A new program at the Griffith Base Hospital will now see expectant mothers attended by the same midwife before and after birth, and has been welcomed my midwives and mothers alike.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Midwifery Unit Manager Angela Cregan is thrilled to launch the Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPS), and said staff at the maternity unit were excited to start.
“This will enable women to build a trusting professional relationship with their midwife and it’s a rewarding way for both women and midwives to work together,” Ms Cregan said.
Shayln Clark, who is about eight weeks away from welcoming her third bundle of joy, has been with the program since it’s launch in September.
“Seeing the same midwife means you don’t have to repeat yourself constantly, they know you and know your background and its important,” Ms Clark said.
Seeing the women in their own home environment, it is fantastic, once they go home and everything locks into place, and you can actually help them more, it’s a privilege.
- Katja McDermott
Not only does the program help mothers, but it also gives the midwives a sense of continuity and involvement in journeying with the mother.
Midwives Katja McDermott and Suzanne McKelvie are midwives at the Griffith Base Hospital, and have found the program very rewarding so far.
“Seeing the women in their own home environment, it is fantastic, once they go home and everything locks into place, and you can actually help them more, it’s a privilege,” Ms McDermott said.
“The continuity of care knowing the women we work with and they know us, it makes the job easier for us, and it’s fulfilling seeing their journey,” Ms McKelvie added.
Ms Cregan said women being cared for by the same midwives during pregnancy have consistently identified favourable outcomes.
RELATED:
“Midwives provide care outside the hospital setting in the woman’s environment, helping her to settle into her home and family life with her new baby,” she said.
The program sees women receive one-on-one education from the midwife to prepare them for birthing and parenting, as well as following up with them up to 10 days after being discharged.
The development of this model has included involvement of practitioners in the community, general practitioners and child and family health nurses, and a group of local women who have contributed their insight and valuable ideas.
Mothers and babies will be able to go home within 48 hours of birth and receive follow up, support advice and guidance from the MAPS midwife visiting the woman in her own home.
If you would like to learn more about MAPS, please call Midwifery Unit Manager Angela Cregan on 6969 5631.
