"Maternity Care"

I would like to provide feedback regarding the maternity care I received throughout my pregnancy and birth experience at Bunbury Hospital.

From the beginning of my pregnancy I engaged a private midwife, Emma. This was one of the best decisions I could have made, particularly as I experienced a complicated high-risk pregnancy. The continuity of care she provided was exceptional and had an enormous positive impact on both my physical and emotional wellbeing throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

One of the greatest benefits of having a private midwife was not having to repeatedly explain my medical history and circumstances each time I attended the hospital. During a high-risk pregnancy, continually recounting concerns and complications can be emotionally exhausting. Having Emma present at appointments, hospital presentations, and ultimately the birth itself, provided a level of reassurance and advocacy that was invaluable.

During my pregnancy, I experienced a major bleed related to a low-lying placenta and presented to the Emergency Department. At that time of presentation, I did not feel adequately advocated for. However, Emma attended the hospital at 3am to support me, and I cannot fully express my gratitude for the reassurance, calmness and excellent care she provided during such a frightening experience.

Throughout the pregnancy, Emma was available for every question I had. If she did not immediately know the answer to something, she always took the initiative to find out and get back to me promptly.

Leading up to my planned caesarean section, I was naturally nervous about the possibility of complications. However, Emma’s ongoing support and reassurance meant that by the time of my surgery, I felt calm, informed and ready to meet my baby. In the operating theatre, aside from my husband, Emma was the only familiar person present, and knowing she was there advocating for and supporting me made all the difference.

Following the birth, Emma continued to provide regular home visits and postnatal care, offering both practical guidance and emotional support for myself and my baby during the early weeks. These visits significantly reduced my need to seek reassurance or assistance from GPs and other services.

Throughout my high-risk antenatal appointments, I saw many different doctors and midwives. However, Emma remained the consistent presence in my care. It was clear she was highly respected by hospital staff, and her strong working relationships, organisation and communication not only reassured me but also appeared to greatly support the wider care team.

Emma’s passion for midwifery, unwavering dedication to her patients and genuine compassion are exceptional. I truly believe the continuity of care model she provided contributed enormously to my positive birth experience despite the complexities and anxieties associated with a high-risk pregnancy.

I am incredibly grateful for the care I received and wanted to formally acknowledge the significant positive impact Emma had on my pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey.