MIDWIVES DELIVER FOR NEW MUMS
BARWON Health midwives are providing comforting continuity of care for new mums facing the challenges associated with having a newborn during the coronavirus pandemic.
With strict visitor restrictions in place to protect staff and patients, midwives are playing an extra-important role in providing care both in the hospital and at home.
One midwife-led model of care is the Midwifery Group Practice, which offers continuity of midwifery care to women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the two weeks at home post-birth with their new baby. It has been available at Barwon Health for over 10 years.
MGP co-ordinator and midwife Kylie Cole said around one in five women who had their baby at Barwon Health accessed the program, which provided holistic care for women and their families.
“Each woman is allocated a midwife and a back-up midwife throughout their care, which means they have a familiar person to call on throughout their journey,” Ms Cole said.
“While COVID-19 has brought some challenges, we have continued to see women in the clinic, the community and in their homes with appropriate risk mitigation strategies such as phone screening and time limiting face-to-face contact.”
Ms Cole said families really appreciated the home visit after birth at a time when women would usually have friends and family visiting and providing support.
New mum Amelia Boyle, who is a nurse, recently gave birth to her first son Noah through the MGP.
“I chose the MGP because continuity of care was really important to me,” Ms Boyle said.
“The COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder for pregnant and new mums, so having close contact with my midwives throughout my pregnancy and in the weeks following the birth of Noah has been so comforting.
“It was comforting knowing they were only a phone call away if I had questions or concerns.
“I was also offered three or four home visits from my midwives once I was home, which helped me settle into my new role as a mother.”
There are limited places in the MGP. Women can ask to be considered for this model of care at their booking-in appointment.
Other models of care include Barwon Health’s midwives clinic, shared care with a GP and specialist clinics.