"Wonderful birth experience at Box Hill."

I am a first time mother, and gave birth to my baby at Box Hill hospital. I was lucky enough to be in the MGP (midwifery group practice, previously known as KYM – Know Your Midwife). This program means you have a booking visit with a midwife in the program, and she provides all of your care while pregnant, and attends your birth, then visits you at home afterwards. I was expecting to enjoy the experience of this type of care, but my expectations were exceeded and my experience with two particular midwives is one I wish to rave about. My midwife Kelly was exceptional. I had the pleasure of meeting two midwives, Kelly and Robyn, during the program. Both were very knowledgeable, experienced and really cared about their jobs. I could tell when I first met them that they are very passionate about their roles as midwives, and that they truly wanted what was best for me and my baby. The care they provided was nothing short of amazing, they really went above and beyond what I expected from a midwife. I felt believed in, trusted, heard, and involved, in all aspects of my care. My pregnancy became complicated and my birth was seemingly not going to be what I had planned nor wanted. However, supported by Kelly and Robyn, I did end up achieving a normal vaginal birth against all odds. I know I would not have achieved this birth outcome if I had gone through any other pathway of care. I know this because I have seen (too many times) women like myself end up with poor outcomes because they just don’t have the knowledge and support provided by health professionals like Kelly and Robyn. I feel all women should be able to access care from midwives like Kelly and Robyn, passionate and intelligent with continuity of care provider.

I went to the hospital to drop off a thank you card and a small gift of sincere appreciation for Kelly and Robyn. I am breastfeeding and my baby needed to be fed whilst I was there. I was dismayed to discover that the only space available for women and staff to breastfeed is in the public toilet. I ended up feeding my baby behind the screen in the flu vaccination tent! This is sad and very disappointing; and worse, sends the message that breastfeeding is not valued and supported by Box Hill Hospital.