Mums celebrate caring midwives

IT was the International Day of the Midwife recently, and Goondiwindi mothers were quick to sing the praises of the Goondiwindi Midwifery Group.

The practice, in its third year of operation, has proved to be a success story. So much so that similar groups will be developed throughout the Darling Downs.

The Goondiwindi Midwifery Group Practice was the first of its kind on the Downs and offers a continuity of care model of service.

This model ensures women receive their pregnancy, birth and post-natal care from a known midwife.

And now that the government has committed to providing Australian women with medicare rebates for private midwifery care, more birth choices are accessible and available.

Former Goondiwindi resident, Alecia Sutton had her first baby using the Goondiwindi model.

“It is great to have a one on one relationship with your midwife, you know that she is just a phone call away and you develop the confidence to have the birth you want.

“The benefits of such services include a feeling of empowerment from the confidence developed with a one to one relationship, a heightened knowledge of mothers on pregnancy and birth, and less medical intervention during birth. “These combining factors contribute to a better start for mothers and their babies,” she said.

An upcoming community meeting with Maternity Coalition Queensland and The Australian College of Midwives Queensland will inform local women of the birthing choices available.

If you would like more information about this meeting please phone Ildiko Keogh on 0419 756 240, Alecia Sutton 0401033348 or Meghan Keleher on 0439 184 837.