Short of breath

Session followed by an exchange with: Clémence Bertouille and Clémence Vital Durand, midwives at CHU Saint-Pierre Lauraline Michel is a trainer and co-founder of the OXO non-profit organization. Caring has a cost on the health of the people who take on this role, mostly women. Enriched by feminist practices and their commitment, their work serves the community but wears them out. The weight is placed on individual responsibility, yet institutions must play a role in preventing burnout and respecting well-being. The ailments of those involved in the helping and care relationship are structural and require collective responses. The midwives and gynecologists of the CHU Saint-Pierre delivery room are working to prevent psycho-social risks and deconstruct the power relations anchored notably with the OXO non-profit organization. In a system weakened by austerity and the increase in poverty, the follow-ups of multi-vulnerable patients are complex and in high demand. On the other hand, underfunding and the commodification of care impose profitability. Between the importance of the human dimension and the productivity required by the institution, the paradox is omnipresent.