kirsten.
We’ve never met and I don’t know you. I’m not a midwife or a doctor but do have an interest in how women are looked after/treated in labour and I offer antenatal education and counselling.
Your posts have been interesting and revelatory whilst at the same time confirming a gut feeling – that birth culture is not always coming from an evidence-based perspective. Doing what we’ve always done isn’t a reason to keep doing it, yet that notion is deeply entrenched in many quarters.
I imagine you must feel like you’ve been banging your head against a brick wall for a long time but I hope your important research and writing doesn’t fizzle out. I suppose it’s important to remember that starfish story….!
It sounds like you have a really clear idea how to live a fulfilling life, so may it bring you just that. Enjoy!
Zana
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Thanks Zana
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Oh my gosh please continue to teach!!! You excel at this. I learnt so much from you in my journey to becoming a midwife!
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Thanks Christine. I get a lot of joy from teaching. Not so much from marking to be honest!
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Congratulations on a wonderful new chapter! I look forward to your books and papers, they will be all the more eloquent and wise coming from a well rested mind and body 💖
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Kirsten, you have to be the most woman centred obstetrician I have ever had the pleasure to have known, and even dare to call my friend. Memories of working with you at the RBWH, not just with the women as they birthed their babies, but slaving over an incredibly demanding dragon cross stitch cushion for my daughter together in the quiet times, cemented my respect that you knew ‘how to be with women’. You are an honorary midwife. I’m incredibly sad that women will no longer have the benefit of your blend of skills as a clinical practitioner . But I hope that you continue to share them in your writings, teachings and research so that future generations of maternity care providers benefit from your knowledge. Wishing you all the very best. Much love, Hazel xx
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I still remember that cross stitch! Black with metallic thread. Thanks for sharing the night shifts with me. Xxx
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Just a big hug. It would be really nice to have a beer together someday.
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I’m hoping to get to NLBC this year. I won’t have beer (gluten isn’t my friend) but I’ll have a G&T with you instead! I have loved learning new things about breech birth from you.
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Dear Kirsten, you have blazed a pathway no other OB dared to tread and inspired many to courageously challenge “the way things are done”. I’m proud to have shared some of that lighted path with you at Selangor, and hope this new life chapter is liberating and releasing, as you continue to share your wisdom via your powerful writing. Much love, Lois Wattis
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Thanks Lois
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Kirsten, initially I felt devastated for you…. Not now, I feel nothing but excitement for your new journey and what you’re going to accomplish. As an obstetrician, you may well have made a different for a few, but in your new role…. Just imagine the women, midwives and others that you can influence and impact. I seriously can’t wait for the book(s).
Looking forward to seeing you soon for a proper catch up xxx
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Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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All the best Kirsten. We have only ever met fleetingly, but I have really enjoyed the balanced perspective in your blog – the world needs more educators like you.
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Thanks Sarah
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You are a true, much admired leader in your profession Kirsten. Transition to you next journey and more through life will benefit many more professionals to come. Looking forward to your journey unfolding, in “your own good time”. (Wickham, Dr Sara)
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Thank you Robyn
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What a shame that the system looses one of the good ones, can’t wait to see what your next chapter holds. Thanks for fighting the good fight, you are inspiring
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We know the pain that comes from bashing our heads for so long.. you’re an amazing woman centered practitioner. I drove a mining truck for 5 years before finding my way back to my passion, not really recommending that avenue though! Your contributions have been invaluable, as I know they will continue to be. ❤️
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I am sure you will be missed Kirsten, but kicking against the main stream is always very exhausting. Glad you will be still blogging and enjoy this new phase of life.
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I am so sorry to read that you are leaving obstetrics, but I hope that you will be very successful if pursuing your future dreams, so Keep up the good work, and I will look forward to reading future words of wisdom.
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What a wise decision as you have given so much of your knowledge, experience, clinical practice and genuine support and compassion to do many. Your work has been valuable and has again been genuine and informative and has made a big difference to many healthcare practitioners and birthing people and families. Thank you for all your dedicated calling and work. It has been much appreciated by so many. Enjoy your time to just breathe and reinvent yourself. Lots of love to you and your family. Emma Ryder
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Thanks Emma. I’m very much enjoying having the space to write.
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Hi Kirsten you are so inspirational and candid.
There will be some amazing life opportunity out there for you and some time to pursue more genteel pursuits.
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