"The care received at KEMH in the lead up and after having my baby."

My GP referred me to the Midwife Practice Group. I had some anxiety about a number of issues leading up to giving birth including single umbilical artery and had previously dealt with miscarriage and other mental health issues.

I was assigned a midwife Ginny with backup Anika from 20 weeks. In addition to midwife appts with them I received more frequent scans and obstetrics appts in lead up to birth. The consistency and familiarity of having the same midwife meant I felt properly cared for by someone who understood the past and emerging issues/concerns we had. I didn’t have to re-explain everything (which I had to in some cases with the drs). The knowledge from the midwives was vast and connecting us to workshops and online learning was invaluable. Also referrals to psychologists, physio, dietician were really appreciated.

As the birth date drew closer, I felt calmer, and we saw Dr Janet to discuss c-section delivery who also immediately made us feel at ease with her vast knowledge and support.

The only criticism I have was the wait time of 4 hrs for the scan and obstetrics Dr appointment at 32 weeks which was quite uncomfortable as I was carrying a big baby and am small in stature. The waiting room chairs weren’t the best for the wait time but I understand it’s a public facility and funding may be the reason why more drs weren’t on that day.

On the day of the c-section (leading up I had an informative online appt with an anaesthetist, call with pharmacist/midwife etc) we were in the theatre room within 2 hrs including pre-checks.

My surgeon came and visited me beforehand which was good and the anaesthetist team were reassuring- explaining what was happening and supportive.

Both of my midwives had emergency labour/were off but Sophie from the same group stepped in and I felt comfortable as my midwife texted me to advise she was briefed on my info etc and was her colleague.

The delivery went so smoothly we felt so prepared and supported by the team in there and Dr Mikaela and Dr Jade who did the surgery.

Our time on the ward was also pleasant, I thought I’d want an extra day in hospital but I felt ready to go home at the end of day 3 (although it was a bit of a shock to go home when we got there!). The midwives on the ward were so supportive and helped with education about everything which felt quite confronting and new. Their knowledge was vast. My baby wasn’t getting enough milk due to c section delay so the peadatrician monitored me for longer. I felt very looked after by the team and listened to. any, Sophie and Erin on the ward were really great and supplied me with a plan and tools for breastfeeding success.

Anika and Ginny came to visit me when we got home which was so necessary. I was concerned with breastfeeding challenges and they immediately assisted. Over those few days at home my milk came in and breastfeeding improved.

I knew I could call my midwives at any time with any concerns and their care and professionalism was so important to what we feel was a positive experience and birth of our child.

We just wanted to reiterate the thanks and gratitude we have for the team at KEMH and our midwives. Based on my experience he work being done no doubt changes so many people’s lives for the better and I think  it’s important to set new parents and especially mums and babies with the best start on this journey. Thank you everyone :)